Christmas Cards

I haven't the time I'd like to put into what I love doing. So I've resorted to doing some tiny holiday themed sketches. The family thought they were adorable and they've now been turned into Christmas Cards. You can check them out at my store: http://www.threebunniesyarnco.etsy.com/

Here are just some of the images that I've put on cards:

This is a snowman and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (my friend is a breeder so I get oddles of inspiration from her adorable pets).

Of course I have access to the most adorable Jack Russell Terriers around, my own. Naturally, they are a big part of what I doodle and are on my own Christmas Cards.I always wanted a shaggy, gray welsh pony when I was a girl; I had to put my dream pony on paper. I know any little girl would be thrilled to receive this card for Christmas!

I hope you enjoy them! And remember, purchasing my cards is a guaranteed way to make a donation to an animal organization. Currently, I'm donating to the Dorchester County Humane Society. Read my previous post to hear their story.

Dorchester County Humane Society Needs Help

The Humane Society of Dorchester County is in need of donations. They have been denied funding from their county, and for a time was unable to accept animals into their program. Because of the outpooring of generous donors, they are now able to accept animals.

They are not out of the woods as of yet. In order to continue running their facility, donations are still necessary and vital to their future existance. Please consider donating anything that you can in order to save innocent lives! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Check out their website: http://www.dorchesterhumane.org/Home.asp

Animals Needing Help

There are so many stories now days about neglected, starving and abused animals that it is sometimes hard to comprehend. I have to say, it is so horrific to watch, but observing it first hand is mind-numbing.

On May 30, 2009, I was involved in a horse rescue and was subject to witness how neglect and lack of knowledge can affect helpless animals. I encourage you to have a look at the horses before photos, then some of the photos we snapped on May 30th and pray for these animals and all the ones that are still suffering senselessly.

Photo of Hunter and his young owner on April 25, 2009. A typical fat, stocky and bright-eyed quarter horse gelding about to offer a leisurely ride.

Photo of Hunter (taken last year) in fit condition.

This picture was taken May 30, 2009 after Hunter received a THOROUGH cleaning! Hunter was hardly recoginizable in the field. Lethargic and ribs showing, his head hangs low with distinct sadness in his eyes.

Another view of Hunter looking pathetic. (photo taken May 30, 2009)

Hunter's ribs are beginning to show. This was the biggest shock because we've had quite a wet spring; green pastures should be plentiful and horses should be fat off the bountiful green grass! (photo taken May 30, 2009)

This little paint was Hunter's field mate. He is raising his leg because of an untreated injury that is clearly uncomfortable and bothering him. (photo taken May 30, 2009)

This is the water trough Hunter and field mate were expected to drink from. Anyone thirsy? (photo taken May 30, 2009)

Meet Pie, a cute Palomino mare that offered Hunter's owner a very enthusiastic ride. On April 25, 2009 (which is when this photo was taken), Pie was plump, happy and full of energy.

Now say hello to the Pie we found on May 30, 2009. Thank goodness she was the only palomino there or I'd never have recoginized her!

Poor Pie! I feel your pain! (photo taken May 30, 2009)

This yummy looking water is Pie's water trough! (photo taken May 30, 2009)


All I can say is that the Humane Society has been called, and as you might expect, this farm IS NOT registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture as Maryland Law requires.

If anyone in Maryland is actively looking for a boarding facility, lesson barn or horse for sale, do yourself a favor and check with the Maryland Department of Agriculture's registry. The list of currently registered facilities is available online at http://www.marylandhorseindustry.org/Stables09.htm and all farms are arranged by county.

These facilities are inspected by knowledgeable and equine savy professionals to ensure the quality of the services they offer and animals in their care. ALWAYS and ONLY use a registered facility! If not, your horse could end up looking like the ones above, and trust me, that is very sad for the animals and those who truly love them!

Spring is here!

Well, it's been a while since I've had time or energy to post anything. But if you know me, and most of you do, spring is my time of year; my energy level goes through the roof, sick or not. I've been walking all winter with bursts of trots when the work load was heavy. Now it's the time of year for a full on canter.

Today is my spouse's birthday; HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABE! We've spent most of the day making plans for this years garden. Ordered a couple packs of seeds we needed to make it official. Tomato plants were started a month ago, so it seems like things are in order.

Dyed some wool yesterday! (Wonder of wonders, right?) Have some lovely Olde English Babydoll Southdown wool that's screaming to become some pastel colored yarn. Have a couple doctor's appointments this week, so hoping to work some spinning and knitting time in between life's unavoidable occurrences.

All in all, I would say spring is here and I sure am glad for that.

New Patterns Finally Arriving

After A Thunder Storm

Now that summer is starting to wind down, it looks like it's back to the grind stone for everyone, at least around my house. School starts in a few weeks, vacations are over, no fun in site; okay, back to work.

I have several patterns ready for my etsy shop, and a few still in progress, but will be ready soon. Some are ornamental, others are wearables, but the main theme I am sticking with is something that anyone can make. They are very easy patterns that I believe both new and experienced crocheters/knitters will find fun. And I also wanted to be sure that the patterns can be made with a variety of different yarns, for me, that was important.

Mike's Little Pumpkin Pattern

So, now that we are re-establishing the old routine, you should see my etsy shop come alive again! Hope you all enjoy!

2008 Talbot County Fair Rabbit/Cavy Show

My amazingly perfect family took our little Chi Chi to the 25th Annual Talbot County Rabbit and Cavy Show today. Great success was had by all who entered, but more importantly, we learned TONS! We met so many nice people and some very interesting rabbits that we are considered. So rather than bore you with lots of literal details, I'll share some of the photos. Enjoy!

Chi Chi relaxing while waiting for his turn to been judged.

Chi Chi on the judges table waiting for the English Angora Class.

And again waiting to be judged for the Variety Class.

Chi Chi brings home:
1st place English Angora Buck

Champion English Angora Breed

Champion Angora Variety

Here are just a few of the MANY rabbit breeds we enjoyed:

Now that the fun is over, time to get back to spinning!!!!

HOORAY - ETSY FOR ANIMALS!

I just found out about an organization called Etsy For Animals. They are a group of sellers on etsy.com who have agreed to help raise money for animals in need. They choose a charity of the month, and allow sellers to promote charities and rescues dear to their hearts. What a great way to help! Since I've always rescued animals myself, this is something I can really get into!

I thought I'd take this time to mention two animal organizations I rather admire:

Days End Farm Horse Rescue
"Protection for Horses.....Education for People"
(http://www.defhr.org/)


Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland
"All volunteer organization dedicated to finding homes for golden retrievers in need in St. Mary's, Calvert and Charles counties."
(http://www.goldenretrieverrescueofsouthernmaryland.org/)

Check them out, and search the web for animals that interest you; odds are, there is a rescue organization that could use you!

No More Baby Bunnies...Happy 4th!

Well, sadder than I thought it would be, the last of the baby bunnies has been sold. Why did I think it would be easy? Did you see the posts were I said they were cute, I really meant it!

A Cold Winter's Day (100% Alpaca Roving)

In fiber news, hmm, nothing is really new. Summer has been riveted with activity. My husband is busy building a barn, and with the fourth of July upon us, the family is whirling with plans.

Spinning some, ordering more fiber to replace my custom orders that flew out (nothing like word of mouth). Having a ball! Summer is here - and I'm loving it!!!

Three Bunnies Yarn Co. wants you to enjoy your Independence Day!!!

BABY BUNNIES - LOTS OF FIBER - NO TIME TO SPIN

ONLY ONE POINTED WHITE FEMALE BABY ANGORA BUNNY LEFT!!!

All of the baby English Angora's have gone to great homes, except for one. She is a darling I have been calling Pearly (I don't know why). She is all white and pointed with lilac and blue/gray eyes like her dad. Too cute.

Isn't she cute?

We decided to keep one, and have been calling her ChiChi, though her official show name is Buggs' Loose Hare. She will be making her first appearance at the County Fair. We're excited to see her away from home, because here, she is sooooo personable and just seeks attention. And who could refuse such a cutie?! And the best part, her fiber is FABULOUS already!!!

ChiChi snuggling, as always.

Spring brought a bumper crop of gorgeous angora fiber, and the baby bunnies have left me with no time for spinning. New fiber is coming in as well. I have some nice 100% alpaca and a superwash merino/alpaca blend that is really soft and makes me think of knitting socks. But I did quite a bit of that for Christmas gifts last year, so who knows what will come of it. Then there are the three fleeces I need to clean, card and spin (1 llama and 2 jacobs). I really enjoy meeting the animals that produce these sumptuous fibers, and the farmers really enjoy seeing the end product of their hard work. (Thinking cap) Maybe I'll send a pair of socks to the farmers? That way, everyone wins!

If you are interested in Pearly, or if you'd just like to talk bunnies or yarn, drop me an E-MAIL.

THREE BUNNIES IS NOW OFFICIALLY TWELVE BUNNIES (Temporarily)

ANGORA BABIES NOW AVAILABLE

UPDATED PHOTO'S OF THE THREE WEEK OLD ANGORA BUNNIES

(Click on any photo to enlarge)

9 ANGORA BUNNIES IN ALL

5 WHITE (2 with red eyes)

2 BLACK

2 GREY (one is sold)

There is really not much I need to say here. Have a look at the precious little ones, and if you have a slow internet service, be patient; they are worth it!

Time for her close-up!

SOLD


9 Bunnies in a basket, what could be cuter?


Coming AND Going

Nibbling grass




Angora bunnies may be reserved now. Great 4-H projects, fiber sources or your next four-legged best friend. A non-refundable deposit will hold until weaned.

Contact me today to reserve your Angora Bunny!

Newborn Angora Bunnies Beat Tax Deadline!

Nine angora bunnies were born April 14, 2008, in time to keep the tax man in our good graces. We are blessed to have five white, two black and two different shades of gray angora bunnies.

Enjoy the photo's we could not resist taking.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

New Arrivals

Newborns snuggled in the nest

Springing Into Action

I have been a busy bee as of late. Designing juices have been flowing like a river! Easter had me busy making about 36 little bunnies for special orders (only one made it to etsy, and still remains - go figure).

I have created several scarfs from golden retriever yarn for customers, which was quite a bit of fun. And now I find myself utilizing some intriguing yarns - made from plastic grocery bags!

I cut the bags, spin the strips into yarn and use the wound ball to make little coupon holders. I just put one on etsy, so we'll see what the hand-madesters there think, but locally they seem to be a bit of a hit. I am working on a purse since I personally think that would be fabulous! I actually hate plastic grocery bags, so this was more of a mental project than anything. Now I find myself begging friends who have not yet found it in their hearts to go green for their grocery bags. Nothing like free fiber, ur uh, plastic grocery bags (did I just say I'm thankful for plastic grocery bags?)!

March, It's When I Start The New Year!

(Here are some rovings I've dyed with March in mind, ready to be spun)

March is my favorite month. Lots of wonderful things happen in March: my birthday, my husband's birthday and my father's birthday are the most important. Saint Patrick's Day is a favorite and Easter is now a March constant. But there is something else that goes on and it is something hard to put into words.

It is a feeling; spring fever I suppose it's called by the masses, but it is even more than that. There is a sense of jubilation; my creativity is sparked and I find myself pushing the envelope of ingenuity. Thank goodness for those extra daylight hours in the evening, they are a blessing to behold the crafter who cannot seem to find enough time during the day to photograph her newest yarns in that spectacular spring sunlight.

(My newest yarn, Jammin' Alpaca)

There is that renewing spirit that flirts with us all this time of year. Now, not January 1st, is when I begin to make my resolutions. What I hope to accomplish this year and how I'm going to do it are lists that accumulate ten fold in March, and each idea is even more exciting to me than the one before. I'm spinning and designing my heart out(stay tuned to my next blog which will be all about my latest design that keeps selling out from word-of-mouth clients before I even get a chance to list it on etsy!)! It is the exhilaration of March that seems to make this all possible!

I hope March finds you all inspired and delighted to start anew!

Home Is Where My Heart Is

Many of my clients, trying to get to know their latest, newfound yarn source a bit better, question what it is like in my house. I cannot imagine my home life being any more unique than the next person, but when forced to describe who I am and why I do what I do, I find it is all relative, or perhaps cumulative.

My house is without a doubt full of life and when I divulge my routine I’m told, “How are you able to accomplish so much with that hectic lifestyle?” I suppose hussle and bussle is the engaged gear in my drive train, though I do not feel that I’m busy or rushed in any way. I feel comfortable saying my days are full, enriched, and I do not feel like I’ve neglected anyone or anything.

By anyone or anything I mean my family. A husband and teenage son are the highlight, but not the only show in the limelight. My grandmother shares the spotlight along with the extended family; the four legged, finned, feathered and furry members that manage to weasel their way into my heart.

Three Jack Russell Terriers rule the roost, so everyone thinks, while I know and have accepted it to be truth. The occasional liter of puppies always manages to delight us beyond belief. Three fish, two gold and one angel add little to the chaos factor but certainly contribute to the relaxation aspect. Two Russian Dwarf Hamsters are the source of my son’s enjoyment. Two ravenous turtles never seem to be filled and will cause you to think that they are on the verge of starvation whenever you approach their tank joined the family in the summer of 2007. Not long after the turtles entered the fold, a Severe Macaw called Garth Brooks fell in love with my husband and has decided they shall be mates for life. Just today the bird held me at bay from my husband’s affections with a very formidable beak that I have no interest in challenging.

Last, but certainly not least are the three angora rabbits, the name-sake of this yarn adventure I’ve embarked upon, a passion ignited by my father (whom I’m not ready to write about just yet) that seems to be shared by all the truly lovely people I’ve come to know just because of it. I am delighted to meet every one of you, and humbled that you have shown an interest in me. May we remain life-long fiber friends, connected through the yarn that binds our souls and knits the fabric that warms our hearts.

Spnning "Anna" Into Gold

(Click on any photo to enlarge.)

It truly wasn't hard at all, turning Anna, the Golden Retriever's GoRgEoUs hair into gold - well, golden yarn that is.

On Thursday, January 24, 2008, a fat, yellow envelope arrived in my mailbox from a charming lady associated with the Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland. Upon opening, I discovered the most beautiful hair I'd seen from a golden.

Bag of Anna's hair:

Anna's Gorgeous Locks:

As you can see from the beautiful, creamy-golden color, I had a treasure to behold. And I simply could not wait to get started. So, Thursday night I prepared the fiber. And Friday, I spun my heart out. I could not believe the color!!! It was like oatmeal with faint, soft, subtle golden undertones. There is no way on earth that I could ever make such an amazing color with that much depth in a dye pot!

Saturday, I finished spinning and plied the yarn. Sunday I washed the yarn to set the twist. It was cold in the house so it took two days for it to dry. And when it did, I went picture crazy! The yarn was just beautiful, with a slight halo starting to develop similar to angora.

Here's a close-up of the finished yarn.

Handspun "Anna" Yarn piled up into a work of art!

I finally put the camera down and twisted the yarn into a skein. I put a label on it making for a lovely decorative keepsake. Handspun "Anna" Yarn is on it's way home!