Potholders

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Monday, September 11, 2017

Sheep and Fiber

I was afraid that some family commitments might keep me from going, but luckily things worked out so I could get to the Garden State Sheep Breeders Sheep & Fiber Festival this weekend. This is a Goldilocks kind of event for me - just 15 minutes away at our county fairgrounds with lots of parking, no big crowds, lots of sheep, a parade of breeds, sheepdog herding, and three barns of vendors. Not too small, not too big, it's just right!

There were sheep of all breeds and colors.








After visiting all the sheep, I was awed the sheepdogs and their amazing abilities.




That'll do.

I even learned that there are sheep that don't need shearing! This shepherd's flock is about 50% Katahdin sheep, which she keeps because they shed their winter coat and don't need to be sheared.

The rest of the weekend was full of worry about those in the dangerous paths of weather and wildfires, but I was very grateful to be able to enjoy this oasis of peace and calm on Saturday morning.


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13 comments:

  1. BridgetSeptember 11, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    So glad you were able to go, and enjoyed it. I just love seeing all the sheep and the pups!

    Whoa - that one guy had MAJOR horn action!!

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  2. KymSeptember 11, 2017 at 8:35 AM

    Your "local" sheep and fiber festival sounds much like my "local" sheep and fiber festival -- manageable, accessible, and completely engaging! I always love watching the herding exhibitions. Those dogs are just amazing! (Did you find anything interesting in the three barns of vendors?) I'm so glad you got an opportunity to go this year!

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  3. AsKatKnitsSeptember 11, 2017 at 8:41 AM

    Oh, I am glad you went! And, any time communing with sheep, sheepdogs, and shepherds is time well spent! I especially love those beautiful Jacob's and I think I see a snap of some Southdowns as well!

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  4. VeraSeptember 11, 2017 at 9:00 AM

    So glad you were able to go Bonny! I did not make it (but that's ok - I loved Grounds for Sculpture!!). So....what did you buy?????

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  5. margeneSeptember 11, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    When a festival is as accessible and as enjoyable as this one, the only thing to do is go! The sheep enjoyed watching you as much as you enjoyed them. Did you find some good things to buy?

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  6. CaroleSeptember 11, 2017 at 11:22 AM

    I love those little sheep-y faces!

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  7. PattySeptember 11, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    What a great way to spend the day! I love watching the herding dogs too...fascinating! And yes...what did you buy???

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  8. kathy bSeptember 11, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    I went Friday to the sheep an dwool in Wisconsin. Did al the same things and JUST LOVED every moment Great weather. I bought a needle felting kit. Just wanted something new to me

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  9. Vicki KnitoriousSeptember 11, 2017 at 1:00 PM

    The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival is a lot like that, and was also held over the weekend. I wish it was only :15 from my house! Or, maybe it's good that it's not... haha! Thanks for sharing all those photos -- it never gets old. ;)

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  10. Becky R.September 11, 2017 at 2:15 PM

    What breed of sheep is that guy with the 4 horns? He is quite impressive! As you can tell, I am not very knowledgeable about sheep, but I do love their fiber. Herding dogs are so smart and so much fun to watch. Loved the caption on the photo! Babe is one of my favorite movies. We are going to have some major rain and wind here starting tomorrow with really low temps courtesy of Irma, but I am not complaining. In fact, I feel very fortunate. However, I hope we don't lose power and cable AGAIN. If we do, I guess I will just knit. I have so many issues with my hands these days, I am thinking of learning to knit Portuguese. Do you have any firsthand knowledge of that process?

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    Replies
    1. BonnySeptember 11, 2017 at 3:14 PM

      The horned sheep are Jacobs; that four-horned guy was the king! I loved it when the shepherd actually said "That'll do" when the dogs were done with their task. Hoping that Irma treats you well and your power stays on. We're supposed to get rain and wind from Irma remnants later in the week, but nothing significant. Sorry I don't know anything about knitting Portugese. Youtube is the place I look for knitting techniques - good luck!

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  11. MarySeptember 12, 2017 at 6:33 AM

    Oh I was going to ask about that 4-horned guy and I see you already answered my question :-) Looks like a delightful Saturday morning ... and now I can't wait to read the next post to see what you came home with ... besides delightful sheep and dog photos!

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  12. karenSeptember 13, 2017 at 8:17 AM

    SHEEP! squee! You took way more photos than I did. I wish I would have had my brain attached to my body :)

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