Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Im finally getting my groove back! I have been a bit lacking in the creativity department lately, a little lazy to say the least. I have got myself together and these are the new handspun yarns I came up with. The black and white and white and black, hmm is there a difference between black and white and white and black? Anyway they are some of thickest yarn that I have ever spun. Its soft, and huge. The white is big and plump like marshmallow, with camp fire burn marks on it, exactly how I like a toasted marshmallow. The black is so soft, so big that Im going to have trouble letting it go. It is plied with a single spun novelty white. These would make the coolest hats for the winter. Or spectacular neck warmers. The shades os pink yarn is hand dyed alpaca, light worsted in weight. And well, lets face it alpaca speaks for itself. The tan and orange is hand dyed orange sheep wool spun in with tan alpaca, a blend. All will be going up on Etsy very soon, with plenty more to come. Pam's got her groove back on! Spin on.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Newest tenant! and Christmas in July?

Am I crazy? In this heat knitting holiday stockings? Some would say I am, and it's not just the stockings that makes them say so. These are the first 3 of the handspun, handknit heirloom stockings to be hung by the chimney with care. Spun and knitted from our alpaca, llama and or sheep fiber. They measure about 24 to 28 inches in length. Last year I hand dyed all the stockings, this year I will knit them all in natural colors. IM liking the all natural look to these. Kind of like old worn stockings that would have been hung long ago in much simpler times. These will all be hung out in the shop as they are completed. I hope to have many by our September and November Open House. But they are available in our shop now if you can possibly think "holidays" in this heat. Think cool and maybe you will stay cool. Have a great Monday.



Once again I came across a surprise tenant. This one is living in and and around my African Lilly of the Nile, which is on the deck in a large pot. I was checking on the plant one evening in the dark and I thought there was something on one of the leaves. I went to remove it and it moved! With much surprise I jumped back with a little gasp. The frog didn't move. So I welcomed him, misted the plant and can now find him there most nights.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Farm Day, a great success!

Open House day was a great success! A little hot, but with a fan in the shop, lemonade and great people the heat didn't matter much. Thank you to all that came. A special thanks to Todd Jackson who sent a video of farm days which you can see in the left column of the blog. Anastasia was here again to give the farm tours and educate folks on the animals and what we do here and did a wonderful job as usual. Her alpacas and llamas adore her! After our wonderful farm day we went with good friends to Jackson Cove on Lake Zoar, swam, grilled some great food, fished and floated around the lake in a blow up row boat. What a great day. Thanks to all, Pam

Monday, June 21, 2010

Open House reminder............

As a reminder: Dream Come True Farm Open House and area hobby farm tours! June 27th 12 noon to 4 pm Details on participating farms may be picked up at each farm

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

OPEN HOUSE Dream Come True Farm




We will have our summer open house On June 27th Sunday from 12 noon until 4pm Our shop is full of new items all made here on the farm by myself or Mike. We have both worked on projects all winter so the shop has many new items. We will have spinning demos at various times during the day and wood working demos. The alpacas, sheep and llamas are all sporting a new look, everyone has been shorn! We have new fiber for spinners, new yarns for knitters, pounds and pounds of goat milk soap, new hand knit hats from our handspun yarn, and many new hand crafted gift items. So stop on by for a farm visit. We will be one of a few farms open on this date. Join in on our hobby farm tour days. Support your local farmer! Call for directions or more info.All open houses are weather permitting, call if unsure 203-736-2630

Friday, June 11, 2010

Lucky us!

We have a new tenant here at Dream Come True Farm. In my herb garden I have a little pond with a solar powered pump which attracts many a frog. Well, for the past few days I have seen one in particular coming in and out of these boots. Today he posed for me so I could photograph him. He has moved into the boot which is filled with moss so its the perfect palace for him to live in. I hope he stays. Maybe he'll tell his friends about the one that's available next door to him? Or maybe he will take a wife, or a husband? I guess I will just have to watch. Im glad he's here.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries! mmmm

Today Mike is off from work so we went outside to pick strawberries which grow along side the farm shop on the hillside. We struck gold! A few had little tiny bites out of them, Im not sure if it was birds or one of the many chipmonks that live here in the stownwalls. Whoever it was we don't mind sharring as long as they leave us some. So Im going to sit and enjoy a bowl before my day begins.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

New fibers!

Well, Im back to spinning. I have been a bit lazy lately. Kind of on vacation. Mike was off for a week and had a few day adventures and a camping trip! Now some of the newly shorn fibers have arrived from the mill to be spun and I can't wait to get started. i just love the natural colors of the these alpacas. I also purchased some beautiful dyed sheep roving at the CT Sheep and Wool Festival that needs spinning. So there will be more yarns added to the all ready full shop and some to be listed on Etsy. So check back for the yarn updates. Im also waiting on a new batch of almond and honey soap to cure!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

More soap? and Shearing Day! Yea!

Don't you laugh~~~~~~~~~~~

Shearing day was a great success! Next I will clean and sort the flecces deciding on what blends I want to do this year. The animals are ever so happy to have their wool coats off for the warmer months..


Today I will add another new batch of goats milk soap to the shop. Yes, I have made more! This time I have decided to package 2.5 oz bars in these beautiful spring colored organza bags. I now have about a total of 200 plus bars of newly made wonderful goat milk soap. I have added many of them to my etsy shop for the summer months. My spinning seems to taken a back seat this time of year do to the farm and garden work. I'm not complaining, I love being outside this time of year and through the summer months. So for now it will be soap, soap and more soap! Of course there will be some spinning, just not as much as through the winter months. I say that now, but when all that wool is cleaned from shearing day I will not be able to keep my hands off of it. As always call to visit the farm and shop and watch my FB page and blog for listed days that we will be open.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Shop full and ready for visits!


The farm shop is full and ready to go for the warmer weather. I have worked long hours on many new items for the warmer season. Lots of goat milk soaps, glass jewelry, small quilted items and more. As always new yarns have been added and will continue to be added each week or so. OPEN to the public, just give a call and set up a visit! And remember out picnic table is available for you to enjoy a snack on while watching the animals watch you!! They love visitors. Our Open house dates for education and tours of the the farm will be posted near to fall. But until then feel free to give a call and set up a time to visit the shop.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

The Blue Bird of Happiness resides at Dream Come True Farm

I have been watching these amazing blue birds from my window and deck for weeks. Today there was quite a bit of activity. I believe we have baby blue birds! Papa Blue Bird was chasing any birds that came around within 10 feet of his home. Both Mama and Papa were flying in and out of the house all morning, then Mama went inside and didn't come out. I watched for hours in amazement of their ritual. The wonders of nature is so awesome. I feel blessed that this family of blue birds have chosen Dream Come True Farm to live on. We will sure do our best to protect them. Happy Mother' Day Mama Blue Bird and to all Mom's!



Friday, April 30, 2010

More goat milk soap and scrubbies!

I was up until the wee hours of the night wrapping, tagging soaps and crocheting organic cotton body and face scrubbies. The scent of the almond honey soap is just wonderful. The batch of natural is so light with scent. Im thrilled with these 2 batches, 20 pounds of soap ready to go! I wish there was a scratch and sniff section on this blog so you could smell this soap. I think I will go and wash my hands now!



Thursday, April 29, 2010

Soap, soap, and more soap! New batch of goat milk soap

Good Morning! The sun is shining, the rain has gone and Im looking forwrd to putting in my morning glory seeds!! Happy Thursday.

A week or so ago we got busy on a new batch of goat milk soap. The batch is partially cured and I can tell this is a winner! This batch has the goat milk (of course) Shae butter and an assortment of oils. Wonderful to help restore the ph balance to your skein. One batch is almond scent with honey and one batch is honey and Shea butter, natural scent. Both a favorite of mine. I not so fond of all the sweet scents that can be added. The more natural, the more I like it..These will be available in my shop here on the farm and in my Etsy shop www.Pamsfiber.etsy.com I have some small orders to fill already and may need to make another batch soon. I'm doing favors for a baby shower with my soap for June, exciting. I did a wedding 2 years ago. Oh and by the way I have started to crochet scrubbies to go along with the soap. They are made from certified organic cotton and Im offering them with the soap. A bar of soap and a couple of scrubbies make a wonderful thoughtful gift for a friend or a treat for yourself!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Flowers, flowers, flowers


It truly is a spring here on the farm. This is what I did ALL weekend long. Flowers, flowers and more flowers. Some are hooked with handspun hand dyed yarns, some are made from wool strips and some are from recycled wool sweater pieces and wool felt balls. I'm really enjoying making these. I'm adding them to the shop this week and maybe on Etsy as well. A few weeks ago I crocheted a number of brightly colored flowers and crocheted some organic cotton flower pins for the shop. So it really is a spring fling around here!DON'T FORGET OUR FREE GIVE A WAY IN THE POST BELOW! DETAILS BELOW


Friday, April 9, 2010

FREE-GIVE-WAY It's a spring fling!

This will be our new spring give-a-way! "The Heart And Hand Collection book, written by MYSELF and my good friend Beth! But there is a catch this time. You must be a follower of the blog and in the comment section under this post click on it and list your favorite things! This will give me the opportunity to learn about all of you and I may pick up some titles of some great books and movies! So it's a trade this time. The drawing will be in the weeks to come. So c'mon lets have fun with this, sign up and leave a list of your favorite things. If you have trouble doing so on the blog page and its impossible for you to sign up, facebook your favorite things to me on my wall or e-mail me! By signing up you can follow the blog and look for the next free give-a-way. This book is for everyone, not just a fiber book, a craft/cooking/gift giving and more book. Read the description below. Drop me a line if you have any questions.



****************Simplicity at it's best********************


This is a book put together by two friends. Myself and a good friend that I share a lot of common interest with Beth.Its a back to basic book filled with ideas from the heart.

We met years ago and found that we had a lot in commom such as colleting baskets, cooking, quilting, knitting, gardenting and just about anything that had to do with hand made. In 1994 we decided to share our ideas so the Heart and hand Collection was born and copyrighted. Filled with family recipes that are wonderful yet fast and spimple with mostly few ingrediants, gift giving how too's and ideas, hints such as energy and cleaning tips.

Its really a back to basics book, to simplify your life. Everything in the book comes from family members passed down, friends, or Beth and myself.

Included are a couple of authentic Amish hardy recipes from my very good Amish friends from PA.

Its a book of love from our hands to yours.

Some of the recipes included are:
Dill garlic basil vinegar
Southern Barbeque sauce
Chocolate bread
cornmeal pancakes
brown sugar syrup for pancakes
whoopie pie
herbal pork chops
chicken delight

Also are gift giving ideas from the home such as:
simple bath oils
wrapping paper
cinnamon cut outs
spicey mixed nuts
finger paints
playdough
pomander balls
simple potpourris
AND SO MUCH MORE!

Included are conversion charts, substitution charts,
simpliefied measuring charts,
Commom cause of failure in baking suggestions
meet cut charts and more

This little book filled with BIG ideas is a great book for your own home or as a gift to a special friend.

Everything included is fast easy and wonderful!

Monday, April 5, 2010

The Secret Life of Bee's Garden Shed

Happy Monday! Happy Spring!


Well, I did it! Those of you that know me well know that the book and movie "The Secret Life of Bee's" is a favorite of mine! I have said I would love the Caribbean pink house that the movie takes place in. I guess It's a kind of fantasy of mine. So I decided to paint the garden shed pink. I couldn't find the exact paint called Caribbean pink so I went with paradise pink. It does the job. Mike then trimmed out the shed, put a new door on because our ram had lived in the shed and we cut a small door in the door for him. Mike then added widows, there was only chicken wire. It was then painted pink with white trim and there it sits in the middle of the barn red barns, surrounded by paddocks. As we sat with a cup of coffee and the end of Saturday watching our lettuce grow all the animals came and looked through the fences as if to say, "now you've gone to far" I also wonder what Spankey our ram would say if he could see his old homestead? hmmmm? In any case I love my Secret Like of Bee's garden shed and plan to enjoy many a morning and evening sitting next to it enjoying life.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

New for spring! Stop by for a spring visit

Today I added some new items to the shop. I have been working on my theorem painting for a couple of months now and I have finished a half dozen paintings. I know most don't really know what theorem painting is so I thought I would define it:
Theorem Painting is an early American Decorative Technique that dates back to the first half of the 19th century. The word Theorem suggests, according to Webster’s New World Dictionary, "an expression of relations in an equation or formula." WHEW!What this means is that a series of stencils are used, maybe 5 or 6 to create one painting. The stencils are layered on to one another as you go along. Oil paints are commonly used and it done on velvet. I also use the technique to paint note cards.

This technique was popular among women of all ages during the early 1800’s. Its primary attraction, then, as today, is the fact that it enabled the average non-professional artist to create acceptable art-forms for their own use.

Although Theorem Painting has had a long history on both sides of the Atlantic, it has remained some what obscure and antiquated. Except for sporadic revivals, this art form has never reached its fullest potential. This is largely due due to the scarcity of published pattern material. Thus, this technique has only flourished locally, mostly in New England ,New York , Pennsylvania where the techniques have passed from generation to generation and from teacher to student. Most of the design material lean toward the primitive side, many copying the old patterns. As a result Theorem Painting has generally been classified as a colonial period craft or art-form

I started theorem painting over 20 years ago in the basement of a 82 year old women's home. Who I adored and new the craft well. Below is a theorem on tea stained velvet and a couple on note cards. Stop by the shop and see what you think.

OUR SECOND FREE GIVE-A-WAY WILL BE POSTED SOON! SO CHECK BACK OFTEN. YOU MUST ALSO BE SIGNED IN AS A FOLLOWER SO SIGN UP NOW! AND CHECK BACK OFTEN.
Have a great week!



Monday, March 29, 2010

Harvest takes place early on the farm!


I almost forgot to tell you about my dehydrator! I'm getting to know how to dehydrate all veggies and how best to use them. When our garden is at full potential this year dehydrating along with freezing is how I'm going to go. Pictured are seasoned zucchini chips that are out of this world! Placed in a salad, or eaten as chips with a sandwich or simply rehydrate and eat along with your meal. I'm ready now for that bumper crop that will be coming in this summer!


We have taken to growing sprouts indoors right in the kitchen! We just couldn't wait for those greens in the garden to come up so that we could enjoy them on our plates. So we are finding that sprouts are the way to go while waiting. I will be growing sprouts of all kinds in my kitchen. Done correctly you can have 2-4 cups from each tray within 5 days. Pictured is a garden mix of wheat grass, radish and clover. On my counter radish and alfalfa have just started to sprout. So now I have 5 trays at once of little sprouts sprouting up on the counter. Its amazing to watch the cycle of a sprout. I received my organic seed sprout order that should last me next to a year. We are really enjoying adding them to salads, eggs, soups and veggie dishes. But my favorite is avocado and sprouts or tomatoes and sprout sandwiches! I could go on and on about these sprouts but I think you get what I'm saying! I'm so excited, greens fresh and organic all year round! Did I mention how inexpensive the seed bags are compared to what they will give you? I must go now and spray my sprouts! Happy Monday.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Dream Come True's farm shop is ready for spring! Also, its time for spring fiber arts classes!

Last year I had many request for a variety of fiber arts classes. I'm thinking of offering some this spring on weekends? I would like to do this before the weather gets to nice and all I want to do is be outside doing what I love, gardening, hanging with the animals, riding, watching my garden grow and well, I could go on and on, I think you get it... It's just an idea right now but if you have an interest in a particular fiber arts class leave it hear in comments, or e-mail me with any questions. And don't forget to sign up as a follower of this blog. We are going to have lots of FREE give-a-ways throughout the year! Have a wonderful and productive week!


Today was so beautiful that after farm chores and garden work was finished I worked in the shop. I brought out all the new items that I worked on over the winter months and displayed them. Lots of new things to see. The miniature boxwood bushes around the shop stayed so nice over the winter and the strawberries on the hill with their shooters look as if they are perking up! The flower boxes are filled with some wonderful black gold composted manure just waiting for what seeds will be planted in them. Not sure yet as to what I will put into them this year? I'm going to open by appointment on the weekends for the spring, just call and let me know when you would like to stop by. We are ready and waiting. And don't forget if you bring a snack you are welcome to sit a spell at our picnic table and enjoy the sights and sounds of the farm animals. So give us a call to see whats new at Dream Come Trues farm shop!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Life is good at Dream Come True Farm!

The sounds of soft humming coming from the alpacas in the paddock area this evening was like a spring song. The alpaca, sheep and goats were ever so content. Just hanging around right before dusk. The alpacas had just finished up with a game of tag. Running back and forth from one end to the other, ever so graceful. The goats ran after them kicking up their heals with a maaaa every now and then. The sheep however just stood in the doorway of the barn watching, wondering when it will all end so that they can go back to munching on their hay and not feel they missed out on the evening fun. The llamas ignored all the antics this evening and laid contently off to the side and out of the way. I love when the critters are all so happy, playing and enjoying the life we provide for them. Their actions tell me they appreciate the time and work that goes into them daily. The alpacas come close,sniff me and give little blown kisses on my cheek. The sheep look at me with little smiles and the goats almost literally hug me. The llamas stand tall and sniff my head and finally a kiss blown on the top of my head. I hug and blow kisses back of course. Life is good this evening at Dream Come True Farm




The joy of sprouts!



The cold frame is doing its job and sprouting the lettuce and spinach! Such tiny little seedlings. Tiny, but strong and growing each day. The joy of watching the sprouts mature! I love these seed packages don't you? So old fashioned and inviting looking. Can you imagine 20 cents a package! Think of all the greens Im going to have for just 20 cents. It thrills me!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Spring things...

Now that the early garden crops are in the cold frame I know that spring is near. I have put in baby spinach, various lettuces, and arugula. Now we wait for the tiny little sprouts to sprout. Another sign of spring. Today I will spin for most of the day! I started at 6:30 this morning. I should get a number of skeins done if all goes as plans. A huge shipment is due this week of various colored alpaca roving so I need to settle in and concentrate on spinning Of course the yarns will be up on Estsy in my shop once they are all washed and set! So here I go off to spin some more. No more breaks today.(well maybe)



This weekend my friend and I took a class for Psanky Eggs. The black egg in the nest is my first Psanky egg that I have done! It's a real egg blown out and then the Psanky technique is applied. It was a blast. The eggs in the wooden bowl are my collection of hand painted wooden eggs. The nests my collection also! Notice the horse tail hair in the tiny, maybe humming bird nest? And the wool in the front nest. i put wool out each spring in an old suet holder for the birds to pull from for their nest. Then to my surprise when a nest blows from the trees, there is my wool! I also save some brushing from the horses tail and stuff that in with the wool. The birds love it!! Always pulling from it after a meal at the feeder! So anyway, when my wood eggs come out this usually means spring is around the corner. So hand in there I hear spring weather will grace us this week!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Winner of the FREE give-a-way!

We have a winner for the Pamsfiber give-a-way of the 7" wooden sz 19 knitting needles!!! Sara K. from our follower list! Congrat's. I will be posting our new free-give-a-way gift and terms around Easter, so check back often and join in! No limit to how much you join in on the fun. Enjoy the needles Sara and thank you for your support in following our blog.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

The first of the maple syrup is bottled and in the shop


Mike, myself, our friend Karen and our good friend Ronnie boiled sap all day on Sunday. It went from 9:00 am until 8:oo pm. We ate smoked ribs, coleslaw and homemade bread! Oh yea, and a bottle of wine!
Then the syrup came inside and was bolied for 2 more days on the stove top inside. The results are pictured here. We will boil again this weekend,for now the maple syrup stove rests. And so do we. ONE MORE WEEK OR SO FOR THE KNITTING NEEDLE DRAWING, SIGN IN AS A FOLLOWER, DETAILS BELOW