Giving Thanks
Nov 20th, 2009 by jennifer
In May, 2009, I designed several patterns for the Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm and the Hudson Valley Fiber Farm. A lot of things happened in the intervening months resulting in these patterns not being formally released.
I designed these patterns for several reasons, one of which is I believe that Consumer Supported Agriculture is a wonderful thing and I want to support Susan and Erin in all of the hard work that they do.
When the three of us originally talked about which patterns the fiber farms should offer initially, we agreed that an array of basic patterns requiring minimal supplies (one pair of straight needles and some yarn) was a great way to start. The patterns were to be available at the Farmers’ Market and we didn’t want anyone overwhelmed by patterns that required three sizes of needles and intricate stitches.
After months of changes, the Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm and the Hudson Valley Fiber Farm have transformed themselves into the Juniper Moon Fiber Farm. It’s the same beautiful Cormo sheep. The same adorable goats. The same incredible shepherdesses, Susan and Erin.
In honor of their new home in Virginia, I am offering my sweater pattern Menemsha as a free pdf. A basic rolled-neck sweater for every member of your family, the pattern can be knitted in chest sizes 20″ to 51″. I put a lot of work doing the math to create the different sizes and while I might have otherwise sold this pattern, I am requesting that if you choose to knit it, you ‘pay’ for the pattern by doing something charitable. Donate to a mitten tree. Become a hay sponsor the the Fiber Farm. Donate to a local food bank. Volunteer your time. And to everyone who has had a moments pleasure knitting anything I’ve designed,
NaKniSweMo update: 28,486 stitches as of day 7 (11/19/09).
I didn’t know that Susan had Erin had moved their farms to Virginia. How come? (Although I can probably guess why….)
Jennifer,
Could you please clarify for your readers that the Hudson Valley Fiber Farm is still alive and kicking up here now being run by me (hudsonvalleyfiberfarm.com) and as co-owner of the Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm I can assure you that it has not moved to Virginia with Susan and Erin. We split the goats and sheep and we wish them all the best.
We are working very hard up here with our own CSA and real working farm and we all need all the support we can get!
Thank you!
Pat Manning
Hudson Valley Fiber Farm
hvfiberfarm.com