You guys, let me show you something unbelievable.

Last night, the Plotted and Pieced Blouse (I admit: it’s my favorite piece in the collection) hit #1 on Ravelry. Never, ever, ever would I have dreamt it.

The response to my Findley Dappled book has been wildly exciting and totally incredible. I’ve spent today and yesterday being absolutely worthless– reading the wonderful comments you’ve left on the blog, counting up my ravelry hearts like a miser, going through your wonderful emails and facebook comments and tweets, and being a verklempt little kittenhead.

I will express myself through animal pictures.

At first, I was slack-jawed. Utterly shocked.

Then, I blushed. Powerfully. I was shy, nervous, and a little embarrassed for being as proud as I am.

Because, in my heart, I feel like this!

I have never in my life received such a heartwarming gift as this litany of positivity. People who don’t even know me– strangers!– are saying nice things about me! On the internet! I’m not being sarcastic!

And this is all the sweeter, because I know exactly how hard everyone worked to put this book together. Susan took an enormous chance on me when she asked me, back in the summer, if I’d write a book of lace patterns. Zac did all my farm chores while I sketched, swatched, and scribbled my way through the fall. I’ve promised multiple firstborns (mine. That’s probably a problem.) to my patient, long-suffering, wind-swift Test Knitters. Alison taught me how to actually write a pattern, with her red Mark-Changes pen of Technical Editing. Joel’s photographs are so beautiful that they shocked me– I had no idea my designs looked that good! And Lauria did everything (as in: EVERY. THING.) in between.

I am beyond pleased, and so happy that you all like it. I can’t wait for you to be able to start knitting– I have a feeling I’m going to be overwhelmed all over again.

This post is cross-posted on my blog, just in case, you know, you want to start reading it.

I thought it might be time for an update on our beautiful, sweet Aussie, Jack (I also hear that there might be someone out on the road who’s missing him a little bit). He’s been living at JMF for about 4 months now, and I cannot begin to imagine our lives without him.

He is absolutely the most loving, joyful animal I’ve ever met.

Where on Earth are you going to find happiness like this, except on the face of a dog or a child?

We’re often met, understandably, with questions about Jack’s ability as a sheepdog. Do we let him herd our sheep? Is he trained to do so– or are we planning to teach him to? Is he at all interested in them? Are his latent sheepdog instincts just waiting to reveal themselves?

The answer is an obvious NO.

He’s very firmly uninterested in sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, or dogs– although the Maremmas definitely have some strong feelings about him!

Like many an only dog before him, Jack thinks he’s a person, and, as such, only has eyes for us (truly! He barely lets me out of his sight!). Why would he bother messing around with boring animals, when he could hang out all day with fun humans? He’s such a non-aggressive, calm dog that the sheep aren’t even afraid of him. Feenat ran up and tried to stomp on him– he ran away!

However, I do fear the day– which may or may not come– when he figures out that chickens = chicken. Jack loves one thing more than people, and that’s a boneless, skinless chicken breast, sauteed lightly in olive oil.

I love the spark of understanding that’s passing between him and Ernie in this photo.

Right after I took this, Jack walked away, bored, and started sniffing the fence, and Ernie came up to me and gave me a look that very clearly expressed his disappointment in me for consorting with such a silly animal (Ernie’s primary characteristic– except during breeding season– is gravitas).

I’m happy to report that Jack is currently sleeping next to my feet in the newly re-imagined Shepherding Hut (that erstwhile bedroom is now an office), and that we are all completely in love with him.

Let me start by saying that Findley Dappled is a line extension of our wildly popular Findley lace yarn. When KFI approached me about doing a variegated version, I needed a lot of convincing. I’m not much of a variegated yarn gal, but these yarns surprised and awed me- the colorways are subtle, sophisticated and seem to be incapable of pooling.

I also need to tell you that writing about the Findley Dappled designer is hard for me, for reasons both selfish and not. Selfishly, I hate to share the genius in my employ with the world for fear that she will someday leave Juniper Moon Farm. The unselfish part is my reluctance to open the designer- who is so open-hearted and unjaded- up to the criticisms that go along with a sharing your best efforts with the world.

The conflict comes in because I am also dying to shout about this collection and this designer from the rooftops because she is brilliant and creative and going to have a very big career in front of her.

Of course, my excitement wins out and I am over the moon to announce that our Findley Dappled designer is none other than our very own Caroline Fryar!

Caroline’s collection is drop-dead gorgeous and full of the same joie de vivre as she is! But you can see for yourself right now:

Brindled Wrap- knit by the designer, modeled by Charlotte Fryar

Theme and Variation- knit by Krysta Harty, modeled by Emily

Plotted and Pieced- knit by Carol Lindquist, modeled by Emily

Rainy Sunday pajamas- knit by Laila Jonsson, modeled by Emily

The Fryar Girls, each brilliant, creative and well-mannered. James and Kathleen must be the best parent in the world.

Laureate Cardigan- knit by Sue Isenhart, modeled by Elizabeth Fryar

Stippled Ink- knit by Sarah Lebel Van Vugt, modeled by Charlotte Fryar

Finches Wings- knit by Jenn Cox, modeled (somewhat reluctantly) by the designer

Couple Color Henley- knit by Sara Byron, modeled by Charlotte Fryar

All the Stops- knit by Deb Terrio, modeled by Elizabeth Fryar

Needless to say, Caroline’s designs were a HUGE hit at TNNA. I’m telling you, someday all of us will be working for Caroline!

Once again, I have to thank everyone involved in this project- knitters, models, stylists, and of course Joel for his amazing photography! And once again, Lauria has posted all the patterns on Ravelry  for your convenience.

And now I will get out of the way of the mountains of praise you are fixing to heap upon Caroline.

I cannot wait another minute to share Sabine with you! Sabine- named after our sweet, sweet Maremma, is blend of Royal Llama, Merino and cotton and it is just dreamy! The knitters who have worked with it so far were completely smitten. It’s got a great “hand” as they say.

I am also thrilled to introduce you to our incredible designer, Marie Grace Smith. Marie Grace has published some lovely children’s patterns and as soon as I saw them, I knew I had to work with her. Marie Grace’s designs have a sensibility that I absolutely adore.

I couldn’t wait to see what she would come up with for Sabine and I was not disappointed. There are two things I love about this collection. First, it is very much a collection. Each piece was carefully, thoughtfully created and there are themes that run throughout.

The second thing is that each of these garments is incredibly wearable, if you know what I mean. There isn’t a piece in the collection that I wouldn’t wear every day.

Working with Marie Grace was a joy. Well,for us it was a joy; I think we may have tested her patience from time to time, but she was a great sport and never let herself get rattled by the delays and stumbling block.

Marie Grace is a good friend and you can definitely expect to see more of her work under the Juniper Moon label very soon.

And now for the collection:

Lynden- knit by Connie Bellows, modeled by Erin McCabe

Myrtle- knit by Erin Lucido, modeled by Emily

Laurel (cardigan) and Kiri (beret)- knit by Beverly Katz and Deb Palmer respectively, modeled by Anna Pohl

Carlyle- knit by Caroline Fryay, modeled by Emily

Libby- knit by Jamie DiEmidio, modeled by Lauria Kincaid

Amari- knit by Brenda Beaudoin. modeled by Suzy Lawrence

Wren- knit by Shirra Stone, modeled by Lauria Kincaide

Berdine- knit by Gail Deffendorf, modeled by Michelle Randolph

Mayfield- knit by Sheeri Cabral, modeled by Erin McCabe

Aspen- knit by Sylvia Cannizzaro, modeled by Lauria Kincaide

Bracken- knit by Lisa Stockebrand, modeled by Erin McCabe

Hollis- knit by Marci Lavine Bloch, modeled by Erin McCabe

Bramble- knit by Natascha Davis, modeled by Emily (and Jerry)

As you can see MG completely out did herself! I am so proud of this book I could burst!

Please indulge me for a minute by referring to yesterdays thank yous. I was planning to leave it at that but I have to tell you that looking at these pictures was such a joy for me tonight because everyone involved in this whole process is a friend. We had such a great time on the photo shoot and everyone on and off camera worked there backsides off.

For the rest of my life, when I look at these books I will remember that a whole bunch of us got together and made something amazing, something that none of us could have accomplished on our own. And that means as much to me as my logo on the yarn and the books because we made this together. I am getting choked up just typing these words.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Sincerely and from my heart, thank you.

And dear Lord what would we have done without Lauria? The woman is a wonder.  She spent the entire day putting these patterns into Ravelry just so you can go ahead and start putting them in your queues. You can find the 10 patterns that well be published in the book here  and the four that will be available as free downloads here.

She also put all the Yearling patterns in from yesterday’s post. You can find them here.

If your local yarn store isn’t currently carrying the JMF lines and you’d like to knit these patterns, ask them to bring it in. We’re currently in more than 100 stores and the list is growing like crazy.

As promised, today I am revealing the first of our Spring/Summer 2012 yarns and patterns.

The first yarn I want to share with you is Yearling. Yearling is a 60/40 blend of Merino wool and cotton in a chunky weight. It’s great for quick knitting project and it feels wonderful to knit with.

I was lucky enough to commission Pam Wynne to design this collection and she was an absolute joy to work with. I love every pattern in the collection and I think you will too. Here’s what you’ll find in the Yearling pattern book, coming to a local yarn store near you very soon.

Marcie- knit by Beatrix Haggard, modeled by Neve

Cabled Caplet- knit by Elizabeth Hutchinson, modeled by the designer

Sleepyhead- knit by Sarah McCusker, modeled by Genevieve

Charlie Pullover- knit by Kim Reid, modeled by Oona

Lamb Shoes- knitters Margaux Hufnagel and Anna Pohl, models Anna Howell and Charlotte Fryar

Downey, the soft lamb toy- knitter Deb Palmer

Model Oona

Yearling cardigan- knitter Jane Hurst, model  Anna Howell

Origami blanket- knitter Caroline Fryar, models Neve, Sierra and Oona

Lucy Tunis- knitter Laurie Barham, model Amy

Robin Cardigan, Puff Hat and Chunky Booties- knitter Mary Johnstone, model Genevieve

This project was the work of so many people and all of them deserve recognition for their efforts. We could not have done this without our amazing knitters, listed above with the garment they made. They absolutely came through for us!

I also want to thank all our models, who are getting kind of used to being bossed around and wearing clothes that are completely inappropriate for the season. Neve didn’t even complain when we sprayed her with a water hose!

The gorgeous photography is the work of Joel Eagle, the most patient man I’ve ever met.

Zac kept us fed and held reflectors whenever we asked without complaining. Suzy flew in from Oklahoma to help with styling and child-wrangeling (and to make us Kip’s Tacos one night!). And Lauria- dear Lord what would we have done without Lauria? The woman is a wonder.

If your local yarn store isn’t currently carrying the JMF lines and you’d like to knit these patterns, ask them to bring it in. We’re currently in more than 100 stores and the list is growing like crazy.

Tomorrow I will be introducing you to a yarn named after one of the JMF farm dogs.

Roquefort, I’d say, is the Platonic Ideal of GOAT– an exemplar of what it means to be caprine.

He’s terribly intelligent in a sneaky, slipping-around-you-and-through-the-gate way, but doesn’t understand getting out of the way of the 900-lb bales of hay we roll off the back of Mr. Hopkins’ pickup (Crushed by food? what a way to go!). He’s very determined (the word dogged comes to mind), and also, as you can see, a little bit crazy.

He was, until this past spring and the arrival of the colored flock, the only colored animal at Juniper Moon Farm. Handspinners fight over his silky grey curls.

Colored angoras are usually darker as kids and yearlings– much in the same way that children with beautiful blond or red hair  gradually fade to mousier versions of themselves– and Roquefort is no exception. He was, as a kid, black-black-black, but it’s mellowed since then.

He, like many other goats, is unable to resist the urge to be the highest thing in the pasture– to take the high ground. Usually, the only thing there is to climb on is the bale of hay, and so he jumps up and lords over the rest of the flock.

Hence the photos, and the name, “King Roquefort.”

He’s been in a few fights– his horns are all crooked in the back from getting in squabbles as a kid– but he’s much more laid-back now. However, he does still enjoy taking cocky youngsters down a peg.

He also has no qualms about jumping up into the yurt.

The above photo is from a while ago, but, yesterday, Zac and I were out doing some work on the yurt, and had our backs turned for about two seconds (“how are we going to get this giant roll of carpet in there??”). We turned around, and Roquefort was in the middle of the room, and had Martin halfway up the stairs, behind him.

Future yurt-stayers, beware! Don’t open your door to this goat, handsome though he be!

NEXT WEEK on SotW: last week, we had lots of requests for poultry. Incidentally, one of our ducks has recently become a STAR Knitwear Model, and, as such, you will get to meet her next week.

as for NEXT NEXT WEEK, keep your requests coming!

Also, lastly, I’d like to share with you all something that my friend Kellen sent me yesterday. (That’s correct. SHEEP YEARBOOK.) If my layout skills ever improve (…begin to exist…), maybe, just for fun, I’ll try and put together a JMF 2012 Yearbook.

I am in my hometown- Fort Worth, Texas- for my very favorite event of the year, The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo! In Fort Worth, the Stock Show is the biggest of big deals. Every school kid gets a day off and a free ticket to the show, and ranches from all over the Southwest arrive with trailers full of livestock.

In addition to the nightly rodeo, there is a midway and carnival rides and livestock shows for sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits, and more breeds of cattle than you ever knew existed. There are daily horse back events like barrel racing and calf roping.

My favorite thing though is just walking through the barns. Watching the people who have carefully raised their animals get them ready for the show gives me a lump in my throat every time. There is a kind love, a mutual respect between man and animals there that defies description.

In honor of the Fort Worth Stock Show and my love for my hometown, the nice folks at Country Outfitter are letting me giveaway a beautiful pair of Justin Boots. Which is incredible because, if you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I am positively evangelical about Justin Boots! They are made right here in Fort Worth.

I’m not about to commit to writing the number of pairs of Justin Boots that are in my closet but I had no problem at all picking three gorgeous pairs for the giveaway that I would love to have for myself.

Red Classic Boot

Black London Calf Boot

American Tan Cowhide

Okay, here’s how to enter to win one of these lovely pairs of boots: Leave a comment on this post telling me which pair you would choose if you win and where you would where them. One entry per person and (just this once!) we can only ship to U.S. addresses. Entries will be closed on Friday at Noon and the winner will be posted here with information about how to claim your prize. Sound good?

Good luck, Y’all! And a Texas-sized THANK YOU to Country Outfitter for allowing me to host such a great giveaway.

It was misty, foggy, rainy, and even a little bit icy this morning. Although the weather had me thinking that coffee, a warm fire, and tasty breakfast were all that was in order, I decided to go out and pay the boys (and Feenat) a little extra visit. Despite the depressing weather the boys could have not been more excited to see me show up with some extra treats.

Obviously you can tell that they must have been sleeping in the yurt (a good option this time of year).

Even Big E broke into a full on run to come see what was going on.

Feenat and Callum were happily racing along.

Callum pulled ahead at the last second.

Feenat didn’t mind coming in second because she still got her fair share of tasty treats.

Callum looks so much like his mother in his face.

Meanwhile Emu decided he needed a little extra attention

What a little smirk.

Showing off his moves.

Alabama and Cosmo were more than happy to stand back and wait for treats to be brought to them

During my entire time outside, Jerry decided to stay about this close to my face, and sneak up to try and grab a couple extra treats while I was not looking. After a high energy time with the boys, I am inspired to try and shake off this lousy weather and have a happy and productive day.

I’ll be posting lots of pictures of out Spring/Summer 2012 yarns and patterns, but I wanted to give you a sneaky inside look at our TNNA booth.

The booth is sort of angled in a few places so it’s not easy to get a good photo.

I am so proud of these yarns and the patterns that go with them. I worked with three amazing designers and the collections are just perfect.

We used a lot of friends of the farm to do out sampling knitting this season, and as you can see, they have outdone themselves.

Hope this has whetted your appetite! I’ll try to get a proper post with lots of pics up on Tuesday.

Demi expresses her feelings on the rain.

The little lipstick smear of red on her lower lip is loose supplemental minerals. We’re making sure to feed everyone as much as they want– no White Muscle Disease this year!

Liberty

and Lundy. All this rain means lots of mud, which means we’ve got to check everyone’s hooves regularly.

Looks like Miss Emma, a first-time to-be mama this year, has also been by the mineral feeder.

Carina and Brooks

Wren having her minerals.

Mrs. Doubtfire prefers to stay out of the rain.

So does Nanny McPhee. She’s positively grinning.

And Cini holds down the fort.