Kim Ellis Designs

Beginner Knitting Classes!

2012-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

We had our first beginner classes On Saturday and it was a great success, one of the women even came in on Monday with her project completed ready to start another one, I was so excited for her. We will be running another beginner class the end of February, this time the students will be stuck with me for the instructions, I was afraid that my left handed brain would confuse them but I really can think like a right handed person when I need too!

Forgot password.

2012-01-31T07:16:00.001-08:00

OK so I have been trying to post on my blog for weeks now, but everyday that I tried I was told that it was the wrong password, i was getting frustrated with the whole process so i decided to give it a rest for a couple of days, but I told myself that today was the day I was finally going to get this resolved, tada I finally did it, and you will all be happy to know that I actually wrote the dang thing down so this won't happen again.

Welcoming 2012 with open arms

2011-12-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

I am really looking forward to the new year. Next week I will be bringing more wool product from my storage unit into the shop, it is going to be a great week. I love creating space for new things, making them fit in with their surroundings that already exist. I know that I have fleece in there just waiting for me fun, fun, fun! I will keep you all posted on my progress. Happy New Year everyone!

Feeling distracted

2011-12-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

I am feeling very distracted these days, I should really be gather my info for Suzie Q's/ Yarn Emporium (yes Yarn Emporium is the name of the wool shop)web site but I seem to keep finding excuses not to do it, soooo frustrating because this will be such a wonderful tool to help in moving forward with the next step in the business.
I have had to make some decisions in the past few months about my business and moving forward so I really need to get down to work focus focus focus!!!!
For sure the one thing I am going take 1 hour day to be completely engaged in something that really makes me feel creative. OK so lets get moving forward... HELP!

Finally!

2011-12-01T12:06:00.002-08:00

I finally did it, I have had 5 cowls ready to put the last minute touches on and I have procrastinated for about two weeks finally there are done and priced and on display in the shop, thanks to a good friend who kick my butt, well maybe not kicked it but she gave me the home work and it had to be done today! Well on to my next task Ravelry, joining a group or two.

Finally!

2011-12-01T12:06:00.001-08:00

Getting Back In The Saddle So To Speak!

2011-11-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

OK it has been a long long time since I have actually done anything about my blog, so I am going to take action again. Suzie Q's has been occupying all of my time but I have figured out away to make the two of them come together and work. KE Designs was also put on the back burner but this two can be incorporated into the store as well. I think my thinker is finally starting to kick in again hahaha! Keep checking back as I will be posting what is really going on around hear very soon, just trying to make the pieces of the puzzle all fit.

Finished bags...

2009-12-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

These are the bags that have been produce from the woven material that I put up on the blog a bit ago. Two are orders for Christmas presents. What do you think, I wouldn't mind getting one of these for a gift. Little hard to get a really good picture of them. But I wanted to make sure a did get some good or bad, before they leave me for their new owners. I hope they enjoy them....Thanks

Please can we just have snow!!!!

2009-12-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

OK! this is exactly why I absolutely positively cannot stand MUD!!!!!! please can we just have the ground freeze and stay that way just for a few days. Is it to much to ask.......

New warp colors for bags

2009-12-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

First picture is just to give you an idea of how large Aydin has grown, in this photo he is only 7 months old, he is know 9 months and even bigger still. He is such a joy (most of the time) he does have his days but still remains very sweet in nature, his favorite place to be is right beside me were ever I am. He has been over seeing the work that has been going on with the new warp on the loom, these are the latest colors that will be used for the bags. We have narrowed it down to four different bag designs and know I can just focus on colors and textures. I am so glad that we have finally narrowed it down to the four designs it makes it much easier to concentrate on what is going to be rather than always wondering what is..... Not to sure if that makes any sense to everyone but I understand it totally hahaha!! Well off to finish putting on the next warp, will keep you all posted. Hope to have some more pictures of the bags by the end of the week, keep your fingers crossed.

Home away from home for seven days

2009-11-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

This was our new home for seven days, on November 1st we set sale for the Western Caribbean my friend Liza and I enjoyed a well deserved vacation. We started by staying in Miami for Halloween night, a good time was has by all, and that was just the beginning of our adventure that took us to Cozumel, Belize , Costa Mia and finally the Cayman Islands, its hard to believe that you could jam that much into a weeks vacation but we did and we did it with style, Liza is a veteran cruiser and I was labeled the virgin, hehehe kind of funny being called that after all these years, oops sorry I digress, back to the vaca, We met a great bunch of people that we are going to do our best to keep in touch with. If you ask me to describe my trip I would just have to say "asume" I still am in a state of shock that I even did it, but I am so grateful that I did, thanks to Liza for making the whole adventure just that a wonderful adventure and something that I will never forget for a long time if ever. I will just put up a few pics but let me tell you I have an album of memories. Enjoy!

Hanging proudly and landing softly

2009-10-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well the day has finally arrived, I have four purses hanging on the wall of Treasure Gift shop in Wolfville, these are the first of the test bags that I have been weaving material for. I am very grateful to have them displayed in such a wonderful venue surround by many other variety's of wonderful handcrafted items. Treasures is definitely a great place to shop if you are in the market for a unique gift for that special someone. So if you are ever in Wolfville stop in and say hi to Michelle and her friendly staff and check out Kim Ellis Designs bags. OK enough of that, the count down is on three more sleeps before the big trip, I will be gone for eight days and will return with lots of pictures. Speaking of pictures I was in seventh heaven when this dragonfly was on my hand, they are only my most favorite flying critter in the world.

Before and After

2009-10-01T04:05:00.000-07:00

Well it sure has been awhile since my last post, sorry for that. I have been working on a hand spun yarn that would be suitable for a chunky scarf and this is what it looks like so far. I have also been weaving and felting material to be used in the making of hand bags, (should have some pic's soon). That is on the studio front. The farm on the other hand is in the process of getting ready for winter, I can't believe that I just used that word but it is just around the corner and not being prepared really stinks. I am also getting ready to go on a eight day adventure and I am so excited I have never done anything like this before in my life, for know I will keep you guessing as to what it is, but believe me it is hard to contain myself... Well off I go to deliver the felted material to my seamstress and pick up a batch of hand bags already done, can not wait for you all to see them. Oh yes I have also joined an on line sketching group as this is also one of the many things I have always wanted to know if I could master, here's hoping.

Onions and Hats????

2009-08-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

Not to sure what the onions and hats thing is all about but it seems to be the subjects I have chosen for the blog. Well for three weeks know I have been working on orders for these hats, it first started out as me knitting a sample for people to see what the hand dyed yarn would look like knit up and has know turned into a full time job!! I have knit about a dozen of them since the first one. My advice would be never place a little hat on a cute baby if you are not prepared to make anymore. Don't get me wrong it has been fun, I am just surprised at the interest in theses little fellows. Now the onions that you see in the picture along with my shadow (cool picture completely by accident) I had to harvest just after the storm as the tomato plants got flattened by the rain and in turn flattened the onions, It is all good though everything is still growing well just more at ground level now
Well today is a day of adventure I am hooking off again (two days in one month) and traveling to the south shore with a friend, we are hoping to get inspired by all the colors of nature and come back all ready to produce some wonderful textiles. (bye bye Hats) on to bigger and better things.

Playing hookie for the day!

2009-08-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

On Sunday my grandson Owen and I went on a road trip to visit a friend who has a farm in the Gaspereau Valley, way up the mountain. She mostly raises ducks and turkeys, she has a few other farm animals, goats and a few sheep. She also has three guard geese that comb the yard for intruders, they are pretty funny running around hissing as you if to say "I am the boss here and you will not cross the line while I'm in charge", (they are to funny). The first thing Owen had to do was get in with the sheep and goats, there is not an animal that he will not try and make friends with, he is truly a little farm boy. Any animal that will stay still long enough get a big hug and kiss on the head, he is such a card. The past two weeks have been a bit of a descision making time for me, and it felt good just to leave the farm for a few hours. I have got to get busy this week and start to think about gettting ready for the winter craft fairs, I really do not want to have to do that but I will wrap my head around a couple for this year, but that's it. I am enjoying the Endield market, after all it is my social event for the week. That's pretty sad when one only has one social event a week and it is selling at a farm market how sad does that sound. OK I think I just found something else that I need to rethink, I best get on it talk soon. Ps Aydin is doing great he is getting really big but remains a gentle giant, we just love him.

Happy Birthday Owen!!!!

2009-07-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Today my grandson turns three, where has the time gone? There is a special place in your heart for grandchildren which one just cannot begin to explained unless you really experience it. I remember hearing people saying that is is a wonderful and precious thing to be one, but that my friend is an understatement. Just trying to find the words to explain how I feel when I spend time with Owen is and can be just so heart warming that words escape me. Your own children hold a special place in your heart as well of course, but it is just in a different spot. I love being both a mom and grandmother and try and treasure as many moments of both as I possible can.

Basket of hand dyed goodies for the market

2009-07-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

Here is what the wall of color that was on the cloths line now looks like in a basket, yummy! It is so much fun playing with colors and textures. I cannot wait to spin the multi green colour fleece that you see in the basket with the skeins of wool, this will be a wonderful addition to a scarf or shawl or maybe even both. Well finally the sheep shearer is going to show up on Thursday or Friday, not sure of the exact day. This is always a very busy day, but well worth it, I will get to see what kind of shape the sheep are in and get to collect any fleece that is worth hand spinning, that part is always exciting. I will keep you posted on the shearing event as soon as it happens. Have a good one dear readers.

Yes!! Here comes the sun

2009-07-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

Finally a day of sunshine, I have been waiting for a day of good weather so I could do some serious wool dying. I have been working on my rugs but it just dosen't do it for me. I have to be working with wool in order to get my mojo going. After all I am known as the wool lady to the folks at the market, and we do not want to disappoint anyone. It has been pretty slow at the market the past two weeks but I am hoping that this week with the weather being not so rainy we will get more people out there, and sell sell sell!!!!
On the Aydin front, he has grown to be as big as Zack (my 6 year old border collie), he is know four months old and remains to be as gentle as can be. He loves Owen and refuses to let him out of his site. He has become much braver around the sheep and lambs and they seem to be excepting him as well. Off to do farm chores and back to work I go.

Please make the rain stop mom!!!

2009-06-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

I'm such a sucker for a cute face, Aydin comes in from the rain and waits for me to dry him off, he is such a card. I have been working like crazy to get ready for the market on Saturday, The picture I posted (not of Aydin hahaha) is sample of the new rug warp, It is the first time I have tried this technique but it is going really well. I am impressed with the look it gives the rugs. I also have lucked in to some wonderful hand dyed sock yarn from my oh so talented friend Heidi Wulfrat from London Wul Fibre Studio. This will definetly create a focal point of interest to my table. I am also going to take my spinning wheel and fleece from my own sheep to help create even more interest, a girl has to do what a girl has to do... Well back to the loom I go, four mats done one to go.

Getting ready for farm market in Elmsdale

2009-06-19T03:53:00.000-07:00

On the advice of a few great friends I am getting my act together and attend the Elmsdale farm market with my handmade fibre goods next weekend. I was hoping not to have to go that route by I think I am actually looking forward to some human contact. When you work at home you tend not to have to much of that. I do love being here with my animals, and my son but some real out side contact is a necessity from time to time. Barb was here yesterday and we were working on some design for my business cards, that was really exciting, it makes me feel like I am moving forward. On the farm side of news, I am sorry to say that we lost our little bottle lamb, he was such a little trooper. He will be missed by all. Well hihohiho it's off to work I go. Thanks to all who gave me their kind words of encouragement in the past few days. It really means a great deal to me.

Life is awsume!!!

2009-06-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

It is hard to put into words what this actually does for my heart. Is there any doubt about how cute this is, Aydin the 40lb puppy is taking care of everyone, at times he and the little orphan lamb seem inseparable, but that only last until something more exciting comes up, like Owen play in the water, that is way more interesting and fun for the moment. This puppy has such a connection with children it is totally amazing to watch. He is amazingly gentle for such a large pup. I seem to be at a lose for words today but I wanted everyone to have a little peek at what is going on here on the farm. It is just simply wonderful!!!!

Akbash puppy has arrived

2009-05-30T04:10:00.000-07:00

He is here all safe and sound. He arrived at the airport Thursday night after a two day trip from Oregon. He is 11 weeks old and weighs over 36 lbs, (just a little guy). He and I spent the day out in the field with the sheep on and off yesterday, he is a bit shy but I don't think that will last to long. The llama is not excepting him at all he attempted to attack the puppy at one point in time, I am going to have to put the llama some where away from here for awhile until the pup gets bigger. The orphan lamb and the pup hang out together a lot, and the border collie Zack makes sure everyone stays just were their suppose to. The bigger sheep and baby's are all doing well and enjoying lots nice fresh pasture. Must go I think puppy may need to pee..

Owen is that you???

2009-05-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

OK I'm beginning to think there is a conspiracy going on around here, first the sheep than the grandson, no Owen I'm afraid you cannot have this as a play house, we have cleaned it out to put all the new baby's in. On Saturday I repaired the chickens coop so the sheep could not enter anymore. It is know sheep proof but obviously not child proof hahaha!!! I love it. Two more sleeps before my guardian puppy arrives. The pup is coming from Oregon I will keep you posted on his arrival.

Do you see anything wrong with this picture???

2009-05-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

OK the picture of the building you see is a chicken coop. Unless we are growing some new breed of chicken called a SHEEP!!! I'm pretty sure that is not were that crazy sheep is suppose to be. I always leave the door open a crack for the hens to come and go as they please, but never did I expect it to turn into a sheep barn.. I'm not sure if she is unhappy in the other BIG barn or if she is just wondering what it would be like to be a chicken?? Who knows for sure.

Sheepy Sheepy Everywere!!!!!

2009-05-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

They are finally home!

There are sheep every where . It is so great to have them home with me. It feels like a new beginning, one that I am truly grateful for. The move went by without a hitch thanks to the three guys that were there to help (Thanks so much guys). It feels a little surreal at this point, I wish you all could just hear them baaing away, they seem to be very happy running around discovering their new surroundings.. I wish I could understand sheep talk hehehe.

Oh yes and I must not forget to mention the little devil that has taken up residence in the house, he has adopted one of my rag rugs as his own, he has imprinted me and won't let me out of his site. He is a bottle baby that his mom was not producing enough milk for, so I became the mom, bottle feeding every two hours during the day until he gets strong enough to be put back with the herd.

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

And that it is, the first thing to greet me today was the few tulips that decided to open up over night as you can see from the picture. Next we move onto the sweet sounds of baby chicks chirping happily away, over to the barn and I am greeted by the two runt pigs with there welcoming snorts (because I have food for them of course) and last but not least the sheep hollering at me because I have left them for last. I ask you what more could a mother ask for? Oh yes, and of course there are the two legged children in my life that have greeted me with Happy Mothers Day wishes as well.

This little piggy!!!

2009-05-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

Well it may seem that I have totally taken leave of my senses, but could anyone out there leave these two cute little runts behind? I ask you?? I went to visit my sheep on Friday with my friend Karin. They are still lambing but I should be able to bring them home in about a week or so. I was just going to check out the sheep, but one should never take a fellow farmer with you that is interested in pigs. After spending time with the sheep we took a walk over to the pig barn so
Karin could check out the breeding stock. Well there they were these little tiny runts just running around like they owed the place, the next words out of my mouth were that they were so cute!!! the next thing I knew was that they were in a box filled with hay in my hands and destine for my farm. So there you have it never take a fellow farmer to visit your sheep or you could end up with piggies. I luv it!!! Thanks L. they are wonderful..

Newest Additions

2009-04-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well I figured if I'm going to be farming on a much larger scale, I might as well go for it. These are Black Aussie chicks ranging from one day old to ten days old. There are fourteen in total. I am hoping that the chicken gods do not bless me with to many roosters, but one never knows what will happen when you have a mixed bag. The sheep on the other hand I know immediately what I'm getting. I really like that whole concept much better. Well here it goes, just another adventure in farming and I do love farming. Ciaou for know.

Workin with color

2009-04-28T04:05:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I just get to let my imagination run wild. I have a lime green color for a warp on the loom and ten brand new colors to work with, from green to blues to pinks to reds etc...I am even going to throw some of the frabjous silk fibres in the mix. I promise to take some pictures. Oh yes and by the way all the other colors WOOL of course.. Have a good one

New Day

2009-04-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

As we go along in life what I have realized is there are doers and there are dreamers, and in the past week If I had any doubt about whether I was one or the other it became very clear that I am defiantly a doer. As a friend of my said you have gone from pause into fast forward, and that is exactly what it feels like. In a little more then a week I have gone from owning ten sheep into being the proud owner of forty some ewes, twenty plus lambs and a couple rams, life is good here on the farm.