The Sumner Farming Community

Last evening the Sumner Local Farmers met in our new building for the monthly gathering. There were There were 10 of us regulars sitting around the circle, and two guests. We chatted about our new building, our Natural Fiber Showcase and celebration, various concerns and plans for the future.

The guests talked about plans for an agricultural fair in our area. We started brainstorming, which we do very well, about a fair with animals, music, a goat chariot race, and a sheep to shawl contest. Then we started throwing out potential concerns, parking, effect on the hay field, liability, state regulations. The guests are currently looking for 40 acres of field, and they are thinking big..lots of people. They are wanting to have the local community behind the plan, and promote a true sense of community. No fairway rides, just good old fashioned fun. This is all in the early planning stages, and it was neat to be part of at the ground level.
It will be interesting to see what develops.

The phone rang, and Larry and Pauline had to leave quickly. The cows were out....again! Some lingered to chat a while, talk about the Norway Grange Farmers Market and the barn dance.

I think we all left the meeting feeling a stronger sense of connection. I am thinking now of my new mantra, which is "Live Simply, Care deeply, Speak kindly, and Love Generously." Please pass it on.

Creative Youth

One of the best parts of the weekend was the young people. Our grandchildren, Macie, Kalyn, Mattison, and James provided tours of the farm for anyone who would go along with them. They showed off the Finnsheep, the ewes in the orchard field with Lester, the Border Leicester ram, the ram lambs in the pole barn, and the angora goats in the timber frame barn. The made sure people saw Bubba, our draft horse, the laying hens and the guinea chicks. One visitor said: "the kids are doing a great job...so good to see children involved in the farm, knowing so much about all that happens here."

I really enjoyed seeing so many young folks on Saturday afternoon in the workshops space having fun with fiber. Several young teens sat on the braided rug to knit. One six year old sat with me for 20-30 minutes learning to knit, and by the end of that time was knitting on her own. James, age 7 really wanted to spin some wool he had carded, and Mark helped him and several others create yarn at the spinning wheel. Mattison showed off her own carded, handspun yarn to anyone who would take a moment to appreciate it. Kalyn could hardly stay away from the carder. One 9 year old was learning to crochet. Several will be back for more lessons in the coming weeks.

We are pleased to offer a place for many to learn how to create with fiber.
For the fall and winter class schedule stay tuned to our web site. Postings will be there soon.

In the meantime Live simply, Speak kindly, Care deeply, and Love generously.

First Annual Natural Fiber Showcase at the Farm

The Natural Fiber Showcase was absolutely beautiful.


Over 30 people submitted a total of 51 pieces for the show and every entry deserved an award. There were more 130 people who voted for their favorites in each of the categories, which included youth, handspun yarn, needle work, felted work, woven, basketry, and hand crafted. Awards were the "peoples choice".

Rebecca Zicarelli led the awards ceremony after the Saturday Community Supper. The best of show award was awarded to Brenda Ellis Souro, of The Painted Mermaid in Norway, Maine for her hooked rug titled "Moonlit Lovers".

The winner in the youth category was Kalyn McGuire for her needle felted "Puppy". In the needlework category Elaine Szott took first for her "Sheep Dog and Lamb".

The Weaving category was won by Linda Whiting for her tapestry weaving called "Sheep Clouds". First place for Basketry was a "Red Stripe Basket" by Bill Hermon, of Sumner.

First in the Hand Crafted category was Jen Applebee's "Fairies" created using a clothespin, an acorn hat, milkweed pod wings and wool locks for hair. First place for handspun yarn went to Mary Ann Haxton and for Felted Works to Marty Elkin for her "First Snow" Needlefelted framed art.

Congratulations to everyone who earned first place awards and to everyone who entered.

The First Annual Natural Fiber Showcase planning team did an outstanding job with advertising, hanging, and recording entries. The display of fiber art was hung by Liz Coburn with Terri Dunns assistance. The showcase awards were beautifully designed and needle felted by Kate Chesley. Terri also kept an eagle eye on the display all weekend, returned many of the pieces to their owners, and helped clean up. Photography credits go to Kate Chesley, also the architect for the building itself. Thanks to everyone who helped make our celebration a success!

More memories will be shared tomorrow...stay tuned.
M&M