We went to Natick Organic Farm yesterday afternoon to visit the animals. I love this farm. It is five minutes from Wellesley center and so low key and easy to enjoy. The goats came right up to the fence as we parked the car so the girls ran out to pick dandelion greens from the grass to feed them. And the goats ate from their hands. We observed their full udders and watched them lock horns with each other.
Then we walked through the big barn and saw the dozens of baby turkeys squaking under the warm lights. The girls remember last fall when the farm was full of big turkeys right before Thanksgiving.
And then we visited the rabbits, including six tiny white rabbits with red eyes. The farmers were just collecting eggs from the hen house and I bought a dozen eggs right then to take home with us. We had great omelets this morning.
Then we watched the goats being milked, and being stubborn about returning to their pen. Stella sang, "Baa baa black sheep" to a black sheep she was patting. Overall, a wonderful way for the three of us to spend a cloudy and cool June afternoon.
A new Springtime bird in yellow and gold is now up in my shop. I'm looking forward to a weekend of sunnier weather.
And now, for the question. I am considering doing a make-a-long here on my blog. My idea is that I would select a short poem that would inspire illustration. Anyone who wants to join in would make a soft toy or soft sculpture or other fiber-related craft (quilting, needle felting, knitting or crocheting or whatever it is that you enjoy) to interpret the poem in some way. I think a month or so would be long enough to get our ideas flowing and finish something. Then, you can post it to Flickr in group that I will create for the purpose and you can see what everyone has made. How neat it will be to look at all of the interpretations of a single poem! Just to sweeten the deal, after the final date to post has passed I will draw a name from those who have posted and send you a nice big package of vintage fabric.
So, would you like to play? I hope so. Now, to select a poem. I am searching through my old college poetry books this morning, but really welcome your ideas. If you have a thought, feel free to comment here or email me. I hope you are as excited as I am about this little make-a-long!
Carrie says
That sounds like so much fun! I need a challenge to get me back into sewing.
Here’s my favorit poem….Instructions
by Neil Gaiman
http://www.endicott-studio.com/cofhs/cofinstr.html
It offers a huge scope for artistic interpretation
Eva says
That sounds like a lot of fun 🙂 I would be up for it…
jess says
I would love to make-along with you!
frog says
Most certainly I would be up for that! I’ll try and rack my brains for some suggestions.
frog says
How beautiful! Such a cunning use of fairy tales.
Lynn in Tucson says
I think that’s a great idea!
Jodie says
What a great idea – I’d love to join in.
Now my mind is filling with crazy creatures from poems already!
Melissa Crowe says
Um, YES! (I’m a poet and a fiber artist, so I’m pretty sure you must be able to read my mind, my dear!)
This Emily Dickinson poem immediately came to mind:
#1755
To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,
One clover, and a bee.
And revery.
The revery alone will do,
If bees are few.
sarah says
farm fresh eggs make all the difference!
i’m thinking i’d like to play along! sounds fun!
abbyjane says
You’re the best, Melissa. This is so evocative. I think this is the one!
Mama Urchin says
I think the make-along is a fantastic idea.