Still knitting, still farming, still keeping super busy! I apologize for abandoning this space. We are all ok! I didn't intend to worry anyone and I am so thankful for all the emails and comments during my hiatus. My camera broke the day we processed the chickens and just came back to me right before the holidays which made it difficult for me to keep up with blogging, Flickr, Ravelry and my Etsy shop since so much of what I love and need to share is image based. I've always looked at life through the lense so after my camera broke I guess I ended up just looking around with my own eyes for a while. It was kind of nice. But, it's back now, I'm back now and I hope we can all catch up where we left off last time.
The chickens, ah, the chickens! Greg and I processed all 50 birds on our own and it was a tremendous success. We have been roasting a bird a week, getting at least two meals from each (they were giants!) and nothing compares to the flavor and satisfaction you get from eating something you've raised and handled from day one to the moment it's on the table. If you are interested in any more details (weights, methods, breeds, storage etc.) about the process just let me know in comments and I'll be glad to oblige. It was a lot of work but I look forward to doing it again when the time comes.
I've been knitting lots and lots lately. This is a hat I just knit for my brother. All the details have been Raveled. I have lots of other projects to share as soon as I can catch up with the photography. I also have another freebie pattern to share that I am really excited about! So, stay tuned.
Is any one else finding it extremely difficult to keep track of all of our online spaces? Yikes. Let's see, you can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest now too. Oh boy. Raise your hand if you *love* Pinterest! I haven't had much time to do too much of my own pinning but I love seeing what everyone else is finding. It's so inspiring.
So, how is everyone?! I hope you all had a lovely Fall, Holiday Season and that your year is off to a pleasant start. I miss you! Tell me what's been going on in your world since August. xoxo Spidey
I was wondering how the chicken processing went since it was the last entry. Glad you're back, and I'm excited to see what you've got cooking!
Posted by: Sassafrass | January 08, 2012 at 08:39 PM
it went really well! we did 10 one night after greg got home from work to get our groove back and then a friend watched our kids for an entire day over the weekend and we processed the remaining birds. all by hand. they were real fatties! averaging 7.2lbs. some we just split right down the center so we have two "chicken halves" for the grill come spring and summer. the rest were frozen whole. they are delicious! it was a success.
Posted by: Abi | January 08, 2012 at 09:35 PM
Welcome back!!! Looking forward to reading about all that you mentioned! xo
Posted by: corinne | January 08, 2012 at 10:23 PM
thanks corinne :)
Posted by: Abi | January 08, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Yeah! I keep checking every few weeks to see if you had come back. Things are going well here in the desert. In fact I'll be having a great giveaway starting tomorrow for soapnuts if you want to drop by! I love that hat. I don't know what I'd do if my camera broke.
Posted by: KC | January 08, 2012 at 10:45 PM
So good to hear your voice again! I follow your blog through Ravelry. Your hard work is always inspiring.
Posted by: Julie | January 09, 2012 at 07:00 AM
Yay! You're back! I've been wondering where you'd gone... I haven't had time to leave a comment, but I was thinking about you.
Posted by: Dahlia | January 09, 2012 at 08:16 AM
Good to see you back, Abi! I was thinking about you recently when I was on Rav.
Things are going pretty well over at Hermit Thrush Hill. I'm trying to get Sean onboard for doing another round of meat chickens--what breed did you raise?
Posted by: Melissa Bramble | January 09, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Yay and Happy New Year!
Posted by: libby | January 09, 2012 at 11:41 AM
it was so hard not having my camera. i had my cell phone camera and ipod but it's just not the same. thanks for the heads up about your giveaway and about the hat and for sticking with me! xoxo
Posted by: Abi | January 09, 2012 at 02:18 PM
thank you so much julie xoxo
Posted by: Abi | January 09, 2012 at 02:18 PM
and i about you too! hope all is well! glad to be in touch again xoxo
Posted by: Abi | January 09, 2012 at 02:18 PM
hey melissa! silly sean, doesn't he want some good eating? ;) these guys were monsters but they were the best. they were jumbo cornish cross from murray mcmurray. we raised them until approx 10 weeks (but that was longer than recommended, we just couldn't get to them sooner) and averaged a 7.2lb bird dressed. the smallest was 6.9. you could easily raise these until 6-8 weeks and end up with a 5lb-er. they were vigorous, healthy, easy peasy to pluck and efficient converters. the meat on them is outstanding and full everywhere, breast, thigh, leg. we raised all roosters. i can't recommend them highly enough. hope that helps you win your argument short of me offering to come and help you pluck! ;)
Posted by: Abi | January 09, 2012 at 02:23 PM
hi libby! happy new year to you too! xoxo
Posted by: Abi | January 09, 2012 at 02:24 PM
Funny - We don't know each other, but I have enjoyed your blog so. I did begin to wonder if you were abandoning it because you are so busy. I am glad you are back and sharing your knitting, animals and family with us.
We are hoping to get chickens for the first time this spring and I'm really nervous. Any good websites or books to suggest?
Posted by: Pam from Kansas | January 09, 2012 at 04:33 PM
I love that you love pinterest - me, too!!!
Posted by: gilda | January 09, 2012 at 08:10 PM
Oh and me too! It is the most inspiring place and a great way to capture all those amazing finds around the internet! :D
Posted by: Mousy Brown | January 10, 2012 at 07:54 AM
I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK!! And YES I am shouting! Happy all is well and you have returned to us. I get attached. :)
Posted by: Sonya-Dime Store Thrift | January 10, 2012 at 10:46 AM
Aw, thanks! I know exactly what you mean. Things are great, hectic, but great. I can't wait to catch up :) xoxo
Posted by: Abi | January 11, 2012 at 10:04 AM
it really is, i couldn't agree more. it's a curated eye candy extravaganza!! see you guys over there too :)
Posted by: Abi | January 11, 2012 at 10:05 AM
It's amazing. See you there!
Posted by: Abi | January 11, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Hi Pam , I have been really busy but mostly the camera breaking did me in. My desire to share starts first with images and it was hard doing without the camera for so long. But it was nice taking a break from looking at the world through that perspective too, just with my eyes. So different.
Congrats on your upcoming chickens! I'm so excited for you. We were so nervous when we started our first flock. Did you check out my post on starting your flock? That is all you need to really get you going. I don't have any physical books I refer to. Once you start picking up chicken feed and mingling with chicken folk they will be your best resource along with the pure joy and ease of taking care of them. Email me any time if you need to ask questions too! Have you picked breeds yet?
http://spiderwomanknits.typepad.com/swk/2010/05/starting-your-backyard-flock-brooding-101.html
Posted by: Abi | January 11, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Welcome back. So glad all is well. I checked every day and really missed you. I really needed something good to happen today and here you are! Thanks. Happy New Year.
Posted by: Joleen | January 11, 2012 at 04:17 PM
YAY! Happy to see you here again, Abi!!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 12, 2012 at 08:19 PM
wow, am I happy to have you back! I am glad it was just a camera. we've missed you! happy new year!
Posted by: Kathy | January 14, 2012 at 03:06 AM
So happy to see you again!
Posted by: Donnalee | January 16, 2012 at 02:55 PM
I know just what mean. Our computer went down on the 5th of Jan. and it doesn't dawn on anyone just how much we come to depend on these modern little miracles of technology in our daily lives until we no longer have them around. Welcome back and glad to hear all is well with you and yours. Looking forward to your upcoming blogs and ideas, love them.
Posted by: Marie | January 18, 2012 at 12:07 PM