Barbara givin' some well-earned love to one of her sheep.

Maggie’s Farm is a magical place, and epitomizes what I am working towards to create my own little piece of Nirvana. Friend Barbara (Maggie is the family dog) has created a modest operation supplying fresh produce to the weekly farmers market, and sheep-to-scarf wool products for purchase. Barbara and her husband raise a small herd of sheep (Lincoln x CVM), where each one is named and loved, and the flock is sheered twice a year to supply Barbara with the wool that she cleans, dyes, and spins into wonderful yarns. The yarn is available for purchase on their website, and Barbara also weaves the yarn into beautiful shawls, which are also for sale.

Barbara has been practicing her craft for 25 years, and several years ago she decided to take the leap and bring sheep onto the land to close the supply loop. It’s not only wonderful to visit her cute-as-heck herd, it’s also inspiring to see someone who can weave their own blankets, clothing, shawls, and more in a completely self sufficient system. And not only is her system self sufficient it also follows organic principles and standards, from the wool she supplies to the vegetables she sells at market. According to Barbara, the sheep are especially fond of the garlic she grows, and so are we at Rural Spin! It is delicious.

Check out the Maggie’s Farm website if you’re interested in purchasing one of Barbara’s beautiful shawls, or some of her yarn.