The Team Little Flock: Winter is presently raising funds for feed and habitat for Swedish Ducks and the rescue animals staying and visiting. Thank you for sharing it with us. To see the most current activity, you are invited to view the Updates and Activity pages (Tab page headings above). You are also welcome to view the Gallery (above and to the left) and check out the various gifts included with donations following down the right of the pages. Enjoy, and thank you for visiting!
Original Story detail
In a small cabin community in the northern woods of Minnesota we have experienced a critical increase in stormy weather with all the hardship and hazards of winter. We are reaching out to call for help in a threefold campaign to: REPAIR roofs on the cabin and animal shelter buildings and strengthen their support beams; PROTECT and PROVISION the local animal life including a three generation flock of Blue Swedish ducks,* the aging companion dog and the deer with their offspring young; RETOOL and support vehicles for critical repairs and safety including the Jeep wagon used for supplies and those endeavoring to keep the road open.
I believe that pictures sometimes say it better than words, so will add what we can to the gallery photos, you are invited to see them. To read the rest of the story, please see below.
....
If you travel south to the edge of the boreal forest you will reach
the area where the massive northern forests greet wetlands. It's an
area where many animals migrate to create habitat and bear their
young. It is presently also an area which forecasts winter for six
months or longer with ice drenched roads and temperatures plummeting
to 41 degrees below zero followed by rains and flooding. Does that
mean the weather and climate are fixed, unchanging? No.
To
me, it means that they are all changing for the planet, like the
woods, is alive, heating with rapid glacial melt and struggling to
survive. Into this world of catastrophic change we may know that if we
wish to save ourselves and our earth, we need to listen to the
children, the animals and the plants, even the woods, oceans, coral,
atmosphere and its protective magnetosphere. We are alive, on a living
planet. Together they are indicators of truth. They all show us the
way. Indeed, they are trying to do that for us now.
So then,
who is the Little Flock?
Well, in a nearly infinite Universe with
a generous Creator who loves us, we are all the Little Flock: All the
people. All those we care for. All that we do. Whether you abide in a
large world or find a little precious space, in the Creator's gaze,
nothing we do is wasted. We are all God's little flock. And, though
the storms of the world affect all of us differently, we can in our
heart of prayer, know that when we listen, we are all alive together.
I still do believe that.
Where I live, in my part of the
Little Flock, we have near rainforest conditions for part of the
summer (as they also do in the islands near Alaska, so they tell me).
We have months of ice and mud, storms and rain and sunshine. Bearing
all these things are the stalwart trees and all the creatures
including the deer, and here too are the flock of Swedish ducks and
their guardian dog Stanley. They were brought here several years ago.
They learned how to be woods dwellers instead of animal factory
dwellers. They learned to bond and parent, hatch and raise their own
young. Their guardian dog is also a rescue animal with special care
for his advanced age.
It is humbling to think of how to best
speak for them since they themselves speak with their whole lives. All
I can offer is that here, these and other animals are not domestic,
not wild but just authentically themselves and protected. They are
talked with and asked what they need and they live and act as
individuals. With some of the grandmother's nearing their 80th year
(in human terms) the young ducks have their mothers and grandmothers
and grandsires to learn from. They have a flock awareness and their
own ways of communicating by calls, expressions, wing and dance. They
experience both the wetlands and the shelter of buildings. There is
fencing to guard them from predators and hunters who are many. But
they have reclaimed their quiet space. They have taught us their
dances. Sadly, this year, we had only one new young one.
The
storms have made it difficult. The buildings need reinforcement just
to bear the weight of ice and winter. The roads in and out have been
ice skating rinks avoided by even the hardiest. The vehicles would
lose gear no matter how slowly they were moving. Some of the snow and
ice they were moving was well more than eight feet high. The jeep
wagon and the plow truck are in crucial need of repair.
...We are
reaching out for the preservation of the little flock, for critical
repairs to the roofs and supporting beams of the small cabin and their
shelters; and the means to bring in supplies and keep the road open to
sustain the community through another winter.
You are invited to view the gallery. You may see that how the animals speak for themselves is by what they live and by who they are.
Some day we may also notice our own generations of children are trying speak their lives by who they are while there is still time to do that too.
I hope we listen to preserve all the best we can, however great or small. On behalf of the little flock, many thanks with prayers for your help and hope.
*creaturely photos included. The changing population of Swedish ducks has been seen on the watched list for years. At one time there were no more than 5,000 left in the world. The guard dog is a fifteen year old friendly with dedicated special needs.
Perks
- 1 claimed
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Castles Cathedrals and Monasteries, miniature print with views; promotional incentive, as is, free of charge.
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This area of rewards includes photo collections, media, books, and e-books. I am quite excited about being able to share in this way. The first collection is of the deer and wildlife taken over the last four years here. When you choose the deer collection, it comes on a fast portable drive compatible with most Mac, Apple, Android, and Windows, with easy instructions. The images are viewable in any software accepting jpg, png, mp4, and mov. It stores up to 64 gigabytes and can move between your devices for your own storage. You can use these Collection (I & II) images to draw, paint, design for your own artwork professionally, or for individual personal use. The original photos and videos themselves are copyrighted here. They have been successfully installed on various resolution live playing photo-video art frames for others. The small drive is a wonderful and relatively easy way to share a whole bundle of photos and short videos! The second variant includes another collection of the last two years from Jay Cooke State Park. Together, there are well over 500 photos and short videos. The photos and videos are from wildlife cams, LgG8 and a vintage Nokia with Zeiss Optics. If you are delighted with them, you have support for storage with more to add later! Even if one was disappointed by the photos in any way, you may keep the working storage to use however you wish. You may return it for another brand such as Samsung Bar+ or choose ahead from available alternatives for a specific operating system purpose or concern. Whether for transfer, storage, or read-writing across systems, one may be here to try and to be glad about the choice. Thank you for watching and your care for Team Little Flock. May you enjoy it!
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The offering for February-March recalling saints Brigid and Patrick is a unique project in crochet: a tunic, long vest or robe for meditation/prayer which may also be used as a poncho, cape, throw or light camping blanket to keep out the chill. It is about thirty-nine inches wide and a little longer. When unfolded the long way, it becomes a full length light blanket. It is made in panels of Queensland Collection Brisbane Australia superwash wool and Lion Brand Wool-Ease 20% mixed wool and acrylic. It is easy care wash and dry gently, a pullover top with straight collar and open sides; and comes with two ties: one crocheted in the Queensland pattern, and one traditional monastic tie. To read about it in more detail please visit the Keepsakes, Ltd. Tab page. To see it in other views, please check out the most recent Gallery photos. Later it may be offered in sizes and designs made to order. It varies by availability of the materials. Thank you for visiting!
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Medium to heavy weight wool & acrylic blend bed stockings including Lion Brand Scarfie with Bamboo Cotton, Lion Brand Wool Ease Natural Heather with Bamboo Cotton, Lion Brand Scarfie Ice/Gold with Schoppel Wolle Wool/Nylon, Purple Red Heart with Willow Yarns Verbena and other wool blends. They are soft comfortable tube stockings about 22 inches long and gently stretch to 14.5 inches circumference. Machine wash gentle, dry flat for best results or tumble dry low. You can turn and rotate them and fit to several sizes. A good choice for cold or cooler weather. Best for gentle at home comfort use. Do not bleach wool items. Have a cozy day!
A light weight Spring-Summer sun and gardening hat with hand crocheted shells throughout in Lion Brand Rewind Hawaiian Ocean yarn, a washable rayon-polyester hat to fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are. Machine or hand wash, dry flat, no bleach.
A light weight Spring-Summer sun and gardening hat hand crocheted in Lion Brand Rewind yarn in Willow, Capri Breeze, or other colors. This washable polyester/rayon hat can fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are. It is also made in wonderful washable cotton in purples and green; and in white, sage green, gold; in other colors as available or in acrylic choices to be decided later. Please machine or hand wash, dry flat, no bleach.
A light weight Spring-Summer sun and gardening hat in a classic shape with a wide brim but soft, washable, foldable done in Lion Brand Rewind Willow yarn, a washable rayon-polyester hat to fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are. Machine or hand wash, dry flat, no bleach.
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A Spring-Summer gardening hat hand crocheted in washable cotton that can fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are and whether as garden bonnet or sun hat, you can adjust the tie for your look; in jute and blue multicolor accents, sage green with purple multicolor accents or other colors to be agreed later. Please machine or hand wash, dry flat.
Cabled Crochet Hat 2 includes special materials wool and acrylic in Lion Brand Scarfie Bluestone yarn together with Landscapes yarn about 23 1/2 inches around; this is a delicate or hand wash dry flat item with pom pom and yarn tie for adjusting.
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The Keepsakes Ltd tab describes this prayer bracelet in detail, made of Murano Lampwork glass beads and stainless steel chain, with adjustable fittings and lobster claw clasp. For now there are only two, one in royal blue and aquamarine with sky blue flowers and one in emerald green and blue, also with flowers. At this time they ship USPS Ground Advantage with tracking. With many thanks.
Watch cap and cowl set knit in Plymouth yarns Encore Colorspun Blueberry Ombre, 25% wool and acrylic, machine wash and gentle tumble dry. Cap and cowl use rolled brim edging, cap may extend to 14 inches by 23 circumference; cowl to 12 inches long. It's a nice set to take and go, or swap, wearable for two on an outing. This Plymouth yarn is in shades of blueberry to navy with a touch of sky.
This is a Premier yarns Colorfusion Seaside yarn in a look for winter or early spring. Their design hints at sandy beaches with blue waters on a bright horizon. As a painting, you can almost see the small trees and birds in flight. As a cap, it's knit, double layered and acrylic with a bright pom pom you can change or adjust. It is super soft, hearty enough for winter and stretches to 12 inches long with cuff on, and up to 23 inches wide. It is machine washable, tumble dry (no bleach or iron), a yarn tested eco friendly and safely free from allergens.
This is a lovely cowl/dickie/ruffled collar/neck warmer in Nordica design yarn. It is about 12 inches long with circumference to 23 as needed. It is a light weight, airy, rolled edge and easy pullover for a bit of warmth and design on a cool day. It's machine washable on cold, tumble dry. It has been tested for allergies and family fine (Oeko-tex Standard 100) rendered in shades of spearmint for Spring.
Seaside Cowl/neck warmer matches the double layer knit hat (above). It is fashioned in Premier Colorfusion Seaside acrylic yarn with a roll brim which may also be turned into a cuff. It is stretchy without tight boundaries to up to 15 inches long or circumference 24. Pulled up it becomes a face covering. Folded in half it becomes a wide headband with ruffled top. A ribbon threaded near the top can give it ties or turn it into a hat. It is medium to light weight good for indoor outdoor use; machine wash, dry, no bleach or iron. It is one piece lovely for so many things. Enjoy!
Arm Gauntlets or Leggings are hand made crochet: two open end cylinders about 19 inches long and can stretch up to 14 inch circumference. They are made from wonderful Noro Silk Garden yarn including wool (40%), silk (25%), nylon (25%), and kid mohair (10%). The stitch is a backstitch single crochet allowing for strength and stretch. They can be used for arm gauntlets, long Victorian fingerless gloves, leggings with open toe ends, slouchies. They are offered as is, you can make them into what you like & mend or change. Care is dry clean or hand wash dry flat. Noro is Japanese hand dyed yarn with varying design and colors, there is nothing quite like it. Crochet is based on fisherman's knots: together these have a fragile beauty and their own kind of strength, good pieces to take care of. They are your bonus at the $31 level. Happy Holidays!
These are hand gauntlets, fingerless gloves in a shell pattern from Verbena Superwash wool in indigo and purple ombre with bamboo cotton and/or linen in blue. Supply is limited; and if by special request Noro Silk Garden's hand dyed colorways in 40% wool, 25% silk, 10% mohair. All varieties for indoor or outdoor use depending on climate. Light to medium weight they are decorative and functional offering some protection from cold and sun, at about 11-12 inches long with stretch to circumference 9.5 inches Colors are as above, and varied as available. Now also in other wool blends or acrylic to be agreed upon later. Hand wash dry flat for a gift that lasts, with a 20% off promo until Oct. 16th.
These hand gauntlets in shades of teal are similar to those in Noro Silk Garden but they are warmer, medium weight washable and dryable acrylic. They follow the design of inner fold, high point at the forefingers, low at the pinkies, outer seams and room to extend a thumb between the shells. They can be worn in different seasons but the shell pattern may let in rain or snow. So when you wish design in hand gauntlets, they are comfortable alone; but one can also wear magic gloves beneath them in uncertain weather. In trying out these different things you may find you have a pleasant style and comfort in wearing them in changing conditions too.
Medium weight wool acrylic blend stockings including Plymouth Encore matched with special design and reinforcing threads like golden bamboo cotton, Aegean blue bamboo cotton, iris Silkpaca, flax/linen and others as available. Visit the selection menu to view the choices. They are soft comfortable tube stockings about 24 inches long and gently stretch to 14.5 inches circumference. Depending on the blend they are machine washable tumble dry low or hand wash/dry flat for best results. You can turn and rotate them and fit to several sizes. A good backup for any cooler day. Best for gentle at home comfort use. May depend upon yarn availability. Do not bleach wool items. Have a wonderful day!
A comfortable twenty-four inch medium weight tube stocking with few bindings made out of acrylic for at home lounging, slipper, and comfort use. They are presently available in Red Heart Prints Macaw or Wildflower and Seaside Ombre. Please machine or hand wash and dry.
Woven comfort stockings for special occasions, these are fashioned from Plymouth yarns Encore Colorspun and Noro Silk Garden to 22 inch length and 14.5 circumference. This stocking stretches both ways to accommodate fit with about 32% wool, together with acrylic and the silk and mohair of Noro. That means they are warm but breathe with the added smoothness and strength of silk. The combination of two yarns woven with Noro color patterns makes them an art stocking to hand wash, lay flat to dry, offered as part of this fundraiser for animal care, feed, and habitat.
These are double knit soft yarn stockings made from a straight run of Lion Brand Scarfie in bluestone (22% wool) and Ferris Wheel blue acrylic yarn. The yarns together create a repeating pattern of light and dark in complimentary colors (but not the same). They are good for comfort, lounging, with slippers & no ties or bindings, an extra layer of home warmth in winter. They are 22 inches long stretch wide to 15 inches as needed with an average length somewhere between crew and knee high. These are stockinette tube socks, with three extra yards of yarn for darning or change in recommended hand wash, dry flat. What they do is bring back softness and thickness to stockings without polyester or binding; what they provide: up to one bag of feed (corn is at 12, mash at 15, and pellets 22-29). When you donate at the $15 level, you have these as heartfelt thanks.
This is a mixed yarn acrylic cabled hat, wash and dry on gentle; yarns include Caron Simply Soft taupe, Vanna's Choice barley and Red Heart's very blues macaw. It's a lovely set of blues but includes a faux fur silver fox pom pom to add on or remove, as desired.
This many colored Watch Cap is a large, stretch 23-26 inches, made of Lion Brand Landscapes Mountain Range acrylic yarn reinforced with strong Noro Silk Garden yarn in 40% lamb's wool, 25% silk, 25% nylon and 10% kid mohair. Fits many adult sizes, cuff may be folded down. Recommended hand wash dry flat. This Noro yarn is like no other. Neat! It lasts.
This is only made by request. It depicts a wintry mountain range (possibly reminiscent of Alaska) on rough edged slate. It is 8x11" with stand. A unique gift for the holidays, as is, shipping costs covered. Please inquire ahead as to whether this item is currently available. See gallery view for perspective.
This cap is a tonal in taupe to cream from Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. It is a light bulky but warm 78% acrylic and 22% soft wool; recommend hand wash, dry flat, comes with faux fox fur pom pom; cap may be worn with cuff or as long slouchie, a comfortable choice either way.
These are hand gauntlets, mitts, fingerless gloves made from Noro Silk Garden's uniquely hand dyed colorways in 40% wool, 25% silk, 10% mohair for indoor or outdoor use depending on climate. Lightweight in silk and wool they are decorative and functional offering some protection from cold and sun, at about 11 inches long with stretch to circumference 9 1/2 inches. Color is #458. Dry clean or hand wash dry flat for a gift that lasts.
Keepsakes, Ltd.
Keepsakes, Ltd
August 9, 2025
Keepsakes Ltd. now offers the beautiful early 1900s St. Joan pendant imported from France. At about half the cost of finding it, it is listed as an option in the Keepsake $25 perks and rewards. To select it, one would choose the perk Keepsake $25, select St. Joan pendant one only. For now, the shipping is at $7.15 added to any item in that category. This one is vintage, aged and still lovely. Thank you for looking.
March 19, 2025
Thank you for visiting! This offering recollecting Saints Brigid and Patrick is a unique project in crochet: a tunic, long vest or robe for meditation/prayer and may also be used as poncho, cape, throw or light camping blanket to keep out the chill. As in history, this indoor outdoor outerwear may be helpful in a variety of weather and conditions. It is made in panels of Queensland Collection Brisbane Australia superwash wool and Lion Brand Wool-Ease 20% mixed wool and acrylic. It is easy care wash and dry gently, a pullover top with straight collar and open sides; and comes with two ties: one crocheted in the Queensland pattern, and one traditional monastic tie.
It is about thirty-nine inches wide and a little longer. When unfolded the long way, it becomes a full length blanket. It is gifted with the small amethyst bracelet for healing and hope (shown in the Gallery), and comes with a guarantee that whoever wishes to take it home may wear it for up to six months and return it (shipping covered) to swap for something else, if more desired. Please take a moment to view the detailed photos in the Gallery. As always with a prototype piece, I am requesting the cost of yarn and your desire to try it out over time and see if it can become a blessing for comfort, travel and prayer.
The Queensland Collection Brisbane yarn plus Wool-Ease and monastic tie comes to $101. and represents a yarn cost with included coupon at Etsy. The yarn is sturdy, soft, high quality with a long colorway called Greenfin Parrotfish -- at the time purchased they were all colorways from myriad sea creatures. It was uniquely wonderful to do. I noticed that even at an unusual row count and length it was something of a rare coincidence that the greenfin panel colorways held true with their own gently blended progression. Hopes are high that something glad may come for you in any choice, please feel free to consider and take a second look in the Gallery photos to see if this selection feels right.
To choose this perk please go to the Update Tab and choose the first feature item on the right side, Saints Brigid and Patrick Crochet for Rest or Travel.
Thank you for receiving the newsletter and thank you for visiting. Take care, with prayers.
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February 15, 2025
I am grateful to be offering this collection of woolens from what still remains up north. Some are newer than others, but all are the Best of Wool! At this time we have 4 sets of winter night/bedtime stockings. The first listing is Lion Brand Scarfie Ice/Gold with Schoppel Wolle wool and nylon reinforcing yarn. Scarfie is a long dye pattern 22% wool and washable with acrylic. Schoppel Wolle is high on its mark for stocking and boot stockings yarns. You can see it here:
Here is a Lion Brand Navy Scarfie favorite with Agate Blue Bamboo Cotton.
This is Lion Brand Wool-Ease 20% wool in Natural Heather with Blue Agate Bamboo Cotton. This is the most washable/wearable of the sets as both Wool Ease and Blue Agate Bamboo Cotton hold moderate wash/dry cycles well.
Difficult to explain but this Red Heart Purple with Willow Yarns Verbena was so high - res and color intense, my Adobe couldn't handle it. It's a very vibrant pair of stockings but I had to take a screenshot (photo of a photo) to keep it from blinking out and going invisible on screen. The files and stockings are fine, it was just such high resolution intense color. Cameras don't always see what we do, but your eyes might like them in person as much as I do. This is Red Heart acrylic with a very nice color changing wool yarn in Verbena.
This is the best of my best for woolen stockings. As always, I do not know whether they will last a year and a day, or only two months with heavy winter use, so they are cost-of-materials (currently at $20), with shipping added.
I hope you find something to enjoy here.
Also as always, the proceeds go to hay, feed and animal supplies.
If you choose to order, please go back to the perks on the main page and choose Keepsakes, Ltd. The Best of Wool!
There is no need to increase the donation above cost, all of these are prototypes and samples.
I am grateful when it works out.
Please always include your tip to our sponsors at this wonderful Canadian site, they are enormously positive and creative people. Without them, there would be no such endeavors.
With my thanks and prayers, take care.
C.S.
Footnote: A clue to the "From Dusk to Dawn," Night Vision Collection.
The last photo in the Gallery is both before the dark, and after it. It was back in the day when I was trying to learn how to make a postcard. There wasn't always transportation back when, either. I would walk the road and take photos of the ponds and wild grasses. Back then, it was a used Canon film camera. At the time, for health and for many other reasons, I had doubts about how long life would be or whether I would even survive the challenges of the day. So I tried to view the wild grasses, and to make a few postcards. I found one tucked in my Great Grandmother Adeline's KJV Bible, there amongst other things for prayers. The postcard had a little message, written after some travail that said in very small print, briefly, "Not reflection, but the Light it seeks. Nor water's depth (alone) but for the tender hearted." Nearly a decade and a half later, I pulled out the magnifier and pondered it. I had to investigate my own self to understand, and resolved that were it to occur again tomorrow, what it would mean for me tomorrow, is yet what it actually meant back then. "Be not persuaded nor dissuaded by reflections, but for the Light itself. For even the reflection seeks the Original Light. And be not concerned for water's depth, or the measure of it, nor the measure of this or that or any other thing. Be concerned that all these things, even the wonder of the wild grasses, were created for God's abiding love of the tender hearted."
I believe it is still true.
Until next time, take good care.
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December 9, 2024
Continuing from the last part of the Update for December, 2024:
...Over time, months and finally years, the trees began to unwind themselves. I wished for them to live. We waited. We tried not to move any more, since hundreds had been removed just to open the main road and little pond again.
During that time the news around the world became more dire and dismaying for those without hope and people of faith with them. I began to pray on the way to the mail, and on the trips through the woods offering those small walks as a prayer time with God's strength and God's will to accompany me. It meant a lot to be able to pray and walk through.
After awhile I began to wish for some way to notice more what I was praying about, to think about those dear and far away, nor to miss any part of giving thanks even for those I had never met, and also for the help of the animals and the woods in its stalwart, forbearing quietude.
Home bound to the woods but connected in faith and prayer to people around the world, I began looking for something of faith; finally I made a prayer bracelet: something to declare faith; one that could hold the stories of the saints and faith heroes of old but also help me to count my way through blessings and woes until I made my path complete through the woods again.
The little prayer bracelet became a good tool and companion, able to help keep track for me of the Jesus Kyrie Eleison prayers, or the Lutheran or Catholic style of old time rosaries; more too, the prayers of naming loved ones and remembering hopes for relatives and friends.
There are so many fine ways to pray. Here is one more: a prayer bracelet to count our blessings on.
Count our blessings prayer bracelets:
The beads are large, good for seeing, for holding, for walking, for counting one's place in prayers. They are there to help with blessings or with those to remonstrate over.
They are made with Murano Lampwork glass beads strung on a solid steel chain, with double connecting rings and lobster claw clasp, adjustable to size.
I thought when I began making them I would do them in additional hues and materials. That is not possible with rising costs, so I offer them with a combination of new and old, in order to begin to make some thoughtful thing on the search to find renewed joy.
There are only three like these that I know of. I have one and am sharing two. If you are interested in having a prayer bracelet which can also be keyed for the elderly and reminiscence; or to a short form of the lovely rosary itself, you can do it! The chain opens at the end for you to add/change charms or cameo photos, or follow the changing patterns of the glass as it inspires you to have choice, be reflective your way, and pray.*
They come with crosses and story medals of choice.
The first is in royal blue, aquamarine and sky blue floral patterns.
The second is in emerald, royal blue accents with sky blue floral.
As of 12/10 The Blue with blue sky florals was accepted by donation. It is not available for now.
Here is the second: it is in emerald and royal blue tones with floral sky blue:
These are the accompanying crosses and story medals, each comes
with two of choice (some are vintage and somewhat worn, and would
benefit from light polish; part are new; only one exists of each
kind until gone, as available; and all come with links to place
where you like on the chain and rings).
Here we have some wonderful choices: a four way cross depicting the Holy Family; the Irish Celtic cross; and an older one with roses, I think it may be in pewter. The medals, for their part, are wonderful storytellers in themselves. There is St. Francis sent by the village to convince the wolf to stop troubling the people and their flocks, which Francis does, successfully, while on the back is the St. Francis prayer, the Serenity prayer; next we see Bernadette talking to Mary the Mother of Jesus at Lourdes with a lovely rose on the back; and finally Bridget of Ireland with St. Patrick on the other side. Each one is a story to bless yourself, your friends and relatives or your children with. Each is a small part of the collection of stories, pictures and remembrances you make yourself. Their stories still help us recall how to live in the love of God.
*The pattern of the beads together is also compatible with a decade rosary prayer intention, as handed down from the beginnings of the rosary. This is dedicated to Mary, Mother of Jesus and her Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, with prayers and thanks.
Here is their reverse side:
These two (royal blue, emerald) are offered for the cost of materials, without cost for the cross or saint story medals, of which some are vintage. I find that some parts of life may become more loveable when we include them in our prayers.
That is the goal. I had hoped to gift these bracelets back. Sadly, some materials are unavailable while costs are going up 30-50%.
Finally, this way was the best that I could do.
The basic materials are an estimate of $30. The cost of shipping
USPS Ground Advantage is about $6.50.
Please visit the main page where donations with rewards are listed
on the right side of the page. Choose Keepsake Ltd., Murano Lampwork
glass prayer bracelet.
That is the our one offering since the storms, our offering for this year.
May you be inspired in your prayers.
Wishing you a joyous, safe Christmas.
December 2024 entry ends here.
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Keepsakes Ltd. Historical before 2024
This area represented things with limited availability. These are incentives such as keepsakes, mementos, wall art, totes, and greeting cards. They were divided into three areas of donation. Not all are presently available. Please feel free to contact by email for an update on anything yet available in these older listings.
Keepsake Area $18
Here is the $18 area. Choose anything you like by its name, go to the incentive perk list, find Keepsake $18, choose "accept this perk" and place your number choice (with any part of name/title) in comments, like a1 tote. What is available at this time appears here. Below is the design for the cotton tote.
Cotton tote (a1) is 15x18 inches with long handles, rendered in cotton and roomy.
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Keepsake Area $25
Wall art, miniature, memento, repurposed pendant or key ring, imprint art area is one and one quarter inches diameter circle with heavy duty zinc alloy frame and comes with an additional stainless steel loop. There is room on the back for an additional photo or trimmed cloth. These are experimental art and those in use have already lasted years. Titles are underneath photos.
Little Place to Pray (b2)
The Old Refuge (c3)
Little Prayer Angel (Stamp) (d4)
The Flock (e5)
The Mountain (f6)
The Two Trees (g7)
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Keepsake Area $7
Greeting cards: these are 5x7 inch card stock with pearl
shimmer finish, additional photo on the back with title, copyright,
and sometimes quotes included, neutral tint matching envelope.
Hollyhock Thanks (h8)
Horizon and Nightingale (i9)
The Old Refuge (J10)
Many People, Many Mansions (k11)
Of Ships and Time (L12)
August Sanctuary (m13)
__________________________________
for:
Team Little Flock: Winter
https://www.fundrazr.com/teamlittleflock
Email
Contact: Invernairn@sfsknight.com or press the website
Contact campaign button.
Thank you.
A New Discovery
In this area we share information and photos more difficult to find elsewhere (a section in process).
Materials from this section may not be presently available.
Update December 5th 9:12 a.m.
These are Winter's Hope hand gauntlets, 12 inch open cuff fingerless gloves in Red Heart Macaw and Boutique Unforgettable Echo. They are also available in Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca in Taupe, all 20% off until Christmas night. Just choose the incentive perk and type THANKS20 in the promo code when you check out. They are all medium (7.75 inch to 8 inch width), ranked worsted weight 4, the same in height, slightly varied in weight and thickness. They are adapted with thanks from a pattern at TheEasyDesign by April Miller, found with her many other patterns on Etsy, full credits below with the rest.
Close up of Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca in Taupe yarn
Update December 1st 11:08 a.m.
This is an image of the shell Hand Gauntlet fingerless gloves in Verbena Superwash wool with Aegean blue bamboo & cotton.
Last updated: 11:30 a.m. August 26th.
Corrections:
We are just completing our third year. The calendar will roll it over in the upper corner of the screen but before it does, our goals are for what will be remembered as our fourth winter!
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Crochet and knit in this fundraiser
Hand made crochet has been worked in hats, scarves, some open crown hats/headbands and hand gauntlets. Loom knits are in the areas of stockings, neck warmers and a very few hats. Loom knits are hand turned on a loom and then stitch finished by hand.
It's approaching a year to review longevity on some of these things. My experience is that how long something lasts depends on how it is taken care of. With that in mind, the uses and what is possible are also different. In the old days when testing a printer and print copy to see if a work of art in print could be archival with low acid archival ink, they used to try to age prints to see how they looked after UV exposure and exposure to humidity and other factors. In a somewhat less orderly way I have tried that with the hand made items and loom knits. When I say, "handwash" for everyone, that is a good way, sometimes the best, but I have also gone out of my way on some items to try the opposite: overheating in wash and over drying overtime, one way to age the materials in order to learn what was going on with these variations in fiber arts. Approaching a year for these little experiments, I can't guarantee anything about life but can suggest that hand gauntlets last pretty long up to decades; hats long because you don't walk on them; and stockings depend on what you and they adventure through together. You can see the new ones in offerings under incentive perks. Here are some of the those either approaching a year old, way overused, overheated and still going with some notes beneath their photos.
Acrylic approaching one year. There is no color loss, that is the flash on the camera but you can see the detail. None of the upper tops have come apart. The stocking is softer from washing and appears with more ribbing. That is from rotating and turning the heel. Over drying for months has caused some shortening of the stocking from twenty four inch. It still stands up, with limited binding, it does not constrict. At nearly a year a brightly colored, more comfortable wash and wear. Here is another view, compared to new yarn:
Here you can see it isn't color loss, yet there is some darkening of the yarn, which may be from washing in well water high in minerals such as iron. In the photo below, we are looking at a woolen blend.
This is a Plymouth wool/acrylic blend with reinforcing thread. It has no holes, it has stretch marks and ribbing from turning the heel. The tops are intact and the toes. There is some fading of color in this one, also with frequent heavy duty use. The reinforcing thread was Berroco stocking yarn and I think it reduces shredding from foot stomping on wool. They are still among my favorites. The nice thing about a small amount of shrinkage is that they begin to look like a tighter knit, as you see at the top (upper left). No shrinkage or unusual stretch side to side, not binding, not tight on the foot, any shortening is vertical and the reinforcing yarn has held the wool/acrylic in place.
Oh no, a hole! Do I have to darn? --You do not. A piece of felt, fabric or cashmere will do in a pinch just as well, but the glue is really important. I would try Fray check by Dritz, recommended by others in crochet and loom knitting. How washable it remains depends on the glue. You may also stitch, darn, or Swedish ladder darn (I will look up some links for these). Meanwhile, here is another way:
Whether out hiking, camping or at home, here is the easiest way imaginable: it's called Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid. I put it on the inside of a stocking to see if kept it smooth and wearable. Indeed it did. It is a pre-glued patch fabric used for tents, tarps, backpacks. Just trim it to size, remove the backing and place. It may not look professional but it is the most comfortable way with no lumps or leftovers. I have used it to reinforce duck hut buildings, their tarps and blankets. It resists water and is machine washable. I have darned. I now also tenaciously tape. But honestly what helped more was realizing I might create a tear by forcing on boots with an open zipper. The wool stocking would catch in the zipper. Once it tears, best to mend by your way of choice, as stockinette stitch and knit items unravel over time. This turned out fine on the inside. Also glad news: the limited binding turnable stocking doesn't have a heel, it is a cylinder to turn. You can rotate your patch and foot where you want, the front or heel can be on any side.
These are why I love wool with linen (though they aren't through finishing stitches yet). The superwash wool colors are wonderful, the knit is warm, soft, breathes, and washable. The cotton bamboo secondary thread is a placeholder to add comfort. Bamboo is anti-bacterial, soft, breathes and cotton does too. The last thread is linen, which people warn about using because it is difficult to remove stitches and start over. You may have seen linen suits or linen matched with cotton. They say a lot of things about linen, but here is what I discovered in these efforts. It is machine washable and dryable. It does not shrink unless extremely overheated. It is may stretch out if you force it but washing and drying will put it back in shape. Together these different fibers hold their shape, breathe, protect the stocking and your feet; wool is a hollow fiber with extra warmth and wicking from the damp and cold, linen is a plant fiber with an interior thermostat that goes back to neutral/cool. Together they help to span the seasons. These in the photo above are created with three dk and lace weight fibers. I have also used linen with good result in hats.
The
first wool/acrylic/linen blend. The linen pulls the stocking back
into shape. It still feels soft while holding everything together.
The Plymouth wool/acrylic blend also remained warm and soft and the
amount of shrinkage over time was minimal despite serious deliberate
overheating. These have remained comfortable and sturdy. Overheating
isn't a recommendation unless you are wear testing, but for these
stockings, the wool felted more to the linen, making the bond
stronger. They still breathe, wear and wash well. I am grateful to
be able to try these things out and learn what happens with them.
By comparison to some of the other choices in the world, polyester compression stockings (with their own shape, stretch, and purpose) are supposed to be changed out about every three months. They are quite tight fitting with their own impact on circulation (you can inquire of a health provider). Birkenstock cottons, widely worn, while both soft and strong, may wear out with boots over a few months (especially near the label), while Maggie's organics (among the best) and other cottons may shrink, stretch, or develop holes around heel and toe (parenthetical remarks reflect anecdotal experiences. You may have to try them out for yourself.) They are indeed wonderful, but nothing lasts forever. They can be mended too. One may also obtain machine made imported woolen blends, but it's good to check the mix and see what's actually there. Often they are primarily stretch polyester blends, some with artificial or chemical finishes. At the higher end of the spectrum hand knitted stockings may be turned on a loom, the metal kind going back to the turn of the century, or may be done entirely by hand, including hand dyed. The actual fair cost to produce these wonderful works of art can be anywhere from $55 to $350, and it is here in the closely knit stitches that you may see complicated designs and colors. Truly these are all things to ponder and consider.
Those we have made and listed are an adventure too, and one I am grateful for. I have some special reasons to try to ply yarns, blend, and improve these kinds for our fundraiser. Thankfully they do feel home-made with positive surprises over time.
Later: a Q&A with more detail about creative choices.
Below, a few words on the Art Keepsake Ltd., section.
***
Keepsakes, Ltd. tab is a mini gallery showing pieces created over the last decade. They were done by photo and tint, or created in Vue 3D mesh software with models, added mesh, and textures. Many are from historical buildings, monasteries, convents, and castles. Vue has been and is still used in making films such as the Indiana Jones series and others, often action series or panoramic backgrounds, otherwordly locations, the software shows perspective for things which would otherwise be impossible to view or even to imagine. It is also a way to study and do art when an accommodation to disability or accessibility is helpful. The other software used for posters and promotional pieces here is Adobe Spark. This is free or by subscription to all; anyone can combine what Adobe offers there with your own choices to promote a cause.
The little evolving art efforts as ornaments or prints have been done over time. They are copyrighted, some are signed. It has become expensive to print and without artisan promotions and coupons those imprints couldn't have been made. I am grateful to groups like Shutterfly and their affiliates for possibilities made real in practice. Sometimes, it is slow going. Always, it is one step at a time. One of the sets in the gallery are new repurposed phone holder rings. I wouldn't recommend attaching any multi-hundred dollar phone to a ring. However, to take a piece of art and turn it into a miniature, pendant or even key ring, it's a good purpose that can be lovely and workable too. So that is where they come from, and they are imprinted with this original art in the U.S.
All these items are prepared for Fundrazr.com/teamlittleflock. This is a fundraiser for Swedish ducks and their habitat. Detailed goals may change year to year but remain as described. So I hope we remember to include in heart and mind our two and four legged friends, wherever we are. There is no life as we understand it nor planet earth without planetary birds, creatures and bees. Really.
Your comments, feedback and reflections are most welcome, as also your meditations and prayers during these difficult times for peace, for our families, our gardens, farming, the animals and Creation we love.
With prayers and thanks for today.
Credits (a work in progress):
Winter's Hope Hand Gauntlets adapted from TheEasyDesign April Miller, Hailey fingerless gloves, also on Etsy.
Tulip Hand Gauntlets, Shell Hand Gauntlets, Variations in Teal, Noro gauntlets and leggings projects, copyright Cherie R. Sprague, Team Little flock: Winter.
Meet the team
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Castles Cathedrals and Monasteries, miniature print with views; promotional incentive, as is, free of charge.
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This area of rewards includes photo collections, media, books, and e-books. I am quite excited about being able to share in this way. The first collection is of the deer and wildlife taken over the last four years here. When you choose the deer collection, it comes on a fast portable drive compatible with most Mac, Apple, Android, and Windows, with easy instructions. The images are viewable in any software accepting jpg, png, mp4, and mov. It stores up to 64 gigabytes and can move between your devices for your own storage. You can use these Collection (I & II) images to draw, paint, design for your own artwork professionally, or for individual personal use. The original photos and videos themselves are copyrighted here. They have been successfully installed on various resolution live playing photo-video art frames for others. The small drive is a wonderful and relatively easy way to share a whole bundle of photos and short videos! The second variant includes another collection of the last two years from Jay Cooke State Park. Together, there are well over 500 photos and short videos. The photos and videos are from wildlife cams, LgG8 and a vintage Nokia with Zeiss Optics. If you are delighted with them, you have support for storage with more to add later! Even if one was disappointed by the photos in any way, you may keep the working storage to use however you wish. You may return it for another brand such as Samsung Bar+ or choose ahead from available alternatives for a specific operating system purpose or concern. Whether for transfer, storage, or read-writing across systems, one may be here to try and to be glad about the choice. Thank you for watching and your care for Team Little Flock. May you enjoy it!
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The offering for February-March recalling saints Brigid and Patrick is a unique project in crochet: a tunic, long vest or robe for meditation/prayer which may also be used as a poncho, cape, throw or light camping blanket to keep out the chill. It is about thirty-nine inches wide and a little longer. When unfolded the long way, it becomes a full length light blanket. It is made in panels of Queensland Collection Brisbane Australia superwash wool and Lion Brand Wool-Ease 20% mixed wool and acrylic. It is easy care wash and dry gently, a pullover top with straight collar and open sides; and comes with two ties: one crocheted in the Queensland pattern, and one traditional monastic tie. To read about it in more detail please visit the Keepsakes, Ltd. Tab page. To see it in other views, please check out the most recent Gallery photos. Later it may be offered in sizes and designs made to order. It varies by availability of the materials. Thank you for visiting!
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Medium to heavy weight wool & acrylic blend bed stockings including Lion Brand Scarfie with Bamboo Cotton, Lion Brand Wool Ease Natural Heather with Bamboo Cotton, Lion Brand Scarfie Ice/Gold with Schoppel Wolle Wool/Nylon, Purple Red Heart with Willow Yarns Verbena and other wool blends. They are soft comfortable tube stockings about 22 inches long and gently stretch to 14.5 inches circumference. Machine wash gentle, dry flat for best results or tumble dry low. You can turn and rotate them and fit to several sizes. A good choice for cold or cooler weather. Best for gentle at home comfort use. Do not bleach wool items. Have a cozy day!
A light weight Spring-Summer sun and gardening hat with hand crocheted shells throughout in Lion Brand Rewind Hawaiian Ocean yarn, a washable rayon-polyester hat to fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are. Machine or hand wash, dry flat, no bleach.
A light weight Spring-Summer sun and gardening hat hand crocheted in Lion Brand Rewind yarn in Willow, Capri Breeze, or other colors. This washable polyester/rayon hat can fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are. It is also made in wonderful washable cotton in purples and green; and in white, sage green, gold; in other colors as available or in acrylic choices to be decided later. Please machine or hand wash, dry flat, no bleach.
A light weight Spring-Summer sun and gardening hat in a classic shape with a wide brim but soft, washable, foldable done in Lion Brand Rewind Willow yarn, a washable rayon-polyester hat to fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are. Machine or hand wash, dry flat, no bleach.
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A Spring-Summer gardening hat hand crocheted in washable cotton that can fold up and go into your pocket or bag to take wherever you are and whether as garden bonnet or sun hat, you can adjust the tie for your look; in jute and blue multicolor accents, sage green with purple multicolor accents or other colors to be agreed later. Please machine or hand wash, dry flat.
Cabled Crochet Hat 2 includes special materials wool and acrylic in Lion Brand Scarfie Bluestone yarn together with Landscapes yarn about 23 1/2 inches around; this is a delicate or hand wash dry flat item with pom pom and yarn tie for adjusting.
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The Keepsakes Ltd tab describes this prayer bracelet in detail, made of Murano Lampwork glass beads and stainless steel chain, with adjustable fittings and lobster claw clasp. For now there are only two, one in royal blue and aquamarine with sky blue flowers and one in emerald green and blue, also with flowers. At this time they ship USPS Ground Advantage with tracking. With many thanks.
Watch cap and cowl set knit in Plymouth yarns Encore Colorspun Blueberry Ombre, 25% wool and acrylic, machine wash and gentle tumble dry. Cap and cowl use rolled brim edging, cap may extend to 14 inches by 23 circumference; cowl to 12 inches long. It's a nice set to take and go, or swap, wearable for two on an outing. This Plymouth yarn is in shades of blueberry to navy with a touch of sky.
This is a Premier yarns Colorfusion Seaside yarn in a look for winter or early spring. Their design hints at sandy beaches with blue waters on a bright horizon. As a painting, you can almost see the small trees and birds in flight. As a cap, it's knit, double layered and acrylic with a bright pom pom you can change or adjust. It is super soft, hearty enough for winter and stretches to 12 inches long with cuff on, and up to 23 inches wide. It is machine washable, tumble dry (no bleach or iron), a yarn tested eco friendly and safely free from allergens.
This is a lovely cowl/dickie/ruffled collar/neck warmer in Nordica design yarn. It is about 12 inches long with circumference to 23 as needed. It is a light weight, airy, rolled edge and easy pullover for a bit of warmth and design on a cool day. It's machine washable on cold, tumble dry. It has been tested for allergies and family fine (Oeko-tex Standard 100) rendered in shades of spearmint for Spring.
Seaside Cowl/neck warmer matches the double layer knit hat (above). It is fashioned in Premier Colorfusion Seaside acrylic yarn with a roll brim which may also be turned into a cuff. It is stretchy without tight boundaries to up to 15 inches long or circumference 24. Pulled up it becomes a face covering. Folded in half it becomes a wide headband with ruffled top. A ribbon threaded near the top can give it ties or turn it into a hat. It is medium to light weight good for indoor outdoor use; machine wash, dry, no bleach or iron. It is one piece lovely for so many things. Enjoy!
Arm Gauntlets or Leggings are hand made crochet: two open end cylinders about 19 inches long and can stretch up to 14 inch circumference. They are made from wonderful Noro Silk Garden yarn including wool (40%), silk (25%), nylon (25%), and kid mohair (10%). The stitch is a backstitch single crochet allowing for strength and stretch. They can be used for arm gauntlets, long Victorian fingerless gloves, leggings with open toe ends, slouchies. They are offered as is, you can make them into what you like & mend or change. Care is dry clean or hand wash dry flat. Noro is Japanese hand dyed yarn with varying design and colors, there is nothing quite like it. Crochet is based on fisherman's knots: together these have a fragile beauty and their own kind of strength, good pieces to take care of. They are your bonus at the $31 level. Happy Holidays!
These are hand gauntlets, fingerless gloves in a shell pattern from Verbena Superwash wool in indigo and purple ombre with bamboo cotton and/or linen in blue. Supply is limited; and if by special request Noro Silk Garden's hand dyed colorways in 40% wool, 25% silk, 10% mohair. All varieties for indoor or outdoor use depending on climate. Light to medium weight they are decorative and functional offering some protection from cold and sun, at about 11-12 inches long with stretch to circumference 9.5 inches Colors are as above, and varied as available. Now also in other wool blends or acrylic to be agreed upon later. Hand wash dry flat for a gift that lasts, with a 20% off promo until Oct. 16th.
These hand gauntlets in shades of teal are similar to those in Noro Silk Garden but they are warmer, medium weight washable and dryable acrylic. They follow the design of inner fold, high point at the forefingers, low at the pinkies, outer seams and room to extend a thumb between the shells. They can be worn in different seasons but the shell pattern may let in rain or snow. So when you wish design in hand gauntlets, they are comfortable alone; but one can also wear magic gloves beneath them in uncertain weather. In trying out these different things you may find you have a pleasant style and comfort in wearing them in changing conditions too.
Medium weight wool acrylic blend stockings including Plymouth Encore matched with special design and reinforcing threads like golden bamboo cotton, Aegean blue bamboo cotton, iris Silkpaca, flax/linen and others as available. Visit the selection menu to view the choices. They are soft comfortable tube stockings about 24 inches long and gently stretch to 14.5 inches circumference. Depending on the blend they are machine washable tumble dry low or hand wash/dry flat for best results. You can turn and rotate them and fit to several sizes. A good backup for any cooler day. Best for gentle at home comfort use. May depend upon yarn availability. Do not bleach wool items. Have a wonderful day!
A comfortable twenty-four inch medium weight tube stocking with few bindings made out of acrylic for at home lounging, slipper, and comfort use. They are presently available in Red Heart Prints Macaw or Wildflower and Seaside Ombre. Please machine or hand wash and dry.
Woven comfort stockings for special occasions, these are fashioned from Plymouth yarns Encore Colorspun and Noro Silk Garden to 22 inch length and 14.5 circumference. This stocking stretches both ways to accommodate fit with about 32% wool, together with acrylic and the silk and mohair of Noro. That means they are warm but breathe with the added smoothness and strength of silk. The combination of two yarns woven with Noro color patterns makes them an art stocking to hand wash, lay flat to dry, offered as part of this fundraiser for animal care, feed, and habitat.
These are double knit soft yarn stockings made from a straight run of Lion Brand Scarfie in bluestone (22% wool) and Ferris Wheel blue acrylic yarn. The yarns together create a repeating pattern of light and dark in complimentary colors (but not the same). They are good for comfort, lounging, with slippers & no ties or bindings, an extra layer of home warmth in winter. They are 22 inches long stretch wide to 15 inches as needed with an average length somewhere between crew and knee high. These are stockinette tube socks, with three extra yards of yarn for darning or change in recommended hand wash, dry flat. What they do is bring back softness and thickness to stockings without polyester or binding; what they provide: up to one bag of feed (corn is at 12, mash at 15, and pellets 22-29). When you donate at the $15 level, you have these as heartfelt thanks.
This is a mixed yarn acrylic cabled hat, wash and dry on gentle; yarns include Caron Simply Soft taupe, Vanna's Choice barley and Red Heart's very blues macaw. It's a lovely set of blues but includes a faux fur silver fox pom pom to add on or remove, as desired.
This many colored Watch Cap is a large, stretch 23-26 inches, made of Lion Brand Landscapes Mountain Range acrylic yarn reinforced with strong Noro Silk Garden yarn in 40% lamb's wool, 25% silk, 25% nylon and 10% kid mohair. Fits many adult sizes, cuff may be folded down. Recommended hand wash dry flat. This Noro yarn is like no other. Neat! It lasts.
This is only made by request. It depicts a wintry mountain range (possibly reminiscent of Alaska) on rough edged slate. It is 8x11" with stand. A unique gift for the holidays, as is, shipping costs covered. Please inquire ahead as to whether this item is currently available. See gallery view for perspective.
This cap is a tonal in taupe to cream from Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. It is a light bulky but warm 78% acrylic and 22% soft wool; recommend hand wash, dry flat, comes with faux fox fur pom pom; cap may be worn with cuff or as long slouchie, a comfortable choice either way.
These are hand gauntlets, mitts, fingerless gloves made from Noro Silk Garden's uniquely hand dyed colorways in 40% wool, 25% silk, 10% mohair for indoor or outdoor use depending on climate. Lightweight in silk and wool they are decorative and functional offering some protection from cold and sun, at about 11 inches long with stretch to circumference 9 1/2 inches. Color is #458. Dry clean or hand wash dry flat for a gift that lasts.
