Press

We're pretty darn excited here at the farm. The current issue of one of our favorite, "go-to" magazines has a story that is near and dear to our hearts.

Among the featured articles in the March/April issue is a story about how to "Start a Fiber CSA."

And that is exactly what we did back in November of 2011. We started the first alpaca fiber CSA in Ohio.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and it is a way for customers to buy, in advance, "shares" of the upcoming harvest -- in this case, the harvest is either yarn for knitting or roving for spinning.

In the article, entitled "Common Threads," the author details how to go about starting your own fiber CSA.

But, if you're like most people and you don't have a couple of dozen fiber animals lounging around in your backyard, it also details how to go about joining a fiber CSA and having somebody else raise "your" animal for you.

We have a few of those fiber-type animals lounging about at the farm and we'd love to have you in our CSA. We'll do the "dirty" work, you reap the rewards!

We offer our yarn CSA two ways: by individual animal, in the natural color or by several of our animal's fiber mixed together and then dyed with natural plant material.

Either way, you have a true connection to your fiber. When somebody asks, "Did you make that sweater?" you can answer, "Yes, and would you like to see a picture of the animal it came from!"

Of course, there are some downfalls with having this article in print, and several of our animals featured. Joey the llama and Michaelangelo the goat now have huge egos, thinking they are extra special because their handsome faces grace the pages of a magazine.

But the other goats quickly put them in their place -- they tried to eat the magazine when we showed it to them. Goats are like that. They won't stand for any uppity behavior.

If you're interested in purchasing a share in our 2012 Fiber CSA, we have a few left:

This is Appletini. She's a suri and her fiber has outstanding luster and would make a beautiful shawl or elegant sweater.

And this is Maia. Her fiber is the most beautiful deep, rich chocolate brown. Once you put your hand into a bag of this fiber, you'll be a goner.

Both are super soft. We also have our roving and mixed animal CSA available.

If you happen to be someplace that sells Hobby Farm Home magazine, pick up a copy. I know you'll find it interesting.

Years ago, while vacationing in Vermont, I picked up a copy of a magazine called Edible Green Mountains.

It was love at first sight. Beautiful photographs. Stories about local food. What's not to love.

When we got back to Ohio, I searched for an Edible publication about my area. The closest I came was Edible Columbus. Columbus is two hours away, but what the heck, close enough!

I read every issue. It was in this magazine that I first discovered the true joy of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Goat Cheese with Cognac Figs. Pistachio and Honey. Salty Caramel. And lets not forget Whiskey and Pecans. NEVER forget Whiskey and Pecans.

Ever since my Jeni's discovery on their beautiful, artistic pages, Edible Columbus and I have been best friends.

So imagine my excitement when a freelance writer e-mailed us to ask about the local fiber scene in Ohio. She was writing a story for Edible Columbus. Could it be that That'll Do Farm would be mentioned on the very pages that once brought us Whiskey and Pecan ice cream??

I dare say it is true.

Check out the Warm Fuzzies article to discover the local fiber scene in Ohio.

But this story is not all about sunshine and puppies. I'm afraid Edible Columbus will have to move over a bit in my heart. I think I am about to acquire another best friend.

While on the Edible Communities site, I discovered that in March, Northeast Ohio will get its own branch on the Edible family tree. We will be getting Edible Cleveland!

I don't want Edible Columbus to think I am abandoning it, tossing aside my affections for a newer, younger model. That is simply not the case. I am opening up my heart and making room to love both the Columbus and Cleveland magazines equally. Plus the Vermont one. I can't forget that one.

I hope you'll check out the Edible magazines and enjoy the fabulous photography and in-depth stories. Many regions across the country (and Toronto) have their own version of the magazine. Read it. Try the recipes. And then support the farms and local restaurants on its pages.

You never know when you'll discover your own version of Whiskey and Pecan ice cream.

The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here!

If you remember that quote from the classic Steve Martin movie, "The Jerk" then you know exactly how excited we are to have in our hot little hands the November/December issue of Hobby Farm Home magazine.

No, it's not the Doughnuts Made From Scratch that has our knickers in a knot  -- although they do look pretty darn good.

No, it's this article (starting on page 70 if you are playing along at home):

That'll Do Farm is the headquarters of the Ohio Natural Fiber Network, and the Network is the subject of the "Woven Tight" article.

The story details how the Network started and what we, as a group, are doing to promote Ohio grown fiber.

Of course, we think it's the most compelling thing you're ever going to read. Better than anything ever written by Hemingway, Melville, and Twain -- combined. (I will acknowledge a slight bias here, but only ever so slight.)

So I urge you to go to your local bookseller (or Tractor Supply Company!) to pick up a copy. Ohio's fiber producers and fiber artists thank you.