Bees are amazing creatures, and we’ve all heard about how vital they are to the wild ecosystem, and to our ability to produce food crops. While Rick and I aren’t keen to raise our own bees we do plant and encourage many types of flowers on our property, to...
How to overdye a piece of clothing: tips for success
Sometimes, we end up owning a piece of clothing that we like the fit of, but we’re not happy with the color. Or, perhaps it’s something that’s hard to match in an outfit. With some inexpensive materials you can overdye fabrics in natural materials (wool, silk, linen, and cotton)...
Sweater plans: Yarn choice and techniques for knitting “Wool & Honey”
We’re back after a week off due to illness. And even though my voice is still a bit frog-like, I wanted to share the yarn I purchased at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, and some tips for making the sweater that I’ve had my eye on for a...
Maple Sugaring: A time-honored tradition celebrated with friends
Maple syrup is a big deal in Vermont, and for a small state we have a big share of production too: 42% of US-made maple syrup annually, accounting for more than $300 million in direct income. But how is maple syrup made, and what is it like to have...
Knitwear Design: why, and how, I develop my own patterns
In the past few years, I’ve noticed that I began modifying the patterns I was knitting more and more. Then I wrote out a pattern from scratch because I couldn’t find one that fit my needs at the time. Though I still consider myself a novice designer (I’ve had...
Inner Harbor pattern, Maryland Sheep & Wool preview 2019
As preparations for the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival continue here at GHC headquarters, we reveal a few more items that we’ve been working on behind the scenes, including project bags and Sarah’s latest knitwear design. The Inner Harbor shawl pattern was inspired by the saturated tones of Neighborhood...
2019 Spring Preview: New products, workshops and festivals
It’s finally Spring here in Vermont, and we’re looking forward to some of our favorite events of the year. This week, Sarah shares a preview of all the new products we’ll be debuting this season, including new skincare scents, travel project bags, yarn, and gifts. Plus, if you enjoy...
27 – ReBecca Béguin: Shepherding as lifestyle and inspiration
We’ve known ReBecca for more than 10 years, and have come to appreciate her thoughtfulness and creativity as our friendship has grown. Join Sarah in conversation with ReBecca as we discuss her growth from accidental shepherd to committed advocate; her books that explore the human connection with the land;...
Colorful Handspun Yarn: Creativity born from constraints
Sometimes, a new design or product will capture your attention and imagination to the point of obsession. This is what happened with me and the Nightshift shawl by Andrea Mowry. The combination of colors and the visual texture she created are mesmerizing, and the effect didn’t wear off after...
26 Pauline Van Gulden: Collaboration is an essential part of sewing creativity
I’ve been working quietly behind the scenes on a new design for a project bag for portable crafts, and couldn’t do it without the expert guidance of a professional seamstress like Pauline Van Gulden. Pauline was kind enough to sit down with me for a chat about her career...