Frosty Start to Winter

 The sheep were grazing early even though we had quite a frost.  The crunchy grass wasn't a problem.  Just after this photo the sheep walked through the creek.  The sheep have a set routine for grazing and you could almost set your watch.

Looking towards Mt Buninyong

Even the birds on Stella's coat were frosty.  Stella is very happy wearing her coat although some of the other sheep have been getting close up and personal trying to decide what this "animal" is.

Last night I was a little slow feeding Stella so she started chewing my apron as I tried to get the food over the fence. A very bossy lady.

Stella's New Winter Coat

Every year I make Stella a new coat.  This year I was trying to think of a theme.   I had some of this delightful bird fabric from Bloom which gave me an idea. This bird fabric is a very soft knitted fabric.

I sewed a strip of the bird fabric along the side of the coat.  I then cut out felt birds and sewed them on adding button eyes.

I use a woven ready made sheep coat with a few alterations.  The edges of the fabric are a bit rough along slits for the legs so I have bound them with a soft plush fabric.  I hope the sewing machine is OK as the coat fabric is tough to sew.

Stella was not obliging when I wanted her to pose for the yearly "New Coat" photo.  This is a size 3 coat.  The larger size is too loose.  As the wool grows the gusset at the neck can be let out.

I plan to coat more of the sheep next week.  I will add a bird or 2 to their coats but Stella is the Princess.