I've been waiting for a nice, sunny day to take some photos of the newest members of the Sharp farm, but since that won't probably happen again until next July, I just had to go for it now.
A couple of weeks ago, we adopted a small flock of young laying hens from some neighbors who live on Bainbridge Island. We had been thinking about getting chickens for some time, and when Kevin saw an advertisement on the community freecycle website for some chickens, we jumped on it.
This gal here is one of the 'Buffies'- a Buff Orpington chicken. Her feathers are beautiful and golden and the breed is know to be docile.
Here's Heather, who seems to be the most outgoing one of the bunch, and who's name we kept from the previous owner. Heather has given us a handful of huge eggs already. I understand that as the days get shorter, she'll be laying less. As a person who didn't grow up on a farm, I am easily delighted each time I look in the nesting box and see a big brown egg. It's a little surprise each time!

Kevin decided to invest in a cute little chicken coop for our new feathered friends-only the best for the Sharp animals. It's easy to clean and the hens are pretty happy at night when they all go into the upper level to roost.
Having the real animals around as models helps with recreating them in wool. The more time I spend with them, the more time I have to study their shape, coloring, movements, etc.

I hope eveyone is enjoing the start of fall. This is definitely my favorite time of year. I love getting cosy with a nice fire, good book and the rain gently pattering on the roof.