Kelly with Lilac and Myrtle in the pasture.
About Us
“To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being.” — Mahatma Gandhi.
The mighty Kennebec River courses from Moosehead Lake, its source in Maine’s wild north, flowing 170 miles south to Merrymeeting Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Named for the river, Kennebec County is my birthplace and along the Kennebec, my family farmed for generations. Surely the place is in my blood – the fragrant piney forests, verdant meadows, shining waterways, the wild air. Nowhere else ever felt quite so much like home. After many years living “away,” mostly in the Boston area, I returned to live in Kennebec County, establishing Farthing Stone Farm in rural Fayette. Truly, a “there and back again” experience.*
1842 Maine
The second daughter of school teachers Raleigh and Muriel Stone, I am Kelly. Growing up, my sister and I experienced life enriched by the company of older generations – paternal and maternal grandparents, great grandparents, family friends around Maine. Back then, our world was ornamented by colorful quilts that were like works of art, and a charming array of antique and handcrafted items – unique objects that suffused life with vibrancy and spirit. Whether it is my birthright or simply my inclination, since childhood, I have delighted in and valued textiles; the interplay of color, pattern, and texture. It seems a natural progression, then, that while living away I pursued an undergraduate degree in art. Thereafter, as a young person and for several years, I found work as a textile designer and a painter for interior decorators. At another point in my evolution, I immersed myself in medieval studies, obtaining a master’s degree. I earned a living working for over two decades at prestigious academic institutions. Throughout my Massachusetts sojourn I enjoyed spending free hours and holidays learning from fiber people, researching sheep breeds, visiting farms, and talking with sheep folk – laying the groundwork for the farm I envisioned. I love knitting, working with color, and dyeing wool. I have designed hooked rugs and knitting patterns, and I continue to study and develop dye techniques to create new and unique colorwork.
“In 2017 we welcomed the Farthing Stone Farm Five”
Returning at last to Maine in 2014, I fell in love at first sight with a picturesque little farm in Fayette. Our 20+ acre property is perched on a steep rise with views of pretty, forested hills. There’s a simple 1824 farmhouse and barn surrounded by rough fields and woods. After a few years dedicated to renovations, we welcomed the founding flock of Shetland sheep (the Farthing Stone Five!) to their new home. That was in 2017. Since then, more sheep have joined us – Shetland lambs from other Maine farms. We currently enjoy the company of 16 delightful ovines.
Farthing Stone Farm in Fayette Maine
Farthing Stone Farm is a forever home for our little flock. Each sheep is lovingly cared for, enjoyed, treasured. They will never be sold or slaughtered. Contrary to claims that sheep are dull-witted, we have found our crew to be spirited, intelligent, entertaining little creatures. I feel exceedingly fortunate to spend every day tending, learning from, and loving these dear, beautiful beings.
Shetlands are considered an “unimproved” breed, meaning qualities like wool consistency or tameness have not been standardized through breeding practices. We see this “inconsistency” as a blessing. Each Farthing Stone Farm Shetland not only has a unique and winning personality, but also produces a uniquely soft, rich, and beautiful wool.
Trillium leading the flock in from the pasture.
“Each sheep is lovingly cared for, enjoyed, treasured”
Thus, we choose to sell the yarn produced by each sheep individually, offering a variety of natural colors along with wool hand dyed in small batches at the Farm. We welcome you to learn more about the sheep on the Meet the Flock page, and view our yarn for sale on the Shop page. Proceeds from the sale of Farthing Stone Farm products go directly to support the sheep. The flock and I thank you.
* “There and Back Again” is the subtitle for Tolkien’s The Hobbit
Our Name
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” — Gandalf, Lord of the Rings.
For a long time, the writings of JRR Tolkien, stories of bravery, hope, and transcendence have inspired me. Although I was born and raised in Maine, as an adult I lived “away.” Wherever I was, though, I carried the love of Maine in my heart. Somewhere in those years, the dream of one day returning, owning a farm, and raising sheep took root and blossomed. But making it a reality could only have happened with the support of loved ones, and thanks to models of courage and persistence I found in Lord of The Rings. Gandalf said: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Farthing Stone Farm has been the manifestation of that.
With its patchwork of little farms, deep piney woods, shining lakes, and views of misty mountains, middle Maine has always felt quite Hobbity to me. Maine even has shire towns. I find the word “shire” quaintly charming. It’s an Old English term meaning administrative division. In Maine, it refers to a county seat. As Tolkien enthusiasts will know, the land of the Hobbits is called the Shire and the Farthing Stone is at its midpoint. I was drawn to this imagery – its solid, centered feeling. As the Farthing Stone is to the Shire, the Farm is to me; a homeland for me and the sheep, and the heart of my creative life. What’s more, within our pasture lie venerable granite boulders – our own Farthing Stones. Since Stone is my surname, Farthing Stone Farm seems eminently fitting.
“…venerable granite boulders ‒ our own Farthing Stones.”
