For the sixth year in a row, Sara and I took the back roads from CT to NY, enjoying conversation and leaf peeping along the way. Our excitement mounted as we pulled into the Dutchess County Fairgrounds for the New York Sheep and Wool festival…aka, Rhinebeck.
I pet sheep for Lolly.
I saw old friends and new. I was thrilled to meet some long-time online pals, especially the ever-fabulous Heather Ordover and Kirsten of Through the Loops (we figured it had to be five years that we’d been missing each other at Rhinebeck). I, usually so calm in the face of celebrity, gushed while Ysolda signed my copy of Little Red in the City.
I admired beautiful handknits…
…and pretty baskets of yarn.
I marveled at long lines of eager yarn shoppers.
And I teased Maryse about unwoven ends (though the sock is gorgeously knit!).
Oh, what did I purchase? Let me show you!
Wool potholder loops from Hill Creek Fiber Studio popped my shopping cherry.
A goody bag from Cooperative Press. The Bijou Basin Ranch yarn will make a beautiful scarf, and I’m pretty certain I bought the lucky iPad-winning bag (you can email me any time to let me know, Shannon).
I’ve been waiting to pick up Craft Activism so I’d be able to get Gale to autograph it. I’ve already read about half of the book, and it is fantastic. Full review to follow!
Perhaps my most extravagant purchase of the day was two skeins of cashmere from Springtide Farm. My plan is to make a hat before my trip to Paris. This is the absolutely softest yarn I’ve ever touched. It’s pricey, but I think I will get my money’s worth of enjoyment from working with it.
The day sped by, and I missed the Ravelry meetup, thereby missing out on meeting some pals, but I have big plans to rent a house next year and bring a posse with me!
Were you there? What was your favorite part of the weekend?
Sounds like a perfect day at the fairgrounds. I’m sorry I missed it this year. I’ve had the same thing going on with Kirsten, too, we always miss each other at these things! Renting a house next year sounds like a great idea.
We’ll have to chat about the house…maybe you and Manise will want in!
looks fantastic! I will have to put it on the calandar for next year.
Jealous! I’m still knitting with my stash from last year . . . at this pace, I’ll be there in five years again.
I am green with envy you were there, all of you, and I was not. It sounds like you had a marvelous time, which is as it should be!
I was hoping since I keep missing you in Simsbury that I would see you in Rhinebeck, but I missed you again! Happy to see you enjoyed yourself. Maybe next year?
How on earth did I not find you? Did we talk? You were on my bingo card. It looks like you had fun, though, and so did I.
oh…what Bev said! Such a fun time! I’m typically not a joiner and don’t make a fuss about fiber celebs, but I will say I was so happy to meet and talk to Ysolda!! I also enjoyed talking to Max’s groomer, I now want a farm more than ever! I can’t wait for next year!
*sigh* Someday! Our nearest festival is *very* modest and even more so since they changed the weekend to match that of TNNA… Thanks for letting me visit vicariously!
Looks like such a blast. I hope that one of these days I can make it out!
so sorry that i missed getting to meet you at Rhinebeck! looks like you had a great time.
now…those loops? do you use them on a regular potholder loom?