Tag: NY sheep and wool

Ethical Elegance: Umva!

Umva! In Rwanda’s language, Kinyarwanda, umva means listen.

I learned this from Nancy, the amazing woman behind Long Ridge Farm. For several years, she has journeyed to Rwanda, working with women there to dye lovely fabrics with locally available plants. The textiles produced by the women are sold through Rwanda One4One, providing direct aid to families.

Umva wraps. Photo courtesy of Long Ridge Farm
Umva wraps. Photo courtesy of Long Ridge Farm

I’ve been a fan of Nancy’s work for years, anticipating our visits each year at Rhinebeck. As soon as she

Umva wrap in Maine
Umva wrap in Maine

posted a picture of the Umva wraps, I contacted her to reserve one for myself. It arrived the day before I left for Fiber College in Maine. When I opened it, the colors’ rich hues made me gasp out loud. Even though it was still warm in Connecticut, I was glad to have the massive wrap (4’x6′) further north. I wore it like a shawl, wrapped it around my neck, draped it over my shoulders, pulled it over me at night for a wee bit more warmth. In other words, an Umva wrap is not only ethical, it is endlessly elegant and versatile.

You can get your own magnificent Umva wrap online, or at Rhinebeck–Nancy will be in Building A, 36, and she’ll not only have Umva wraps; she’ll have silk scarves, fabrics, gorgeous leathers, and more. Be sure to visit her, and give her a hug from me.

Rhinebeck 2010

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Last weekend was close to peak for leaf peeping, which made the drive to Rhinebeck beautiful.  Sara and I wended our way along Rt. 44 until we got into New York.  There were some ominous clouds above us, but (knock wood), it has never rained on our Rhinebeck trips.

I had no shopping goals for the trip, although I did manage to find some nice things to bring home…a hat from Robin's Hoods ; a woven alpaca stole to replace my worn-out pashmina (I'm saving both for post-Project 333; they are great additions to help me create my well-appointed minimalist wardrobe); a big orange basket; three skeins of cormo/nylon yarn to use for the Macro Lace cardi I'm eager to make (and, hey, Laura was in the Foxhill Farm [no website] booth sporting her BBCs while I was shopping!  I saw the boots before I realized who was in them.  She is super nice.); a skein of creme puff from Decadent Fibers (where I also had a movie-star sighting!  Uma!  I Kinneared, but the photo is so bad.  Do you want to see it?).  I picked up a button at Jennie the Potter's booth, and some vintage millenary trims at another booth (sorry, can't find a card).

I loved the cutie patootie characters at the 425 Square Foot Art booth.  Aren't they adorable:

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There was plenty of gorgeous yarn to pet and dream about:

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These precious 2 oz. skeins of cashmere were all gone when I went back on Sunday to consider buying one.  Oh, how happy the knitters that bought them!

Best of all, though, was meeting friends, new and old.  I had dinner with my NM SnB girly Cari, met up with my dear friend Cheryl–not a knitter, but converted on Saturday night–and saw tons of my Ravelry, Twitter, and blog peeps (too many to link, but I loved seeing you all).  I had my picture taken by Gale and was given an adorable book by Manise as a reminder to pick my strawberries before any little thieves do. I drank warm cider, tasted cheese, and petted puppies.  

And critters.  Alpaca and llamas. Goats and sheep.  There were plenty of them.

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Next year, I'm planning on some big doings for Rhinebeck.  It's one of my favorite outings of the year.  Hope to see you there some time!

 

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