Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Rhinebeck!!!

I am back from my trip to Rhinebeck with my friends Ariel and Jenny and it has taken me a few days just to rest and recover before being able to get to the computer to post. For those unfamiliar with this event of fiber-y goodness, the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival, it takes place in Rhinebeck, NY, so hence it is just referred to as "Rhinebeck". A fact that kept confusing Jenny who could not comprehend how anyone could mention the word Rhinebeck and not be referring to the wool festival.

The whole event was truly a feast for the senses. The Hudson Valley area of NY in autumn is just gorgeous.

DSCN1270

Then throw in the smells and tastes of fair food: fried dough, chicken pot pie, fudge, maple syrup cotton candy (yummy!), all that plus they had wine and cheese tastings. Really people! Yarn and cheese, does it get any better?

But most of all there was yarn, fabulous, colorful, soft, roll around naked in, yarn. There were just buildings and buildings of vendors with such pretty things to touch and see. Most of the yarn was from small farms and independent dyers. I think I was pretty restrained in my shopping but did add to my stash with absolutely no idea what I am going to use some of this for and I don't care! I don't usually buy without a specific project in mind so I think this was really good for me.


Saturday night was the ravelry party and I think someone said there were nearly 700 people there! We initially were way early so we stopped at a local diner for an amazing burger and chocolate milkshake. So we ended up getting to the party a bit late but we did get goodie bags! Since it was so very chilly we took refuge in one of the tents with heaters and hung out with the wonderful folks of the Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm.

Diner
DSCN1272

Ravelry cupcakes

DSCN1276


Now for the photos you are really waiting for....yarn!!!!

Socks That Rock

DSCN1269

Alpaca light fingering weight, the softest thing ever! I literally cradled it in my arms and stroked it as I waited to pay for it. I have adopted it as my new pet and I think we are just going to sit on the couch and watch tv together. Far less maintenance than a cat or bunny.
DSCN1297


Lluxury Llama, the only thing I bought with a specific pattern in mind
DSCN1301

Best bargain of the day, this 100% wool cranberry fingering weight heather with blue flecks that I figured had to have something wrong with it since it was so reasonable!
DSCN1288


I finally found a cute vase to show off the colorful needles my grandma gave me.
DSCN1302

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It looks like it was so much fun! I'm so jealous that I missed out. So are you planning to try socks with your new STR yarn???? And I'm totally loving the mug... I saw her stuff online and was wanting one as well! Lucky!

Jenny said...

YAAAAYYYY!!!!

I love your yarn! That cranberry yarn is so kick ass, man...

I just remembered the gray roving we got! I forgot about it! Waaaa MUST! SPIN! NOW!

Susan The Shepherd referred to you this weekend as "your hilarious friend," by the way. :)

I'm sorry I couldn't figure out how to spin on your spindle. Go look at every tutorial you can find. Google "bottom whorl tutorial" or something, and GIT A-SPINNIN'!