Monthly Archives: October 2013

This weekend was the first time that I was able to go to Rhinebeck, NY for the NY Sheep & Wool Festival. Before I started working for JMF, I either had rehearsal or a show every weekend. I would get an actual weekend off maybe once a year, sometimes it was much longer between weekends off, however. So Rhinebeck was always out.

The delightful Julie and her friend Lucia and I left early on Saturday and came back Sunday night. Here’s a peek of my Rhinebeck through pictures (and by “peek” I mean over 60. I took more than 300 so consider this just a few in comparison):

The drive there had wonderful views. I enjoyed watching the type of fall foliage change (less vivid reds and oranges as we went west across the pike):

The JMF ravelry group meet up:

Just kidding! That was the Ravelry meet up. Here’s the JMF meet up:

Brenda had to leave right after we took that photo, but before we were joined by Melissa, Melissa, and Melissa’s husband Jeremy. Jeremy was driving and as they got closer to the fairgrounds, Melissa started to look up directions. Jeremy said, “I was just going to follow that car with the Kay Two Tog bumper sticker.” (K2tog).

A Border Leicester Sheep, (same breed as most of our colored flock):

You’re about to see so many photos of knitwear that I was admiring from afar:

A display on the different kinds of wool!

I’m really loving cabled sweaters right now:

This goat was sleeping on the rail. I took a picture, it looked up at me, and then fell back asleep. Adorable!

Love the coloring on this sheep!

Do these sheep look like they’re being followed? They should! This is from the Herding Dog demo. This border collie clearly LOVES her job:

Julie’s warm bunny hat:

I found a lot of sweaters that reminded me of The Shepherd and The Shearer sweaters:

Rhinebeck is a a beautiful background for taking Finished Object pictures!

I adore this hat!

This is actually the seconf time I stalked this woman to photograph her sweater. Now that I’m seeing it on screen, though, I’m wondering if it’s a handknit or if it’s a commercial knit. Julie and I played that game. What do you think?

Cheviot sheep:

This girl’s matching ensemble was too precious for words!

Sunday morning we caught the Frisbee Dog Demo. I think that these dog’s are the happiest in the whole world!

The weather was perfect and many people took advantage of it to socialize

Llama / Alpaca parade!

Because you always see a strolling bajo player with his hand-knit bedecked groupies:

Great use of color:

We met up again on Sunday with Adelaide. Linda, Deb, and Jim joined us. It was so wonderful to have some time to talk to people who I’d never met before! Linda:

Adelaide:

Even while in line for food, I was scoping out awesome knits:

In the Food barn, there were also exhibits. This man was weaving dishcloths:

Lots of hand spun, knitting, and weaving was entered.

I didn’t always understand the judge’s choices. This handspun took FIFTH place!

This color combo is perfect:

Sometimes you just have to take a nap / look up at the passing clouds.

The shawl on the left I recognize as Celestarium.

I could have gotten apple crisp at two different places, but was swayed into getting this one by a satisfied customer:

It was a great last treat of the fair!

The skirt is Lanespliter and the orange sweater on the right is, of course, Kate Davies’ Owls.

I want to make this shawl in Herriot naturals! So simple, but so effective.

This blue sweater is so flattering! Anyone know what it is?

We pulled over at a scenic rest stop on our way home. It was well worth it. I really lucked out with the weather for my first Rhinebeck. I’m spoiled for sure!

I had a great time and can’t wait to do it again. Fortunately I wasn’t crazed about buying something in particular and took my time selecting my perfect souvenier. (A beautiful spalted elm nostepin.) This meant that if an area was too crowded, I could easily move through it without feeling like I was missing something. We never stood in crazy long lines, opting to get lunch earlier in the day and then an afternoon snack. And when the crowds were at their peak, we opted to go to a meet up and socialize. It was a great chance to take a break from the push of people and see / meet old friends!

Do you recognize any of the knits in this post? Feel free to let us know what the patterns are, as I’m sure I’m not the only one interested in learning more about them!