If you're at least a semi-serious knitter, weaver or other fiber enthusiast, there's a pretty good chance that you've heard of the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool festival in Dutchess County, NY. I have seen posts from previous years from other bloggers I follow, but never dreamed that this year I would get to go! That is, until my dear friend Virginia, who just moved up to Boston for grad school, invited me to spend the weekend with her and her family and GO! It was a whirlwind weekend but honestly I never wanted it to end.
Rhinebeck is magical. We all wore matching sheep sweaters and got so many comments on them, fiber enthusiasts are so friendly. I was in heaven amongst so many vendors, so many of whom are committed to American grown, American milled wool. And I got to touch and feel O-Wool in person. So that was amazing. Apple cider donuts that were worth the 30 minute wait, cool weather, the perfect fall colors...it makes me happy just thinking about it.
An excessive amount of lovely yarn was purchased, which will definitely warrant a whole other post. Next year (because there will be a next year), I really want to make more of an effort to meet up with designers who I know will be there, too. It's such an awesome community and I am so glad to be a part of it! And next year, I'm coming back with my own Rhinebeck sweater. :)
P.S. - I wasn't kidding about people loving our sweaters! You can see posts from other Rhinebeck attendees here