Inspiration
Thanks for the Memories: Rhinebeck 2024
A truth that may be hard to believe: the New York Sheep and Wool Festival, which draws tens of thousands of visitors to Rhinebeck, New York every October, is at its core a local fiber festival. If there is a fiber festival in your area, big or small, go there—you’ll have the best time.
About 20 years ago, and 20-plus years after its founding, Rhinebeck became the nation’s—and perhaps the world’s—premier sheep and wool show. This happened thanks to a perfect storm of proximity to New York and other population centers on the east coast, the extraordinary leaf-peeping potential of that particular weekend, and the undeniable fact that it’s a lovely day out for people with all sorts of overlapping interests. Knitters, crocheters, and others gather to enjoy a day of sheep and wool of course, but also: fresh air, old trees, things made with apples and maple syrup, and other simple pleasures for the whole family. Since I first learned about it in the early 2000s up until the present, I’ve been going every year, even when it’s been just a few hours of breathing country air and wool fumes, sandwiched between two drives across the George Washington Bridge.
Up top is a scrapbook of Rhinebeck weekend 2024, from Ann’s and my perspective as camp followers of this wonderful festival.
Friday: Red Hook
Our weekend started on Friday afternoon in an orchard at A Woolen Affair, a gathering of fiber folk that is now in its second year. Held in a gorgeous venue, A Woolen Affair showcased an exquisitely curated tent full of beautiful yarns, bags, books, and more—plus music and hanging out.
We met friends old and new, sipped cider in a flower-filled barn, and gazed out at mountains covered in red and gold—just wow, 10 out of 10, will go again if we are lucky enough to score tickets.
Saturday: Rhinebeck
On Saturday we spent the whole day at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Building B, where Merritt Bookstore—a local institution—hosts a popup bookstore that gets better every year, and fills it with authors, books, toys, and gadgets.
It wouldn’t be Rhinebeck without Mini Moebius and Mr. Moebius stopping by in their Rhinebeck Sweaters! (Christine is wearing the Paulie Cardigan by Amy Christoffers, and Colin is wearing a custom design by Amy Christoffers.)
Nell Ziroli showed off her new pattern, the Temperature Sweater. With her are MDK Knitting Getaway alums Karen T. in her Crowberry Sweater and Sara M. in unknown handknit cardigan.
Look it’s Dee Hardwicke, who came all the way from Wales to celebrate her sumptuous new book, Cultivate.
Dee’s brilliance takes the breath away: this is duplicate stitch on a stranded colorwork background.
Dee brought her notebook! We gasped.
Every year we are blown away by the love and loyalty of the knitters who troupe through to say hi to us and maybe show us something they love that they made from the MDK Field Guides or in one of our yarns.
A magnificent case in point, Cheryl’s version of the It Sweater of Rhinebeck 2024, Framed, in MDK Atlas. It was such a thrill to see her beautiful palette.
For the record, in 2024 we were visited by not just one, but two! sets of handknitting twin sisters. SUCH FUN.
(We’re missing Nancy and Kate, but I can’t find them on my camera roll. Help!)
MDK contributor Paul Haesemeyer (lately of New York, not Latvia) in an awesome vest.
We talked to kind folks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., barely taking a break to eat a chicken pita (protein being essential to stamina) and throw back an Arnold Palmer (hydration). Fun!
Sunday: Kingston
On Sunday morning, we headed to a jewel of Ulster County, Robert E. Post Memorial Park in nearby Kingston, where Jill Draper had arranged for a mellow and also breathtaking and inspiring gathering on the literal banks of the Hudson River.
Jill’s bespoke yarns, samples, and woven wares were artfully arrayed in a spacious pavilion, alongside treats catered by Jill and her wonderful mom.
Jill Draper and happy shopper Norah Gaughan.
People came and went and hung out at picnic tables in a blissed-out reverie that we will not soon forget. Thank you, Jill.
Plot Twist: Brooklyn!
We got in the car to go back to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds as we’d planned, for a day of free-ranging and saying hi to beloved vendors. That was when Ann turned to me, looked into my eyes and said: “Why wouldn’t you be there tonight?”
She was talking about the final game of the WNBA championship series, in which my beloved New York Liberty were doing battle with the Minnesota Lynx for a trophy that had eluded them for more than 27 years.
Ann was right. I had to stop being a weenie, overcome my fears of another missed championship run for the Liberty, and pull myself together, right then and there.
And so, we headed back to the Airbnb in Saugerties that we had shared so happily with chums, packed up our stuff, and pointed the Honda toward Brooklyn. Destination: Barclays Center. Tip-off at 8 p.m.
After more than 39 official minutes of a low-scoring war of attrition between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx, the game was tied at the buzzer and went into overtime. And in those 5 minutes the Liberty, which I’ve been following since the league’s founding in 1997, scrapped their way to their first championship.
PANDEMONIUM. ELATION. LOUD, HAPPY PEOPLE.
Thank you, Ann. I didn’t get that sweetgrass basket that I was on the hunt for this year, but I’m floating on air. There will be baskets—and basketball—next year.
Thank you! Thank you! For this visit with you and Ann to Rhinebeck!! I’ve never been and really want to go. I loved the photo of the twins. And I’m so excited for your Liberty gals!!!
Best day ever. We are honored to be included in your Rhinebeck recap.
Hi from one of the missing twins.( Nancy) It was truly a highlight of the day to meet and talk with you. We are so inspired to start on knitting from our Fieldguides. A trip to Nashville is on the top of the bucket list. Happy Knitting.
Beautiful- sometimes dreams do come true!
The joy and beautiful photos in this post!
An excellent post, thank you Kay and Ann! I loved looking at all the Field Guide projects, and especially the Pressed Flowers sweaters, now at the top of my queue!
Oh YEAY Kay!
I’m so happy for you that your team won! Being a lifelong Cleveland baseball fan* I am, yet again, relegated to the ranks of “Wait until next year”… (( sigh ))
Rhinebeck remains on my bucket list… so shocking to say in retrospect since I moved to Ontario Canada from central MAssachusetts. Always so so SOOO close and yet so so SOO far… (( sigh ))
*Nothing personal, but I TRULY despise the Yankees, and probably more than ever now.
How wonderful! Reading this gave me chills! I was one of those lucky fans who found you at the Merritt area and we had the loveliest chat ! Such a pleasure. My bad for only having my works from your KALs at home as WIPs. But Rhinebeck is amazing! I’m so glad you’re able to make it!(lol) next year Nashville!! Love you!!!!
I must say that in light of recent events, the presence of the phrase “Arnold Palmer” made my blood run cold for a second.
I’m sorry for you if such things makes your “blood run cold“. In an interview, Mr. Palmer‘s daughter laughed and thought her dad would have gotten a kick out of it!
Nothing can tarnish his legacy: the most refreshing beverage ever invented!
Yes to both!
Exactly!
Kay,
What blue pattern sweater are you wearing with Paul? gorgeous! Looking forward to yarn fest
It’s Hana by Junko Okamoto, in Rowan Denim. A favorite make!
Do you think Rowan will ever remake the denim yarn? I bought some on Etsy to make a pair of the baby blue jeans for a friend’s first grandson (not made yet, baby soon to be a year, separate problem) and it does sound like such great yarn. I love the colour of your sweater!
I don’t hold out much hope for the revival of Rowan Denim but I know that it lurks unloved in many stashes, so I’d set up an alert on resale sites!
Rhinebeck was exciting. I was among the sea of framed sweaters and that was a treat to see so many color combinations and styles. Also met Andrea , BIG treat!. The setting was incredible but the trees stole the show. The tapestry of colors was extraordinary. Stopped by to see Ann and Kate , the bookstore had the best checkout line (organized and fast)
Now I am looking forward to NASH FEST.
What sweater is Ann wearing?
Spectra from Field Guide 19: Marls.
Kay & Ann
What are the sweaters you’re both wearing in these pictures?
My question exactly!
Oh so sorry I missed Kay and Ann but I saw Nell on the line for cider donuts! Love the excitement of Rhinebeck and the day was spectacular! Till next year!
Love everything about your post. The eye Candy, the fall weather, the old friends, the women’s accomplishments. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, what FUN!! I haven’t been to Rhinebeck in a few years, so it’s great to revisit through you!
Can you please share the pattern names for the sweaters that you and Ann are wearing. Both of your sweaters are beautiful!!
Scroll up!
Thanks for the virtual visit to Rhinebeck. So beautiful this time of year. I have never been but maybe one day. We missed out on SAFF this year and are still praying for the people in Asheville. Congrats on your team! How exciting! It gets me itching to start knitting my Pressed Flowers cardigan.
What a lovely recap of your adventurous weekend and the big WNBA win! But I’ve gotta say that the thing I loved most of all was the tee you were wearing in the last pic…..may they also be winners!
That’s a true friend! I would be hard pressed to leave such a glorious place! Thanks for sharing it all. Wonderful to see!
People near NJ: Garden State Sheep and Wool is in early September, and a mini Rhinebeck – accessible (smaller) with lots of sheep to see… $15/carload of knitters. Not as overwhelming as Rhinebeck but such a lovely day w great vendors.
It’s on the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, not far from Flemington.
Highly Recommend!
For those in the upper midwest, Wisconsin Sheep and Wool (https://wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/) is in Jefferson WI, the first weekend in September, and a smaller version of Rhinebeck. Not far from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison. They have sheep dog trials, which you have to see, not just a demonstration. I had a glorious time in Rhinebeck, my first, last weekend, with the Madison Knitter’s Guild bus trip. Totally worth the 2 days on the bus to get there, and 2 days back.
I have been and I agree it’s wonderful. Smaller but equally joyful, so fun.
It keeps getting bigger with more fiber-y things each year!
But it isn’t cool enough to wear wool…
I always look forward to your Rhinebeck pictures—they are always such a delight. Such happy people! Such wonderful sweaters! I must get there one of these years.
I agree if you have a local festival you should go! I went to my first sheep and wool festival in Dixon, California this year (Rhinebeck is a little far), it was wonderful! Tons of beautiful yarn, interesting breeds of sheep and sheep dog demonstrations. We had a great day.
Love Dixon!
Thanks for sharing this lovely recap. I’ve been going with friends the last few years but had to miss this one. Of all the things I had FOMO for, probably the most was the Jill Draper Open House. We look forward to those wonderful yarns and tasty snacks every year! Hope to be back in 2025.
I always enjoy going to Rhinebeck vicariously. Thanks for taking us again. Very sad that Mr. Colin’s sweater is a custom design (for me, not for him — he’s got that fabulous sweater, though the color inspiration is real). Thanks also for reminding us (especially those of us who’ve never been) that there are other wool festivals, and even OTHER THINGS that are also wonderful. Hurray for Liberty!
Great report on a lot of variety packed into a few days, and such a wonderful surprise ending (even if they hadn’t won!). You know we are going to ask about all of the sweater patterns being modeled, but I think my favorite shot is the Eleanor Roosevelt knitting tote! Nell’s Temperature Sweater reminds me that I want to plan a blanket for 2025. (Will I really be able to knit daily in 2025? There is always hope.)
What a great Rhinebeck weekend story (with such a fantastic ending!) Love you!
A wonderful long weekend, and what a capper for you, Kay! Thanks to both of you for sharing the fun.
What is the sweater pattern Ann is wearing in her photo with Dee Hardwicke? Love all the amazing happy faces!
Scroll up for the answer!
And was I happy to see Kay’s tee shirt. I follow you two religiously and so admire what you have accomplished. Glad you got to see the big win
Happy knitting,
Barbara
Does anyone know where I can purchase the “make something” tote bag that t Norah Gaughan is carrying in at Rhinebeck?
Norah’s canvas bag is from Jill Draper Makes Stuff, linked in the body of the post or just put that name into your search bar.
…. that’s what friends are for
Brilliant choice. Brilliant win! Brilliant all around.
Love the photos. Thank you. Maybe one year I’ll make it
What is the blue sweater that you are wearing? It looks like it’s many different cable patterns. It’s fabulous.
I love it! A basketball ending! You gals made the right choice. Rhinebeck will be there next year, but seeing the Liberty win their first Championship in person? Priceless! What a great game and historic night. Impossible to knit to though . . .
I am so glad you guys took off for the basketball game—you two work so hard year round, bringing us joy and interesting things to ponder and knit! It was a great weekend in Rhinebeck for all!
It was a pleasure meeting both of you and fulfilling one of my key goals for my unexpected first visit to Rhinebeck, and snagging a signed copy of Field Guide 1 to give those log cabin blocks a try. But that will have to wait as I am knitting the Jacobs Cardigan with Jane and all I can say is “I’m in love with both the yarn and pattern”. My daughter has already put in her request although the pressed flower pattern has my eye.
LOVE that you went to the game! I have also been following the game since the beginning and glad to see that this was the year! Maybe you can get Big Ellie some yarn and needles!!!!!
You’re so right! I need to knit Ellie something in Big Wool from Field Guide No. 12: BIG JOY!!
Throwing back an Arnold Palmer takes on new meaning this week (sorry, couldn’t resist.) Thanks for sharing all your pics. Kay, I’m happy for you and your team but we both know the refereeing could have been better (I’m in Minnesota.)
That was a great idea to head back to the Brooklyn and yes they did it.. I was also thrilled. Since retirement we come up early and leave on Monday and love it. We got to your table on Sunday and now we know where you were.
It was a gorgeous weekend and I’m so impressed to put it mildly with the scope of yarn and joy that people have talking about it.
My goal for the rest of year into next is to hunker down and knit more. I took the Virtual with Fatimah and now I’m signing up for the Pattern Reading! I have to make time for knitting as well as my birding. Thanks so much ladies for the newsletter.
Beautiful post and yes, indeed, Dee Hardwicke’s work took my breath away. Most of all I love Kay’s tee shirt at the Liberty game!
Lovely to see you both this year at Rhinebeck!!
Great stories…. but which pattern is the superb striped, loosely flowing sweater or cardigan Ann is wearing in the photo with Dee Hardwicke? And Dee’s work is just … phantastic.
That’s the Spectra Sweater by Cecelia Campochiaro: https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/patterns/spectra-sweater/
I missed Rhinebeck this year (my budget can only handle going every 4 or 5 years and I went last year). I was at Barclays on Sunday night! They did very bad things to my blood pressure, but that was one hard-fought, gritty win.
And I would love to know where that “Harris & Walz & Joy & Liberty” t-shirt came from!!
Wonderful recap!
Such a lovely recap!
Love your Chanin skirt!
Amazing suitable top off for that week end. Good for you!