True to Form

True to form, Rhinebeck weekend was a whirlwind.  Visitors to the booth brought hugs, cookies, ideas and inspiration.  Many thanks to everyone who stopped by.

This event is very social, so today I'm both exhausted and exhilarated. I could probably use a nap, but my head is swirling with project possibilities.

Also true to form, I didn't knit one stitch all weekend.  I did finish an 

i-cord bind off, but I'm not counting that.  Today I'm taking it slow, and I'm off to reacquaint myself with a neglected project.  But first I have to make more coffee.

More Than Just Yarn

The crazy, chaotic whirlwind of Rhinebeck weekend has come and gone, and today I'm still taking it all in.  The weekend was full of incredibly generous people who shared their time, ideas and inspiration.  

Rhinebeck weekend is more than just yarn.  From the steady stream of beautiful handknits on parade to late night chats with friends (oh, why did we stay up so late?), this annual tradition was fulfilling on so many levels.  The weather was gorgeous, and the food was delicious, but most important of all was the companionship.  

This morning as I was reflecting on the weekend, I realized a couple things.  I didn't buy any yarn.  Not one skein.  Instead I got a few things to share with the family.  They'll appreciate this more than yarn.

I channeled my inner German and balanced out the fudge with a healthy dose of sauerkraut, pickles and mustard.  

I didn't knit one stitch the entire weekend.  It was a weekend devoted to all that is fiber goodness, but I was too busy during the day and too tired in the evening to pick up my needles.

So before I get back to work today, I'm going to knit at least one round. Maybe two.

It was a fabulous Rhinebeck weekend, and I look forward to doing it again next year.

Snapshots from Rhinebeck

WHOOSH!  That was the sound of Rhinebeck weekend coming and going.  I feel like I was picked up by a tornado, tossed around for three days and miraculously deposited at home.

Here's a glimpse into my weekend.

Qiviut from Windy Valley Muskox. 

Lace from Skaska Designs. 

In case you're curious, that's a red kangaroo.  When I walked by, there was a man from Australia watching the kangaroos with amusement.

We had a glorious fall weekend complete with crisp temps and a few snow flurries. 

Perfect wool weather for a remarkable Rhinebeck weekend.

Of Rhinebeck and Winners

It's the Monday after Rhinebeck.  If I had more control over my calendar, I would have scheduled a day off.  But I don't, so I'm back in the thick of it.  As an added bonus, I've been puppy sitting this morning.  With so many things calling for my attention, today is a good exercise in setting priorities.

I spent the weekend immersed in all kinds of wonderful and have come out on the other side feeling energized and inspired.  From the constant parade of handknit garments to the chatter with friends to the broad array of yarns and colors, it was a weekend that was exhausting and exhilarating all in one.

Here are just a few things that caught my eye this weekend.

From the Tsarina of Tsocks . . . I've admired this design from afar, so it was fun to see it up close and personal.

This is the work of Cara Romano.  She has combined metal work with fiber to create beautiful jewelry.  Go ahead and follow the link.  You won't be disappointed.

Both the weather and the fall colors were spot on.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth.  It was a delightful weekend all around.

And thanks to everyone who entered to win one of the gift certificates. The winners are Christine and Stacey L.  Check your email for details.

Rhinebeck Review

It's the Monday after Rhinebeck.  The trucks are unloaded, and I'm picking up the pieces . . . sifting and sorting, setting priorities.  On one hand, I'm completely exhausted.  I'm not sure I can consume enough coffee to get me through the day.  On the other hand, I'm energized after a weekend dedicated to fiber, color and inspiration.  

And friends.  Rhinebeck is an event that brings together fiber enthusiasts from far and wide.  I connected with old fiber friends and made new ones along the way.  Rhinebeck is a fiber party.  I'm sure I'll be processing the weekend for days to come.

For today, I have a few pictures to share.

Fiber events are tiring.

"What's with the crowds?"

And now, if you'll excuse me, I need more coffee.

All Done In

It's the Monday after Rhinebeck, and I'm suffering from a wool hangover.  The weekend whizzed by, and I'm sure I'll be processing it for several days to come.  Gorgeous fall weather, seeing many fiber friends, a crowded booth.  It was the kind of wool party that happens only at Rhinebeck.  My recovery may take a couple of days.

Of course there was more than enough yarn and fiber to go around, so I'll share a few shots of the sights and sounds of the fairgrounds.  

Rhinebeck.  A weekend full of color, fun and inspiration.

Recovering

It's the Wednesday after Rhinebeck, and I'm still recovering.  In fact I may feel more exhausted today than I did on Monday.


I hate to disappoint if you stopped by the blog looking for pictures of knitting in progress, new colors or fun projects.  The lighting today is awful for photos, so my knitting update will have to wait.  Instead it looks like it's going to be a day to tackle the mountain of paperwork, process orders and sift through emails.  With any luck I'll even find time for a nap.

Rhinebeck Tradition

The long-anticipated Rhinebeck weekend has come and gone.

True to form the weekend did not disappoint.  It was crazy busy.


Rhinebeck is many things.

There is yarn and fiber of course.


But that's not all.

Food.

Music.

Colors in all shapes and sizes.

Activities for kids and grown-ups who dare.

Remnants of a sand sculpture from the Dutchess County Fair.

Complete with knitting.

Rhinebeck celebrates the season.

But above all Rhinebeck is a tradition, an annual trek to share time with friends.  Thanks for a most memorable weekend.

Road Ready

The adventure continues.  I'm packed and ready to hit the road to Rhinebeck.  I'm going through a mental list to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.  Yarn, kits, more yarn, samples, still more yarn.  If I've forgotten anything, I probably won't realize it until I'm unpacking on the other end.


Last, but not least, is the latest shipment of bags from Michele at Three Bags Full.

New fabrics.


New sizes.

The sweater bag.


New details.

The bead alone is enough to make me want this bag.


All of these goodies and more will be in the Dirty Water DyeWorks booth - Building C, Booth 42.  


All summer I meant to get some sunflowers at the farmers' market.  I admired their beauty and color, but for one reason or another I never brought any home.  While most of the flowers have come and gone, this particular sunflower caught my eye the other day.  I was driving but pulled over to capture the last of its color.  On this gray, rainy New England day I leave you with my color inspiration for the week.  

Bright yellow fresh with raindrops.