This past weekend we trekked to Rhinebeck for the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival.  This has been a long-standing tradition and in the past 20 years, we’ve only missed the event once.  It seems to get bigger and better every year.

I’ve noticed that the weather has also gotten friendlier for this event.  By the third weekend in October, temperatures start to dip below 60 during the day, and precipitation in one form or another gets more common.  In years past, we’ve been bundled up against the drizzle and raw temperatures, talking to vendors wearing winter coats and mittens.  This has not been the case recently – lots of sun, balmy temperatures…  It’s almost difficult to think about wool (ok, not really).  And I’m sure the sheep that attend would welcome something cooler.  The vest that I spun and knit up from last year’s roving purchase had to be left behind – it was just too hot to wear it!

Nonetheless, I searched for roving and found it (same spot as last year – Persimmon Tree Farm).  The stuff is lovely – wool and mohair, “antique rose” was my pick, Alison lobbied for “wildflower”.  She’s shown a real interest in spinning, so I have taken my own advice to get her something that she would like to work with.

We indulged in various food items, toured the “haunted house”, played on kid-friendly apparatus and saw a turtle and a variety of snakes, among other things.

I also worked up my nerve to visit the authors’ tent (new this year), to say hello to the big names in the knitting world.  Alison tagged along for moral support instead of watching the pumpkin launch.  Her comment – “We’re here for the wool, right?  I could live without watching pumpkins being thrown around.”  I feel fulfilled in my mission to indoctrinate the young into the world of fiber…

I met Kay & Ann of Mason-Dixon fame, Clara, of Knitter’s Review (and hostess of the upcoming Knitter’s Retreat, of which I am attending!!), and Carol Cypher, of felting, beading and other fiber fame.  I heard Stephanie Pearl-McPhee speak for a brief time, but Alison was in need of liquid refreshment, and unfortunately, it was difficult to hear and see from where we were standing.  As we were heading out the gate to journey home, Bob turned to me and said “Hey, isn’t that Stephanie, the Yarn Harlot?”  Indeed it was, so, tripping over my words, I said hello.  Bob was more eloquent in telling her that because of my book collection and visits to her blog, that even he could recognize her.  Poor woman, she probably couldn’t wait to head back home and have a stiff drink.

So there you have it – fiber, food, fun, and celebrity action.  Only 364 days to go until next year’s show, but who’s counting?

Peace & Love,

Liz