We just got back from The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, more commonly known as "Rhinebeck".
I took my camera. There were so many things I should have taken pictures of - sheep, llamas, rabbits, goats, people, hundreds of beautiful vendor booths, yarns, roving, bags upon bags of incredible raw wool, toys, tailgaters (yes, I said tailgaters - mimosas and everything at 8:30 in the a.m. in the parking area!), spinning wheels, looms, sweaters, blankets, rugs... I took no pictures. Not even of the incredible fall foliage we drove through on the way there.
I have never seen anything like it. I could have had a terrible time at the festival and still been glad to have made the trip, just for the leaves. I did have a great time though, without a doubt. Everything you hear about Rhinebeck is not one bit exaggerated. We are already planning a trip back next year. For reference, we enjoyed The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival several years ago (everyone should go once), but have never had the urge to go back.
Experience and education was our primary goal, but we also did a little shopping. I had my list ready for weeks - nothing too necessary, but lots of fun - a neat little Journey Loom, a beautiful Golding drop spindle, some books, cool t-shirt... Saint Tim had his thinking cap on though and picked this out.
I had planned on shearing Miss Ewenice before we left (long wool breeds are shorn twice a year), but ran out of time. How fortunate. This shearing stand is quite the handy tool, using a car jack to raise Miss Ewenice as high as I needed - in the picture it's only half way. Things are definitely looking up around here. Pun intended.
I took my camera. There were so many things I should have taken pictures of - sheep, llamas, rabbits, goats, people, hundreds of beautiful vendor booths, yarns, roving, bags upon bags of incredible raw wool, toys, tailgaters (yes, I said tailgaters - mimosas and everything at 8:30 in the a.m. in the parking area!), spinning wheels, looms, sweaters, blankets, rugs... I took no pictures. Not even of the incredible fall foliage we drove through on the way there.
I have never seen anything like it. I could have had a terrible time at the festival and still been glad to have made the trip, just for the leaves. I did have a great time though, without a doubt. Everything you hear about Rhinebeck is not one bit exaggerated. We are already planning a trip back next year. For reference, we enjoyed The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival several years ago (everyone should go once), but have never had the urge to go back.
Experience and education was our primary goal, but we also did a little shopping. I had my list ready for weeks - nothing too necessary, but lots of fun - a neat little Journey Loom, a beautiful Golding drop spindle, some books, cool t-shirt... Saint Tim had his thinking cap on though and picked this out.
I had planned on shearing Miss Ewenice before we left (long wool breeds are shorn twice a year), but ran out of time. How fortunate. This shearing stand is quite the handy tool, using a car jack to raise Miss Ewenice as high as I needed - in the picture it's only half way. Things are definitely looking up around here. Pun intended.
4 comments:
Sounds like a great time. Wish I could have gone. So where is the picture of your spindle? Inquiring minds what to see. What a handy lift. I am sure it will make it much easier on you and the sheep.
Sounds neat! My mom lived in New Hampshire and D.C. after college and she's always talked about how beautiful the falls are up there. I hope to see it for myself one day. Glad you had a good time even if you didn't get any pics.
It sounds like a lot of fun.maybe next year we will go. sorry no pics. I love the pic of Ewenice she looks happy to be cooler.what is a journey loom sorry but I dont know.
Have you started with your Joureny Loom? I just ordered mine with the creators book and a kit and Can't wait! AND ~ you have my dream spindle haha! I want the one with the metal ring and the owl
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