Reinventing Rhinebeck – Part 1
November 4th, 2008
My mother and I made an annual tradition of attending the NY Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck. We were both deeply bound together by the fiber arts. She knitted joyful and complicated sweaters, and I spun, wove, and sometimes knitted simpler accessories.
In 2006 we enjoyed for one last time the creative riot of color and the easy interchange of ideas as we designed future projects inspired by a handful of beautifully dyed fleece. We basked in the autumn sunshine and tasted Artichokes French.
She was knitting a siimple and classic sweater in deep blues, greens and purples in the last weeks of her life in April 2007. I have yet to finish it, but someday I will.
October 2007, I drove to Rhinebeck alone and wandered through the barns in a daze. It wasn’t the same. I bought a tapestry beater and some white warp. Where was the color?
This year, I was determined to reinvent the joyous experience. I reached out of my comfort zone a few weeks before the festival and started chatting with other knitters and spinners on Ravelry. Shy me. Can you believe it? I made plans to go to meetups and parties.
I’d like to thank every person who said hello or commented on my handknit socks. You brought color and warmth to my weekend. I’d especially like to thank the Holidome knitters and spinners who welcomed me to the tribe.
Next time, I’ll share some more of my colorful purchases. You’ve already seen my Lendrum wheel, Golding spindle, and some of the Romney sliver that I dyed.