Rhinebeck Edition!
Hello Beautiful Fiber Community,
The leaves are finally turning warm fall colors and float about dreamily in this newly crisp air, gracefully finding their way to the ground to be crunched beneath our feet. Doesn't that alone make you want to load up on all sorts of exquisite yarns and cast-on all the things?!!?
It’s time to unpack all the hand knits, plan our cold winter of sipping warm beverages out of handmade mugs, create simmer pots so our homes smell inviting, and craft to our heart’s content!
This weekend, the fiber festival of all fiber festivals is happening, the New York Sheep and Wool at the Duchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York, otherwise simply known as Rhinebeck!
Stitchers come from far and wide to attend this woolen extravaganza that never ever disappoints! From the apple cider donuts, handwoven baskets, fresh falafel and tons upon tons of yarn, NYSW is literally the World Cup of the fiber world!
If this year is your maiden voyage to RBK, fear not, we have compiled a list of not-to-be-missed experiences that enhance this once a year delight!
It's the VanRey (Kn)IT LIST, Rhinebeck Edition!!
But First, Let’s Talk About Your Rhinebeck Sweater . . .
You may have noticed that there are a lot of patterns out there named for Rhinebeck, The Rhinebeck Sweater, or some variation of that. What is the significance of that, you ask? Well, the sweater you wear to Rhinebeck is almost as important as securing a place to stay there close to a year in advance!
It has long been the tradition of stitchers attending the NYSW (New York Sheep & Wool) Festival to create a new garment just for the festival, aptly named their Rhinebeck Sweater! As Kay Gardiner describes in her 2022 article for Modern Daily Knitting, “The Rhinebeck Sweater, It’s A Thing", some groups of stitchers together choose to knit the same pattern and show up to the festival as a Sweater Squad. Other knitters / crocheters choose to keep their project and color palette secret until the day of and surprise their fiber friends!
Personally, I like to choose the pattern and yarn, stitch a lot in the beginning, let the project fall by the wayside, cast-on a bunch of new projects in the middle and then race to finish the sweater before the big day… makes it more interesting, ya know?
Whether or not you choose to knit or crochet something new for the NYSW Festival, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most beautiful stitch witchery you've ever seen! And if you’re in need of some Rhinebeck Sweater inspirations, please find a plethora of patterns named for the infamous garment below. See you there!
(Clockwise from Top Left)
Road to Rhinebeck, Andrea Sanchez
Take Me To Rhinebeck Cocoon, Alia Luria
Ode To Rhinebeck, Beth MacDonald Stone
Rhinebeck Hat, Woolly Wornhead
Rhinebeck Tote Bag, Samantha Brunson
Rhinebeck Ruffle, Liz Alvino
Before the Big Show…
Driving up early? These Friday mini-festivals kick-off a weekend full of woolen goodness and give new meaning to the term Shop-til-you-DROP!! Make sure to plan your day out wisely though, as they all require tickets to enter, some for specific time slots. Please visit each festival’s website for times and vendor information.
After the Big Show…
The Jill Draper Open Air Studio event was truly one of my favorite experiences last year. Join fellow fiber enthusiasts under the grand pavilion, surrounded by the breathtaking Autumn hues of the Hudson River. Shop Jill Draper’s gorgeous hand-dyed yarn, enjoy a delightful snack, and share your latest creations amidst this scenic backdrop. Need a serene moment? Discover hidden nooks for quiet stitches and riverside contemplation. A free event with limited spots, I suggest you RSVP pronto!
Some of my Fave Fairground Photos
I’ve had the pleasure of attending the New York Sheep & Wool Festival many times and thought a little trip down memory lane would be nice. Please enjoy these photos from festivals past, most joyful, some bittersweet. ❤️
EAT
Aba’s Falafel - Hands down the best falafel around, Aba’s sells both in the center of downtown Rhinebeck and at the Sheep and Wool Festival itself. The line will be forever long, but do not be deterred… this will be the best thing you wait on line for all weekend! Not to be missed!
MUNCH
Samuel’s Sweet Shop - Owners Paul Rudd, of Clueless fame, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan of Grey’s Anatomy fame, come together to bring downtown Rhinebeck the cutest darn sweets shop in all the land. Stop in for some coffee, hot chocolate, a pouch of goodies and a rice Krispy treat with their faces on it!
WATCH
Jen Geigley - This Des Moines based fiber artist and knitwear designer documented her trip to New York Sheep and Wool last year and it gives all the cozy vibes. Want to get a glimpse of what to expect at Rhinebeck? Make a hot cup of your favorite something, settle in with your knitting and let this beautiful human be your guide.
SHOP
The Perfect Blend Yarn & Tea Shop - A lovely stop, should you arrive on your Rhinebeck adventure a day early. Located in the quaint and effervescent village of Saugerties, New York, this shop couples two things we wool lovers can't get enough of, yarn and tea! Peruse notions, squish fiber, sip fragrant teas and find yourself smiling.
BE INSPIRED
Iris Creek Farm - This is THE booth for all of the most fabulous fashion and curly locks collar inspo! Iris Creek is a small family farm in Connecticut, raising Leicester Longwool sheep, as well as a menagerie of barnyard friends. Grab some amazing curly locks in a myriad of colors to zhuzh up the collar of any hand knit cardi.
DO NOT MISS
Dusty’s Vintage Buttons - One would think that a festival named Sheep & Wool would only vend woolen things, but this just isn't true! One of my very favorite booths sells authentic vintage buttons, circa 1850- 1970. I can't control myself and always leave with handfuls!
EXPLORE
The Hudson Valley - The website HudsonValleyExplored.com is a wealth of knowledge to those visiting one of the many counties that make up the quaint area. Handy for planning your trip, find out what this area of the world has to offer with this wildly extensive guide.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about all things Rhinebeck and as always thank you for your love and support! Xoxo V
