Happy Friday, Beautiful Stitchers!!

While I’m so sad that Rhinebeck 2023 is now but a memory, I’m still aglow from all the warm hugs with fabulous fiber friends! My heart is so full after seeing so many of your beautiful faces and gorgeous knitwear.

I’m grateful to have made it to the fairgrounds this year and I’m even more grateful to have squeezed so very many of you! I almost didn’t go, but I’m so glad I did. As a dear friend put it, most importantly I went to Rhinebeck to show my children that after facing unexpected heartbreak and challenges, you can pick yourself up and go forward with happiness when you are surrounded by people you love.

This year felt very different though. I was going through my pictures and it was right in front of me. I wasn't there as part of a team or representing the ideas or endeavors of others. I was there for myself. My brand. And while this was a bittersweet realization, it was also quite liberating and exciting! Now I truly realize anything is possible! The door is open and I’m twirling right through it!

Let’s take one last look at the magic of the Rhinebeck fairgrounds, while also trying to right some of the wrongs from this past weekend by supporting small businesses that didn't quite have the experience they were expecting, or more importantly, deserved.

It's the VanRey (Kn)IT LIST, Rhinebeck Re-Cap Edition!!

United for Wool & Folk Vendors

Whether you attended Rhinebeck this year, or sat this one out, chances are your social media is abuzz with accounts from vendors and attendees alike of this year’s Wool & Folk Festival. Held in Catskill, New York the Friday before Sheep & Wool, a last minute venue change due to inclement weather sent this event into a tailspin and caused it to not deliver the experience most were expecting.

Unacceptable accessibility situations left factions of our beloved community feeling downright unwanted and questioning the show creator’s intentions when advertising this event as inclusive. Ill planning by the events organizers also led to many of its 91 vendors leaving with only a smidge less inventory than when they arrived.

We all know the cost to participate in these shows can make or break a small business if inventory isn't sold at the rate it was projected to sell. Vendors have to not only pay for a booth space, but fill their booth with beautifully handcrafted inventory that cost them for materials and their time. And we haven’t even yet mentioned transportation, food, lodging and hired help in their booths. As a result, it is understandable that vendors from this event feel jilted from organizers having failed to do their part in providing a well-executed event.

If I know anything about this community, it’s that it has a huge heart and when we come together, magic is possible. Well, it’s time to use our powers! Please join us in supporting Wool & Folk vendors as they fill their online stores with remaining inventory and attempt to recoup their losses.

Pictured below are some of the many treasures beloved fiber friends and vendors had for sale. Please click the pink button at the bottom to access a full list of vendors from Wool & Folk 2023 with links directly to their online shops, as compiled by Jeroen of @BoyMeetsYarn (Instagram).

If ever there was a time to support our fiber friends, it’s now!

(L to R):

top: Beautiful Syster; Amy’s Trinket Shop; Designs by Yasmen

middle:  Megs and Co.; Golden Earth Designs; Lili Loops

bottom: Bur Oak Studio; Desert Panda Fiber Arts; 1 Geek 2 Craft Them All

(L to R)

top: @knitandgrace; @a.beagan.handmade; @squidneyknits

middle: @saraheileen; @ladyharlakendens_handspun; @hooksandcoffee

bottom: @knit.purrl; @juliettepecautdesigns; @mtn.stitches

The fiber may be what brings us together, but in the end, it is truly all about being surrounded by the most incredible humans! Thank you to everyone who gave me a huge hug, posed for a pic, and made my fairgrounds experience pure magic! xoxo

Some of my faves for your consideration …

Click on the pics for links to the items

Hope you found something new to love in this week’s blog!

♥️ Vanessa