RHINEBECK Ready!!

Hello Fabulous Friends!!!,

Fall is finally upon us and that means it’s our time to shine!!!! Unpack all those hand knits, grab your pumpkin spice lattes, mulled ciders and pick up a long forgotten WIP… 🍂

With sweater weather in full swing, it’s time to embrace all things autumnal! What’s a better way to do that than to chat about some of our fav highlights of the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Festival! 🐑 Fiber lovers from near and far flock to this wooly wonderland!! So, dust off those hooks & needles and get ready for the most fabulous Fall yet! 🍁

Beginning Friday, 10/18 and lasting until Sunday 10/20, the Hudson Valley will be swarming with fiber lovers partaking in the most wonderful of festive fiber activities: CAKEpalooza, Indie Untangled, A Woolen Affair, Jill Draper’s Open Air Studio and the diamonds of all fiber festivals, the New York Sheep and Wool Festival at the Duchess County Fairgrounds, otherwise simply known as Rhinebeck!

We’ve gathered a list of incredible activities and experiences that’ll make your visit one to remember.

It's the VanRey (Kn)IT LIST, Rhinebeck 2024 Edition!!

Cake Cake Cake Cake…

Alissa Baptista, the beautiful mind behind Cake Wool Co. invited me to be a guest at this year’s CAKEpalooza! I showcased my knitwear designs, celebrated the release of the Honeycomb Dreams pattern and had Fiber Genie yarn available for purchase. Dani and I will be spent our day sharing the fab booth of knitwear designer, Kimberly McAlindin.

CAKEpalooza is an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow fiber friends and celebrate our love for all things yarn. It was a joy seeing fiber friends old and new.

Other Events…

Along with CAKEpalooza, these Indie Untangled & Wool & Folk are two mini-festivals that also kick off the weekend’s wool-filled fun! Just be sure to plan ahead—both events require tickets, and some have specific time slots. Be sure to check out each festival’s website for details on times and vendor info.

Top: Indie Untangled, Saugerties, NY

Bottom: A Woolen Affair, Red Hook, NY

NY Sheep & Wool Festival

This annual gathering is pure magic for knitters, crocheters, spinners, and fiber enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for unique yarns, learning new techniques, or just soaking in the vibrant east coast Fall vibes, Rhinebeck is THE place to be! 💫 The best part of this amazing weekend (besides people watching) is being able to connect with fiber friends and find endless inspiration in the incredible talent and creativity that fills every corner of this festival. From the sheep, to the hand-dyed fibers and beyond, Rhinebeck is more than just a marketplace—it’s a fiber lover's paradise!! 🧡

Some Fav Rhinebeck Recs…

**Sweet Horse Design Co.**-

Created with up to 30 plus yarns and fibers, including fabric, silk, cotton, rayon, wool, metallics, other quality yarns, these unique potluck creations are a vibrant textured landscape making beautiful and one of a kind skeins.

**Katrinkles**

Honor some of your favorite moments from Rhinebeck festivals past and present with this mini tool. Play along while you're at the festival, or commemorate festivals past by checking off the activities you've already done.

**Souvenir**

Commemorate your 2024 Sheep & Wool visit while also carrying your stash in style. You can pre-order this fabulous tote and pick it up at the festival.

**Apple Cider Donuts**

Anyone who’s been to NYSW knows that upon arrival one of the first lines you get yourself into is the Apple Cider Donut line! These fluffy autumnal treats are all the rage at the Fairgrounds

**Iris Creek Farm**

A repeat rec from last year but a goody, this is THE booth for all of the most fabulous fashion and curly lock collar inspo! ICF is a small family farm in CT 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.

**Dusty’s Vintage Buttons**

A forever recommendation and one of my very favorite booths for the most stunning, one of a kind, beautifully curated, vintage button collections, circa 1850- 1970. Definitely don’t skimp here.

**Pucker Brush Farms**

The most magical hand dyed bulky mohair yarn there ever was. One skein creates an ethereal 7 Wonders Shrug fit for a fairy queen. Scoop up a skein or 2…or 3…

Sunday Fiber Fun…

Every year, the Jill Draper Open Air Studio event is hands-down one of my favorite experiences. Picture this: a grand open air pavilion filled with fellow fiber lovers, all surrounded by the stunning fall colors of the Hudson River. You can shop Jill Draper’s beautiful hand-dyed yarn, enjoy a tasty treat, and share your latest projects in this picturesque setting. Craving a peaceful moment? Tuck away in one of the cozy nooks for some quiet stitches and riverside reflection and the best part, it’s free to attend.

BTS here at VRK!

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who participated in the launch of the Stevie Knits Experience. Your enthusiasm and support truly inspire me, and I’m thrilled to share this journey with you. The Stevie Knits Experience is not just about knitting… it's a celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of crafting. Your love and support means so much to me and makes all the hard work worthwhile. Seeing you all receive your boxes and the pattern has been such a joy! I can't wait to see how you bring your unique shawls to life!

As we embark on this first VRK adventure together, I hope you find joy in every stitch and connection with other makers along the way. Thank you once again for being a vital part of our knitting community. Cheers to many more projects and shared experiences!

Wishing you an incredible experience (in person or virtually) full of friendship, fiber and love.

♥️ Vanessa

Rhinebeck 2024 Guide