Oct 23, 2016

Rhinebeck 2016

The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival (nicknamed 'Rhinebeck' because of the location) is without a doubt the most inspiring event that I attend every year. This year, I had the pleasure of attending with four fellow designer friends, Melynda Bernardi (French Press Knits), Beatrice Perron Dahlen (Thread & Ladle), Annie Rowden (byannieclaire), and Andrea Mowery (Drearaeknits) with her adorable little sidekick -- pictured from right to left.

We shared an Airbnb house near the festival, and snapped this pic right before heading out. Everyone is wearing one of their own designs, and they were all so lovely!

I had a truly wonderful time walking around with these ladies and meeting people that previously I had only known from the Internet. We also spent a great deal of time sitting and knitting, which was really fun too. We swapped stories about our adventures in knitwear design and our lives on opposite corners of the country. It was really interesting to get a glimpse into their worlds. Though we all share the same profession, the way everyone works is so individual. I felt like it gave me a little perspective so I can appreciate my own situation in a different light. I often fear that having kids might compromise my knitwear design career and it's really held me back from starting a family, but seeing all these women thrive while caring for their small children encouraged me. I can see that it's very difficult, but not impossible. I was so inspired by these amazing women making it happen!

Though you might expect that my favorite part of Rhinebeck is the fabulous yarn shopping, you'd be wrong. No, what I really love is the people watching, or more specifically, the sweater watching. It's so fun to see all those proud knitters strut their stuff. One of the highlights for me was when I ran into Shanna (Foxedknits) wearing my Reine Cardigan design from Brooklyn Tweed Wool People Vol. 3. She did such a beautiful job—it really made my day! I practically tackled her when she walked by so I could get this picture.

Unfortunately I did not finish my own Rhinebeck sweater in time, but I didn't stress about it much because I have plenty of others to wear! In the picture above, I'm wearing the Tiber Cardigan from my Speckle and Stone collection. This is one of my all time favorites, so I was very glad to show it off a little. That unfinished sweater is nearly done now, so maybe it will make an appearance next year.

Here's a picture of my favorite goat I met at the festival. Sometimes when I need my bangs trimmed, I feel like this guy.

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