things I learned at Rhinebeck

1) Even if Rhinebeck is Crazy Bizarro Wool World where you wear tons of handknits and get complimented on them by pattern name, it is still dorky to wear matching sweaters with your writer/co-author if you spend the day together. Note to self: ask Joan what she is wearing next time!

Proof that I finished the Montana Tunic from Shear Spirit. (thanks for the nudge Heidi). Proof that I wrapped the shawl collar backwards. I suspect its a convention like which side your coat buttons on. Further, proof that it looks good with the collar wrapping partially or fully and that you can indeed wear it over a lighter weight long sleeve sweater if you are at a chilly outdoor festival.Mine is a size L in sport weight, Joan's is a size S in worsted weight, both 13 Mile 100% organic wool.

2) OTOH some folks can look fabulous no matter how many layers of knit they wear, or if they re-purpose a large throw into a shawl.

oh how great to reunion with Kay & Ann briefly. Note to self: don't forget that blog post about the True Life Making of Mason Dixon 2. Also- next year, come on Saturday and stay over to socialize if you really do want to see your invisible blogging friends.

3) If you travel pre-dawn to the festival with your sister who is NOT a morning person and not great with maps at any time of day, do not leave navigation up to her.
However, when you do get way off course and need to turn around several times, rejoice in the good fortune of this being the view, and this being underfoot.

Truthfully we left so early, getting off course didn't matter, and at one point we were laughing so hard we were both crying. That might have been enough to make it a spectacular day until:

4) You're at a fiber festival and this is a reasonable form of transportation



5)When you see yarn you adore, just make a decision and buy.
If you wait to think about it, you will be paralyzed with indecision (Ok, if you're me) and regret it later.

6) Unless of course it is Nanney Kennedy's booth, Seacolors. and you know her well enough from camping out at her farm when we did her chapter of Shear Spirit to demand that she will be choosing yarn for you and sending it in the future, when you've returned to your senses. PS That's the Low Tide Crossover sweater (Rav link here) from the book, on the right.

6a, above) The Montana Tunic looks kind of cute under a jacket too. Something I'd been wondering about.

7) There's so much more than just yarn & fiber. Lulu, my navigationally challenged sis, now fully awake, was taken by felted hat selections

We both loved the one on the left for her but suspected that outside of a wool festival this might be a smidge more than normal for daily wear. But still.

8) A barn of booksignings is cool.
Note to self: if you are going to go up to Doris Chan and ask if she is Lily Chin, you are going to feel like an ass. Especially if you are then going to spend the next hour or so signing books at the table adjacent to hers. fwiw: Doris Chan is a sweetheart and so talented. She makes me want to seriously crochet.

9) Rhinebeck, or in my case, Winebeck- all I came home with was a bottle of Cranberry Wine from a tasting there. A fiber festival with a wine, cheese and local foods building- who knew?

10)But really? Forget the wine, the stunning weather, the yarn & wool & fleecey creatures. It's the wonderful people I got to meet & talk &hang out with & just share space with that made it such a perfect day. Mwah!