Knitting@roosterhillfarm.com » Events & Festivals

Rhinebeck Haul

mobarger — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:13:24 +0000

At Rhinebeck this year I had the following goals:
- visit The Fold, Brooks Farm, Briar Rose;
- find cashmere;
- buy buttons;
- find bargains;
- buy Clara’s new book;
- go to a Ravelry meetup.

Let’s see how I did.

First stop was The Fold. This one was so easy to find as their line to pay extended out the door of their building into the streets. This wasn’t going to stop me or Mary! In we went and we both emerged with several skeins. We met Thor in line who gladly wrote up our receipts, and Toni was at the register to ring us up.

From left: STR lightweight Rare Gems, STR Mediumweight Rare Gems, STR Mediumweight Crabby McCrabbypants.

Brooks Farm was next over from The Fold so in we went, again nonplussed by the line. Lines were everywhere. There was no avoiding the lines if you really wanted something (unfortunately, artichokes did not make that cut). I love the yarns that Brooks Farm always has, their friendly faces and their Texas accents. And they had sale yarn! When they asked if they could do anything else for me, I wanted to say, “Yes! Take me back to Texas with you!” but I smiled and thanked them instead.

From left: Ellie (on sale), Ellie (on sale), Duet
BTW, if you know how to discern colors on Brooks Farm labels, please let me know!

I saw many Briar Rose bags wandering around and I wondered how their stock was doing. I had a particular yarn I was looking for! We soon made it over to their booth, admired their sample knits, inquired about the yarn I was looking for, and got No for an answer. They had none in stock anywhere, but maybe soon.

Across the way was Lis and her Heirlooms booth and we visited a while and admired her many woven purses, knit hats, handspun and rugs. We heard someone retell a story of having her handmade hat stolen when she turned her back to try on a matching wrap and hat (I wish I took her picture – her wrap was stunning!). Lis’ friends brought her and her husband a pair of those steaming hot chicken pot pies for lunch. And I bought a pattern of Lis’ for a cable brim hat. I had admired one on our way into the festival. Lis was pleased to hear about that one!

OK so you are probably wondering what yarn I was looking for at Briar Rose? A few weeks ago I saw Anne Hanson’s new pattern for a cowl, “Ivy Vines.” I am not a cowl person but I loved something about this one! And it required cashmere yarn with one of the suggested yarns being made by Briar Rose. In one of the livestock buildings we came across Spring Tide Farm from Maine. The cashmere pelt at the entrance of their booth gave them away. Their selection was sparse and dwindling as we watched. The woman in front of me bought about 8 skeins! The woman behind me picked up the last skein in the color I wanted (a pea soup kind of green). I settled on a golden avocado skein. And soon there were less than 10 skeins left in their display, more people interested in their yarn, and anxious people from Spring Tide Farm. They had no more stock and still a whole other day to sell yarn. Seems like they had a good day.
If the cowl pattern from KnitSpot doesn’t work out for me, they also gave out free patterns with each skein. So I have a backup plan!

There seemed to be a lot of buttons for sale from carved to glass to vintage to clay – you name it. I bought a few. Chatting with another button buyer, we both agreed that you can never have too many buttons. Even if you do not know what you will do with them. I guess they are sort of like yarn in that way.

From left: pin buttons from mystery vendor, nut buttons from same vendor, African-made glass from Melissa Jean, From Handspun by Stefania, glass shawl pin from Moving Mud.

Note to mystery vendor: include your business name on your receipts!

Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm had cheese and yogurt, thrummed mitten kits, hiking sock kits and $50 sweaters they sell on QVC. I bought a single hank of handspun to make boot socks for Gary.

At Seaport Yarn I found a J-Knits sock yarn in a Rhinebeck colorway. Gorgeous! I also had the pleasure or misfortune to stand behind a complete enabler. First she was holding some other gorgeous sock yarn which turned out to be Punta and irresistible. Then she asked if I had tried square needles yet. I had not, and would you believe there were baskets of them in the checkout line? I bought a set of size 1′s – I was hoping for 2.25 but only found the ones. I know 99.9% of WendyKnits patterns are on this size so they will be put to good and frequent use!

From left: Punta MeriSock, J-Knits “Rhinebeck”

That leaves 100% Romney worsted from FoxHill Farms. I missed seeing the sweet older woman at their booth this year. I have had some great conversations with her. I hope she is ok! This color is Asters. I am not sure what I will do with it, but I love it.They had a wonderful silk-blend yarn this year and I saw people buying some wonderful wonderful colors but by the time I put two and two together, the colors left were just not me.

Lastly, here is some Crazy Zauerball sock yarn. And no vendor name on the receipt.

I never did find Clara’s book or get it signed. I know she was there though, I’ve seen pictures! And when noon came around for the Ravelry meetup, it seemed a better idea to keep shopping than stopping. So I know I missed meeting lots of people! Other than that, I think I met my goals and then some. I also met up with some great people, for the first time and some for the second and third, and had a great day. And that’s a Rhinebeck wrap! (and you didn’t have to wait in line to get it!)

Rhinebeck 2009

mobarger — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 03:54:08 +0000

It was in fits and starts and I am sure someone upstairs shifted a number of things to get me there, but by golly, I went to Rhinebeck this year. My first time there was in 2007.

The weather was iffy and could have turned nasty, but in the end, it was a great if cool day. The cool temps brought out the handknits! My friend Mary and I had a great time admiring all of them. I wish I took more pictures!

Here’s a random person at the Brooks Farm booth. Brooks Farm, along with many vendors, increased their booth space this year. But still, the area was so crowded! The lines to pay were usually long in most of the booths we visited. At The Fold, lines went out the door of their building. But Toni was at the register, and she was a joy to meet.

FLEECE was everywhere – tops, raw, combed – and all so beautiful. Made me wish I was graceful enough to spin, but I have enough of a time getting things knit!

But really if I had a Golding wheel, maybe I would just make the time. Isn’t this beautiful? I did not look to see if there was a price tag (You know the old adage, “If you have to ask…”).

Here is another picture from Golding’s booth, this time lucets. I had never heard of these until this day. They are used to make i-cord. Another vendor sold nothing but lucets, and had an impressive display, but did not allow pictures.

Here is a spinning wheel made by Norm Hall from Oxford, NY. I had the chance to meet him since he and Mary go way back. He had several examples of wheels of all sizes in his booth. Plus he is a great guy! Again, I did not look at prices

Here is a triangle loom from a vendor who I can’t remember! This was in the last building we visited, and my eyes were beginning to glass over. A woman winding tops even commented on my expression so I guess I was pretty bad! This was in the 2 story building by the farm museum. Did you notice how empty it was this year? I need to give a shout-out to the owner of Four Directions Weaving who gave me a wonderful demo of an Ashford rigid heddle loom. Now this is a craft that even someone as clumsy as I am can get my hands around.

Many, many crafts were on display besides knitting, spinning and weaving items. Crochet was present, rug hooking, needle felting. Look at the is gorgeous pillow from Weston Hill Farm. All of their finished items were sold, but left on display so we could admire them.

But what really left an impression was the amount of felting going on! From purses to produce, animals to scarves and hats, there is a lot you can do with felting! You can do it, I cannot as proven by past attempts. But look at what some folks can do!

Many people were excited to see these ouessant sheep. The farm did not display their name or location but rumor has it that they were from Oregon (thanks Vi!). They were a little skittish so it was hard to take a good pic, but here they are! And soft, so soft.

Lots of other animals too – many breeds of sheep, alpacas, rabbits. All the llamas we saw were a little grumpy so no pictures of them.

Here are Mary and Lis in her booth. Lis’ website is here and she spends all year weaving and knitting up items for you to purchase. And people were purchasing, here and everywhere! In fact Mary and I could not believe the amount of finished items available at Rhinebeck and the amount of people buying them. I bought one of Lis’ patterns for a cable brim hat.

So thank you Rhinebeck 2009! We had a great time!
Next up: the Rhinebeck haul.

In the Mail This Week

mobarger — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:06:11 +0000

I guess I like to keep our mail carrier busy around here! This week I received:

Wendy’s new book! If you are a knitter and you like socks and it so happens you do not have this book, I highy suggest you get this book. Now.
I’ll wait.
It is full of advice, different approaches, and of course, PATTERNS. If you are on Ravelry there is a KAL for the book too.

Here is the newest shipment from Fiber Baristas club. This month the dyer is The Painted Tiger from Iowa. The theme is Field of Dreams and she even included a stitch marker with a tiny baseball. I’ve never knit from one of these sock flats before but now that I have 2 (I received a Conjoined Creations in a swap last year) I don’t have any more excuses to put it off.

I joined a postcard swap on Plurk and have so far received 2 out of 3. I remember as a kid sending these all the time- my parents took me everywhere and we camped. It’s been a long time since I sent a post card! My have gone to California, Ontario and the UK.

And finally here is the latest shipment in the Booty Club. I’ve actually canceled my subscription for the upcoming round as my skeins are piling up. She has very nice yarn. Other clubs have spoiled me by throwing in extras though. I’m all for the swag!

I will continue to do my part to keep our mail carrier busy. Did you know today is Etsy Day? I may have bought yarn …

Christmas Knitting

mobarger — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:32:26 +0000

My Christmas knitting went slow and is not yet completed. I have 2 more socks to finish. I did buy a lot of the PolarKnit yarn for some quick gifts.

Here is their Skull Beanie pattern knit for one of my step-daughters.

Pattern link

I also knit a neck cowl for my other step-daughter.

Pattern link

I made some other things but I can’t show them yet because (*sigh) I haven’t mailed them out yet.

Thoughts on PolarKnit? Those Polar Fleece stickers are a little hard to remove. It leaves little balls of fleece everywhere – especially if you like to knit with a fleece blanket on your lap. I thought I knit with even tension but some of the ribbing is crooked. I wish they offered more colors. It knits up well-defined cables. Everyone LOVES the fabric it creates – it is soft, spongy and warm. It’s a unique choice of yarn when you want to do up some quick projects.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Someone in our family received a cute Christmas puppy.

Everyone gave the puppy a warm welcome.

Cutie!

Well hi there!

mobarger — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:17:46 +0000

Wow it’s been a long time. I have been knitting but nothing truly interesting.

I knit the Wrapper’s Delight from iKnitiative with some CTH Baby Loop (boucle). Never ending lump of goo. I hate boucle. Pattern was ok.

Then I made Abruzo from local Laura Nelkin on knitty.com with some thick yarn I bought at Hemlock. Easy pattern, love the yarn but when it was done I just wasn’t happy with its fit. Bulky yarn makes me look … bulky.

You will note there are no pictures of my own so far

Then I made a hat for my step-daughter.

Pattern: Fusilli Beanie

Yarn: Cascade Pastaza

and the Noro Scarf made famous by Brooklyn Tweed. This was a really fun knit. I did it on a plane flight.

Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden 244 & 268

On another plane flight I designed some socks. Simply because I had yarn, no pattern and needed a manly sock. I wanted the ribbed cuff to grow out into larger ribs, which I ended up making like a beaded rib. Nothing special really.

Pattern: My own, K4,P1 (allter rows knit all)

Yarn: Three Irish Girls “Campbell”

And another sock in progress which I can’t show you right now *wink. Christmas is coming you know.

I swung by a LYS yesterday to pick up some Jamiesons yarn for yet another Brooklyn Tweed pattern, Druid mittens (cover of last issue of Vogue, I am sure you know which ones) as well as enough for a baby surprise jacket. Also got some Plymouth Boku to try that with the striped scarf and also some white Brown Sheep to do a fake fair isle hat with even more Noro.

Like I said, Christmas is coming

Not Going To Rhinebeck?

mobarger — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:15:57 +0000

Mme neither. But we can watch

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FingerLakes Fiber Fest

mobarger — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:59:14 +0000

Gary had his union clambake the same day as the FiberFest so I saw my opportunity and took it! This alpaca was close to the entrance and had some amazing blue fleece.

Here is a young Shetland ewe. I chatted quite a bit with her owner. I am hoping to add some Shetlands to my flock very soon.

There were also Angora rabbits.

And pygora goats.

And a llama.

Yarn.

Wheels and baskets.

Lace.

Alpaca fiber.

Yarn.

Rug hooking was very big this year.

Golding spindles.

Another rug after my own heart.

Spinner’s Hill fiber.

More Spinner’s Hill fiber.

Skeins at Half Pint Farm.

Many sock machines were displayed. This man gave a good talk on them.

Farmer’s Market was new this year.

Fleeces at Persimmon Tree.

Nablopomo – what?

mobarger — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:51:19 +0000

Over on my farm blog I will be posting every day in November as part of Nablopomo. I would have done it with my knitting, but honestly as I slog away on the Tilted Duster, who wants to hear that Monday I did 8 rows, Tuesday I did 8 rows, Wednesday I did 9rows – well you get the idea.

So sit back and enjoy, and if you blog, maybe you want to join Nablopomo yourself?

Trip to Rhinebeck

mobarger — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 03:39:05 +0000

Sunday I took a bus trip from Fingerlakes Fibers in Watkins Glen to NY Sheep and Wool in Rhinebeck.

It was my first bus trip, and my first bus trip as a knitter. The bus was filled with 24 knitting ladies. From them I learned to always be prepared – as in bring your tape measure, scissors and sewing needle. On a 5 hour bus ride you just might finish a sock or a hat and these tools come in handy. I also learned that magic loop is more conducive than a set of DPNs when sitting in small bus seats, and an index card and a safety pin to hold it on the headrest in front of you is handy for remembering your pattern repeats.

We left Watkins Glen shortly after 6am (contrary to my husband’s prediction, I was not the last person to board the bus but next-to-last!). Arriving in Rhinebeck shortly after 11, I hightailed it to the author tent so I could get some of my books signed and to get my hands on Clara Parkes’ new book, Knitter’s Book of Yarn. Here Yarn Harlot Stephanie Pearl McPhee signs my copy of “The Secret Life of a Knitter,” wearing her new Kauni cardigan. It is impressive!

Ann and Kay sign my copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting. They say their new book will be out in Fall, 2008.

I purchased Clara Parkes’ book early and I am glad I did as I heard it sold out. can you believe I did not take Clara’s picture? She was wearing a cardigan from her book too.

While waiting in line in the author tent, I spied this man travelling around. I heard he did a performance on the track but I did not see it.

This sign pretty much belies the spirit of the whole festival

Here is the first booth in the first building I visited: Spirit Trail Fiberworks. After that I was too busy touching, looking and buying to take too many pictures! Most of the booths were pretty picked over by Sunday. The Fold was pretty empty, Briar Rose had worsted and buttons, Morehouse Merino didn’t disappoint with all of their kits. It truly was overwhelming and my eyes started to glass over after about 2 hours! (maybe the 3am alarm and the long bus trip helped account for that!)

The Culinary Institute of America was on hand carving pumpins in a big display.

If real pumpkins weren’t your style, there were some kits for felted pumpkins too.

What surprised me about this festival is that it is so family-oriented. It’s not about a mad throng of people pawing over batts and bags of fleece, hanging skeins of yarns and patterns and kits (although there is plenty of that). It’s also about having a great time on a fall day , drinking cider and choosing pumpkins and corn stalks, riding amusement park rides (kiddy-sized) and going through haunted houses. There was also a petting zoo.

An agricultural museum is also on the grounds with a large display of hit and miss engines and belt drives.

And lots and lots of fiber critters! I did the rounds of booths first before I hit the animal barns. then I took my time with the animals and talked with some of the farmers.

A good time was had by all, maybe too good. Here is true dedication to the task! We stopped at the Roscoe Diner on the way home for dinner, and soon after most of the bus was snoozing!
It was a great time, I have now experienced Rhinebeck and met a lot of great people. Now it’s time to get busy and knit up all that yarn!

Unofficial Map to Rhinebeck fairgrounds

mobarger — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:41:03 +0000

I took an hour and gleaned all the info off of http://www.sheepandwool.com to create a map of the fairgrounds. Hopefully this will make it easier to develop a route – especially if you are pressed for time or there for just one day!

I make no promises that it’s 100% – it’s essentially a copy/paste from different sections of their website. It is in PDF format so it requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Font is on the small size so it fits all on one page, printed double-sided.

Download it and enjoy! Just drop a comment once in a while. If you don’t like my knitting, there is my farm journal for you to read too.

Download it here.