Thursday, October 30, 2008

Better than Rhinebeck?



For those of us who live in the Northeastern United States, what, you ask, could be better than Rhinebeck? Sure there are millions of vendors and sheep and goats and llamas and all of that out door flava going on, but man, let me tell you about this amazing experience I had a few weeks before Rhinebeck.





WEBS!!! You know, Yarn.com

Phyllis and I left around 8 in the morning to drive all the way from New Jersey to Massachusetts. We were going to see our knitting pal, Carol, who just relocated there. Carol was going to take us to lunch and we'd get to hear all about her new life in New England.


Meet Carol, that's her absolutely beautiful sweater she made with Louet.

On our way up (3 hours of driving), Phyllis said if we had time, we'd visit her daughter at college too but most importantly, that no self-respecting knitter would ever go to Massachusetts without visiting Webs. So, I say, why not? I'm always up for seeing another yarn store wherever I go. People, I was not prepared for this -

Mountains of yarn in every brand

and in every colorway!

I felt myself hyperventilating. I was at a major dilemma. Do I blow my Rhinebeck budget now (and entire bank account) here at Webs or do I just buy the stupid hat attack yarn, SWTC Therapy, that I said I would limit myself to (Why stuipid?? it cost $10 bucks a skein - seriously overpriced.) What would you do?

I managed to calm myself and simply buy the Therapy yarn and a random skein of Kureyon which is what I do each time I visit a new yarn store, I buy a random skein of Kureyon, yeah I know, big whoop.

We left and headed off to a lovely vintage hotel and had lunch. I had authentic New England Clam Chowder which is so much better than anywhere else even better than the Jersey shore.

So what else? Oh right Rhinebeck. I think the Webs trip affected my appetite to buy too much at Rhinebeck, and, it didn't help that the stock market crashed and my bank practically went into receivership before it was purchased by another bank (whose stock I own but is now waaay below the price I bought it at) and life will probably get really screwy for me by christmas time but as there is practically nothing I can do about that now, I might as well enjoy life this moment before I find myself on some charity's soup line selling random skeins of Kureyon but I digress...


The Mason Dixon ladies didn't seem at all worried about the stock market, they gave a fun talk about their new book. As soon as I'm able to deal with the subliminal message that 'mason dixon' has on my psyche, I may one day buy their book.

I just had to bring Phyllis and Elaine to see the Socks That Rock booth. People go berserk here every year and it is so much fun to see it live!

Did anyone spot this lady? She was near the Socks that Rock booth, spinning angora and seriously wearing that gorgeous sweater she spun and knit.

Well, yes, Rhinebeck is fun. But I can't wait to get back to Webs!


Phyllis' daughter's equestian class

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Long time, no see

Hey yall, bet you thought I had abandoned this ol' blog. Nope. My dang computer is sick with the slow disease and I've not had a spare 4 - 5 hours to talk with some call center geek to get it fixed. I've decided to use my son's brand new computer while he is at school during the day.

I've been a good knitting girl though. I have lots of goodies to show you. Not the least was my fabulously fun day at Rhinebeck with my pals Phyllis and Elaine. Elaine and Phyllis took the pictures of me wearing my new pinwheel sweater!

Rhinebeck '08 yarn finds

lovely silk and merino laceweight



5 bucks a skein wool for felting


I got this group for $6 bucks, hopefully for felted mitts


Ooh, Socks that Rock - mill end for $16


more silky lace weight

So who'd we see?

The Ravelry Oracles themselves! All together now, everyone stand and salute!


Thats Phyllis with the very funny Yarn Harlot, Stephanie

I was so glad to run into some Modern Yarnies. There were others in the group (Kristine...) who were a bit camara shy...


So what have I been knitting?

Still working on My Inauguration Day scarf - I decided to do it as a sampler stitch idea. I'm using Black Bunny Fibers Unity Yarn.

Finished a pair of Dashings for my brother-in-law

Ugh, hat attack hat. Still waiting on where to send her...

Argrosy wrap in 5 different Kureyons

There's lots more to tell and more pictures of Rhinebeck that I'll save for another installment. Take care, and don't forget to vote!