Rhinebeck Part II

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my previous post. I really did enjoy hearing from everyone, especially those of you who I have never met. It seems my Rhinebeck post has taken my blog to new heights.

When I was preparing this one, it came to my attention that a few of the photos are out of sequence. The lady spinning on the big wheel at the end of the last blog was actually in the next hall. My memory is not what it used to be.

This post includes the next four halls that we visited. One of these halls had the fleece sales at the back and the dear Saint was awestruck when I walked away.

In these halls I had my only and most disappointing experience of the day. Once the stallholders knew that I was taking photos to post on my blog, they were very happy to let me take photos to share what they had. However, one stallholder did not even let me explain myself. It had enamel shawl pins and enamelware which was really exquisite. I was treated quite rudely and made to feel like I may be there to steal the designs. The stall lost considerable business from me as I would have brought a number of items home as gifts for my friends. This was all swept away by my next experience.

Another highlight of my Rhinebeck visit was that I had the joy of meeting and spending a little time with Heather Ordover from the CrafLit Podcast in the Co-operative Press Booth, where all the samples from the WWMDFK Book were on display. I love the concept of this book and it is beautifully presented. I loved all the illustrations in it. All the staff were wearing some of these garments. She was a delight to talk to especially after she admired my lacy pinwheel gilet. In my excitement, I forgot to take a photo.

I will stop gabbling on now and get on with the fun part.

Inside the next hall was more fun felting. I love the colours on on the stall. It looks happy.

A felted pumpkin made me smile and I almost missed the beautiful knitted bags that were hanging behind him.

There was a large stall of leather goods with this stand of handbag handles in all colours and sizes.

These bright cheerful felted hats are such fun. It is a pity that no matter what I put on my head I look like I am wearing a dish towel.

There were more displays of knitwear. I love the miniatures in the front. For a moment they had me considering giving them a try, then I got wise again.

At a booth filled with Norwegian knitwear with patterns, yarn and kits, I chatted to the sweet lady in the black and white swan jacket. I love that design. The lady sitting next to her, told me that it is a symbolic design. There is a swan looking to the past, one looking to the future and the one with its wings open is in the present. It sounds like a very Zen-like design which appeals to me even more. I may have to knit a row of them on some future knitwear. The Saint was eyeing the vest behind her. It is in his colours too.

 I enjoyed the rug hooking pictures. They made me smile. I am smiling a lot, aren't I!

This is the Woolee Winder stall. I so want one of these! It makes spinning look very easy.

The fleece here is kept together with a thin thread like cotton to create a lovely art yarn which makes snug scarves. Sorry about the blur, but people will walk passed and bump one... or maybe my excitement is finally starting to show and I can't keep still. You decide.

I fancied these knitted pictures and thought that they were quite unique.

This caricature made me laugh out loud and if there had been any without glass, it would probably have come home with me.

Of course, by now you are wondering, " But where is all the yarn?" So, here is a little more for the time being. Is that an indecisive face I see? How does one choose when there is such and amazing variety. Look at all those gorgeous shawls.

I loved these paintings. I am sure that this is what I look like when I spin. Can you see the pure mad delight on the lamb's face?

This is how I felt when faced with all the choices of all the different types of fibre and yarn.

Then we escaped the fibre halls and entered the Food and Exhibition hall. There are no photos of food.

The Saint homed in on the only carving booth we found where we had a long chat with a kind gent who was carving huge eagle, at least, that is what he hopes it will be one day.

This is another one of the Saint's downfalls. We have wooden spoons from around the world at home. He lovingly fondled them and did not bring one home. I am still in shock.

Now on to the exhibits. I will leave you to look at them and enjoy them in peace without much comment. Weaving, knitting and spinning was all mixed up together.

Since I helped Sue at Hillers with her felting worshop, I have gained a new respect for the art. It was not something I thought much about before then. This sheep was one of the two of my favourite pieces here. From afar, it looked like a photograph. In my inexperienced opinion, it was an amazingly detailed and well executed piece but then I am probably terribly biased.

The picture above the sheep in this photo is also felted.

This was the best in show. I am disappointed at how dowdy handwoven garments can be made to look. It is exquisitely made and I can really appreciate the work involved as I have recently handwoven and sewn a garment for myself.

This was my absolute favourite and I would have this in my house anytime! The picture at the back is a painting of the whole picture. It is just grand and so wonderfully thought out with lots of different crafts depicted.

There were 3 rails like this of handspun which were all beautiful and I coveted a skein or two.... or three or four...

This one had a very poignant feel for me. It seems that I have a thing for sheep.

There was also a photography exhibition which the Saint and I really enjoyed

and sitting in front of it, two men participating in two of my favourite crafts. I was so entranced I forgot to ask what that strange device was on the right and then I realised that it was a skein winder.

I will end this blog with some of their woven products which were beautiful.

These blogs are taking me 4 hours to put together so the next one will only be posted over the weekend if the Saint and I don't find a little rambling to participate it. Yes, I can walk the rough stuff again with care!

I will leave you with the wonderful news that the consultant has pronounced that I am on the road to mending well although it may not be a quick and I will still need to listen to my body. I am, however, grateful to be much more mobile than I have been in the last year with little pain and getting out and about more than I dreamed would be possible at this stage. 

The NYS trip helped me to regain some of my confidence. Thank you to all of you who have offered your support so graciously. I am very blessed to have you in my life.