Rhinebeck Report!

I went to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY for the first time this year. For years, I've listened to the buzz: "Rhinebeck!" "Rhinebeck!" "Rhinebeck!" The sheep, the yarn, the fiber, upstate New York in the fall, the food, the wonder! So this year, when my local yarn shop, The Tangled Web, announced that they were running a bus trip, I jumped at the chance.

We ended up only having 4 hours, and I wished I could have had twice (or three times!) that time, but it was amazing! And completely overwhelming. So much yarny and fibery goodness, you couldn't take it all in. I ended up buying a mug, some soap, and a braid of roving and that was it.
 
I really wished I had bought one of these:
 
O, alpaca, most adorable animal ever created!  Your Seuss-ical looks and your magical trilling capture my heart!

I didn't want to lug my camera around so I don't have many pictures, but next year I will. Next year I will strongarm my husband and son into going because it's a perfect event for families (even without a fiber-crazed mom). I know they will have a great time. And next year, by hook or by crook I'm going for both days! If you have the chance to go, I can't recommend the experience highly enough!

Here's a listing of all 2011 fiber festivals - maybe there's one in your area!!

New Pattern! Barbara, Ruth and Leona Scarves!

Today I introduce a new pattern that's very close to my heart: The Barbara, Ruth and Leona Scarves. This is a pattern for three easy pretty lace scarves, written for dk or sport weight yarn. They're a great introduction to lace knitting with easily-memorized patterns and make great gifts for moms, sisters, friends, teachers.

Also, 100% of proceeds from the sale of this pattern go to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.  Barbara, Ruth and Leona were three fabulous moms who suffered from Parkinson's Disease. Barbara was my mom. Here's a random picture of her and my dad, from a million years ago. I love that it's a little blurry and how huge a grin she has.

Parkinson's Disease is devastating - robbing its victims of their dignity, their health, and eventually their lives.  I'm hoping that by contributing 100% of proceeds of sale from this pattern going forward, I can make a little dent and help some other wonderful moms out there.

Make a scarf for your mom or for the mom of a friend or for yourself or your sister or your daughter or your best friend! And know you're doing good while you're having fun knitting!