Knit 1 Purl 2

December 02, 2008

It's been freezing throughout the Northeast this week, so here's a wooly post that hopefully will help us warm up. Back in October, Joanna took fellow Nerdabout correspondent John on a trip to see how much yarn her pockets could hold. Here's what she had to say.

Once a year, Rhinebeck, New York, is invaded by what, in my humble opinion, is one of the best events in my world, right up there with the NYC Marathon What do I speak of? The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival of course. Held every October, farmers, spinners, knitters, crocheters and crafters from all over the US, Canada, and beyond, descend upon the Dutchess County Fairgrounds for two full days of yarn, yarn, and more yarn. And for those who like a little extra excitement with their fibers, there are also soon-to-be world famous events such as the Chopstick Knitting contest, the Skein and Garment competition, and my personal favorite, Sheep Dog Trials! There is also a whole barn dedicated to regional wines, yummy cheeses, and other delightful snacks. It is, in short, paradise.  

This year I convinced my good friend and fellow nerdabout blogger John to come to the festival with me. I regaled him with tales of sport vs. worsted weight yarn and why it is so important to know the difference. I told him all about the joys he'd experience petting alpacas, nuzzling sheep, kissing goats, and rolling in sheerings. I attempted to woo him with descriptions of nail-biting sheep dog trials, featured breed sightings--Go Romney!--and the Cashmere Goat show. When I could see that this was clearly not enchanting him, I played my best—and last—card: the after-festival party hosted by the good knitters from Ravelry, a place I spend a hell of a lot of time when I'm not knitting or playing WOW. The part was being held Saturday evening at the Elks Club in Red Hook, NY. Free beer, snacks, and the opportunity to meet lots of people. Finally, I snared him. I was relieved. He had the keys to the car. 

Thanks to the tanking economy I didn't have much money to spend. But I didn't let that stand in my way. I managed to pull the wool over my own eyes, open up my wallet and lay hands upon some Sylvan Spirit--beautiful yarn made of wool and lyocell, an eco-friendly fiber made from cellulose or wood pulp—care of Green Mountain Spinnery in Putney VT. Next I splurged on 665 yards of 100% alpaca from the fabulous folks over at Wellspring Farm in the ever swinging state of North Carolina. What will I make with all this fabulous yarn? I think I’ll start with a Murloc…

Because I came out and asked John, I can honestly say he had a good time, despite not meeting the girl of his dreams. When I asked him if he'd return with me next year, he replied, "Probably not." Probably? Hope springs eternal