Back from the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival

It was hard to believe that it was pumpkin time yesterday because the weather was a balmy 70-something degrees. My friend Chris and I headed up the Taconic State Parkway to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds for the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival. It had to be one of the most perfect days of the year so far. The changing trees were the only reminder that it was fall. I've never been to the event with such warm weather. It made a great day even better.

This was Chris' second time at the festival and she admitted that last year she was completely overwhelmed by all the goods that were there. This year was much better. I felt the festival was more organized and more spread out over the fairgrounds. The flow of the people was much smoother. No bottlenecking going on. We entered the building where the Mineral and Gem show was held and there were the knitters clutching their skeins of Socks that Rock tightly to their chests. Chris is very interested in making socks so we checked it out. She feels she isn't ready to commit to spending over $20 for her first pair. I can understand that. Then we just walked and walked around touching and taking in all the beautiful colors.

The good thing about going with a good friend is that she could make me more rational about buying yarn I don't need. We did that for each other. I fell in love with Mas Acero by Brooks Farm but I honestly didn't need it. Chris told me I can always order it and that they will be there next year. I agreed with her and thanked her for saving me $35.

Chris is also interested in knitting lace. At A Touch of Twist we found the softest laceweight yarn called Zephyr. She bought gray and I bought raspberry. I felt the need for some color. I promised I would help her through this project as well. I know she'll do just fine. I really liked the other yarns this person had. Around this time my phone rang for the 4th time in less than an hour. Elijah called to tell me that he couldn't find his soccer uniform. It took 3 separate calls to locate it. Then Neal called to tell me that he was now at Elijah's baseball game. I cut him off with, "Honey, remember how I get when I'm looking at yarn? I get into my zone?" He remembered. "I'm in that place now and I can't concentrate on anything that you are telling me. I'm hanging up!" Three women overheard that conversation and one said, "Honey, turn off that phone!" She made me laugh!

Karin from KnitTalk shouted me out on the list. She was working at Sliver Moon Fibers and told me that I better visit her. Chris and I wandered around and we happened to find her between the buildings. I went over to her and said, "Karin? It's Robin of Yorktown Heights." Hugs all around. Chris took this picture. It was so nice to see her in person after "chatting" with her on KnitTalk for years. Karin designed a beautiful sweater for Decadent Fibers using their bulky yarn. Karin, the buttons were needle felted and looked great.

Chris and I had our traditional baked potato lunch and well-deserved rest. It was fun watching the people go buy with shopping bags. I kept wondering what they bought and what they were going to do with it. There were people sitting on the bench near us knitting. I guess they couldn't wait to swatch that new yarn at home. We were almost tempted to buy a needle felting kit to make those little pumpkins with the faces. I was on line holding the package in my hands when I announced to Chris and the line that there was no way in hell I was going to sit there and do it. I put the package back and walked away.

The thing I was most disappointed with was the Moorehouse Farms Booths. Most of the kits were children's kits. They are closing the store "Sheep's Clothing" and go totally internet. I was hoping to find a good little kit there but nothing caught my eye. Chris and I didn't bother going into the store on our way home. I'll miss the store. It was up there with one of the prettiest yarn stores I have been in.

While walking around, I saw a guy wearing the hat I plan on making Elijah. His wife made it and she warned me to do the lining in cotton. Anything else would be too hot. I took a picture of it to show the boy. He wants his in black and white. He didn't seemed too thrilled when I showed it to him. Nine year olds!

Around 4:00, Chris and I decided that it was time to head home. She bought me a delicious cup of tea and we walked to the car still commenting on the beautiful weather. The trip home was full of wonderful conversation and a little sprinkle of rain. We pulled into my driveway and we both noticed that our families were gone. We were overjoyed that we would have some down time for ourselves for a little while longer. Mine lasted 5 minutes. Neal and Elijah pulled up right afterwards. Still, the glow of that special day was etched into my brain and I was happy. I can't wait until next year!