Rhinebeck

I was up bright and early Sat. morning. My sister and I got some coffee/tea and headed into the city to pick up mom. We were on the road by 7:30am and on the way upstate to our first festival. We were all very overwhelmed by the amount of yarn and wool that was there and while we were tempted to purchase something from the very first vendor, we exerted enormous amounts of self control. I did make note of places to go back to while we wandered thru building after building of gorgeous yarn.

We got to see the sheep and some goats, and my new favorites, alpacas. We also saw some REALLY fuzzy angora bunnies. Did anyone see the baby bunnies in one of the buildings? Oh my gosh they were so darn cute!

As for the stash enhancement, I managed to keep it to a minimum, but came home with some great stuff. I got a new basket to keep the stash in. I bought some sock yarn at $2.75/ball. Figured it was time that hubby got some socks, and with the leftovers, I could make the little guy some reverse colored socks. I got one skein of Manos to make a hat for Xmas for a friend. I know I could have gotten the Manos at home, but I was the perfect color and I didn't want to have to search later. At the same vendor (Great Adirondack Yarn Co.) I got 2 hanks of this stuff that I can't really describe. It's a ribbon yarn, but there's wool as well. It's also got sparkly stuff in the wool. There isn't a name on the label for me to direct you to pictures...though I did take pics and when I find my camera I'll post them.

The highlight of the trip was purchasing a drop spindle. I bought a Cochin Rosewood 1.2 oz spindle from Journey Wheel. The wonderful lady working the booth showed me how to use it and was very patient with me. I haven't been able to take the time to use it since purchasing it, but this weekend...definitely. I purchased for $1.50 a bag of mixed fibers to play with while I learn to use the spindle. For when I learn to use it, there's 2 oz. of Merino Tencel to spin.

Mom, Sis and I ended up leaving a bit earlier then expected, but we drove to my grandmother's (mom's mom) and got to relax and eat dinner before heading back on the road. It truly was one of the best days I've had in quite a long time...bonding with the females of my family.