NYS Sheep & Wool Festival

This was my very first sheep and wool, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. Overall I had a pretty good time.
There were tons of vendors, so a map would have been helpful. Instead, we wandered and were able to see most (if not all) of the festival in 3ish hours with minimal stops.

What could be better on a fall afternoon then driving through beautiful fall foliage to the destination of an absolutely amazing fiber Festival with lots and lots of beautiful YARN!!! If you are into any fiber craft, you absolutely must go to this festival. You will not be disappointed! I would definitely recommend getting an early start if you decide to go. There’s so much to see that you won’t want to miss one second of it.

I’ve attended this event several years running and love it more each time. It’s well organized and provides a great outlet for us fiber geeks. Keep it up!

Another year another stellar event! This festival of all things wooly is the largest and no doubt best of its kind in the entire US of A! Now that I am a proficient knitter, I gauge my progress by this festival each year, it is a must go to to stock up, and expand my knowledge of things knitted, spun, felted, etc. Apparently 10s of thousands of others agree with me as people come from far and wide. Despite getting there Early it was crowded. Ravelers… ;))) I guess next year will see me greeting the sun so I can be first in…
I bought far and wide with a more selective eye than in the past. Alpaca, merino, cashmere… Even Vicuna! There sure are a lot of nekkid goats and sheep and other assorted formerly furry critters running around somewhere. I love to support the independent artisans who raise their flocks and know each by name. Their love for their life’s work is evident. They are very helpful to discuss any aspect of wool production from breeding to sheering to color dyeing to patterns. My faves this year would have to be Good Karma Farm from Maine with their rainbow offerings of a wool and alpaca blend. I have already made two hats from my purchases there. My only regret is that I did not get more… And also my blue ticked Dashing Star Farm pillow. It’s a happy dream maker. Zzzzzzzzz:)))))))
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds is a great venue for this festival and it was a beautiful day that Saturday with the leaves resplendent in their autumnal splendor. Whether or not you are a knitter this festival certainly offers an incredible experience for anyone interested in a fun and festive day out and bonus for being close to one of my favorite spots, the Village of Rhinebeck, where lots of good eateries, shops and the like can be found if your feet are up to it! My feet were but my wallet, notso much… ;)))

So much fun! I am not into knitting or anything like that, but I love festivals of all kind and I had a blast at this one. The animals are really neat and there are plenty of them. The highlight for non-​knitters is definitely the food! I love festival food and they have everything from fresh-​baked pretzels to lamb burgers and lamb chops. The deep-​fried pickles are quite amazing as well. All in all, definitely a fun place to visit!

Traffic into the fairgrounds was so awful that we wasted almost 2 hours of shopping and wool fondling. I have been attending for years, but this may be my last time at Rhinebeck!

Amazing wool gathering today! Eastern fiber artists showing off their new & best designs! My feet are achin’ and it’s soooo worth it!