Rhinebeck viewed from across the river

I'm getting ready for Vogue Knitting Live in Chicago 10/26/8 but first I have a weekend of fun planned at NYS Sheep & Wool right across the river in Rhinebeck. I don't have a booth thus year so I get to have all the fun and none of the stress!

I love Sheep & Wool, it is, in part, why I chose to move to the Hudson Valley from Brooklyn. I know  knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, felters and fiber lovers of every kind are heading to Rhinebeck this weekend and I thought I'd share some tips from a local this week so you don't miss any of the awesome stuff my *neighborhood has to offer.

Local Yarnie events

Thursday & Friday 5-9pm

Hudson Valley Sheep & Wool is having evening open houses both nights to welcome fiber lovers from near & far into the shop to hang out, work on a project, eat and enjoy the company of others in town for the fest as well as the local crowd. HV S&W carries lots of yarn & undyed roving, including handspun art yarns and yarns made on the premises from their own flock of Icelandics. Added bonus: there is one of the sweetest Pyrenees you will ever meet "guarding" the door and you will be forced to give pets before entering.

Friday 4pm-6pm

The Perfect Blend Saugerties NY

The gals from Kelbourne Woolens are signing their new book November Knits.  I just met them at Interweave Knitting Lab and they are lovely, as is the book! The Perfect Blend carries a great selection of yarn (including mine) and teas. The shop is staying open late all weekend if you need to pick up last minute notions or just want to cozy up & knit or crochet after a day wandering the fair grounds.

A Fall 2012 Clotheshorse design using Splendor Sock

Saturday 7pm

White Barn Farm New Paltz NY

Army of Knitters & Clotheshorse Trunk Show

Local pal Heather Dixon of Army of Knitters & Clotheshorse is hosting a trunk show at White Barn Farm. You can try on some of the garments & enjoy an evening hang with refreshments at a shop devoted to showcasing the work of many local artists.  White Barn Farm has lots of locally dyed yarn & roving, some from their own flock of Cormos (lots of my yarn is here too!), hand spun yarn and even finished garments. If you haven't been, it so worth the drive. Oh, and if you go to New Paltz DO NOT MISS Lagusta's Luscious seriously, the best and most interesting chocolate you have ever tasted lives here. Just make sure to save some of these for me.

Saturday 7pm

Wing & Clover Rhinebeck NY

CoOp Press Party

Shannon & Co are throwing a little post S&W shindig at Wing & Clover, a great local workshop space where you can find classes with me, Cal Patch or Jenny Lee Fowler often in the roster. The party is pay what you want and every dollar gets you a chance at what I'm sure is some awesome swag.

And a couple other "things" that I think you shouldn't skip if you're visiting:

Tuthilltown a local distillery that makes small batch spirits that are perfect for warming up on cool nights. You can find their products at many local liquor stores and their own shop in New Paltz. A great souvenir for the non fiber lover you go home to.

Keegan Ales a local micro brewery that recently opened a craft beer supply shop across the parking lot from the pub. So you can stop in for a pint or bring the supplies to make your own home with you!

Diesings Bakery The Front Street one is the only one to go to in my opinion. It is a weirdly old fashioned diner with walls covered in cuckoo clocks and a strange bar seating area that I love. Homemade doughnuts and pastries are amazing, not fancy or artisanal but super sweet and comforting.

I hope you love visiting the Hudson Valley as much as I love living here! I'd love to hear what local gems you come across when you're in town.

*Please note: outside of cities neighborhoods extend to a much wider range of around 20 miles