I woke up Saturday morning and decided that Mel was right and that I should head up to Rhinebeck, even if I couldn't afford to make any major purchases. I am very glad that I heeded his advice because I ran into so many old friends, some of whom I haven't seen since last year's festival. I had planned on getting an early start, leaving when Monte did for work, but I just couldn't pull myself out of the luxuriousness that is our bed. Eventually, I did get on the road and, except for the annoying construction on the Whitestone Bridge, I made excellent time. This trip also gave me an excuse to drive on one of my favorite roads anywhere, the Taconic State Parkway. All I needed was a leopard named Baby...
The time alone allowed me to reflect on all that has changed in my life over the past year and I dreamed about moving upstate and starting a sheep farm while teaching math in some bucolic hamlet. Having attended last year, I remembered the way and soon found myself parking the car in an enormous sea of metal. Worried that attendance might be up over last year, I wondered if I would actually run into anyone I knew. Fortunately for me, everything was exactly as I remembered it and I quickly made my way to the initial stop on my itinerary: the Deep Fried Pickle stall. All year, I have been dreaming of these culinary oddities; however, when I found myself at the front of the line, I was confronted by a new gastronomic challenge: Deep Fried Garlic Cloves.
As I stood there trying to make my first major decision of the day, who should come up behind me but the platinum blondshell of the knitting blogosphere: Marilyn. She didn't recognize me at first, as she was wasn't expecting me to make the trek this year. Surprise! She led me over to the Official Table of the Wolverinas and reunited me with Queer Joe and the ever-patient Thaddeus. Over the course of a few minutes, Carol wandered over with Véronik, as well as my dear, dear Ted with David from Easton Mountain. It took me awhile to remember how to use my camera, but I was eventually able to snap a few candid shots:
My favorite curmudgeon and Mrs. Avery. I hadn't heard of this innovative designer before yesterday, so I wasn't sufficiently awestruck when I met her. I was, however, impressed with the size of the needles she was using to craft these exquisite gloves.
Sadly, this photo does not do them justice, as the houndstooth pattern and the condensed thumb gusset were incredible to behold.
Two of the "hippest" people I know. I only hope that Monte and I can stay together as long as they have.
Sadly, the only photo I took of Ted, who somehow just knew that I would show up. Crowds separated us while shopping and I didn't get to say goodbye properly. Hopefully, I will be able to make it to EMKR and spend a weekend with him there.
Carol, looking like she is getting ready to pop me in the nose for telling one too many Polish jokes. I did, however, get to smell her breasts. (Hopefully, her husband doesn't read my blog.)
I ran into a bunch of other people as well:
Paul and I were able to sit on a bench and talk about teaching while I snapped photos of unsuspecting stroller meat.
Getting caught by Steph as I surreptiously take her photo. I also fell in love with the crocheted skirt modelled by the enchanting Cass. (Funny how you can get used to mingling with the knitterati.)
I stalked this sweater and met up with the affable Lyssa, sporting a Ravelry button that was everywhere this year. An original design, her sweater gave me some ideas for what to do with all that Lopi at home.
I eventually took my leave to go do some shopping. Without warning, these trees lured me over for my first purchase of the day.
This more authentic tree sums up October in New York for me.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention some lovely ladies from Boston who recognized me while I was waiting in line for some Chocolate Crème Brulée: Danielle and the Mafia. (I know, sounds like the name of some ultra-cool retro band.) All I can say is that I wish I had a mother as cool as the one Little Man has. And as happy as I was to see these ladies, it reminded me that I missed another Fenway sweetheart who decided to skip Rhinebeck this year: you were missed, Julia!
I found Mel and David and picked up a little something something there as well. Unfortunately, I missed Miss Blogger Bingo this year.
Here is a shot of Mel rocking his new kilt. Hard to believe it's his first sewing project and even harder to believe he made it without a pattern. Here's what it looked like from below:
The lack of focus makes it only look vaguely like asscrack, but I assure you, Mel was wearing boxers. I guess only Canadians go regimental... Speaking of Canadians (again!), I also forgot to mention that I ran into Lee Ann, who was proudly showing off her new, red-hot stole.
I then decided to do something that I didn't do last year: I went and took a look at the animals. Here are some of the cute, little creatures I saw:
I so wanted to take her home.
Unnerving when they stick their heads out to smell you.
OK, so he's not that little...
Love the dyed mohawk!
Something sad about this one's eyes.
It's just wrong to try and make your sheep look like a zebra.
At first I thought they were getting it on, but then I remembered that Dolores wears glasses...
Bunnies!!!
I even saw a kangaroo! Note how he is balancing on his tail, as I caught him in mid-hop...
Of course, it wouldn't be Rhinebeck for me if I didn't get some photos of the local wildlife. Love them bears...
Monte would kill me if I didn't get a few photos for him as well...
One more little purchase of some Iceland laceweight at Jaeger Yarns and I called it a day. Here is a final shot of my newest stash acquisitions:
All in all, I had a very enjoyable day spent with friends, surrounded by knitters. Can't think of a better way to enjoy a beautiful, sun-filled Saturday afternoon. Hope to see you all again next year...
