I'm sorry I've not been posting much recently. I guess there's not been too much going on in my day-to-day life that's been so exciting that I need to write about it. I go to school, I do my job, my schedule this year is really quite good, the kids I've been given are a lot of fun to teach and sing with, and so I guess I can't complain at all, and things are just going so smoothly that nothing is really out of sorts or what I consider to be "blog worthy". Life is going along just fine. And I'm a pretty happy boy at the moment. Not much excitement (well, actually, there IS something pretty exciting going on, but it's kinda private at the moment, and I'd like to just keep it to myself for the time being. But, just so you know, there are no china patterns being picked out. Yet...)
I did manage to get to Rhinebeck again this year. It really is a very special event for me. Since going to the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat last May, it was just so exciting to see several of the guys who were there, and who were SO willing to share their expertise and love of knitting and spinning. Joe, Ted, Sean, Stephen, Danny, Mel and David, and Lars, just to name a few. And to see Carol and Marilyn, whom I had met at Rhinebeck last year, and who are just delightful and talented women. And, as so many people have been blogging about, Franklin (Yep, got his book signed, and I'm not sure how it happened, but I got to have dinner Saturday night with Franklin and this lovely group of people, and it was truly a terrific evening).
Gratuitous Franklin shot:
We know that Rhinebeck is about the fiber, the yarn, the spinning wheels and all that goes along with them, but for me, Rhinebeck is about seeing all these wonderful, talented and beautiful people. Visiting, talking about the newest project on the needles, family and friends, and future endeavors and events. Each time I go, I always come away with a greater sense of being, of community and sense of self - of being part of this vast world of fiber enthusiasts. And more importantly, being WELCOMED into this community. For me, it truly IS about these beautiful people, and how fortunate I am to be part of it.
I did get a few little things while I was there - although I really had no need for anything. I have a closet full of yarn that I really need to use up, but I don't think I really went overboard. A new Bosworth Spindle that Danny helped me to pick out, some roving to spin, and since I decided that my next major project WILL be a sweater for myself, I got some lovely wool:
Oh, and if you know of any good sweater patterns that might look good with this yarn, please feel free to make suggestions. I'm toying with something knit from the top down, or something from one of the Elizabeth Zimmerman books.
The guys from the knitting retreat gathered to begin planning for the next one. Joe organized and ran the little meeting, and things are rolling:
The man in the rainbow hat and sunglasses is my friend Van, who I met through menwhoknit.com. He lives in the Catskill Mountains of NY, and is almost finished with his first sweater! He's a terrific knitter, and a good friend.
So, there you have it - my little excursion to Rhinebeck, and seeing some truly remarkable people.
I hope you all are having a great week!
Your Rhinebeck trip looks wonderful. Love the new yarn, and it's just nice to hear from you. :)
Posted by: Ruth | October 22, 2008 at 05:33 AM
Well, hey...glad you came up for air and visit with us. Sounds like you had a marvelous time at Rhinebeck...
I didn't get there this year...maybe next...
Posted by: Sara | October 22, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Hey, it was great to see you.
Excellent spindle choice.
Yarn: What about a saddle shoulder or shirtyoke sweater, by Zimmerman. Sean was wearing one at Rhinebeck.It would be very good.
Posted by: Ted | October 22, 2008 at 03:37 PM
I miss seeing Rhinebeck! I used to live in New Rochelle, Fishkill and Albany for a time and loved the trips down the Hudson valley, ah... Looks like a fun knitting hang out too. Wish I'd known.
Thanks for the info.
k
Posted by: kris | October 22, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Sounds like an absolutely lovely day!
Glad to hear that things are progressing on that other front, too!
Posted by: Devorah | October 22, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Glad you had a Groovy time! I skipped Rhineback this year and went to Webs instead. Dinner with Franklin.... you are special!
Posted by: Diana | October 26, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Rhinebeck? Dinner with Franklin and Co.? (lucky them to be able to enjoy your dear company!)And perhaps a tender companion who does not have dogbreath? What a splendid autumn you are having! Joy and dancing in the leaves to you. And big warm hugs!
In my opinion, that yarn wants to be a top-down cardigan with perhaps a single simple cable down the fronts, and definitely pockets.
Posted by: Roxie | October 27, 2008 at 06:29 AM
I was glad we had the chance to chat for a little while in Rhinebeck. Mostly, I was glad to see that the magic of MSKR hadn't worn off. I agree with Ted on the sweater options...something simple and classic that lets the yarn do all the work is the way I would go. No cables or stitch patterns.
Posted by: QueerJoe | October 29, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Glad to get an update on things. Here's hoping that you'll be able to pick out china patterns!
Posted by: Joe | November 02, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Sounds like a super Fall in many, many ways! Too cool that you got to meet Franklin.
Posted by: Susan | November 03, 2008 at 03:27 AM