Spring 2014 Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl Field Trip

Twice a year, we get together a field trip to visit some of the shops that participate in the Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl. Now it's time to see what's happening for the spring.

It's all going on this Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30, and all the participating shops will be treating customers to snacks, giveaways and yarn bargains. Want to join us?

We will be going out on Saturday afternoon and plan to hit only two of the shops this time:

One is the lovely White Barn Sheep and Wool shop right here in New Paltz. We'll go there first.

Next, we plan to drop in on the new Perfect Blend Yarn and Tea Shop in Saugerties. This looks like a real winner, and we want to see what's cooking.

Let me know right away if you want to join in on the fun.

For more information on which shops are participating, and their hours, click here: here

Fall 2013 Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl-Participating Shops

Fall 2013 Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl

For all you knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners and felters, the fall 2013 Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl is almost upon us. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24.

As for Knit With Judy, we're planning a mini crawl for Sunday -- taking in only the amazingly beautiful White Barn Sheep and Wool shop in New Paltz plus the new, and the interesting looking, Perfect Blend Yarn and Tea Shop in Saugerties. If you want to come along, post a comment below or send me a message.

For a complete list of the participating shops, click this:

Stop by ALL the shops, see their fantastic yarns and accessories -- prizes and refreshments, too. Maybe I'll see you there.

New York Sheep and Wool Festival Report



Pat Riesenburger really rolls!

 




All laid out ready to felt

Well, I made it back from the New York Sheep and Wool Festival without buying much. Yea!  There was so much luscious stuff, but last time I looked, I already have baskets full of luscious stuff begging to be put into action.  Soo gotta get to it.

Ann Burdett joined me for lunch and a nice chat. It was good to see her smiling face in all that teeming crowd.

The weather was gorgeous, with lots of great sweaters, shawls, scarf and hat adding to the visual pleasure. Not to mention the performing dogs. Anyone else go? 
 



A little puny, but cool

My workshop in Nuno felting on Sunday morning was briming over with creativity and so much fun. A complete experience was provided ny workshop leader Pat Riesenburger. Read her blog for some good information: The Crafty Retailer

All in all, I'm pleased with the scarf I made, but I can't wait to make more so I can (maybe) get better.

 

 

New York Sheep and Wool Is Finally Here

We'll be heading to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck on Sunday for a Nuno Felted Scarf workshop. Yea!

The workshop is from 9:00 to noon, so I need to be there really early to get a parking place. If you want to come along and enjoy the festival while I'm in class, just let me know. We can drive up together, or just meet for lunch.

It's always an amazing experience. You can go just for the atmosphere, but it's more productive to have something in mind that you want to make. There is lots of yarn, of course, but also alpacas, llamas, sheepdogs, and demonstrations.

I plan to stop in Building 39, booths 11/12 to see what the Ulster County Handspinners Guild and White Barn Sheep and Wool are up to.

Maybe I'll see you there!

Field Trip to New York Sheep and Wool Festival

It's time for our next field trip. Won't you join us?

On Sunday, October 20, we'll make our annual trek to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck and try not buy too much yarn.  The festival begins on Saturday, with workshops starting on Thursday and running through Sunday. Lots of stuff -- yarn, tools, weaving, spinning, contests, sheep, llamas, alpacas, sheep dog shows.  And food, yummy artichoke fritters and other delicacies. Not to mention hundreds of other knitters.

Take a look at the site and see if there are any workshops you'd like to take, people to see, special projects to shop for. Or just come along to enjoy the day.

Since I've signed up for a workshop that runs from 9 to 12 on Sunday, I've picked that day for our field trip. We will need to leave New Paltz at 8:00 to make it in time for my workshop (maybe you want to sign up for a workshop, too). And, if you ride with me, we won't be able to return home until at least 1:00. We should have time for a bite to eat at the festival before returning home.

If you want to join us, just post a comment or send me an email, so I can include you in our plans.

Here's the link to the Sheep and Wool Festival website so you can get more information on the cost and available workshops and events.  Be aware that the workshops fill up fast, so be sure to get our information in, if you want to take something.

New York Sheep and Wool Festival

The 2013 Worldwide Knit in Public Week Report

Well, I didn't make it to all the Knit in Public Events I had planned. One got rained out.Another just seemed too far away -- besides I was already knitting at home, and who wants to get up and go somewhere else, I figured.

The last one wrapped up today with one sponsored by Paula Kucera from White Barn Sheep and Wool, our own New Paltz LYS.

This was by far the largest piece I saw being knit. A wonderful blanket made out of natural unspun wool. We gathered outside the delightful Mudd Puddle Cafe at the Water Street Market, where we knit, crocheted and spun to the jazzy, folksy sounds of these fine musicians from the Bernstein Bard Trio.

What I brought to work on was this sweet little child's sweater with a smocked bodice. When finished, I'll be donating it to the Elting Memorial Library to help raise funds.

It was hard to break away, but I left with the desire to bring my knitting to the Water Street Market another time.

Knit in Public Field Trips

 

The official dates for Worldwide Knit In Public this year are June 5 through 16. You can get more information at Worldwide Knit in Public Day.

 

Knit With Judy will be particiting in as many Knit in Public Day field trips as possible this year. So get out your needles and join us. Young and old. Hot and sunny or cool and rainy, we'll be there. You need to let me know you're coming, though, if you want to arrange a ride, and, in the case of NYC, reserve a table.  For all these events it's a good idea to bring a chair.

Knit in Public in the Hudson Valley

Saturday, June 8, in Rhinebeck

Rhinebeck is located in the Hudson Valley, across the Hudson River from Kingston and north of Poughkeepsie. Rhinebeck is the home of the New York Sheep and Wool Festival each fall, so will be familiar to many of you.

The event will be held near the CVS store on East Market street. It begins at 10 and is scheduled to go until 2:00. Prizes and goody bags will be given out.

Wednesday, June 12, in New Paltz

New Paltz is located in the Hudson Valley, off the New York State Thruway exit 18, north of Newburgh and south of Kingston. New Paltz is the home of the Woodstock-New Paltz Arts and Crafts Fair each spring and fall.

The event will be held at the Cafeteria, which is on Main Street near the bottom of town. It begins at 7:00 pm and continues into the evening. Sponsored by White Barn Sheep and Wool,

Friday, June 14, in Gardiner

Gardiner is in the Hudson Valley, on Route 44/55 just south of New Paltz.

The event will be held in front of the Gardiner Library during their usual Friday afternoon farmer's market. It begins at 4:00 and is scheduled to go until 6:00, when the farmer's market ends. Bring a chair. Sponsored by the Gardiner Public Library.

Sunday, June 16, in New Paltz

New Paltz is located in the Hudson Valley, off the New York State Thruway exit 18, north of Newburgh and south of Kingston. New Paltz is the home of the Woodstock-New Paltz Arts and Crafts Fair each spring and fall.

The event will be held at the Water Street Market, which is on Main Street (Route 299) at the bottom of town, just before the bridge over the Wallkill River. It begins at noon. Bring a chair. Sponsored by White Barn Sheep and Wool.

Knit in Public in New York City

Saturday, June 15, in Bryant Park

Bryant Park is located in back of the New York Public Library, between West 40th and 42nd Street and between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas.

The event begins at 2:30 pm and is scheduled to go until 4:30. Let me know if you plan to go so we can reserve a table for our group.

Open Classes and Field Trip to NY Sheep & Wool Festival

Two KWJ classes still open

If you let me know by Thursday, there is still time to register for these fall late-session classes: "Level II Knitting Fundamentals" and "Embellish with Embroidery and Beads Workshop." Complete descriptions are at the end of this section.

Additional "Your Project" class offered

I'm trying to put together a second "Your Project" class on a week night (the current one meets on Sunday). Right now, either Monday or Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:30 would be a possibility, beginning next week. If you think you might be interested, let me know right away (and mention which evening would work best for you). The cost of $65 for six sessions. Here's a description of the course:

This is a support class, with no specific teaching curriculum. Students are expected to have a facility with the concepts taught in the beginning fundamentals course (knit or crochet).

This very popular course is limited to 4 students. Each student will begin (or continue) a personal project, such as a scarf, hat, sweater, jacket, bag or socks. We will address the particular project, as well as yarn and needle choices, gauge swatching, pattern modification, trouble shooting, repairs, finishing, blocking, you name it. Students receive individual help and benefit from the issues raised by others.

Possible field trip to New York Sheep & Wool Festival, Sunday, October 21.

On Saturday morning, I'll be attending a workshop called "Fit to Flatter," in order to learn more about what shape of sweaters are best for which body types and how to adapt patterns for the most flattering fit. Many of the other workshops still have openings, and you get a two-day admission pass as part of the fee (it's $12/day to attend).

On Sunday morning, if there is sufficient interest, I'll put together a KWJ field trip (leaving New Paltz at 9:00 am and returning by 1:00 or 2:00). Let me know if you would like to come along. You can get more information here: www.sheepandwool.com.  

Level II Knitting Fundamentals (late session) - $50

Three Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm

                October 4, 11 and 18

Persons taking this class will have a complete grasp of the skills taught in Beginning Knitting Fundamentals. In addition to advancing the skills presented in beginning knitting fundamentals, you will be introduced to cables and lace stitches, and begin working with color (including intarsia and fair isle). In the process, you'll learn how to read stitch charts and improve pattern reading and yarn selection.

WORKSHOPS

Embellish with embroidery and beads - $40

Sunday, September 30: 2:00-5:00 pm

No prerequisites. Learn simple and fun embroidery stitches that will make your projects stand out. Bring a knitted or purchased sweater, tee shirt, hat or bag to class and learn how to make it uniquely yours. No additional purchase necessary, as needles, thread, yarn and beads will be available for your use in class. Okay to bring your own, if you prefer.

PRIVATE SESSIONS – All levels

$30/hour

For the absolute beginner who wants individual knitting or crochet instruction. For the student at any level who needs some additional help with a technique. For anyone who is stumped by a pattern or wants to get some new ideas. A great way to start. Get additional help during classes or with a specific project.

Yarn Bombing Exhibit Is UP

For those of you who missed it, the yarn bombing at the Elting Library this morning was so much fun - and looks awesome.

Here are a few photos for you to get an idea. The first one is of Paula Kucera from White Barn Sheep and Wool, who organized the event as part of National Knit in Public Week.  I made the little birds, flowers and lady bugs as knitwithjudy contributions.

The exhibit will stay up through the end of this week, so stop by and take a look. Let me know how you like it.

 

Knit in Public by Yarn Bombing in New Paltz

The week of June 9-16 is

Yes, I know that's not a day . . . so let’s call it KNIT IN PUBLIC WEEK. Here's what's happening in New Paltz:
Sunday, June 10, at 9:00 am: Yarn Bomb Elting Library. Join White Barn Sheep and Wool and other knitters to Yarn Bomb Elting Library. If you haven't heard of "yarn bombing," check it out here: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2077071,00.html
Yarn bombing is often executed like grafiti, with stealth in the middle of the night. In this case, though, Paula Kucera of Whiite Barn has obtained permission to cover the railings leading to the library and has invited us all to participate.
What is needed are many 5”x 40” strips of knitting, crochet, felt, felted sweaters. It's a great stash buster, and I am hoping you will join me in contributing some strips. Also needed are decorations of any kind to go with the strips: flowers, animals, birds, pompoms, tassels, long chains of crochet you get the idea.
Come on Sunday morning to help set up the installation, which will be left up for the week. At the end, any usable strips will be made into a blanket for the library to sell.
If you make some strips and/or decorations, but can't attend the installation, let me know and I'll arrange to get them from you. The deadline would be some time on Saturday.
Wednesday, June 13, from 7-9 pm: Knit in public at McGillicutty’s Pub on Main Street.
Friday, June 15, 10-noon: Knit in public in front of Elting Library (in the middle of New Paltz). Bring a folding chair.

Knit in Public and summer classes

Knit With Judy classes suspended for summer. As many of you know, I will finally be having surgery on my rotator cuff on June 12. This means I will be out of commission at least until the middle of July. At the moment, I'm suspending classes, although I may reconsider and offer a couple of classes or workshops in August. Stay tuned.

Knit in Public & classes at White Barn Sheep and Wool.

June is "knit in public" month. I encourage you to participate in these events that are being organized by Paula Kucera from White Barn Sheep and Wool.  I'll try to get down to sit in, but won't be knitting:

1. June 9-17: "Yarn bombing" at Elting Library. The library has given permission for us to wrap their railing with 5" x 40" strips, so bust your stash and get a strip or two to them by the 9th. After being used on the railings, the usable strips will be stitched together to make a blanket, which will be donated.

2. Wednesday, June 13, 7-9 pm. Knitting at McGillicutty's on Main Street in New Paltz.

3. Friday, June 15, 10-noon. Knitting in front of Elting Library. Bring a folding chair (will be moved inside, if it rains).

Classes at Stickles in Rhinebeck

The lovely and talented Doris Formby has recently signed on to teach classes at Stickles Knitting Garage in Rhinebeck. Doris will be teaching some basic classes, as well as several workshops. Especially if you live on "that" side of the river, you might want to check out her classes. Here is a link to the class schedule: Stickles classes

May 6 Field Trip to Eleanor Roosevelt Knit-In

On May 6, join Knit With Judy students and friends at the fifth annual Eleanor Roosevelt Knit-In from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park.

This is a fundraiser for the Town of Hyde Park Historical Society.  Attendees will knit or crochet acrylic blocks to be assembled into afghans and given to VA hospitals, battered women's shelters, the troops and those in need.

The admission fee includes refreshments and admission to the FDR presidential library.

Post a comment here, if you can join us.

Spring field trip: Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl

Well, it's time for our spring field trip.  This time to participate in the Hudson Valley Yarn Crawl, a tradition of visiting yarn shops and farms around the area.  This year's crawl will be held from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27, with much to see and a free gift at each stop.  Probably also refreshments and special displays.  Baby sheep abound at the farms. Aaawww.

I'm organizing a Yarn Crawl trip for Saturday, the 26th.  The plan is to leave the parking and ride at the New Paltz exit of the thruway at 9:30 am and return when we've had enough.  That will give us enough time to visit three shops and a farm, plus have some lunch in an interesting spot and end our trip at White Barn Farm in New Paltz.

Now, here's the problem:  There are interesting venues south of us and interesting ones north of us, but not enough time to go both directions.  So....  I've set out alternative trips and will choose one, depending on the interest generated. 

Trip to the North (with links to get you excited)

Red Hook

    Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool  www.hudsonvalleysheepandwoolco.com

    Traver Midnight Merinos.  www.travermidnightmerinos.com

Port Ewen:  Rainbow Sheep Shoppe  www.rainbowsheepshoppe.com

New Paltz:  White Barn Farm   www.whitebarnsheepandwool.com

Trip to the South (with links to get you excited)

Hopewell Junction: Out Of The Loop   www.outoftheloopyarnshop.com

Beacon: Hudson Valley Fiber farm   www.hvfiberfarm.com

New Paltz:  White Barn Farm    www.whitebarnsheepandwool.com

Now's the time to make your own comparisons so you can vote on which route to take (don't forget that the yarn crawl continues on Sunday, so you can always make your own trip to the ones that don't make it to ours).

1.  If you want to come, respond with "I'm in."  No need to let me know if you are unable to come.  I'll miss you, naturally, but I really only need to hear from those who want to be included.

2.  State your preference:  "northern route" or "southern route".

3.  If, by chance, you only want to go if we go to your preference, let me know that, too.

I'll do my best to make a fair choice after I hear from everyone.  Oh, yes, I will need your choice no later than midnight on Thursday, March 24.  This will give me time to let you all know which route we'll be taking and make some attempt to help with carpooling. 

Field trip to Catskill Fiber Celebration December 3

Knitwithjudy is planning a field trip to the 11th Annual Catskill Fiber Celebration in Woodstock on Friday, December 3.  We will leave New Paltz around 1:00 and travel up to Woodstock for lunch and a look-around. Then on to the Fiber Celebration, which promised fiber arts by local artisans, along with ongoing demonstrations of various fiber techniques.

Comment on this post if you want to join us, so we can include you in carpooling or arrange to meet you somewhere.;

Field Trip to Sheep & Wool Festival Oct 17

Well, the great New York Sheep and Wool Festival has rolled around again, and we're planning another field trip to it on Sunday, October 17.  So, check your stash and patterns to see if you can make any dreams come true.  See some beautiful handmade, handspun wool.  Get equipment (spinning and knitting gadgets, etc).  Catch an eyeful of wonderful jackets, hats, scarves, bags, etc that will be on display or worn by all the other folks there.  Come for the good food stands.

Maybe the demonstrations will interest you.  On Sunday, they'll have a fiddle contest, cooking demonstration, herding with border collies, canine frisbee, llama and alpaca parade, etc.

We'll plan to meet at the Thruway park and ride at 9:00 am, so we can carpool and be in Rhinebeck the moment it opens (it gets REAL crowded as the day wears on).  We'll leave whenever we've had enough, but, since I have a class here at 3:30, the latest I can stay is 2:00.  The price for general admission is $12, but you can purchase advanced tickets for $9.  I THINK there is a senior price at the door, but am not positive about that.

Please let me know right away if you are planning to come (and if you'll be able to drive or will need a ride), and I'll try to coordinate the carpooling.

Here's the website, if you want more info.  Hope to have your company on the 17th.

New York Sheep & Wool Festival

Woodstock Fiber Celebration December 4

We will carpool to Woodstock on Friday, December 4, to enjoy Woodstock's annual fiber celebration.  Since it will be held in a firehouse on Zena Road, it looks to be fairly small and manageable.  Should be fun, though, to meet some of the fiber folks up there.

The plan is to meet at the park and ride at the New Paltz exit for the thruway at 12:30.  Some people have signed up to come, but all are welcome.  We'll just make some adjustments in the car arrangements if we have more people.

UPDATE:  We (Judy, Ann, Ellen, Renee and Marion) arrived to an empty firehouse and a sign saying things started the next day. Bummer.  But not to be stopped, we took over Woodstock and had a lovely dinner at Joshuas.  A call to the organizers reminded Judy that the Fridy session wasn't scheduled to begin until 3:00 and that it was by invitation only (we had been invited).  Oh, well.  Maybe we'll get it right next year.

October NYS Sheep & Wool Festival

Okay, I know it's only August, but I am looking forward to the big NYS Sheep and Wool Festival that will be held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds (Rhinebeck) the weekend of October 17 and 18. See here to get the full story.

No need to let me know now, but save the date because we will probably have another field trip for one of those days.

Oh, yes, they have yummy workshops the Thursday and Friday before it begins (October 15 and 16). They are pricey, but led by stars in the knit, crochet, weaving, and spinning world.

See here for a full list of the workshops and here for the schedule.

Post-event update

After a little pre-event mix-up, Ann, Renee and Judy attended on cold blustery Sunday.  We all needed our hats, jackets and mittens, and it was great to see all the other hand-knit hats, jackets and mittens.  A little overwhelming, but we had fun.  Great to see the sheep and alpacas that give us such wonderful fleece.

Sorry, no photos.  My camera wouldn't cooperate.  Maybe next time.

August 27 Field Trip to Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool Company

On August 27, some of us traveled to the Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool Company in Red Hook. See here to learn something about this place.

When we got there, they gave us a full tour of the plant, showing us raw fleece, how it gets cleaned, carded, spun and wound. Fascinating.

From there, we drove up to Tivoli to Fabulous Yarns and hung around there for awhile. Then on to Rhinebeck for a deeeelicious lunch at Gigi's.

Looking good -- and the sheep weren't too shabby, either.

Knit on ... and on and on.