Yesterday was our whirlwind trip to Rhinebeck for the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival. The weather was beautiful, the children were good, and there were so many things to see, smell, touch, hear, and taste! To see some of the sensory goodness, check out our Flikr folder with pictures from the day.
Before going I experienced a variety of emotions. When we first decided to go, I was excited. As the date came closer, I became less excited because I started thinking about what I was going to do there, what was the purpose of the trip? When I was reading people talk about the festival on Ravelry, it seemed like it was supposed to be one big shopping fest. Hmmm… how is that going to help me try to live more simply, reduce my consumerism? I’m going to take the 4+ hour drive (one-way) to buy more stuff? Do I really need anything? And I don’t spin, and that is a big focus of this festival (or so it seemed). Between those thoughts and other things going on in my life (see my “Drowning” post) I was less than excited as the day drew near.
But once we got there, I was happy to be there even if I don’t ever go again. I did do a little buying, some yarn to make holiday gifts for my in-laws. Other than that, we bought some sweet treats (fudge, and some vegan tasties) and some naturally made soap samples.
The kids loved all of the things to see and do. L3 was fascinated by all the spinning wheels. I think he stopped and watched every single one on which someone was working everytime we passed one. Of course he wanted to touch all of them, too! L4 loved all of the rabbits. The other animals made her nervous, at first, but eventually she enjoyed them all.
For me, seeing the sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas in the flesh was inspiring. First, I knew there were different kinds of sheep, but I didn’t realize the range of variety! Observing the animals, seeing some of them get “haircuts” and then seeing the fibers, the spinning, the weaving and, of course, the knitting, gave me a new appreciation for the fiber arts. So much energy is put into the entire process! A skein or ball of yarn is so much more than the its tactile softness or visual brightness, it has such a history of creation. All the more so when it is a handpainted or handspun yarn (or both!).
As I knit the gift socks out of the yarn purchased from the small, independent farms/vendors at the show, I think I’ll be more contemplative than usual. I didn’t just buy “stuff” this time. I purchased a whole chain of energy for this product, and am going to continue to add to its energy history before it reaches its final destination. It would be far easier and “cheaper” to simply buy socks for the intended recipients. But my own energy and intent would be lost, as well as something greater. I can’t quite articulate what I mean here, but perhaps you understand what I mean?
If you’re reading, Amy, I’m glad were were able to make the trip together!
I love that picture of you guys!! Logan’s face is priceless!! And those pigtails, she is such a sweetheart. The photos on Flickr are fantastic, makes me want to go. 🙂
I know just what you mean about the process that goes into creating something. I feel the same way abour jewelry and glass beads. I occassionally buy beads from other artists and people ask me all the time, why don’t you just make them? Why would I? An artist already created them, it was their idea, their thoughts, their energy that went into creating it. And then I get to continue the process creating something with those beads that is totally unique. Yes it would be easier to pop into a Claires store and buy a $5 bracelet… but it wouldn’t be the same would it?
Hi Lindsey! Wooo I know this weekend was crazy but it was good to see you and your little ones (and big one). I got to meet all the L’s! Sorry if I was a bit scatter brained, I was trying to balance my worlds – my mother in law, my knitting friends, my spinning friend, and then my father and I didnt even get a chance to play with the sheep! Wasn’t rhinebeck a whirl wind of awesomeness? I think that’s why I love spinning, because it brings me back to a place in history where things were more simple, where you had to know how to make things to sustain yourself. I even like the fact that Ghandi used the concept of spinning cotton/making your own clothes as a form of protest. I wouldn’t go that far, but when I spin cotton I like to think I’m protesting something, even if it’s not commercially made clothes. Overall when I get in a funk, and lord only knows I feel like Im up to my neck in quicksand right now, I think it’s important to stop and smell the roses. If you let all the little things in life become the big things, then you can’t appreciate the big things, which to some might be little 🙂 And if I lost you down that mental road just know that sometimes that which we fight against often is trying to push us down a better path, we just don’t know it yet. Other times it’s just trying to push us down so keep one oar in hand but sometimes let things flow and you’ll soon find your way out of the rapids. I’m down for more knitting/spinning this week so hit me up 🙂 How does thursday sound? – Alanna
I think it’s awsome that you do things like that! As you don’t seem to have a horse and buggy you are going to have to drive places to experience things from time to time.
That also sounds like an amazing life experience! It’s really o.k. to shop for things that are worth it- – -seriously, you’re worried about buying yarn for making your own clothes!!!!! I’d be jumping up and down!!!!! Treat yourself sister. You deserve it.
Life is also about enrichment, and what a wonderful way to connect your family to craftsmanship, history and a community of involved people.
I’m so glad it helped you get your groove back on. Shannon
Am I your only friend who is not craftsy? It would never occur to me to even think about where yarn comes from. I’m glad someone thinks about it, obviously, since I love my sweaters, but I’m too self-absorbed, and I take that stuff for granted. Well, maybe now I won’t, since you’ve all spoken so eloquently about this. 🙂
Although I really doubt I’ll take up knitting anytime soon. 🙂
T-I think of you as crafty, but in different ways. You’re wonderful at putting colors together in your home, and painting furniture. As for taking up knitting, you’d have to work with cotton and linen and silk to be able to wear any knitted items where you live now! I don’t think it is a matter of being too self-absorbed, btw. I think it is that we really aren’t connected to the creation process of most products we have, from food to clothes to furniture. I liked seeing it for myself, and having my kids see that, too.
It sure was a wonderful trip. Thanks for letting me share in the day with you!