Rhinebeck Not-Sweater
After exchanging a few emails with Beth last week, I decided against trying to knit a sweater for Rhinebeck. I’ve got too much family stuff swirling around me and an impending week-long, work-related trip looming on the horizon. I just can’t see myself lugging a sweater’s worth of yarn to Denver for a week. But a shawl’s worth of yarn is easily tucked into a suitcase. So, a Rhinebeck shawl it is.
I dug out some notes I jotted down a couple months ago when I had a shawl idea come to me as I was reading a book and set to work with a pencil and paper. Oh, and a few helpful books:
I few hours and a couple of pencils and erasers later, I was done.
It never ceases to amaze me that a whole, huge shawl can easily fit on one tiny piece of graph paper.
If everything works out as planned, the shawl should commemorate the three long years I spent living in Upstate New York, with snow falling nonstop from the top of the shawl onto some lovely pine trees along the bottom edge. If time allows, it will be large. But I’m willing to be realistic and am prepared to settle for a triangular scarf if need be.
How ’bout you? Rhinebeck sweater or Rhinebeck shawl?
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40 comments Susan | designing, knitting, shawls
The shawl design sounds very pretty. I admire your designing talent.
Can’t wait to see the finished project! It’ll be so neat to see the idea on paper take shape in knitting.
Oooh – where did you get that graph paper? That looks so perfect for the job!
I probably won’t get a shawl or a sweater finished for Rhinebeck, but maybe a pair of socks…LOL
I am intrigued by your shawl though……..it sounds very beautiful and New Hampsire..ish.
See you soon!
I say Shawl! I love seeing your completed projects. Im sure it will be beautiful an perfect as usual. A sweater would be nice as well but I agree with not having to carry all that yarn around.
Your talent with patterns never ceases to amaze me. You make it look easy, but it’s sure not easy for me!
Shawl every time – no seams – nuff said!
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Probably neither. But a shawl is more practical because if it’s cold enough for a jacket you can still put the shawl OVER it and show off. Just saying.
Well, I’ve got a sweater on the needles, where it’s been since Spa. And some laceweight alpaca silk screaming to be a stole. Plus some socks that just need kitchnering. I’ll probably surprise myself with what gets finished in time for Rhinebeck. I look forward to seeing your finished snow shawl. It sounds lovely!
Rhinebeck scarf!
I vote for a shawl. I love your shawl designs and can’t wait to see another one!
I have yet to KNIT a shawl, so I’m in awe of people who can design them! I hope I get to see it….my attendance this year is in doubt. Take lots of pictures!
I love your idea for your shawl. Personally, I’m shooting for Rhinebeck socks.
You’ll have a shawl without any problem…Rhinebeck is over a month away after all.
It sounds lovely.
You knit fast – a shawl would be easy. But you’d probably wear the scarf more.
I love the sound of the shawl, and a very wise decision to not try to knit a sweater before Rhinebeck. I’m thinking about a shawl also-guess I’d better get started. I won’t be designing my own though.
Shawl. I’m looking forward to seeing it. Sounds beautiful.
That sounds like a really fantastic idea. I love that the design has ties to NY. I realize it can be cold at Rhinebeck, but isn’t a shawl a bit more versatile and useful? It isn’t too bulky or warm if the temps are above average!
I hope it counts. I finished a wool sweater earlier in the year that I didn’t wear yet because was too warm at that point. I had it on just long enough for the modeling shot. I’ll be saving it as my “Rhinebeck sweater”. It’s an entrelac sweater in Noro Silk Garden.
The idea for your shawl is really a nice one.
Oh I can’t even justify going…so neither!
Once you finish knitting it, in whatever incarnation it turns out, will you be making your pattern available for sale? It looks lovely.
I think there must be something in the water in Utah, as there are so many talented designers there!
The uncreative (designer-wise) Miss Knotty, who would buy water from Utah if it did have design-inducing properties.
I want one already! Either would be nice:)
I’m coming to the realization (although I haven’t given up hope yet) that I may have too much on my plate for a Rhinebeck anything. I have contract finishing to do by the beginning of Oct. And this chick seems to think that finishing means that when she is bored with the knitting she quits and I finish. I charge a LOT for knitting. She’ll learn.
I say shawl. You’re going to sell the pattern right??
This sounds like an excellent plan to me!
I do wonder why it’s always a “Rhinebeck sweater” instead of any other type of projects. Last year was my first Rhinebeck, and the weather was a bit cool, but not really chilly enough for the Lopi pullover I’d made. I remember thinking that a Rhinebeck scarf would have been a much better idea.
You know you are amazing, right? I feel priviledge to breathe the same neighborhood air as you. Wow. Beautiful shawl, gorgeously knit Sitcom Chic, and to-die-for yellow yarn. I should have done tumeric instead of aspen leaves for the guild yellow dye exchange.
I doubt that I will ever get to Rhinebeck. I live in SC and it is a rough time for me to be away from family and work. However, my sister lives in Manhattan and has a weekend home in Woodstock. She does not knit, has no fiber hobbies at all, but goes to Rhinebeck every fall!!!! Life just isn’t fair! I knit for my nephew who is now 5. I may not go but every year I have had a sweater there. lol
Sweater (I hope). The shawl will be fantastic!!
I want the shawl pattern- snow on pine trees! I can’t wait. just finished my first Forest Canopy and I’m hooked!
Thanks so much!
Ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto..what’s left to say about your work? I LOVE the pattern for the shawl. I could spend all my knitting time knitting SL patterns and be happy!And I generally don’t even wear shawls….;)
Make the shawl and then sell the pattern to us . . . please. Still loving my Forest Canopy Shawl – I’m taking it this weekend with me. Chelle
I think the scarf/shawl sounds lovely. I will be there so I’ll keep a look out for you!
I’d be so thrilled if I could just make it to Rhinebeck that I don’t care if I would wear anything at all. Although I know everyone else would care. I’ve found a new love for wearing my shawls and hope to make another soon.
I have photos on my site . I am wearing the Ariann sweater – finishing up as we speak. Just need to get the collar on and find buttons!!!!
I will be there on Saturday.
Cannot wait to see your finished shawl!
I may or may not be going to Rhinebeck this year (undecided as yet), but I think a shawl is the perfect thing to take. Or socks. I’m all for portability!
I’m with Carole… shawl is the more versatile choice, plus you can then justify buying yourself some fabulous shawl pin that you find as a Rhinebeck souvenir. I am looking forward to seeing this design when finished… another pattern offering?
YAY! For a Rhinebeck shawl! I can’t wait to see it! Your shawls are art. really.
I am making Rhinebeck mittens. And if it’s too warm? I’ll wear them, dammit!
Oh go for it…knit a big shawl! After all, you needed big warm shawls if you lived in NY State. If you need extra lace motifs, you could add something “revolutionary” like canons, or drums, or maybe even beer steins? I was just thinking about my one trip to the area and having lunch at the Inn where George Washington stayed (Beekman Arms???? something like that). Or you could do something water-ish to symbolize the Hudson River. Good luck…I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
wait a second! have you already been through Denver again? Or is that yet to come???