My classroom and schedule.

As I’m writing this, wind and rain are blowing off the maple leaves in our side-yard, before they even get the chance to change full color.  It somehow seems a little appropriate.

Rhinebeck was everything it was made out to be and more.  I taught for 4 grueling and rewarding days, connecting with students and meeting other teachers.  It was wonderful and exhausting and exhilarating and I loved it.  I’m also glad to be home.

I was staying with my parents about an hour north of the town of Rhinebeck, and each morning I woke before the sun had risen (not quite the task it would be in the summer), loaded up the car with teaching supplies, and drove a glorious and visually-rewarding drive along the Hudson River.  The sun would rise as I drove, and I would watch the colors of the trees light up in the morning sun.  I’d anticipate the drive over the Rip Van Winkle bridge, and then would wind my way along Rt. 9, passing dozens of apple-orchards and pumpkin fields.

I’d arrive at the fairgrounds just as they were opening, find a parking place, and each day I’d hurry to my classroom to set up.  In the evening, with the adrenaline still pumping from teaching, I’d make my way back home as the sun would set, and watch the pinks and oranges and golds of the sunset reflected in the trees and marsh-grasses and purple hills.  Then I’d promptly get home, eat, prep for the next day, and go to bed early.

Working on duplicate stitch for Darn Those Knits!

On Sunday, that schedule changed a little, as my mother came with me.  I was fortunate to have an hour and a half lunch break between my first and second class.  I hastily downed my sandwich, then spent a whirlwind hour having my mother (who neither knits or crochets), show me her highlights to the fair.  I loved seeing the fair through her eyes.

She also managed to get some pictures of me actually teaching, for which I was grateful, or I would have had no proof that I was at the fair otherwise.

Rhinebeck is hard to capture in words.  On Saturday during my lunch break I tried to explore a little bit on my own, and quickly became overwhelmed by the crowds and the fact that I couldn’t get anywhere without shuffling.  I finally found a bench behind a building, and sat down with one other knitter, who was waiting for her friend to finish buying things from a vendor.  We admired the trees, talked a little, and I managed to get my head back on my shoulders soon enough to dive back into teaching.

Classes, for the most part, went smoothly.  As always, I walked away with things I’ll plan on improving, and I probably learned just as much from my students!  Some comments people made really brought home where my skill set lies, and I have some great ideas for future workshops.

Because Rhinebeck was so big, I’m going to finish this with a pictorial journal of the weekend.

Footwear is very important when teaching.  No fancy shoes for me – My Keens served me well. Although I think they’ve finally bit the dust.

A “Frakensock” made by one of my students in the Heels, Heels and More Heels class.

The Iconic row of maples at Rhinebeck.  The Colors!

It was so crowded, and there was knitwear everywhere.

Fleeces at the fleece sale.  I wanted one so badly.

This shawl was the colors of the trees, and it made me so happy.

This sweater was one I did not knit. But it was warm, and I inherited it from my grandmother. It seemed appropriate.

The view from Olana (where many Hudson Valley Painters worked). My mother and I stopped as we were heading home. The sun was setting.

Olana

The colors made your heart sing.