Hello, Makers!
Fall is coming…
…and with fall comes the annual New York Sheep & Wool Festival, aka RHINEBECK.
For everyone attending, having a Rhinebeck sweater is a must. Over the last few years, the hype around the Rhinebeck sweater has been growing, and in the middle of August, people start planning their perfect project.
If you have never heard about “the Rhinebeck sweater,” let me clue you in: every fall, the NY Sheep & Wool Festival happens in Rhinebeck, New York. It’s arguably the largest knitting event in the world, where roughly 30,000 visitors are gathering to get new goods from one of the over 300 vendors.
In the months leading up to the actual festival, attendees decide on which sweater they want to create to show off their skills. The idea is to knit a new sweater that will be worn at the festival. Some knitting groups even make the same sweater as a group project to wear to the festival when they go there together.
Even knitters around the globe who are unable to attend are joining in the fun of knitting their own un-Rhinebeck sweater. That way, everyone is included in one way or another.
What happens every year is that very popular designs are seen in various colors, yarns, and sizes. But there are also new yet-to-be-released designs, vintage patterns, freeform creations, and so much more.
If you want to get your own Rhinebeck sweater, now is the time to start looking for a pattern and yarn combo. Maybe one of the new releases from this year will be your perfect project?
Here are some of our favorites from this year:
Your Rhinebeck sweater doesn’t have to be knitted. It can also be crochet or even using your own woven fabrics to sew something beautiful.
KnitLeaks’ team loves…
Elena sweater by Junko Okamoto
If you're feeling adventurous and ready to take on a new knitting project, the Elena Sweater, designed by Junko Okamoto, could be just the challenge you're looking for. Its intricate design and skilled craftsmanship make for a truly unique and stylish piece. The sweater is knit in the round from the neck rib, using a variety of techniques to create its stunning form. Knitting it is sure to be a fun and exciting experience, perfect for those who love a good challenge. Junko Okamoto is a highly talented designer, with an impressive portfolio of patterns. I’m sure we'll be seeing more amazing designs from her in the future! —Nara Takeda
What you missed on KnitLeaks
We talked about a pattern collection by Rachel Illsley that has been inspired by another textile craft — macramé — and also about “Observations: Knits and Essays from the Forest” by Lotta H. Löthgren. There have been articles about the trends for the upcoming fall/winter season, Clara Parkes’ Vanishing Fleece book and podcast, and how collecting patterns is a completely different hobby altogether. We took you along on a visit to Isager in Tversted, Denmark, and gave you an insight into the upcoming book “Cable Knit Style” by Joan Ho.
Next up on KnitLeaks…
Our upcoming articles will bring you lots of information on various topics, like YarnSub, stash busting, and crochet sweaters.
Did you know…?
If you missed one of our Newsletters… don’t fret! You can find all of the previous ones on Substack.
We hope you will enjoy your planning for the upcoming fall season, and please share your Rhinebeck sweaters by tagging us on Instagram.
— The KnitLeaks Team
Eu já tinha 2 desses modelos na minha queue do Ravelry e também o Pressed Flower cardi (não o suéter). Adorei saber que fazem parte do Rhinebeck. A Teti Lutsak desenhou um colete maravilhoso com base no suéter Elena da Junko Okamoto. Vocês já viram que bonito ficou?
I love the Pressed Flower sweater so thank you for recommendation. The Junko sweater is fabulous but it will just fall off the shoulders all the time. Knitwear has to be practical