I am at a loss for words on your response to this video. I am sad that we have had mutual experiences with the negativity in the fiber community, but I am relieved and encouraged that we have found each other in this space and that we can keep the conversation on these topics alive. I’ll never be able to respond to all of your generous comments here, but please know that I’ve found comfort in reading them and am working to get through every last one. Thanks for being the best knitting crew out there 💛
Any community enters dangerous territory if you are not allowed to point out flaws in it so thank you for speaking up. It's the only way to improve. Love your content!
While I'd love to say the knitting community is "special," it's no different than any other group. Some people are generous and kind, and others are critical and mean-spirited. Because of who you are, I chose to subscribe to your channel. Maybe--just maybe--someone who was unkind during the "Rhinebeck" weekend will recognize themselves while watching your video and think about how their actions may have affected others. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your experience.
Thanks so much for your honesty. I also feel this sometimes when entering certain yarn stores - you’re sized up & even when you’re purchasing there’s no friendliness, curiosity or warmth.
I completely agree-it’s an unfortunate side of the crafting community. Fortunately, the social media knitting community is much different and way more welcoming!
Not only does Nora knit, Nora DISHES! Thanks so much for your honest Rhinebeck review. I’ve found myself in situations like this expecting to make friends and none were to be found. Lots of ❤️
A dear friend of mine who regularly attends Rhinebeck and a number of other fiber events warned me that Rhinebeck is not for me. Rather, she suggested Maryland Sheep and Wool. I’ve not had a chance to go yet but it’s in my list! As I understand it, Maryland is smaller and more intimate with many of the same vendors. It totally bites when your sweet nature is frowned on by those who should be in your corner. It most certainly is NOT you. There's some crusty old gits out there that like to dampen other's light because theirs isn’t a beacon for goodness. Keep on shining your light bright. You are awesome. Giving hugs from Colorado.
This was another terrific podcast. Sorry about the cruel people you met up with at Rhinebeck. I have often had experienced things like that. People can be so rude or moody. I used to be into quilting and there were quilting snobs , then I got into knitting , and there were yarn snobs. But right now I’m in a knitting group with everyone being just wonderful. I also love your podcast, I just found you now in January ,2024. So I’ve had you on while I’m knitting and it feels like I’m with my knitting group.
I went to Rhinebeck for the first time this year and while it was nice, I learned that going forward, I'm going to try to attend smaller more local fiber festivals. Big crowds are just not for me I would do better at smaller acale events. PS I was wearing a Crochet sweater in 100% Acrylic *gasp* 😂
I no longer attend Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool, it is SO overcrowded, the past 2 visits (pre-Covid days), I did not enjoy the day at all. A long ride for very high prices and crowded conditions that did not allow me to enjoy myself. I’m happier attending local shows and getting to see all the merchandise and fleeces in a relaxed atmosphere with less stressed attendees is more my speed! Thanks for sharing your honest opinions! Happy knitting!
Nora, you are just too precious! I love your vivacious and exuberant personality! I am so thankful to have found your TH-cam channel. I, too, have been knitting for about 1 year but haven’t progressed in my skills as fast as you! Your works are absolutely beautiful and are inspiring me to just keep on learning. Looking forward to watching every one of your videos!
I so appreciate your honesty about Rhinebeck! I've never been and have only started getting into knitting in the past year or so, but I totally get the vibe you described and have experienced it with other artistic interests. I feel like it usually boils down to the idea that if you don't have the money and resources to get formal education or invest in the best materials, you don't belong there, which is honestly BS. I really appreciate that you bring a different energy to your content!
Great point! I have definitely felt the same thing in other spaces as well, especially creative ones! It’s so wild. I could never put down a creator. I’m just happy y’all are out there making things too! Thanks for hanging out with me! 🥰
I cant tell you how many times i have walked into a quilt store or yarn store and been completely ignored or treated as though I was a burden. If you walked into the same store as me and struck up a convo about yarn, we would have a great time! I hope your channel continues to grow!
I definitely feel you about the larger fiber arts community. There are lots of snobs and gatekeepers out there, unfortunately. It's part of the reason I took a break from it for a few years. It's certainly not everyone, as you've seen. And I definitely think the younger generation picking up knitting and taking over as popular designers is working toward changing that, being inclusive, etc. One more reason I adore your channel and everyone here. I LOVED SEEING YOUR PICTURE WITH KACI IN HER LATEST PODCAST!
Thank you so so much for this 🥰 I am glad it was worth saying something and hopefully we can keep moving towards a welcoming space! I was so happy to meet her-a favorite of mine! 💛
I appreciated your rhinebeck take so much! I knew exactly the feelings you were describing, and while I'm sorry you experienced them at an event that is talked about as this magical place by so many, I just really appreciated hearing a real take and felt what you were saying. Everyone deserves to make and enjoy this craft and it's a good reminder to look at how I can make sure I'm letting others in within my own community!
I think this is a great take. I don’t ever want to come across like I am complaining and not also soaking it all in and learning myself. I want to make sure people feel like they are allowed to make and contribute to the knitting community without needing to break the bank or feel like they have to knit exclusively with one fiber or another. I’m glad we can use this space to continue building together 🥰
If you do Rhinebeck again next year (or again at some point in the future), I would highly recommend finding at least one other fiber friend to attend with! That way you have some else to ooh and ahh over yarn and notions with, and I've heard Saturday is way better for making friends. Sunday is 100% the "let's go shop and get out quickly" day.
I have never attended a yarn festival. I think it was refreshing to hear your Rhinebeck experience. Since Covid I have notice a lot of social tension and feel that people have become more guarded socially. Continue to be you Nora! This is their issue not yours. You seem to be filled with joy don’t let others dim your bright light.
I'm sure you're not the only one that's felt this way and you sharing your experience will make others feel better. The importer syndrome is real and there's definitely some fiber snobs in knitting, I'm also offended because I'm knitting a merino/nylon blend scarf while I'm watching this video 😂. That nylon means our garments are more durable so I'm happy with my choice.
And who says a wool-nylon blend is bad anyway? I mean, if this person offered an opinion about 7-11 sushi, I might listen. But her creds as a yarn critic are nothing to take seriously.
I like a variety of yarns and I like being able to have choices. Life wouldn’t be very interesting if we all wanted the same thing. Also in my experience, people who are snobs about things are insecure.
@@carrotlover7763 I think you nailed it. Snobs are insecure. All of us are insecure at times, but some people aren’t satisfied until they’ve made you as insecure and unhappy as they are. We can’t do anything about them, but if we understand what’s going on with them, it helps us protect ourselves.
When I first started knitting, I saw an ad from an upscale yarn shop for a baby blanket kit that included cashmere yarn. Have these people no knowledge whatsoever of babies? You’d have to be the snobbiest of snobs to go in that direction.
Holy crap, that nylon comment has me reeling 😅 Like what, you only knit with cashmere? lol My knits won't survive for more than a year if they don't have a synthetic component to them - I'm really rough on them. Good on you for giving people the benefit of the doubt there! I've been working on that.
I like that you use synthetic fibers because I'm new to sweater knitting and want to keep it affordable until I'm comfortable making garments. People shouldn't judge our fiber choices.
I like working with fiber content that FEELS good. I’ve used some expensive snobby yarn that felt AWFUL and was full of knots. Do what feels good to you ❤
Your thrifty yarn is gorgeous! Well done on a great find can't wait to see what it becomes! Sorry ypu didn't have the best experience at Rhinebeck but so pleased you enjoyed the day with your boyfriend amd pizza is the best way to end the day! Great episode as always see you next time!
I just watched this video and I feel this a lot. I also had experiences, where knitters were unkind and very competitive, also privileged regarding yarn. I think you are not not alone at all about this. Love all your content!!!
I’m new here - scoping out Rhinebeck videos because I’m coming over from the Uk for it this year - thanks so much for voicing your honest opinion! I have found similar with knitting events in the UK too - I find it can be really quite cliquey and people might go to the events with their existing friends rather than to make new ones. Now I know that my expectations are adjusted whenever I go anywhere but it definitely has given me sad feelings when you hear so much about how “friendly” everybody is. Still really looking forward to my trip and thanks for the llama tip!
I love your sense of awareness in a social setting. Too many people lack this nowadays. Your sweet nature, humor, and politeness is so refreshing! I feel awkward in a large social setting and would experience a feeling of pressure to buy at an event like this and so I don't anticipate ever going to one. I do feel there tend to be "snobs" in this community and, of course, there are people like this in all walks of life, sadly. Keep being you, because you are awesome!
I’m a happy excitable person and I get rrrreeeeaaaalllllyyyy into my yarn and not many people “get it”. I live channels like yours because it’s super welcoming and I like the connection. I also can’t knit to save my life so instead I crochet and Tunisian crochet. Most of the time people are genuine about their interest but it’s also not uncommon I get people that are like “omg you don’t knit?!” Or “crochet? Gross” it’s actually reasons like this that I have never been to a fiber festival and have no plans in going.
Well I am very happy that you are here and I am so sorry that you’ve experienced that! I love that you’re enjoying your craft and that you get excited about yarn! 💛
I wanted to let you know I LOVE this version of the intro. This was the first of your videos I foun and I fell directly in love by the intro. Thanks for sharing your makes!
Thank you for being so candid about your experience. I don’t attend events because of that kind of thing. You seem extremely personable & instantly likable. I tend to keep to myself but even so if I bumped into you I would have chatted with you because your energy is so warm. I can understand why it was disappointing for you after being told that the community is so welcoming. I love your podcast & look forward to each one. ❤😊
Oh my goodness! This made my day 🥰 please tell him I am sending big frantic waves right back! 👋👋👋 Thank you so much for watching and for your kindness 💛
So lovely to meet you there! I do think these events are harder to do solo, and I totally respect your experience 😊. I think natural and undyed yarns could be a great way to go for the grey/black you are looking for! I love the Bohlayers Orchards Romeldale CVM yarn that I got at Rhinebeck and your bf would be sooooo lucky to have a cozy hat made of it! 🤗
So nice to meet you too, Lily! It’s all so overwhelming. Thank you for the recommendation!!! I will have to look into it. He is a bit sensitive to natural fibers, so I like the idea of finding it in person to give it the good “squish”!
In regards to snooty folks in the yarny community, I feel that a lot of us have also experienced this, you are not the common denominator. Please do not let this get you down. There are just that kind of people in everywhere. You are a ray of sunshine and don't let anyone dim that. I know I'm late but I'm catching up on all of your podcasts. I don't want to miss a single one.
Hi Nora. I was there on Saturday and definitely felt overwhelmed by the number of people there! So overwhelmed that I didn’t buy anything at all, other than some goat’s milk body products. Maybe it’s me having changed post-Covid, but I also felt that people were all in my face and I wasn’t able to get into some booths, etc. BUT… the people in the animal barns were great. I spoke with a couple of them for a while about wool and spinning (something I haven’t dabbled in yet!) That was fun. I felt much more relaxed at a smaller fiber festival like the Massachusetts wool and fiber festival. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion.
I’ve been knitting for 15 years and went into it thinking everyone who knits would be as warm and fuzzy as yarn. I came to realize that with knitting you have to actively find “your people” and focus on that. I’ve gone into local yarn stores where the chill is evident. Is it a classist thing? Could be. Sometimes I’ll walk into a store and it’s assumed I don’t knit and I’m treated as such, take from that what you will. So when it comes to festivals, I go with someone I can have fun with. My non-knitter bestie went to Rhinebeck with me and a few other festivals and we had a blast. I enter booths like I would a store, if it’s not a friendly vibe, I bounce. I may actually say “Hi, just browsing your wares.” If I get the cold shoulder…✌🏽I am under no obligation to purchase and a good vendor knows this. And with my stash, I like the festivals for food and often non-knitting items come home with me, lotions, candles, mugs, things to treat myself with. So, I feel what you’re speaking of as I’ve had to adjust my expectations a few times so that I come away with good vibes. Also, I think we’d have a blast at a fiber fest!!!
Love your podcast, thanks for your honesty. As in any community, people are people, some are very friendly, some are not. Maybe your expectations of the fiber community is too high. In all my years I've realized that some people are like you, friendly to everyone (I can relate), while others are just so self centered they don't care how they affect others. That's just life. Keep on going and share your lovely personality. Some people won't chose joy even if you hand it to them gift wrapped!
Nora, I understand the mix of kindness and standoffishness among the knit community. I've learned that finding the community that is a good fit for you is the best way around the mixed personalities. Taking other's comments or actions too personally may hurt you for the moment, but other's are viewing their moment from their own perspective. Feel free to enjoy your moments in life without being burdened by other's remarks. You are so energized and your videos are so fun to watch! I look forward to each one! I'm so glad to be a part of your knitting community.
Hey Nora! Another great podcast. Its refreshing to have the warts and all review of Rhinebeck. I think you are right to try Saturday next year before writing it off completely. I love that you are going to be doing the Folklore cardigan. I have just purchased the yarn and needles ready for my post Christmas cast on. My son is new to knitting but said his goal is to knit himself one in 2024, and asked me to help. As soon as my daughter found out, I was then talked into knitting one for her. I cant wait to see how yours turns out.
Totally get your take on the vibe at a yarn show. I think that there are a lot of angry rude entitled people in the world especially since the pandemic I don’t think it’s just the knitting community it’s society. I’m sure you had a lovely time how could you not you are such a sunny person radiating happiness and joy. Keep being Nora the world needs more people like you ❤️
💀lol great video. Your honesty about Rhinebeck is greatly appreciated. I have watched the videos from past years and it looks extremely crowded. Once I asked my niece “does that look fun to you?” And she promptly said No. She also said that she would know where to find me because I would always be by the sheep haha. anyway I think that I definitely prefer smaller festivals with less of a crowd. Love your videos and keep up the awesome knitting. I love love love your Minto sweater and now have to figure out how to push it into my knitting lineup 🤦♀️
How refreshing - you have voiced your thoughts and feelings in such an honest way ❤ As someone who listens and watches from afar (I don’t know anyone else that knits) all events I see/hear about are described as warm, welcoming, everyone is delightful BUT let’s face it, the knitting community is a cross section of society and not everyone in society is warm, welcoming and delightful! We’re operating on the laws of probability here and there are some ‘not pleasant’ people out there 🤷🏻♀️ Thankfully for those of us tuning in to this channel - you are fabulous ☺️ Appreciate you as ever 👌🏻🥰
I'm so happy to have discovered your channel! And I feel you expressed yourself regarding the festival with great respect while being honest and I so appreciate it. I attended Rhinebeck with my mom and sister last year for the first time. My sister bought us tickets on a tour bus through Webs yarn store. We had a VERY similar experience as you did. I will not be returning myself. Instead we attend the Eastern States fiber festival and find it so much fun! Such great selection, and the people are wonderfu, and we have attended some of the workshops as welll . Not sure where you live but I highly recommend you go if you are able to. I'm looking forward o listening to your other podcasts and it is so nice to meet you! 😊
Nora, thanks for your sharing your experience with honesty and courage. While I've not been to any event where knitters gather in large numbers, I have had similar experiences one on one with other knitters. In my head I think everyone who knits is going to be a kindred spirit, but sometimes that isn't the case at all. I enjoy your podcast, Nora. Thank you for energy and beautiful smile which are given to us in equal measure. Blessings
Thank you for sharing your experience! You are not alone as people are struggling to socialize appropriately while in public! I am so glad you made it to Pick up Every Stitch! Although I live four hours away from the store, I felt welcomed and able to share my enthusiasm for yarn and knitting. I wish I had a group who is as obsessed with yarn, crochet and knitting. You have your community here❤❤❤
❤ My bestie and I did a bus trip to the Fest on Saturday, and we both share the same experience and sentiment as you! We both had moments of mild panic and had to step away for a breather. Lots of pushing and general rudeness. We still had a great time because we were sharing an experience as friends 😊 We both decided to focus on visiting our local fiber festivals and shopping online if we want something from big name shop. Love your show, your positive attitude, and your style! More Osi content please 🐶
Always love your episodes! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings on your Rhinebeck Experience. I really wish the people who have yarn prejudices would simply keep that to themselves and be kind to others (respect and acceptance for all) no matter what. We each have our own ideas/financial threshold/behaviors etc but “my issues are not your issues and vice versa” (which I want on a T-shirt). Sending you big hugs! If you do go to Rhinebeck on Saturday next year, I’ll look forward to hearing/seeing your recap.
I appreciate that, thank you! I say we all wear the shirts next year 😂 but yes, I’d definitely like to attend Saturday next year and see how it compares!
I love your raw, not flowery take on rhinebeck. As someone who lives nowhere near NY its really refreshing. The nylon lady is wrong, imo, i love my sock yarn sweaters and shawls. They hold up so well! The grey/ black yarn thing is odd but ive also had trouble finding white yarn for colourwork. I wish you luck in the hunt!
So happy to hear your take on rhinebeck. If you go on Saturday be aware that’s typically the busiest day of the weekend. I want to go but have no desire to go on Saturday. 😣
Thanks for sharing your experience at Rhinebeck. It certainly eases the FOMO. Ive had similar experiences in the past and I think while it's 100% the unwelcoming others fault, growing up in my twenties has made me more comfortable with myself and I'd cope better living a similar experience again. If you ever give Saturday a tey I hope you have a much better time 😊
The fiber fest experience you are looking for is in uhrichsville oh, about 12 booths and a handful of local artists, and community projects, kids crafts, a couple sheep, some demos and all on the city block outside our one tiny little yarn shop. Seriously pindrop shop fiber fest in june come visit hahaha sorry we dont have any other podcasters just knitters
Awww, Nora! I am so sorry that you didn't have the *BEST* time at Rhinebeck! I am so glad that you fought your nervousness about it and talked about your experience here, though! It's SO important to talk about - most reviews are 1000% glowing, and when it's not your experience, it's so easy to think that there is something wrong with you (a collective you, I mean!). I've definitely been there many times myself, and it never gets easier. If it makes you feel any better, I am a yarn dyer and I vend at a few shows a year. I hate to say "since covid", but.... we have noticed a huge shift in the crowd / social anxiety / guarded vibe of the collective public at a market. Pre-Covid, it DID feel like a big happy place at shows (I've never been to Rhinebeck, and the biggest show we do is Knit City Vancouver in Canada). While it still can feel like that, it also feels more guarded, and like a veil has been lifted, and everyone is just so tired, overwhelmed and stressed. It's been an eye-opening year for me as a vendor. That said - keep being you!! People like you who walk around with a smile & a kind word, a compliment or an apology if needed IS what is going to turn someone else's day around! You never know if the girl you complimented was feeling the same way as you & she now has a fond memory of the sweet girl who told her that her sweater was gorgeous! I LOVE to do that at shows when I'm in my booth or when I'm just wandering the market - I try to make a point to tell random people that I love something they are wearing, and it's so fun to see their face light up! Oh! And since I've got a novel going anyway - I'll add my 2 cents in about dyeing black yarn! I dye it myself but limit it to a deep charcoal rather than going for black. A lot of dyes that we use are made up of multiple colours of dyes, and they can 'break' into their colours and leave some pretty unexpected results. But there are some dyes out there that are a single pigment, which gets a more even result. I think the reason that not many dye black isn't because it can't be done, but it's just way more fun to dye brighter colours that aren't readily found already commercially made if that makes sense!
I love your honest take on Rhinebeck. Too bad we live on the opposite sides of the country because you are my kind of "people" 😉. I really enjoy your knitting podcasts! You are just too much fun! 😊
Hi! I enjoy watching your podcast and find you warm and open and fun to spend time with. I love my knitting and spend too much on yarn, but I also try to balance with some more cost effective yarns. I believe too many of the artists focus on yarns that are not affordable to most of their audience. A good design should work with a variety of yarn options. I've never been to Rhinebeck and would love to go, but I know what you mean about the crowds. I don't enjoy being in large crowds either. Maybe some day we will cross paths and that would be fun!
Thank you so much! 🥰 I would still recommend the trip, but with reasonable expectations…..and preferably with a pocket full of cash! 😂 I hope our paths cross!
Nora thank you for touching on this subject. I haven't been to Rhinebeck, being on the West Coast, it's a little difficult. But I've gone to LYS, local events and Stitches events. I have also experienced that unwelcoming feeling. It's such a shame! But super glad you're here and I immensely enjoy your podcast! ❤
I really do enjoy your podcast and the honest feedback about the festival. I’ve never been to Rhinebeck but have seen many podcasts in the past that extolled its virtues. I’ll not likely travel across country to see it but it is good to have a balanced viewpoint. Of course, this is from the person who did go 5,000+ miles to attend a fiber festival in Norway!
What a bummer about Rhinebeck! I have never been (my yarn pals go but I skip out) because of two reasons: a) I like to pre-plan all my yarn purchasing decisions now as I’ve ended up with a lot of so-so impulse & bargain choices and b) I am very sensitive and quickly fatigued & overwhelmed by crowds, noise, lights, and confusion. I know it wouldn’t be a good fit for me! There’s all sorts of people out there in the knitting world, and I’ve experienced them all, I swear 😂 I’m glad you’re finding your people 😊
Thank you for the honest perspective! I've never been to Rhinebeck, and maybe it's the Midwesterner in me, but I'm honestly happy that so far I'm sticking to smaller local fiber festivals. I'm definitely familiar with that feeling of not belonging, especially since I'm an anxious introvert. Thank you for creating this community where people can be themselves!
Oh bless you, I identified so much with the feelings you were expressing. I am very much a wear it on my sleeve friendly sort. I am always watching out for people in large crowds and trying to make sure I am not getting in the way of others. Heaps of “I’m sorry” if I accidentally bump into someone. It’s just how I was raised. Some strangers respond warmly to this and some some don’t. Ha! I am an American living in Australia so I have never been to a wool festival in the US. But I suspect if we had run into each other at the wool and sheep show we would have had a lovely chat! :-) xxx
Hi! I've never been to a yarn festival but my parents went for the first time this year to Rhinebeck and my mom said it was very busy and a bit overwhelming. I'm sorry that you didn't have the greatest experience. Hopefully next year it will be better!
Nora I can so relate to you. I’m sorry you had a strange non community experience at Rhinebeck. I’m going to Sacred Sheep next weekend in Portland and I so hope I have a good experience. You just keep being you! We like you just the way you are!
Thank you for sharing your honest take on Rhinebeck. I live in NY and have never been to Rhinebeck…thought about it alot, but I just haven’t made it there. Seems it would be a bit overwhelming for me. I thought your sweater was beautiful and the fabric had a real nice drape to it. Looks very comfy! Also, thank you so much for posting the link for the Taylor cardi! I just purchased 2 kits. Hoping I can finish one by Christmas for my granddaughter who is a big fan. Keep on knitting!
Thank you for sharing! I also find the knitting community not overly accepting in many situations. I’ve had some negative experiences in yarn shops where I haven’t felt welcome. I’m thankful to find this community and am really grateful for you! And what a score you found with that boucle 🧶!!!! Love it.
Nora, I have enjoyed your podcasts from the very first one. You are so pleasant and fun! And your editing is next level! You are very talented and smart. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. I have felt the same way at fiber festivals and even knitting guilds/groups that I have tired to attend. They seem to feel cliquish and unwelcoming. I never knew if it was my own insecurities amplified by being the new girl walking in by herself. I enjoy watching your journey. I am amazed that you have only been knitting for a year and you have accomplished so much. You and OC are a joy to watch. Thank you. 💀💀
I understand what you are saying about your Rhinebeck experience with other attendees. I am always someone who wants to connect with others with similar interests and to be rebuffed when you offer perfectly normal little input to a conversation leaves a bad feeling. I’ve never been but I know that the crowds would be a big energy suck for me, but I still want to go.😂 I love your personality! You be you because we need more happy people!
Thank you for being honest about your Rhinebeck experience. Please don’t let anyone ever dampen your spirit. You are the light we need in this world. From what I’ve seen/heard about the weekend, there is no way I would ever travel to experience Rhinebeck. It reminds me of Disneyland. Magical and fun in some ways while also being exhausting, draining, and expensive. P.S. This is also why I’ll probably always be team crochet and a bargain yarn shopper. I’m amazed at your thrift store finds each week! ❤
Thank you so much for your honest appraisal of your Rhinebeck experience. After traveling for business and trying to go to a yarn shop in multiple cities, including in Canada, I found most to be very unwelcoming. Since I am not a very outgoing person I placed the blame squarely on myself but your experience mirrors exactly the way I felt almost all the time. I even quit trying to find yarn shops when traveling and decided to just buy what I wanted online. Perhaps the podcasters who have such a warm and fuzzy experience every year are simply able to meet up in person with people they have only been online with. Such large crowds are tiresome and maybe that explains some of the behavior, but who needs to spend that kind of time and money to end up feeling shunned? Anyway, your thrift find is stunning and I cannot wait to see what you come up with! Thanks for a great episode!
Another fun video, and thank you for your honesty about your Rhinebeck experience. I can totally relate, I've not been to that festival particularly, but have been to several on the west coast and, I have to say that what you describe is acurate for my experiences also. The one thing that makes me keep going back is that I go with my kitty friends and it makes for a really fun getaway day. It's also really fun chatting with some of the vendors and being inspired by all the things. But the pushy, no boundaries attitudes of some people, it's frustrating and definitely takes away from the overall enjoyment. Your knits are looking beautiful ❤
This is my first experience of you, but I feel *very* confident in saying: you are not the problem! You seem like an effervescent, funny, and refreshingly expressive human and the world needs more of that. ❤ I get a lot of the same looks/expressions/reactions as the ones you've described, and it can be so hard to not personalize that. I'm super glad to have found your channel and I'm stoked to spend more time knitting and hanging out with your podcast!
Nora, thank you for your honesty. Your thoughts/feelings matter & you were so diplomatic in your approach. I would be like: “I had a bad time…. I’m so frustrated…” you inspire me to be more thoughtful in how I’ll share not-so-great experiences, in future. I’ve run into similar experiences at yarn stores recently. I’ll be in an aisle & someone would come in my space & just walk past (in a narrow aisle) without an “excuse me”. Or they’ll just come close & I get the feeling that they want me to move out of their way, even though I was their first & I’ll in the process of intently looking at/shopping for yarn. It’s quite annoying & rude. You sharing your experiences make me feel like I’m not alone. I can’t help think that they are doing it to me because I’m Black & young (honestly), but who knows? I find it to consistently be older women…. I also try to break the tension by commenting about the wonderful yarn, or making a joke. Sometimes it works, sometimes it gets awkward. Please know that you are a rockstar & definitely belong in the community. Thanks for curating this fantastic pocket of the internet. I think you are great. Love your earrings. Love that pinkish yarn, it’s gorgeous! I grew up shopping in thrift stores & have never run across yarn. You’ve got the golden touch. We do have a reuse eco friendly store that sales second craft supplies… so that’s something. Anywhos, thAnks for the wonderful episode, good luck with your wips. Have a great week, Anna.
I really appreciate your honest and balanced review of your Rhinebeck experience. It is really important to see that no body has everything rainbows and lollipops all the time. Good luck with your Lykke 🤞🏼🤞🏼💀💀
What a thrift find!!! That’s exciting. I’ve definitely experienced some judgement and cliquey-ness at fiber stores as well, I’ve had some great experiences too. I think it’s kind of inevitable the more people you interact with the more likely you’ll bump into it. But you’re building a lovely little community right here and I appreciate the honesty 💜
so glad you shared your honest experience of Rhinebeck. Sadly, I've had similar experiences at other knitting events. Its why I've not wanted to go to Rhinebeck. I do love knitting and knitters, but knitters are people and there are some beautiful ones and others that are not so beautiful. your genuine energy comes through your podcast and it's why i love watching. Again, thanks for what your giving out to this community.
So so true. You’re going to find the good and the bad in every situation. I hope we can always find the warm and fuzzies in the little pockets of these things. Thanks for being here 🥰
So Thankful you had your field day in Fibre, lol The video was so cute, how fun! Love the Cotton Candy Wool Bags. Muawhaha! I Love the spinners and that they have to draft that, cotton candy style Fibre. 😊 You looked great and happy like being at a theme park version. 🎉 Congratulations on your test knit sweater! 😅❤
I do appreciateciate your honesty on anything.. Keep it up. :) Other podcasts are in total agreement with you on Rhinebeck. Hopefully, they learn from the problems and make it much better next time.
As someone who has never been to Rhinebeck but has wanted to go I'm glad to hear your experience. I feel so sad that this is how you were met by what sounds like friendly comments. I also really dislike the feeling of being "watched" and expected to buy anything you might look at.
I have my favorite Podcasters, and for a long time I would just kind of look for them but recently I have decided to watch videos from people that I hadn’t seen before. I really enjoyed your video. I got a little sad with your experience at Rhinebeck, but I completely understand the feeling that you had. I’m one of those people who talks to strangers like you do and the woman at the button booth would’ve given me the same look because I would’ve said the same thing you did. I’m really sad that the fiber community were not more welcoming to you. I have never been to a fiber festival, but I always feel like I would love to go because it would be so much fun to be around other crocheters and knitters, I really hope that it’s not always like that at Rhinebeck. Maybe it was just an off year - I know there was another festival going on a couple of days before that was a really bad experience and I’m wondering if maybe the people who were not too friendly hadn’t gone to Wool and Folk and had had a bad experience there, so were kind of in a bad mood. I am also disappointed that anyone would disparage a merino and nylon blend wool for a sweater - how rude! Personally, I use a lot of acrylic because I can’t really afford the good yarns. I do have a small amount of really nice yarns, and I save them for projects that are for family members and friends who are knitworthy. But I make a lot of blankets for grandkids and kids and I make a lot of slippers and I use acrylic for them because It’s so durable, easy to care for and not that expensive. All that being said, I really enjoyed your video so I subscribed and of course I liked your channel. I feel like I will enjoy watching your videos going forward and I’m so glad that I happened upon you while watching TH-cam today and I hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see you next time!
Thanks so much for stopping by here! I am hoping that this was just a fluke experience too. I love that you put so much into making for others and I'm glad that you're going to be hanging out with us! Thank you 🥰
💀It's great fun to knit along to your videos. Thanks for your honest conversation, and awesome little graphics. Those knit/knotted caricatures really are a lot of fun.
Oh my gosh, I totally get the yarn snobbery. I'm sorry you had that experience. Stay in your joy and keep shining. Your channel is just so lovely. Still love thinking about the jumping llamas 🦙! 💚🧶💚
I'm so sorry you had that experience. I know I was in a daze of exhaustion Sunday. I remember someone complimented me and it didn't even register for several seconds. I apologized and said thank you. Not excusing bad behavior or rude people, but I think many are on a mission and are focused or, like me, are exhausted by Sunday. Hopefully you come to New England and have a more positive experience.
Nice to hear someone say what they really feel- it's ok to feel that you didn't have the expected experience. We should be able to say what we want to friends or anyone really as long as it is not ugly.
I’m in Texas and since 2018 it was a dream of mine to attend Rhinebeck- however it would be an expensive trek for me to get there. I know I would have gone into it with your same enthusiasm, but some of the experiences I’ve had over the years within the fiber community made me not too surprised about your time there. I really hope that if you choose to go back that it will be totally different for you though. Hopefully it was just a bad year.
I also attended the festival for the first time this year. I was there Saturday. It was fun however it was incredibly overwhelming. And I also had the same experience with other patrons. There was alot of bumping, people stopping and stopping the flow of traffic. I also got some unwelcoming looks. I would like to attend again next year with a better plan and different mindset since I know now what to expect.
I couldn’t agree more. I think that now that I know what actually goes on at the mysterious Rhinebeck, I’d have a better chance of enjoying it next year! Hopefully we cross paths ☺️
Hi Nora I watched your podcast a few times and have enjoyed your content. I wanted to let you know that lion brand has a website that kits can be ordered from directly for kits, yarns and a lot of free patterns. Also regardless loops yarn I suggest watching Emily Curtis podcasts. She recently completed a cumulus blouse by petite knits with similar yarn. Happy podcasting.
That all sounds very overwhelming, in regard to the fair! You however, are a very welcoming person. I really enjoy your TH-cam presence and the warmth that comes through the screen. Happy knitting and congratulations on the thrifted yarn score, btw!
What an interesting experience. I’m really glad you shared your experience. The first year I heard about Rhinebeck I felt I was missing out. 6 years later, I don’t think I’ve missed anything. I like my knitting/crochet group and prefer to go to events with the 12 of them close to home (California). I’m glad Rhinebeck exists and I’m glad many enjoy going but I’m convinced it’s not for me. I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
Oooh Nora, I wanna be your knitting friend cause I definitely have felt like that at big fiber events. So relatable. I feel like some people are friendly-ish but not like make connections/make friends friendly and the whole thing can be so overwhelming.
Omg I didn’t know you were a hairstylist. No wonder I am drawn to you. Because me too!! Well formerly because carpal tunnel and chronic illness kinda shut that down for me.
I don't have a public facing Instagram account but I have been fully embracing the spooky stitches this month! I'm knitting socks for the first time, I did my first folded brim with a provisional cast on (rough!), and I convinced myself that I had the skills to knit up a Christmas present (or seven...). Thank you for the motivation! I feel like I've learned a lot and become so much more confident in my crafting ability because of you ❤💀
I’m so sorry to hear you had that experience at Rhinebeck! I went for the first time this year, and I commented to my friends that the crowd was completely different on Sunday. It seemed to be more locals and knitters who weren’t there to socialize. Saturday was definitely more of what I would refer to as the “knitting community.” It was still crowded and overwhelming though! I met you in the Loopy Mango booth-I recognized your voice then turned around and there you were! It was lovely to meet you, and I hope you give Saturday at Rhinebeck another chance next year ❤
Our meeting was a highlight of my day! (As was that neon pink yarn! 😂) Thank you so much for saying hi and for the much needed hug! I hope you found some goodies!
I am at a loss for words on your response to this video. I am sad that we have had mutual experiences with the negativity in the fiber community, but I am relieved and encouraged that we have found each other in this space and that we can keep the conversation on these topics alive. I’ll never be able to respond to all of your generous comments here, but please know that I’ve found comfort in reading them and am working to get through every last one. Thanks for being the best knitting crew out there 💛
Any community enters dangerous territory if you are not allowed to point out flaws in it so thank you for speaking up. It's the only way to improve. Love your content!
I appreciate that! Thank you 🥰
While I'd love to say the knitting community is "special," it's no different than any other group. Some people are generous and kind, and others are critical and mean-spirited. Because of who you are, I chose to subscribe to your channel. Maybe--just maybe--someone who was unkind during the "Rhinebeck" weekend will recognize themselves while watching your video and think about how their actions may have affected others. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your experience.
Thanks so much for your honesty. I also feel this sometimes when entering certain yarn stores - you’re sized up & even when you’re purchasing there’s no friendliness, curiosity or warmth.
I completely agree-it’s an unfortunate side of the crafting community. Fortunately, the social media knitting community is much different and way more welcoming!
Not only does Nora knit, Nora DISHES! Thanks so much for your honest Rhinebeck review. I’ve found myself in situations like this expecting to make friends and none were to be found. Lots of ❤️
A dear friend of mine who regularly attends Rhinebeck and a number of other fiber events warned me that Rhinebeck is not for me. Rather, she suggested Maryland Sheep and Wool. I’ve not had a chance to go yet but it’s in my list! As I understand it, Maryland is smaller and more intimate with many of the same vendors.
It totally bites when your sweet nature is frowned on by those who should be in your corner. It most certainly is NOT you. There's some crusty old gits out there that like to dampen other's light because theirs isn’t a beacon for goodness. Keep on shining your light bright. You are awesome. Giving hugs from Colorado.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! ☀️ this really means a lot to me, thank you for saying that
Maryland s&w IS very fun!
This was another terrific podcast. Sorry about the cruel people you met up with at Rhinebeck. I have often had experienced things like that. People can be so rude or moody. I used to be into quilting and there were quilting snobs , then I got into knitting , and there were yarn snobs. But right now I’m in a knitting group with everyone being just wonderful. I also love your podcast, I just found you now in January ,2024. So I’ve had you on while I’m knitting and it feels like I’m with my knitting group.
I went to Rhinebeck for the first time this year and while it was nice, I learned that going forward, I'm going to try to attend smaller more local fiber festivals. Big crowds are just not for me I would do better at smaller acale events. PS I was wearing a Crochet sweater in 100% Acrylic *gasp* 😂
lol I just bought seven skeins of acrylic earlier today. 💁🏼♀️🧶
I no longer attend Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool, it is SO overcrowded, the past 2 visits (pre-Covid days), I did not enjoy the day at all. A long ride for very high prices and crowded conditions that did not allow me to enjoy myself. I’m happier attending local shows and getting to see all the merchandise and fleeces in a relaxed atmosphere with less stressed attendees is more my speed! Thanks for sharing your honest opinions! Happy knitting!
Nora, you are just too precious! I love your vivacious and exuberant personality! I am so thankful to have found your TH-cam channel. I, too, have been knitting for about 1 year but haven’t progressed in my skills as fast as you! Your works are absolutely beautiful and are inspiring me to just keep on learning. Looking forward to watching every one of your videos!
Thank you so so much 🥰
I so appreciate your honesty about Rhinebeck! I've never been and have only started getting into knitting in the past year or so, but I totally get the vibe you described and have experienced it with other artistic interests. I feel like it usually boils down to the idea that if you don't have the money and resources to get formal education or invest in the best materials, you don't belong there, which is honestly BS. I really appreciate that you bring a different energy to your content!
Great point! I have definitely felt the same thing in other spaces as well, especially creative ones! It’s so wild. I could never put down a creator. I’m just happy y’all are out there making things too! Thanks for hanging out with me! 🥰
I cant tell you how many times i have walked into a quilt store or yarn store and been completely ignored or treated as though I was a burden. If you walked into the same store as me and struck up a convo about yarn, we would have a great time! I hope your channel continues to grow!
Amen to the quilt store freeze-out, see my recent comment. And yet almost all the quilters I know are lovely people, really baffling
Thanks for your patience on today’s upload, friends! Enjoy & Happy Knitting!!! 💛
I definitely feel you about the larger fiber arts community. There are lots of snobs and gatekeepers out there, unfortunately. It's part of the reason I took a break from it for a few years. It's certainly not everyone, as you've seen. And I definitely think the younger generation picking up knitting and taking over as popular designers is working toward changing that, being inclusive, etc. One more reason I adore your channel and everyone here. I LOVED SEEING YOUR PICTURE WITH KACI IN HER LATEST PODCAST!
Thank you so so much for this 🥰 I am glad it was worth saying something and hopefully we can keep moving towards a welcoming space! I was so happy to meet her-a favorite of mine! 💛
I appreciated your rhinebeck take so much! I knew exactly the feelings you were describing, and while I'm sorry you experienced them at an event that is talked about as this magical place by so many, I just really appreciated hearing a real take and felt what you were saying. Everyone deserves to make and enjoy this craft and it's a good reminder to look at how I can make sure I'm letting others in within my own community!
I think this is a great take. I don’t ever want to come across like I am complaining and not also soaking it all in and learning myself. I want to make sure people feel like they are allowed to make and contribute to the knitting community without needing to break the bank or feel like they have to knit exclusively with one fiber or another. I’m glad we can use this space to continue building together 🥰
If you do Rhinebeck again next year (or again at some point in the future), I would highly recommend finding at least one other fiber friend to attend with! That way you have some else to ooh and ahh over yarn and notions with, and I've heard Saturday is way better for making friends. Sunday is 100% the "let's go shop and get out quickly" day.
Great advice, thank you!,!
I would just add that Sunday is known as the 'less crowded day' so take that into account as well if being packed in like cattle is not your thing!
I have never attended a yarn festival. I think it was refreshing to hear your Rhinebeck experience. Since Covid I have notice a lot of social tension and feel that people have become more guarded socially. Continue to be you Nora! This is their issue not yours. You seem to be filled with joy don’t let others dim your bright light.
☀️ so true! Thank you for listening 🥰
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I'm sure you're not the only one that's felt this way and you sharing your experience will make others feel better. The importer syndrome is real and there's definitely some fiber snobs in knitting, I'm also offended because I'm knitting a merino/nylon blend scarf while I'm watching this video 😂. That nylon means our garments are more durable so I'm happy with my choice.
Thank you 🥰 I thought the same thing when I knit that cabled sweater! Like, if I’m going to put all of this work into something, I hope it will last!
And who says a wool-nylon blend is bad anyway? I mean, if this person offered an opinion about 7-11 sushi, I might listen. But her creds as a yarn critic are nothing to take seriously.
I like a variety of yarns and I like being able to have choices. Life wouldn’t be very interesting if we all wanted the same thing.
Also in my experience, people who are snobs about things are insecure.
@@carrotlover7763 I think you nailed it. Snobs are insecure. All of us are insecure at times, but some people aren’t satisfied until they’ve made you as insecure and unhappy as they are. We can’t do anything about them, but if we understand what’s going on with them, it helps us protect ourselves.
When I first started knitting, I saw an ad from an upscale yarn shop for a baby blanket kit that included cashmere yarn. Have these people no knowledge whatsoever of babies? You’d have to be the snobbiest of snobs to go in that direction.
Holy crap, that nylon comment has me reeling 😅 Like what, you only knit with cashmere? lol My knits won't survive for more than a year if they don't have a synthetic component to them - I'm really rough on them. Good on you for giving people the benefit of the doubt there! I've been working on that.
I like that you use synthetic fibers because I'm new to sweater knitting and want to keep it affordable until I'm comfortable making garments. People shouldn't judge our fiber choices.
I like working with fiber content that FEELS good. I’ve used some expensive snobby yarn that felt AWFUL and was full of knots. Do what feels good to you ❤
Your thrifty yarn is gorgeous! Well done on a great find can't wait to see what it becomes! Sorry ypu didn't have the best experience at Rhinebeck but so pleased you enjoyed the day with your boyfriend amd pizza is the best way to end the day! Great episode as always see you next time!
Thanks so much! Pizza with my man is always a good day for me 🥰
I just watched this video and I feel this a lot. I also had experiences, where knitters were unkind and very competitive, also privileged regarding yarn. I think you are not not alone at all about this. Love all your content!!!
I’m new here - scoping out Rhinebeck videos because I’m coming over from the Uk for it this year - thanks so much for voicing your honest opinion! I have found similar with knitting events in the UK too - I find it can be really quite cliquey and people might go to the events with their existing friends rather than to make new ones. Now I know that my expectations are adjusted whenever I go anywhere but it definitely has given me sad feelings when you hear so much about how “friendly” everybody is. Still really looking forward to my trip and thanks for the llama tip!
I love your sense of awareness in a social setting. Too many people lack this nowadays. Your sweet nature, humor, and politeness is so refreshing!
I feel awkward in a large social setting and would experience a feeling of pressure to buy at an event like this and so I don't anticipate ever going to one.
I do feel there tend to be "snobs" in this community and, of course, there are people like this in all walks of life, sadly.
Keep being you, because you are awesome!
I really appreciate that, thank you 🥰
I’m a happy excitable person and I get rrrreeeeaaaalllllyyyy into my yarn and not many people “get it”. I live channels like yours because it’s super welcoming and I like the connection. I also can’t knit to save my life so instead I crochet and Tunisian crochet. Most of the time people are genuine about their interest but it’s also not uncommon I get people that are like “omg you don’t knit?!” Or “crochet? Gross” it’s actually reasons like this that I have never been to a fiber festival and have no plans in going.
Well I am very happy that you are here and I am so sorry that you’ve experienced that! I love that you’re enjoying your craft and that you get excited about yarn! 💛
I wanted to let you know I LOVE this version of the intro. This was the first of your videos I foun and I fell directly in love by the intro. Thanks for sharing your makes!
Thank you!!!! We have so much fun with it!
Thank you for being so candid about your experience. I don’t attend events because of that kind of thing. You seem extremely personable & instantly likable. I tend to keep to myself but even so if I bumped into you I would have chatted with you because your energy is so warm. I can understand why it was disappointing for you after being told that the community is so welcoming. I love your podcast & look forward to each one. ❤😊
Oh and my 4 yr old grandson watched a bit of this. He really liked you! He waved to you because he thought you were on FT with him. Lol😂
Oh my goodness! This made my day 🥰 please tell him I am sending big frantic waves right back! 👋👋👋 Thank you so much for watching and for your kindness 💛
🥰
I am sending you soooooo many hugs!!! 😢
I LOVED getting to chat at PUES it is such a fun store! I wish it was closer to me 😅
Seriously the highlight of my weekend 🥰 I wish it was closer too 😅
So lovely to meet you there! I do think these events are harder to do solo, and I totally respect your experience 😊.
I think natural and undyed yarns could be a great way to go for the grey/black you are looking for! I love the Bohlayers Orchards Romeldale CVM yarn that I got at Rhinebeck and your bf would be sooooo lucky to have a cozy hat made of it! 🤗
So nice to meet you too, Lily! It’s all so overwhelming. Thank you for the recommendation!!! I will have to look into it. He is a bit sensitive to natural fibers, so I like the idea of finding it in person to give it the good “squish”!
I appreciate your honesty about this. It’s making me wonder if a southern fiber fest would be more my jam. I’m not into to silence and no courtesy lol
In regards to snooty folks in the yarny community, I feel that a lot of us have also experienced this, you are not the common denominator. Please do not let this get you down. There are just that kind of people in everywhere. You are a ray of sunshine and don't let anyone dim that. I know I'm late but I'm catching up on all of your podcasts. I don't want to miss a single one.
Thank you so so much!
I am with you on “where’s the warm fuzzy welcome” lol sometimes I wonder if I don’t “look” the knitter type so I get the cold shoulder🤷♀️
Hi Nora. I was there on Saturday and definitely felt overwhelmed by the number of people there! So overwhelmed that I didn’t buy anything at all, other than some goat’s milk body products. Maybe it’s me having changed post-Covid, but I also felt that people were all in my face and I wasn’t able to get into some booths, etc. BUT… the people in the animal barns were great. I spoke with a couple of them for a while about wool and spinning (something I haven’t dabbled in yet!) That was fun. I felt much more relaxed at a smaller fiber festival like the Massachusetts wool and fiber festival. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion.
I’ve been knitting for 15 years and went into it thinking everyone who knits would be as warm and fuzzy as yarn. I came to realize that with knitting you have to actively find “your people” and focus on that.
I’ve gone into local yarn stores where the chill is evident. Is it a classist thing? Could be. Sometimes I’ll walk into a store and it’s assumed I don’t knit and I’m treated as such, take from that what you will.
So when it comes to festivals, I go with someone I can have fun with. My non-knitter bestie went to Rhinebeck with me and a few other festivals and we had a blast. I enter booths like I would a store, if it’s not a friendly vibe, I bounce. I may actually say “Hi, just browsing your wares.” If I get the cold shoulder…✌🏽I am under no obligation to purchase and a good vendor knows this.
And with my stash, I like the festivals for food and often non-knitting items come home with me, lotions, candles, mugs, things to treat myself with.
So, I feel what you’re speaking of as I’ve had to adjust my expectations a few times so that I come away with good vibes.
Also, I think we’d have a blast at a fiber fest!!!
Love your podcast, thanks for your honesty. As in any community, people are people, some are very friendly, some are not. Maybe your expectations of the fiber community is too high. In all my years I've realized that some people are like you, friendly to everyone (I can relate), while others are just so self centered they don't care how they affect others. That's just life. Keep on going and share your lovely personality. Some people won't chose joy even if you hand it to them gift wrapped!
Nora, I understand the mix of kindness and standoffishness among the knit community. I've learned that finding the community that is a good fit for you is the best way around the mixed personalities. Taking other's comments or actions too personally may hurt you for the moment, but other's are viewing their moment from their own perspective.
Feel free to enjoy your moments in life without being burdened by other's remarks.
You are so energized and your videos are so fun to watch!
I look forward to each one! I'm so glad to be a part of your knitting community.
How have I never found your channel before now?!! You had me at the intro 😊
Thank you so much!!!! Welcome to the party 💛
Hey Nora! Another great podcast. Its refreshing to have the warts and all review of Rhinebeck. I think you are right to try Saturday next year before writing it off completely. I love that you are going to be doing the Folklore cardigan. I have just purchased the yarn and needles ready for my post Christmas cast on. My son is new to knitting but said his goal is to knit himself one in 2024, and asked me to help. As soon as my daughter found out, I was then talked into knitting one for her. I cant wait to see how yours turns out.
We may be knitting it at the same time! It should be a fun change up!
Totally get your take on the vibe at a yarn show.
I think that there are a lot of angry rude entitled people in the world especially since the pandemic I don’t think it’s just the knitting community it’s society. I’m sure you had a lovely time how could you not you are such a sunny person radiating happiness and joy.
Keep being Nora the world needs more people like you ❤️
💀lol great video. Your honesty about Rhinebeck is greatly appreciated. I have watched the videos from past years and it looks extremely crowded. Once I asked my niece “does that look fun to you?” And she promptly said No. She also said that she would know where to find me because I would always be by the sheep haha. anyway I think that I definitely prefer smaller festivals with less of a crowd.
Love your videos and keep up the awesome knitting. I love love love your Minto sweater and now have to figure out how to push it into my knitting lineup 🤦♀️
How refreshing - you have voiced your thoughts and feelings in such an honest way ❤ As someone who listens and watches from afar (I don’t know anyone else that knits) all events I see/hear about are described as warm, welcoming, everyone is delightful BUT let’s face it, the knitting community is a cross section of society and not everyone in society is warm, welcoming and delightful! We’re operating on the laws of probability here and there are some ‘not pleasant’ people out there 🤷🏻♀️ Thankfully for those of us tuning in to this channel - you are fabulous ☺️ Appreciate you as ever 👌🏻🥰
I'm so happy to have discovered your channel! And I feel you expressed yourself regarding the festival with great respect while being honest and I so appreciate it. I attended Rhinebeck with my mom and sister last year for the first time. My sister bought us tickets on a tour bus through Webs yarn store. We had a VERY similar experience as you did. I will not be returning myself. Instead we attend the Eastern States fiber festival and find it so much fun! Such great selection, and the people are wonderfu, and we have attended some of the workshops as welll . Not sure where you live but I highly recommend you go if you are able to. I'm looking forward o listening to your other podcasts and it is so nice to meet you! 😊
Thank you so so much! 🥰 I will have to look into that one! I appreciate the recommendation!!!
I'm glad to find your channel. My mom was a master knitter and I'd like to learn.
Welcome to the party! I watched many a knitting podcast before I ever picked up a pair of needles. You're in the right place!
Nora, thanks for your sharing your experience with honesty and courage. While I've not been to any event where knitters gather in large numbers, I have had similar experiences one on one with other knitters. In my head I think everyone who knits is going to be a kindred spirit, but sometimes that isn't the case at all. I enjoy your podcast, Nora. Thank you for energy and beautiful smile which are given to us in equal measure. Blessings
I appreciate your honesty about patterns, yarns, techniques and yes Rhinebeck. Gosh, your thrift shop finds blow me away!
Thank you for sharing your experience! You are not alone as people are struggling to socialize appropriately while in public! I am so glad you made it to Pick up Every Stitch! Although I live four hours away from the store, I felt welcomed and able to share my enthusiasm for yarn and knitting. I wish I had a group who is as obsessed with yarn, crochet and knitting. You have your community here❤❤❤
❤ My bestie and I did a bus trip to the Fest on Saturday, and we both share the same experience and sentiment as you! We both had moments of mild panic and had to step away for a breather. Lots of pushing and general rudeness. We still had a great time because we were sharing an experience as friends 😊 We both decided to focus on visiting our local fiber festivals and shopping online if we want something from big name shop. Love your show, your positive attitude, and your style! More Osi content please 🐶
I am glad that I’m not the only one! But a bus trip sounds fun! I’m glad you two got to spend time together! Osi will appreciate the love 🥰
This is super helpful to hear, thanks!
Yes Osi…what an absolutely beautiful 🐶 and his coat WOWZER so fluffy & huggable💗
Always love your episodes! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings on your Rhinebeck Experience. I really wish the people who have yarn prejudices would simply keep that to themselves and be kind to others (respect and acceptance for all) no matter what. We each have our own ideas/financial threshold/behaviors etc but “my issues are not your issues and vice versa” (which I want on a T-shirt). Sending you big hugs! If you do go to Rhinebeck on Saturday next year, I’ll look forward to hearing/seeing your recap.
I appreciate that, thank you! I say we all wear the shirts next year 😂 but yes, I’d definitely like to attend Saturday next year and see how it compares!
🌴☀️Aaaaaaaaawesome shirt idea☀️🌴
Thank you so much for sharing. I have experiencied similar at a local store you described
I love your raw, not flowery take on rhinebeck. As someone who lives nowhere near NY its really refreshing. The nylon lady is wrong, imo, i love my sock yarn sweaters and shawls. They hold up so well! The grey/ black yarn thing is odd but ive also had trouble finding white yarn for colourwork. I wish you luck in the hunt!
So happy to hear your take on rhinebeck. If you go on Saturday be aware that’s typically the busiest day of the weekend. I want to go but have no desire to go on Saturday. 😣
That pink yarn from the tube is beautiful
Thanks for sharing your experience at Rhinebeck. It certainly eases the FOMO.
Ive had similar experiences in the past and I think while it's 100% the unwelcoming others fault, growing up in my twenties has made me more comfortable with myself and I'd cope better living a similar experience again.
If you ever give Saturday a tey I hope you have a much better time 😊
The fiber fest experience you are looking for is in uhrichsville oh, about 12 booths and a handful of local artists, and community projects, kids crafts, a couple sheep, some demos and all on the city block outside our one tiny little yarn shop. Seriously pindrop shop fiber fest in june come visit hahaha sorry we dont have any other podcasters just knitters
Awww, Nora! I am so sorry that you didn't have the *BEST* time at Rhinebeck! I am so glad that you fought your nervousness about it and talked about your experience here, though! It's SO important to talk about - most reviews are 1000% glowing, and when it's not your experience, it's so easy to think that there is something wrong with you (a collective you, I mean!). I've definitely been there many times myself, and it never gets easier.
If it makes you feel any better, I am a yarn dyer and I vend at a few shows a year. I hate to say "since covid", but.... we have noticed a huge shift in the crowd / social anxiety / guarded vibe of the collective public at a market. Pre-Covid, it DID feel like a big happy place at shows (I've never been to Rhinebeck, and the biggest show we do is Knit City Vancouver in Canada). While it still can feel like that, it also feels more guarded, and like a veil has been lifted, and everyone is just so tired, overwhelmed and stressed. It's been an eye-opening year for me as a vendor.
That said - keep being you!! People like you who walk around with a smile & a kind word, a compliment or an apology if needed IS what is going to turn someone else's day around! You never know if the girl you complimented was feeling the same way as you & she now has a fond memory of the sweet girl who told her that her sweater was gorgeous! I LOVE to do that at shows when I'm in my booth or when I'm just wandering the market - I try to make a point to tell random people that I love something they are wearing, and it's so fun to see their face light up!
Oh! And since I've got a novel going anyway - I'll add my 2 cents in about dyeing black yarn! I dye it myself but limit it to a deep charcoal rather than going for black. A lot of dyes that we use are made up of multiple colours of dyes, and they can 'break' into their colours and leave some pretty unexpected results. But there are some dyes out there that are a single pigment, which gets a more even result. I think the reason that not many dye black isn't because it can't be done, but it's just way more fun to dye brighter colours that aren't readily found already commercially made if that makes sense!
I love your honest take on Rhinebeck. Too bad we live on the opposite sides of the country because you are my kind of "people" 😉. I really enjoy your knitting podcasts! You are just too much fun! 😊
Hi! I enjoy watching your podcast and find you warm and open and fun to spend time with. I love my knitting and spend too much on yarn, but I also try to balance with some more cost effective yarns. I believe too many of the artists focus on yarns that are not affordable to most of their audience. A good design should work with a variety of yarn options. I've never been to Rhinebeck and would love to go, but I know what you mean about the crowds. I don't enjoy being in large crowds either. Maybe some day we will cross paths and that would be fun!
Thank you so much! 🥰 I would still recommend the trip, but with reasonable expectations…..and preferably with a pocket full of cash! 😂 I hope our paths cross!
Nora thank you for touching on this subject. I haven't been to Rhinebeck, being on the West Coast, it's a little difficult. But I've gone to LYS, local events and Stitches events. I have also experienced that unwelcoming feeling. It's such a shame! But super glad you're here and I immensely enjoy your podcast! ❤
I really do enjoy your podcast and the honest feedback about the festival. I’ve never been to Rhinebeck but have seen many podcasts in the past that extolled its virtues. I’ll not likely travel across country to see it but it is good to have a balanced viewpoint. Of course, this is from the person who did go 5,000+ miles to attend a fiber festival in Norway!
What a bummer about Rhinebeck! I have never been (my yarn pals go but I skip out) because of two reasons: a) I like to pre-plan all my yarn purchasing decisions now as I’ve ended up with a lot of so-so impulse & bargain choices and b) I am very sensitive and quickly fatigued & overwhelmed by crowds, noise, lights, and confusion. I know it wouldn’t be a good fit for me!
There’s all sorts of people out there in the knitting world, and I’ve experienced them all, I swear 😂 I’m glad you’re finding your people 😊
Thank you for the honest perspective! I've never been to Rhinebeck, and maybe it's the Midwesterner in me, but I'm honestly happy that so far I'm sticking to smaller local fiber festivals. I'm definitely familiar with that feeling of not belonging, especially since I'm an anxious introvert. Thank you for creating this community where people can be themselves!
Oh bless you, I identified so much with the feelings you were expressing. I am very much a wear it on my sleeve friendly sort. I am always watching out for people in large crowds and trying to make sure I am not getting in the way of others. Heaps of “I’m sorry” if I accidentally bump into someone. It’s just how I was raised. Some strangers respond warmly to this and some some don’t. Ha! I am an American living in Australia so I have never been to a wool festival in the US. But I suspect if we had run into each other at the wool and sheep show we would have had a lovely chat! :-) xxx
Hi! I've never been to a yarn festival but my parents went for the first time this year to Rhinebeck and my mom said it was very busy and a bit overwhelming. I'm sorry that you didn't have the greatest experience. Hopefully next year it will be better!
She was right! A fun opportunity, for sure! Just different expectations I think. I hope they managed to find some goodies anyway!
Nora I can so relate to you. I’m sorry you had a strange non community experience at Rhinebeck. I’m going to Sacred Sheep next weekend in Portland and I so hope I have a good experience. You just keep being you! We like you just the way you are!
Thank you for sharing your honest take on Rhinebeck. I live in NY and have never been to Rhinebeck…thought about it alot, but I just haven’t made it there. Seems it would be a bit overwhelming for me. I thought your sweater was beautiful and the fabric had a real nice drape to it. Looks very comfy! Also, thank you so much for posting the link for the Taylor cardi! I just purchased 2 kits. Hoping I can finish one by Christmas for my granddaughter who is a big fan. Keep on knitting!
Thank you for sharing! I also find the knitting community not overly accepting in many situations. I’ve had some negative experiences in yarn shops where I haven’t felt welcome. I’m thankful to find this community and am really grateful for you! And what a score you found with that boucle 🧶!!!! Love it.
Nora, I have enjoyed your podcasts from the very first one. You are so pleasant and fun! And your editing is next level! You are very talented and smart. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. I have felt the same way at fiber festivals and even knitting guilds/groups that I have tired to attend. They seem to feel cliquish and unwelcoming. I never knew if it was my own insecurities amplified by being the new girl walking in by herself. I enjoy watching your journey. I am amazed that you have only been knitting for a year and you have accomplished so much. You and OC are a joy to watch. Thank you. 💀💀
I understand what you are saying about your Rhinebeck experience with other attendees. I am always someone who wants to connect with others with similar interests and to be rebuffed when you offer perfectly normal little input to a conversation leaves a bad feeling. I’ve never been but I know that the crowds would be a big energy suck for me, but I still want to go.😂 I love your personality! You be you because we need more happy people!
Thank you for being honest about your Rhinebeck experience. Please don’t let anyone ever dampen your spirit. You are the light we need in this world. From what I’ve seen/heard about the weekend, there is no way I would ever travel to experience Rhinebeck. It reminds me of Disneyland. Magical and fun in some ways while also being exhausting, draining, and expensive. P.S. This is also why I’ll probably always be team crochet and a bargain yarn shopper. I’m amazed at your thrift store finds each week! ❤
Could not agree more with that description! I wouldn’t purchase the ears 😉
@@akaNoraKnits LOL, I probably would’ve bought them and went as a sheep or leaping llama or alpaca for Halloween. 😆
Thank you so much for your honest appraisal of your Rhinebeck experience. After traveling for business and trying to go to a yarn shop in multiple cities, including in Canada, I found most to be very unwelcoming. Since I am not a very outgoing person I placed the blame squarely on myself but your experience mirrors exactly the way I felt almost all the time. I even quit trying to find yarn shops when traveling and decided to just buy what I wanted online. Perhaps the podcasters who have such a warm and fuzzy experience every year are simply able to meet up in person with people they have only been online with. Such large crowds are tiresome and maybe that explains some of the behavior, but who needs to spend that kind of time and money to end up feeling shunned? Anyway, your thrift find is stunning and I cannot wait to see what you come up with! Thanks for a great episode!
Another fun video, and thank you for your honesty about your Rhinebeck experience. I can totally relate, I've not been to that festival particularly, but have been to several on the west coast and, I have to say that what you describe is acurate for my experiences also. The one thing that makes me keep going back is that I go with my kitty friends and it makes for a really fun getaway day. It's also really fun chatting with some of the vendors and being inspired by all the things. But the pushy, no boundaries attitudes of some people, it's frustrating and definitely takes away from the overall enjoyment. Your knits are looking beautiful ❤
This is my first experience of you, but I feel *very* confident in saying: you are not the problem! You seem like an effervescent, funny, and refreshingly expressive human and the world needs more of that. ❤ I get a lot of the same looks/expressions/reactions as the ones you've described, and it can be so hard to not personalize that.
I'm super glad to have found your channel and I'm stoked to spend more time knitting and hanging out with your podcast!
Thank you so so so much 🥰
If you want the warm and fuzzy , SAFF will give you that. I love hearing your honest opinion.
Nora, thank you for your honesty. Your thoughts/feelings matter & you were so diplomatic in your approach. I would be like: “I had a bad time…. I’m so frustrated…” you inspire me to be more thoughtful in how I’ll share not-so-great experiences, in future.
I’ve run into similar experiences at yarn stores recently. I’ll be in an aisle & someone would come in my space & just walk past (in a narrow aisle) without an “excuse me”. Or they’ll just come close & I get the feeling that they want me to move out of their way, even though I was their first & I’ll in the process of intently looking at/shopping for yarn. It’s quite annoying & rude. You sharing your experiences make me feel like I’m not alone. I can’t help think that they are doing it to me because I’m Black & young (honestly), but who knows? I find it to consistently be older women…. I also try to break the tension by commenting about the wonderful yarn, or making a joke. Sometimes it works, sometimes it gets awkward. Please know that you are a rockstar & definitely belong in the community. Thanks for curating this fantastic pocket of the internet. I think you are great.
Love your earrings. Love that pinkish yarn, it’s gorgeous! I grew up shopping in thrift stores & have never run across yarn. You’ve got the golden touch. We do have a reuse eco friendly store that sales second craft supplies… so that’s something. Anywhos, thAnks for the wonderful episode, good luck with your wips. Have a great week, Anna.
Okay so I need to know where to get try it on tubing! Genius!
I got a roll on Amazon! It’s so handy!
I really appreciate your honest and balanced review of your Rhinebeck experience. It is really important to see that no body has everything rainbows and lollipops all the time. Good luck with your Lykke 🤞🏼🤞🏼💀💀
Exactly 💛 thank you so much!
What a thrift find!!! That’s exciting. I’ve definitely experienced some judgement and cliquey-ness at fiber stores as well, I’ve had some great experiences too. I think it’s kind of inevitable the more people you interact with the more likely you’ll bump into it. But you’re building a lovely little community right here and I appreciate the honesty 💜
so glad you shared your honest experience of Rhinebeck. Sadly, I've had similar experiences at other knitting events. Its why I've not wanted to go to Rhinebeck. I do love knitting and knitters, but knitters are people and there are some beautiful ones and others that are not so beautiful. your genuine energy comes through your podcast and it's why i love watching. Again, thanks for what your giving out to this community.
So so true. You’re going to find the good and the bad in every situation. I hope we can always find the warm and fuzzies in the little pockets of these things. Thanks for being here 🥰
So Thankful you had your field day in Fibre, lol The video was so cute, how fun! Love the Cotton Candy Wool Bags. Muawhaha! I Love the spinners and that they have to draft that, cotton candy style Fibre. 😊 You looked great and happy like being at a theme park version. 🎉 Congratulations on your test knit sweater! 😅❤
I think you scored on the thrifted yard!
I do appreciateciate your honesty on anything.. Keep it up. :) Other podcasts are in total agreement with you on Rhinebeck. Hopefully, they learn from the problems and make it much better next time.
Loved to watch this episode and please share your experience because everyone is different and that is ok!
As someone who has never been to Rhinebeck but has wanted to go I'm glad to hear your experience. I feel so sad that this is how you were met by what sounds like friendly comments. I also really dislike the feeling of being "watched" and expected to buy anything you might look at.
I have my favorite Podcasters, and for a long time I would just kind of look for them but recently I have decided to watch videos from people that I hadn’t seen before. I really enjoyed your video. I got a little sad with your experience at Rhinebeck, but I completely understand the feeling that you had. I’m one of those people who talks to strangers like you do and the woman at the button booth would’ve given me the same look because I would’ve said the same thing you did. I’m really sad that the fiber community were not more welcoming to you. I have never been to a fiber festival, but I always feel like I would love to go because it would be so much fun to be around other crocheters and knitters, I really hope that it’s not always like that at Rhinebeck. Maybe it was just an off year - I know there was another festival going on a couple of days before that was a really bad experience and I’m wondering if maybe the people who were not too friendly hadn’t gone to Wool and Folk and had had a bad experience there, so were kind of in a bad mood.
I am also disappointed that anyone would disparage a merino and nylon blend wool for a sweater - how rude! Personally, I use a lot of acrylic because I can’t really afford the good yarns. I do have a small amount of really nice yarns, and I save them for projects that are for family members and friends who are knitworthy. But I make a lot of blankets for grandkids and kids and I make a lot of slippers and I use acrylic for them because It’s so durable, easy to care for and not that expensive. All that being said, I really enjoyed your video so I subscribed and of course I liked your channel. I feel like I will enjoy watching your videos going forward and I’m so glad that I happened upon you while watching TH-cam today and I hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see you next time!
Thanks so much for stopping by here! I am hoping that this was just a fluke experience too. I love that you put so much into making for others and I'm glad that you're going to be hanging out with us! Thank you 🥰
💀It's great fun to knit along to your videos. Thanks for your honest conversation, and awesome little graphics. Those knit/knotted caricatures really are a lot of fun.
Oh my gosh, I totally get the yarn snobbery. I'm sorry you had that experience. Stay in your joy and keep shining. Your channel is just so lovely. Still love thinking about the jumping llamas 🦙! 💚🧶💚
They are so precious! I appreciate that and thank you, as always, for being here!!!
So good to hear. I considered going by myself. Maybe I will start with a smaller knitting festival. ❤
I'm so sorry you had that experience. I know I was in a daze of exhaustion Sunday. I remember someone complimented me and it didn't even register for several seconds. I apologized and said thank you.
Not excusing bad behavior or rude people, but I think many are on a mission and are focused or, like me, are exhausted by Sunday.
Hopefully you come to New England and have a more positive experience.
Nice to hear someone say what they really feel- it's ok to feel that you didn't have the expected experience. We should be able to say what we want to friends or anyone really as long as it is not ugly.
I’m in Texas and since 2018 it was a dream of mine to attend Rhinebeck- however it would be an expensive trek for me to get there. I know I would have gone into it with your same enthusiasm, but some of the experiences I’ve had over the years within the fiber community made me not too surprised about your time there. I really hope that if you choose to go back that it will be totally different for you though. Hopefully it was just a bad year.
I also attended the festival for the first time this year. I was there Saturday. It was fun however it was incredibly overwhelming. And I also had the same experience with other patrons. There was alot of bumping, people stopping and stopping the flow of traffic. I also got some unwelcoming looks. I would like to attend again next year with a better plan and different mindset since I know now what to expect.
I couldn’t agree more. I think that now that I know what actually goes on at the mysterious Rhinebeck, I’d have a better chance of enjoying it next year! Hopefully we cross paths ☺️
Go on Sunday. It was much better!
Hi Nora I watched your podcast a few times and have enjoyed your content. I wanted to let you know that lion brand has a website that kits can be ordered from directly for kits, yarns and a lot of free patterns. Also regardless loops yarn I suggest watching Emily Curtis podcasts. She recently completed a cumulus blouse by petite knits with similar yarn. Happy podcasting.
That all sounds very overwhelming, in regard to the fair! You however, are a very welcoming person. I really enjoy your TH-cam presence and the warmth that comes through the screen. Happy knitting and congratulations on the thrifted yarn score, btw!
What an interesting experience. I’m really glad you shared your experience. The first year I heard about Rhinebeck I felt I was missing out. 6 years later, I don’t think I’ve missed anything. I like my knitting/crochet group and prefer to go to events with the 12 of them close to home (California). I’m glad Rhinebeck exists and I’m glad many enjoy going but I’m convinced it’s not for me. I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
💀 Loved this episode! ❤️
Oooh Nora, I wanna be your knitting friend cause I definitely have felt like that at big fiber events. So relatable. I feel like some people are friendly-ish but not like make connections/make friends friendly and the whole thing can be so overwhelming.
Also--- 💀💀💀💀💀💀
Omg I didn’t know you were a hairstylist. No wonder I am drawn to you. Because me too!! Well formerly because carpal tunnel and chronic illness kinda shut that down for me.
I don't have a public facing Instagram account but I have been fully embracing the spooky stitches this month! I'm knitting socks for the first time, I did my first folded brim with a provisional cast on (rough!), and I convinced myself that I had the skills to knit up a Christmas present (or seven...). Thank you for the motivation! I feel like I've learned a lot and become so much more confident in my crafting ability because of you ❤💀
This makes me heart so happy 💛 thank you so much!
I’m so sorry to hear you had that experience at Rhinebeck! I went for the first time this year, and I commented to my friends that the crowd was completely different on Sunday. It seemed to be more locals and knitters who weren’t there to socialize. Saturday was definitely more of what I would refer to as the “knitting community.” It was still crowded and overwhelming though! I met you in the Loopy Mango booth-I recognized your voice then turned around and there you were! It was lovely to meet you, and I hope you give Saturday at Rhinebeck another chance next year ❤
Our meeting was a highlight of my day! (As was that neon pink yarn! 😂) Thank you so much for saying hi and for the much needed hug! I hope you found some goodies!