Ysolda and friends celebrate sheep and wool with the Rhinebeck sweater : a collection of twelve sweater patterns, stories, and more

12 projects by Ysolda and friends inspired by the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival. Ysolda Teague brings together eleven designer friends, including Gudrun Johnston, Amy Herzog and Mary Jane Mucklestone, to share the sweaters they would wear to Rhinebeck, the site of the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival. Shot on location at the festival, the book is beautifully inspiring, filled with the rich colours and textures of autumn in Upstate New York. Clear patterns in Ysoldaâ?TMs signature style are included for each design so that you too can make your own special Rhinebeck sweater. One of the best parts of a festival is the community: meeting new friends and old, spotting knits in the wild, and learning more about the yarns you buy from the people who know them best. Ysolda brings the stories behind the yarns featured in the sweaters to you, interviewing dyers, spinners and shepherds. No one knows yarn better than Clara Parkes and she shares her experiences of shopping at festivals in an evocative story about the joy of a hand-knit sweater full of memories. Making a special new sweater to wear to Rhinebeck has become a tradition for many knitters. Pattern selections are pored over, eye-catching colours are chosen from favourite dyers, techniques are selected to highlight skills. Knitters work furiously before the festival, finishing in the car, blocking on hotel beds, anything to ensure the fabulous new garment can make its debut in the perfect environment -- among a community who will truly appreciate it. It doesn't matter any more whether a Rhinebeck sweater is actually worn to Rhinebeck, the important thing is to wear it somewhere with pride. Make something that you love, and that demonstrates your love for knitting and for yarn. Find the perfect pattern for yours in The Rhinebeck Sweater