(from the 1909 edition of Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management.)

In just a little over a week, we are all invited to take a daytrip to Rhinebeck, NY, to take part in the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival. It’s sponsored by the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers, and it will be in full swing Saturday Oct. 20th from 9am to 6pm, and Sunday Oct. 21st from 10am to 5pm.

The weather is right (at last), the leaves should be turning to red and gold, and the opportunities to ogle handmade stuff will be countless. Events and activities include felting, spinning, using a sock machine, cooking, tasting of local cheeses and wines, wood carving, rug making, and wool shopping. And in addition to sheep, there will be other wooly mammals like goats, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, and even sheep dogs at the festival too.

When you aren’t gawking at the woolen goods or peeping at the sheep, you might stop by NYPL and read up on the path wool takes “from sheep to shawl.” A few books to get you started include Hand woolcombing and spinning, Handweaver’s instruction manual, and Spin your own wool and dye it and weave it.