Every fall, knitters and crocheters head to the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, better known simply as Rhinebeck, wearing sweaters they made especially for the occasion. In fact – when we were first getting ready to build GoSadi, a bunch of our first designer went in the GoSadi house so we could host share an event experience with them.
The “Rhinebeck Sweater” has become a tradition of its own: choose a pattern you love, find the perfect yarn, and work toward finishing your sweater in time to wear it at the festival. Join a group of makers and have a MAL to make the same pattern and meet for photos on the hill. It is part creative challenge, part deadline motivation, and part celebration of making something with your own hands.
But while not everyone can make it to Rhinebeck, that does not mean you cannot make the sweater.
There was recently a lot of chatter about this over on my Threads account. A lot of it was about pattern choice, but some of it was about going vs. not going and that got me thinking…
So many people love the idea of a Rhinebeck Sweater, but travel, schedules, distance, cost, and life in general can make attending the festival difficult.
But who am I kidding – Everyone can use an excuse to make a new sweater they love.
That is how the Not Rhinebeck Sweater Make-Along came to be. Register now and start planning your sweater with us!
The Not Rhinebeck Sweater Make-Along Is Here
Kicking off in August, this low-lift, high-fun make-along is for crafters near and far who want to capture the energy of the Rhinebeck Sweater tradition and celebrate together, no travel required.
You can knit or crochet any sweater you want or choose from our suggested group of patterns in the MAL. Choose a pattern that has been sitting in your queue, try something completely new, or finally use the yarn you have been saving for the right project.
Not ready to cast on something new? You can also use the make-along as an opportunity to join a group, pull out a sweater WIP, and finally finish it.
There are no pattern requirements, no specific yarns, and no pressure to keep up with anyone else. The goal is simply to make together.
Why Join the Not Rhinebeck Sweater Make-Along?
Sweaters are exciting projects, but they can also be a commitment and somewhat daunting. I remember making my first one and it was grueling. Having a community alongside you can make the process feel much more manageable just to know people who understand what sleeve island is are rooting for you, and as a group the making is much more fun.
The Not Going to Rhinebeck Make-Along is an opportunity to:
- Meet virtual fiber friends
- Get encouragement when you hit a tricky section
- Share yarn, pattern, and color inspiration
- Celebrate progress that might otherwise go unnoticed
- Stay motivated by working toward a shared deadline
Whether you finish an entire sweater, complete a long-neglected WIP, or simply make more progress than you would have on your own, that is worth celebrating.
How It Works
The main gathering place for the make-along will be a dedicated group chat in the GoSadi community area. A free GoSadi account is all you need to join.
Inside the group, you can introduce yourself, share your pattern and yarn choices, post updates through your project journal, ask for support, and cheer on other makers.
Most of the fun will happen right in the group chat, making it easy to participate from wherever you are and on whatever schedule works for you.
We will have a few virtual meet ups for us to gather, show our yarns and progress and make together.
And yes, there will be prizes!
We will be awarding yarn, notions, gift cards, and more along the way. Prize details and opportunities will be announced in the community chat throughout the make-along.
The Make-Along Timeline
August 1: The Group Opens
Join the community chat and share your plans. Tell us what you are making, which yarn you are considering, and whether you are casting on something new or finishing a WIP.
August 14: Virtual Kickoff Call
We will officially kick things off with a virtual gathering. The link and event details will be shared in the group chat.
Weekly: Progress and Project-Journal Updates
Check in with the group, share photos and milestones through your project journal, ask questions, and encourage your fellow makers.
There is no required weekly progress. Share as much or as little as feels right for you!
September: Midway Check-In (9/15 – 6pm EST)
We will come together to see how everyone is doing, celebrate progress, troubleshoot challenges, and find the motivation to keep going.
October: The Not Rhinebeck Sweater Party (10/14 6pm EST)
Our final celebration will be a virtual sweater party where everyone can show off their makes.
Finished sweater? Wear it proudly.
Still working on a sleeve? Bring it along.
The date and full party details will be announced in the community chat.
All the Rhinebeck Sweater Energy, Wherever You Are
This make-along is about casual pacing, real community, and zero pressure.
You do not need to travel to New York State. You do not need to choose a complicated pattern. You do not even need to start a brand-new project!
You just need a sweater you want to make—and a willingness to make it alongside people who will be excited about every swatch, sleeve, color choice, frogged row, and finished stitch.
Create your free GoSadi account, join the Not Going to Rhinebeck Make-Along group, and get ready to share your plans with us beginning August 1.
We cannot wait to see what you make!
