As previously noted, it may have been a misstep on my part to announce the Rhinebeck Sweater contest so close to the actual event. But in the end, the quality of the entries is so incredible that I’m relieved there wasn’t any higher quantity! I grossly underestimated how hard it would be to judge this little virtual county fair. I mean, how on earth am I supposed to choose?!

The good news is, there’s room enough to show you all of the entries, so at minimum everyone gets my highest public compliments and a little fashion show here in the town square, as it were. In no particular order:

ROW 1
• Abigail Chapin (@arcofla / ARC of LA) in Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Icelandic Overblouse “in homespun Nova Scotian yarn” — swoon
• Amy Christoffers (@savoryknitting / Savory Knitting), in the middle, wears a cardigan of her own design, pattern coming soon; yarn is Jill Draper’s Empire — cablelicious
• Kristen Strom (@pacerknits) in Honeymaker, knitted in Quince and Co.’s Tern — I’ll take it

ROW 2
• Bristol Ivy (@bristolivy / Bristol Ivy) on the left, in a pullover of her own design, pattern coming soon; yarn is Dirty Water DyeWorks’ Lucia (photo courtesy of @indigodragonfly) — so Bristol
• @theprojectory (The Projectory Handcrafts) in a vest of her own design, knitted in Rowan British Sheep Breeds and Fibre Company Tundra — too great with that hat
• Angela Byczkowski (@lucytoo0) in Neon knitted in Knit Picks Swish DK — picture-perfect in cobalt

ROW 3
• Melissa Jean (@melissajeandesign / Melissa Jean Design) in a cardigan of her own design; yarn is Jill Draper’s Mohonk — she also made the buttons
• Kristen Strom (@pacerknits) with her second entry, Ella , knitted in Stonehedge Fiber Mill’s Shepherd’s Wool — what’s the opposite of color shy?
• Kate Gagnon Osborn (@fibrecompany / Kelbourne Woolens) in a lopapeysa of her own design, pattern coming soon; yarn is Fibre Company’s Canopy Worsted — unbelievably amazing colorwork

ROW 4
• Cal Patch (@hodgepodgefarm / Hodge Podge Farm) in a Chevron Lace cardigan, crocheted in Jill Draper’s Mohonk — love that pink
• @willfulmina‘s little Lucy in the toddler version of Owls, knitted in Cascade Ecological Wool — too cute for words
• Tammy (@runknitbreathe) on the right in her Catboat, knitted in Berroco Ultra Alpaca — looks like it was designed for her

(Also want to mention @sonyaphilip whose cute cardigan may have slipped through a hashtag crack? And @fibreperson who tagged a hat-and-cowl shot, but is wearing a super funky crocheted sweater in that Cal Patch photo above.)

I honestly wish I could send a prize to every single one of you, because it’s clear that these sweaters are each so perfectly you — and I love that SO MUCH — but alas I must choose. I’m giving First Runner Up to @arcofla, not because that pattern has been on my to-knit list forever, but because the very idea of someone looking so incredibly hip in Elizabeth Zimmermann at a Sheep & Wool Festival is too good for words. So Abigail, you get your pick of any two Bento Bags — let me know what you’d like!

And after a lot of very arduous deliberation, I’m giving the Grand Prize to @fancyjaime (Fancy Tiger Crafts), not just because she made two great sweaters and wore them with great sass, but because in the end, the tie goes to the best photographs, and these are both completely wonderful:

The sweater on top is Strokkur knitted in Istex Alafoss Lopi (I believe); on the bottom is Pippin in Fancy Tiger Heirloom Romney. Congratulations, Jaime! And thanks so much to everyone who entered.

For those playing along (i.e., spreading the word) at home, the random number generator says the non-attendees’ prize goes to Meg W, aka @saladcrumb.

Jaime, Abigail and Meg W, please let me know where I should send your prizes! (email karen@fringeassocation.com)

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Disclosures: I am a pre-existing acquaintance and/or known admirer of most of the people on this list, and Fancy Tiger is a retailer of Fringe Supply Co. totes, which has no impact on how great her photos are!