Stroll past Unwind Yarn & Gifts on Waters Avenue, you may catch a glimpse of Betsy Rickenbacker, needles clicking away with graceful precision. A 12-year Ardsley Park resident and lifelong fiber artist, Betsy has been knitting for nearly 70 years—and her passion for the craft only continues to grow.

Originally from Kentucky, Betsy picked up her first pair of knitting needles as a young Brownie, making clothes and blankets for her dolls. By high school, she was earning extra money knitting skirts for friends, and at just 17, she completed her first intricate fisherman’s sweater. “I’ve always loved it,” she says. “It’s the kind of art you can carry with you—on the beach, at home, in a cozy shop—and it keeps your hands and heart busy.”

Over the years, Betsy has mastered a variety of styles, but her favorites are Fair Isle, cable, and lace designs—many of which are inspired by traditional patterns from the 1800s. Her most cherished creations? A series of hand-knit Fair Isle tunics and cable sweaters made for her children and grandchildren. “There’s something incredibly personal about knitting something for someone you love,” she shares.

Each fall, Betsy travels to the iconic Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, New York—a mecca for knitters and wool-lovers alike. “It’s one of my biggest sources of inspiration,” she says. “Being surrounded by sheep, herding dogs, and hundreds of vendors selling the most beautiful yarns—you come home with ideas, new materials, and a renewed passion.”

Locally, Betsy’s creative spirit thrives through teaching. She offers lessons at Unwind Yarn & Gifts, where her expertise, warmth, and decades of experience attract knitters of all levels. Whether you’re knitting for the first time or looking to master intricate lacework, Betsy is a patient and enthusiastic guide. “Teaching is one of the best parts,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to pass on something that brings me such joy.”

With 53 years of marriage, four children, six grandchildren, and a lifetime of knitting memories behind her, Betsy’s story is a rich tapestry of family, creativity, and community. In every stitch she knits, there’s a bit of her Kentucky roots, her love for Ardsley Park, and a whole lot of heart.