I had the pleasure of attending 2 knitting retreats this year; one during the winter in Vermont, and the other this summer in Cape May. Both were wonderful opportunities to be with other knit/crochet friends, knit/crochet in the daylight (a novelty for me), learn something new, make new friends/become closer to old friends and be in a new and inspiring location.
Retreats are abundantly available and range from the exotic (think Tuscany or a Norwegian cruise) to the easily accessible (think Block Island), from week long vacations (try Fiber College at Penobscot Bay) to day trips (Hunterdon County Fairground, Lambertville or Rhinebeck, NY). All are opportunities to be with others who ogle over the latest fiber from Madeline Tosh or pattern by Stephen West, who share their latest posts and photos on Ravelry or who discuss/demonstrate a new technique with others. In addition to the locale, there is often a known designer providing instruction. Knitter’s Review offers an extensive calendar of events to sample http://www.knittersreview.com/upcoming_events.asp
Depending on the destination, accommodations and the featured instructor, prices can vary widely. Traveling to a local fairground for a day with friends is the price of gas, food and admission. Often there are free demonstrations. Classes may be offered as well. And then there is the yarn!
Destination retreats are usually all-inclusive events (lodging, food, instruction, and some materials). Transportation to the starting point is usually up to you. These are knitting/crochet vacations. Bring your girlfriends and leave the men and children at home (they will be grateful, too).
But why not have your own getaway? In fact, both the Vermont and Cape May retreats were home grown. Here were a few ingredients:
- Someone offers their home (or second home) for a girls’ weekend (usually when the husband/children would be away)
- Invite your knitting/crocheting friends (without their husbands/children, of course)
- Decide on food and drink. Plan meals ahead and cook, or eat out/take out.
- Plan a few activities. Take a walking tour, visit a local alpaca/sheep farm, or
locate the local yarn shops. Get outside and take in your surroundings. Get inspired.
- Learn something new. Pick a group project that takes a few hours. This will bring the group together and it’s fun. Give crocheting over smooth rocks a try.
Unsnarl a hopelessly tangled skein of yarn. These girls can get it done.
- Play games, sing-a-long, laugh until you cry, be happy.
- Record the memory. Take photos and share on Snapfish or Smilebox. Document phrases or happenings that will instantly bring a smile and recall to the group…Doing morning chores in the alpaca barn and playing “Taboo”, or a collective, “Thank you, Mr. Bloom” and having a rock inspire a sing-a-long. (You had to be there.)
- Make it annual. We had so much fun that plans for next year are already being discussed.
Experiences rather than things bring the greatest happiness. Sharing those experiences with others who completely understand your passion is heartwarming.
Thank you, fiber friends…CS, JD, AM, MC, CK, KC, PL, KZ, SK and MKT, MM, AP, BA. You’re my inspiration.
Carolyn Hanson is a local knitting and crochet designer, teacher and fiber artist. She can be contacted at cchanson3@gmail.com.