Coastal Maine Knitting Retreat

Feb. 27 - Mar. 2, 2025

Coastal Maine Knitting Retreat

Join us for the Coastal Maine Knitting Retreat, an enriching four-day experience dedicated to the art of knitting from February 27 to March 2, 2025.

This year, our focus is on the famous Lopapeysa sweater, where participants will immerse themselves in the traditional techniques of Icelandic knitting. Throughout the retreat, you will learn to knit with two colors—and sometimes more—while mastering essential skills such as steeking and finishing in the authentic Icelandic style as you create a teddy bear-sized Lopi sweater.

In addition to daily classes, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in two-hour afternoon workshops on select days. These hands-on sessions will cover various knitting skills, including finishing principles, embellishing your knitwear, tubular cast-ons, bind-offs, provisional cast-ons, and grafting techniques.

Our classes will take place at the lovely Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine, where participants can enjoy both community and comfort. We have reserved rooms at a discounted rate for those wishing to stay with our talented instructors, Marci and Amy, at the Inn. For more details about accommodations and scheduling, please refer to the Retreat Details page.

The Coastal Maine Knitting Retreat promises to be an inspiring gathering for knitters of all skill levels, blending craftsmanship with the richness of Icelandic tradition in a picturesque coastal setting.

See Full Itinerary

This retreat is now over, the Coastal Maine Knitting Retreat 2026 is now in the planning stages, registration will begin in August 2025.

“An added bonus of my adventure with your travel group is that inspiration and enthusiasm for knitting seems boundless upon returning home!”                                             

—  JoAnn

“A great group of people to travel with, and I found new friends. Thank you for your leadership, and I would love to do it again!”

— Maryann

  • White colonial-style inn with black shutters, brick chimneys, and an American flag pole in front. The inn has multiple roof gables and a roadside sign with autumn trees nearby.

    Haraseeket Inn

    The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine, is a charming historic inn offering cozy accommodations and exceptional dining. Guests can enjoy an indoor heated pool and easy access to Freeport's shopping, including the iconic L.L. Bean flagship store. With its inviting ambiance, the Harraseeket Inn is an ideal retreat for relaxation and special events.

  • L.L. Bean store exterior with a large boot sculpture in front, featuring the brand's signage and glass entrance doors.

    Local Shopping

    The L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine, is a celebrated retail destination open 24/7, offering a vast selection of outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, workshops, and an outdoor testing area. The store also features a cozy café and outdoor space, making it an ideal spot for shopping there, the many surrounding outlets, or just people watching and relaxation.

  • Hands On

    The workshop teaches participants to knit Lopi sweaters with warm Icelandic wool. Attendees will learn colorwork and shaping techniques for all skill levels.

    By the end of the workshop, participants will complete a beautifully crafted teddy bear sized Lopi sweater featuring intricate colorwork and a distinctive yoke design.

  • Lighthouse on a rocky cliff with ocean and sunset

    Nature Adventures

    Experience outdoor adventures in the Freeport, Maine area, including hiking through scenic trails in the nearby Bradbury Mountain State Park and exploring the picturesque coastline of Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. Enjoy opportunities for free time to discover local attractions or relax by the beautiful beaches along the coast.

  • Culinary Delight

    Freeport, Maine, where fresh seafood takes center stage. Enjoy dining at local restaurants that offer everything from classic lobster rolls to innovative farm-to-table dishes. Explore charming cafes and bakeries for delightful pastries and coffee, or visit local markets for artisanal products.

  • Waterfront scene with fishing boats and docks, lobster traps, barrels, and a brick building, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Near By

    Embark on a delightful trip from Freeport to Portland, Maine, just a short drive away. Enjoy scenic coastal views as you head to this vibrant city. Explore the historic Old Port district, filled with charming boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Savor fresh seafood at renowned eateries and visit the iconic Portland Head Light.

Activity Level 1: Leisurely

This tour is designed for physical relaxation and mental stimulation, consisting of more sedentary activities such as sightseeing on the bus or time spent in a class or lecture. Travelers should still be able to walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 1-2 hours, over possibly uneven terrain such as cobblestones. Travelers need to be able to handle their luggage over short distances and possibly up a flight of stairs unassisted. There may be a few early morning starts and late day finishes.

COASTAL MAINE KNITTING RETREAT

Dates: Feb. 27 - Mar. 2, 2025

This retreat is now over, a great time was had by all!

Join an enriching four-day Lopi Teddy Bear Sweater workshop, where you'll learn essential knitting techniques, explore Icelandic textile history, and participate in engaging break-out sessions, all while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere in Freeport, Maine.

This hands-on experience is perfect for knitters of all levels looking to enhance their skills and creativity.

Knitted baby cardigan with buttons, featuring pink and black patterns on a light gray background, lying on a textured surface.
Lobster roll with fries on a white plate, accompanied by a glass of water and a bowl in the background.

  • Early Arrival Option (February 26, 2025)

    • Arrive a day early to acclimate before the Lopi Teddy Bear Sweater workshop.

  • Day 1: Lopi Teddy Bear Sweater Workshop (February 27)

    • Begin the four-morning workshop by learning essential techniques for colorwork and working a Lopi steek, focusing on even tension. Materials will be provided later. Students are encouraged to work on their sleeves ahead of time. In the afternoon continue knitting while exploring the history of textiles in Iceland and the evolution of the Lopi sweater. Evening welcome dinner at the Harraseeket Inn.

  • Day 2: Lopi Teddy Bear Sweater Workshop (February 28)

    • Continue working on the Teddy Bear sweater, focusing on attaching sleeves to the body. In the afternoon, choose from three break-out sessions:

      • Option 1: Tubular Cast On and Bind Off with Kelly Bridges.

      • Option 2: Embellish Your Knitting with Marci Richardson.

      • Option 3: Dorset Buttons with Amy Goldstein.

    • Evening includes a student fashion show.

  • Day 3: Lopi Teddy Bear Sweater Workshop (March 1)

    • Finish the yoke of the sweater and prepare for cutting the steek. In the afternoon, select from three break-out sessions:

      • Option 1: Tubular Cast On and Bind Off with Kelly Bridges.

      • Option 2: Embellish Your Knitting with Marci Richardson.

      • Option 3: Dorset Buttons with Amy Goldstein.

    • Evening features a lecture on 'Travel in Iceland 2024.'

  • Day 4: Lopi Teddy Bear Sweater Workshop (March 2)

    • Learn to machine stitch front steek edges, cut steeks, and explore button-hole band options.

Note: While we strive to follow the itinerary, changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

Bedroom with canopy bed, brick fireplace, wood-burning stove, and blue curtains
Lighthouse on rocky coastline with ocean view and cloudy sky

“As a solo traveler, it was wonderful to be part of a fiber group!”

— Joanne

Group of hikers walking on a wooden path through a grassy landscape with hills in the background under a blue, cloudy sky.

The Cost of the 4- Day Workshop is $950.00

Included in the price:

  • Over 20 hours of in-person, hands-on instruction from experienced teachers and designers Marci Richardson, Amy Goldstein, and Kelly Bridges.

  • Enjoy a Thursday Night Welcome Dinner at the charming Harraseeket Inn.

  • Attend a talk on travels in Iceland, featuring highlights from this year's trip.

  • Receive a complimentary pattern for the Teddy-Bear Lopi Cardigan.on tour

NOT Included in the price:

  • Accommodations: Participants are responsible for booking their own lodging.

  • Transportation: Travel to and from Freeport, Maine is not included.

  • Meals: Any meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are not covered.

  • Yarn and Materials: Knitting materials are not included, but yarn and accessories will be available for purchase from the Elegant Ewe knitting shop during the retreat.

All deposits and payments are nonrefundable if the trip is cancelled for any reason. Elegant Ewe Travel highly recommends trip insurance for all excursions. To purchase, contact our friend Sandy at Sandy@pennypitoutravel.com.