Getting to and from Maine
Getting to Freeport, Maine is fairly easy. For those of you who live in the Northeast of the US, you may choose to drive to Freeport. For those of you who live further afield or who prefer to take public transportation, you can take Amtrak to Boston/Portland or a bus. There are also many flights available to the Portland Jetport. |
Retreat Overview
The focus of this year's retreat is the Lopapeysa, or Icelandic Lopi Sweater. Students will learn about the interesting history of textiles in Iceland, including the Varafelder and use of the warp-weighted loom with particular emphasis on knitting and the evolution of the Lopi sweater as we know it today. We will look at the unique qualities and characteristics of Icelandic wool and how it is processed. Skills presented include:
- knitting with both hands while knitting in the round
- working a steek in the Icelandic style including the machine stitching and cutting with a couple of finishing methods, including a knit and crochet button band.
- principles of color dominance
- grafting
- the basics of finishing and blocking.
Students will be working on a Teddy Bear sized cardigan so that all of the techniques can be covered in depth, and it provides an excellent sampler that can be referenced for future knitting. And maybe you'll leave with enough inspiration to design your own!
Day one of the retreat will focus on the Lopi sweater. Students will begin their knitting in the morning and continue in the afternoon while learning about the history and unique characteristics of Icelandic wool. Students will continue their Lopi work in the morning of the next three days, but will have smaller break-out sessions that will focus on techniques in the afternoons of Days 2 and 3. Students can choose which sessions best fit their needs; classes will be taught by Marci, Amy, and Kelly Bridges. And, best of all, The Elegant Ewe from Concord, NH, will be there with lots of goodies, including yarns, kits and accessories! There will be a group dinner on Day 1, an Icelandic travel lecture on Day 2, and a Student Fashion Show on Day 3 - all great fun! Our class area at the Harraseeket Inn will be available for knitting and there is a lovely lobby area at the Inn with a fireplace to enjoy, as well.
There is a lot of class time and knitting time, but all knitting and no play makes for a dull retreat.....thankfully, there are many delightful distractions close at hand. The lovely Harraseeket Inn is the venue for our knitting retreat; the classes will be held in the bright and airy Kennebec Room which has large windows overlooking the garden; the Inn boasts fireplaces and cozy nooks, a tavern, and even a swimming pool. We have arranged for a discounted price for rooms at the Inn and we encourage you to join us there; it will be such fun to have us all together at the Inn - and if you're a lodger, their afternoon tea is amazing! However, there are other hotels and housing options in the Freeport area if you prefer to stay elsewhere. The Inn is a short walk from all the shopping and restaurants in Freeport and a short drive to Wolfe's Neck State Park and the Winslow Memorial Park for some walks with beautiful ocean views.....even in March.
The Cost of the 4- Day Workshop is $950.00
The price includes:
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The price does not include:
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