re-TREAT Yourself
I recently attended a much needed get away at the Sun Valley Fibers January Thaw 2014.
This event was put together by the fantastic Sun Valley Fibers. Jeanette, George, and their 2 lovely daughters, are not only a great team of fiber artists, but they are also wonderful people. So when I heard that they were putting on a retreat in January, I jumped at the chance.
And am I ever glad that I did!
Not only do retreats give you an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, but they also allow you to meet new friends. You hear about new yarns, new patterns, and you relax, and you smile, and you laugh. My cheeks and abdominal muscles literally hurt after all the smiling and laughing I did. I am quite certain that I have some well-deserved new laugh lines.
A few of the many wonderful knitters that shared the weekend with me
But fellowship isn't the only thing that knitting retreats have to offer. You can also learn new knitting techniques.
I took a color work class with the amazing Susan B Anderson. Susan is a fantastic instructor: enthusiastic, knowledgeable, the class was well-structured, and the class content was well-thought out. Every new concept and technique was demonstrated in small group sessions, and was accompanied by Susan's reassuring smile.
Susan gave me a new found appreciation for all things color work and made it approachable and doable. Now I want to knit ALL the color work! Look for color work mittens, and yoked pullovers from me this year.
A small group session
Color work success and a fan girl moment with (left to right) Me, Susan, and Cori
The retreat also had a very tempting marketplace. Sun Valley Fibers was there in full force with their wide range of soft and sumptuous bases and stunning colorways. I had given myself permission to purchase yarn at the marketplace, as my resolution includes purchases at knitting events. But I decided that I needed to use up a few more of my Sun Valley Fibers sweater quantities first.
Instead, I opted for an adorable Easter themed project bag from Kitchen Counter Crafter which features her snappy enclosure, handles, and snaps. Check out her shop of unique bag designs and fun prints!
While I resisted the temptation to buy yarn at the marketplace, I did come home with a bag full of swag, including YARN! Sun Valley Fibers MCN dyed up in the Winter Wonderland colorway and a matching hat and mitts pattern Winter Wonderland by Susan B Anderson.
The January Thaw was a fantastic event that I highly recommend and hope to attend again. I came home refreshed, relaxed, and with a new excitement about knitting. Thanks for all the hard work and for such an amazing time Sun Valley Fibers!
I also highly recommend knitting retreats in general. You should sign up for one! There are tons of options out there, ranging in cost and structure. I am quite certain that EVERYONE, including YOU, deserves time to relax with knitting friends, learn, and shop.
Do you have an upcoming knitting event you are attending?