THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
The Lancaster WINTER Knitter's Retreat will take place January 31 to February 2, 2020, at the beautiful Amish View Inn in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania. LWKR2020 is designed as a cozy refuge from the Winter chill — imagine fireside knitting, engaging classes, delicious meals, and good company. With this intention in mind, attendance is limited to 30. We are so pleased to welcome Laura Nelkin and Deb Cech as our featured teachers!
On Friday, after dinner on-your-own, we will meet in the Great Room at Amish View Inn for check-in and dinner on your own between 3:00 and 5:00 pm. ‘Class Session One’ is from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, followed by fireside knitting in the Great Room.
On Saturday, ‘Class Session Two’ is from 9:00 am to noon. After the morning class and a catered lunch, Allison Rummel from Lancaster Bead Works will lead a special ‘Knitter’s Beading Workshop.’ We’ll enjoy gourmet hot cocoa to make things really cozy. Saturday evening features a Banquet Dinner followed by an engaging talk with Laura Nelkin.
On Sunday morning, we will gather for a Workshop with writer and artist Jennifer Hill: this is an opportunity to relax and knit with a guided discussion of our personal ‘history through knitting’ (or ‘craft,’ or ‘making’). Also, giveaways, surprises,and more!
CLASSES
Shetland Lace Basics with Laura Nelkin
What is Shetland Lace? How does it differ from other lace styles? What are the tips and tricks you need to know to work it successfully? Laura will cover some of the history of Shetland Lace and then delve into techniques to help you knit it successfully. The class will cover basic increases and decreases, walk you through chart reading, and get you on your way to be a more advanced lace knitter. Skills gained in this class will translate over to many patterns that use lace stitches. Basic lace knitting skills and tools needed, please bring 30 yards of fingering or sport weight yarn.
Mukluk Slipper Knitting with Deb Cech
A simple, yet interesting knitting project, these slippers are quick to make and oh so cozy - with an option for a low or high-top cuff. Techniques to build your skills include a provisional cast on, a 3-needle bind off, short rows, and working in the round on double pointed needles. Suitable for Advanced Beginners, pattern and yarn provided.
WORKSHOPS
Knitter’s Beading Workshop with Allison Rummel
Allison Rummel from Lancaster Bead Works has designed a custom project for LWKR2020! Learn the finer points of hammered wire work using copper wire and a length of leather to make your own ‘Hammered Stitch Marker Necklace.’ Stitch markers will feature an assortment of semi-precious stones, and other beads selected to make a thematic or color matched set. No experience needed, all materials will be provided.
“Ravel-atory” Experiences with Jennifer Hill
In this workshop, Jennifer will present her experience in writing and performing a one-woman show, Alonely, which uses yarn as a repeating story thread and a connecting visual element. Afterwards, Jennifer will guide us in thinking about our sense of self as a knitter: when and how did you learn to knit? What do you like to knit? For whom? She will then lead a writing workshop where we will have the opportunity to connect with each other through personal storytelling, and learn to craft those experiences into stories, poems, or ideas for future projects.
TEACHERS
Laura Nelkin lives in upstate New York, where the sunny season is short, leaving plenty of time to be indoors knitting. Though she has a degree in apparel design from Cornell University, she took to knitting years ago and hasn’t looked back. Laura is currently enamored with side-to-side sweater construction, lace, and incorporating beads into knitted jewelry, so most of her designs lean in this direction. She travels often to teach these techniques and more at workshops around the country and on-line. Laura has a line of knitting kits, and self-published patterns, and runs active Knit-A-Longs multiple times a year. When Laura is not designing or knitting, she is sewing, gardening, whipping up yummy feasts with her family, and taking time to play!
Deb Cech has been an avid knitter for over 45 years and looks for every opportunity to share her enthusiasm for the craft with others. After enjoying a career as an educator, Deb is excited to combine her love of teaching with her passion for knitting. She has taught knitting classes at all levels, but especially loves working with beginners and those who need an extra dose of encouragement and support. Deb has been a teacher at Lancaster Yarn Shop for several years, generally for the more advanced knitters. Deb is delighted to be part of the wonderful knitting community at Lancaster Yarn Shop.
Workshop Instructors
Allison Rummel is a Lancaster County based artist and designer. She has a fine arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington DC. Since 2005 she has been operating a creative studio at The Beadworks in downtown Lancaster, a bead store and ‘make & take studio.’ Allison’s current work includes bead-weaving, wirework, and bead embroidery.
Jennifer Hill is a poet, playwright, arts educator, and performer. She is a multidisciplinary artist who explores the fascinating connections between writing and movement. For the past 20 years she has worked in the Arts-in-Education program with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, where she shares creative writing and movement residencies in schools, senior centers, and community organizations. You can find her online at actsofjennius.com.
LWKR2020 SCHEDULE
Friday, January 31
3:00 - 5:00 Registration and Check In, Dinner on-your-own
5:00 - 8:00 ‘Class Session One’
8:00 – until… Fireside Knitting and Hot Cocoa
Saturday, February 1
9:00 - 12:00 ‘Class Session Two’
12:00 – 1:00 LUNCH in the Great Room
1:00 -- 3:00 ‘Knitter’s Beading Workshop’ & Hot Cocoa
5:00 – 8:00 Banquet Dinner & Talk
8:00 – until… Fireside Knitting
Sunday, February 2
10:00 - 1:00 Sunday Morning Gathering & Workshop with Jennifer Hill
The cost of the Lancaster WINTER Knitter’s Retreat is $ 395.00, and includes all instruction, morning coffee and juice bar, Saturday lunch and banquet dinner, hot cocoa(!), and a goodie bag. All meals and events take place at Amish View Inn. A lovely, full buffet breakfast is included for all guests staying at Amish View Inn.
We have intentionally scheduled this retreat in Winter, with the awareness that weather can impede travel and complicate plans. Please register with the understanding that we do not plan on postponing or cancelling this event, and there are no refunds.
You are responsible for your own lodging. A block of rooms has been reserved for this event at the Amish View Inn & Suites. Reserve your room before December 19, 2019 and mention the ‘Lancaster WINTER Knitter’s Retreat’ to get a special LWKR2020 rate.
