WEBS Fall Knitting Retreat · Norah Gaughan! Norah will preview the Winter issue of Vogue Knitting...
Transcript of WEBS Fall Knitting Retreat · Norah Gaughan! Norah will preview the Winter issue of Vogue Knitting...
WEBS Fall Knitting Retreat September 23rd - September 26th, 2021
WEBS Knitting Retreat is a weekend of
fiber, friends, food and foliage! We’ll be
welcoming knitters to the beautiful Pioneer
Valley of western Massachusetts for a
weekend of classes, late-night knitting,
after-hours shopping sprees, and more. If
you’ve been waiting to make a pilgrimage
to America’s biggest yarn store, now’s the
time to make your move!
What’s Included?
Lodging at the UMass Hotel and
Conference Center
All of your meals from the Thursday Night
Welcome Dinner through Sunday Brunch with
Keynote Speaker, Norah Gaughan
Late-night knitting get-togethers with snacks,
desserts, and cocktails, plenty of time to meet up
with friends or make new knitting buddies, and
lots of yarn to see, feel, and buy!
Two days of classes on Friday and Saturday with
some of the most talented knitting instructors
Transportation to WEBS for an exclusive
After-Hours Shopping Spree with
Steve and Kathy Elkins on Saturday evening.
Plenty of fun surprises throughout the retreat!
Instructors
We have some of the most
talented instructors sharing their
expertise this weekend!
Alasdair Post-Quinn
Carson Demers
Nina Machlin Dayton
Laura Bryant
Amy Snell
(Team Teaching) Shaina Bilow &
Keith Leonard
Hotel UMass
Enjoy cozy comfort and deluxe
accommodations at Hotel
UMass, our home base for the
weekend. Fabulous, fresh
meals and snacks, nooks for
knitting and a ‘late-night
lounge’ with desserts, drinks,
and a chance to knit and talk
knitting with those who
understand your fiber passion.
Shopping, Sponsors, and Swag
On Saturday night, you’ll enjoy a shopping
spree! You’ll have 2 super-special shopping
Sherpas: Steve and Kathy Elkins of WEBS!
The icing on the cake is that whatever you
buy, you will get FREE SHIPPING!
And in case you can’t make a decision on
Saturday evening, the store will be open to
shoppers on Sunday, and again,
FREE SHIPPING!
Our sponsors will make your weekend as
unique and luxurious as possible starting
with giveaways and sumptuous swag bags.
They will also be on hand Saturday night at
WEBS with trunk shows, reps and designers
ready to show you their most popular yarns
and garments.
Teacher Bios
Alasdair Post-Quinn
Alasdair is a computer technician in the Boston area that spends much of his spare time as a knitwear designer. He is among those on the forefront of innovation in double-knitting. His books, entitled Extreme Double-Knitting and Double or Nothing, document snapshots of his repertoire of esoteric double-knitting techniques (as well as being guides for beginning double-knitters), but he is continuing to develop techniques and apply them to new designs. In addition to designing patterns, he also teaches workshops for all levels of double-knitting experience.
Laura Bryant
Laura Bryant is a fine artist who founded Prism Arts in 1984, specializing in hand-dyed yarns and unique designs. She received a BFA from the University of Michigan concentrating in color and textiles in 1978. She has authored six books on knitting, writes and designs extensively for magazines such as Vogue Knitting, and can be seen on Knitting Daily as a frequent guest (now in re-runs only). She is well known for her energetic teaching of color and design and teaches regularly at national and regional retreats, both in-person and virtually.
Shaina Bilow
Shaina is a passionate knitting instructor and knitwear designer from Northern New Jersey. Her design aesthetic is modern and bold with a nod to classic knitwear with a feminine edge. Her patterns can be found in knitting magazines, as yarn company exclusives, and in her self-published collection. In a class with Shaina, you can expect a patient instructor, inspiring projects, simplification of tricky techniques, and happy knitting. Visit www.ShainaBilow.com to learn more about Shaina and follow her @Shaina.Bilow on Instagram.
Keith Leonard
Keith gained a love for knitting at the age of eleven when he joined a lunchtime knitting program at school in his hometown of Haworth, New Jersey. After working at four major knitting stores in Upstate New York, New Jersey, and New York City, he realized there was no specialized service for knitwear finishing. He took the initiative to start his own business, called Knits All Done, a service for knitters to outsource their knitted items for professional finishing. Keith’s expertise in finishing and knitting then led to requests from yarn shops and knitting guilds to teach his techniques. He now travels the country teaching classes while also selling his own custom Zen Yarn Garden, Three Irish Girls, Malabrigo and Koigu yarns and colors. He is also the American distributor for Soulwool, a hand-dyed Merino yarn from Israel.
Teacher Bios
Carson Demers
Carson is a physical therapist, and the author and publisher of, Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting. His passion and experience in fiber arts combine with his expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics to create a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community He has taught throughout the US and internationally and is a frequent contributor to several fiber and craft related publications. Visit him online at www.ergoiknit.com.
Nina Machlin Dayton
Nina Machlin Dayton has been knitting and designing, and teaching knitting and design, for over 45 years. Her first professional knitting job was back in the 1980’s when she did hand knitting for couturier designer Joan Vass, and she has never looked back. She is a season 6 Knit Star and leads the team that created and runs the annual Indie Design Gift-A-Long on Ravelry. A native New Yorker, she now lives in the beautiful Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts, with her family and cats, in an old Victorian house stuffed to the rafters with books, yarn, and all things vintage knitting, crochet, dressmaking, and millinery. You can learn more about Nina’s designs at: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/nina-machlin-dayton or follow her on Instragram @ninamachlindayton
Amy Snell
Amy Snell is an instructor and designer with an eye for the unusual or unusually captivating. Her aesthetic focuses on color, contrast, and texture. She loves to explore unusual stitch patterns and clever construction in ways that are challenging but accessible. Her goal is to make complex concepts accessible and approachable for all knitters, while sharing tips that simplify and improve your process, whether you’ve been knitting for several months or several decades! You can find her designs at Morehouse Farm, Lovecrafts, Ravelry and her website.
Keynote Speaker
Norah Gaughan! Norah will preview the Winter issue of Vogue Knitting including behind
the scenes stories, bring fall and winter samples to try on and talk
about the upcoming issues
planned for 2022.
Classes
Alasdair Post-Quinn
Introduction to Double-knitting: In this workshop,
you'll learn my 2-color cast-on for double-knitting, get
comfortable with the techniques involved, then move
into colorwork. At the end of the workshop, you
should have a motif swatch and be confident that you
can tackle a larger standard double-knitting pattern.
Two-Pattern Double-knitting: In this workshop
you’ll learn how to build, follow, and knit a two-
pattern double-knit chart so that you can make letters
readable on either side – or even make two
completely different patterns. You’ll gain a deeper
understanding of the structure of double-knit fabric
and learn the possibilities (and limitations) of two-
pattern double-knitting, along with a very clean
double-knit selvedge and a bind-off that mirrors the
cast-on.
Double-knitting Off The Grid: In this workshop,
you’ll learn a whole host of double-knit increases and
decreases – you can use them for shaping later, but I
prefer to use them to make colorwork that almost
seems to be embroidered onto the fabric. If you
combine this technique with double-knit cables, whole
new worlds will open up before you. As with the other
advanced workshops, you’ll also learn a really clean
double-knit selvedge and a bind-off that mirrors the
cast-on.
Texture in Double-knitting: Add some intrigue with
double-knit textures! Add purls to your reversible
repertoire to expand the possibilities available to you.
In a small swatch, you'll learn a few interesting ways
to add texture to your double-knitting, and the pros
and cons of each. As with most of my other
workshops, you’ll also learn a really clean double-knit
selvedge and a bind-off that mirrors the cast-on.
Keith Leonard and Shaina Bilow (Team Teaching)
Cast On and Bind Off with Shaina and Keith : Shaina
and Keith will guide you through a collection of useful
cast on and bind of techniques. You will cast on with
Keith, knit a few rows, and bind off with Shaina. You
will learn when and why to use certain techniques
over others, plus great tips for the cast ons and bind
offs you are already familiar with.
Increase and Decrease with Shaina and Keith:
Learn the ins and outs of decreasing and increasing in
one wildly fun class with two fantastic instructors.
Learn how to mirror decreases, work alternate
increases when your pattern calls for one you don’t
like, and get expert tips on reading shaping
instructions in your patterns
Sweater Seaming with the Finishing Masters: Join
Shaina and Keith on a Sweater Seaming adventure!
Hundreds of sweaters have passed through the hands
of your instructors. Together, we will cover the three
types of seams you will encounter in every finishing
project and practice weaving in ends. You’ll leave class
ready to seam like a pro!
Crochet for Knitters: If you have always been
interested in learning how to crochet, this is a great
introductory (or refresher!) class. Keith and
Shaina will be going over how to chain, single, half
double, double and triple crochet! Crochet borders
and embellishments can enhance your knitted
projects and we will be working on those, too!
You will LOVE it!
Carson Demers
Swatchbuckling (all-day): Let’s bring improved
ergonomics to life in your knitting technique. We’ll
swatch to improve your posture, comfort, and
efficiency. We’ll examine yarn tensioning techniques,
and all phases of stitch creation first with simple then
more challenging swatches and stitches. We’ll also
look at ways to add movement to knitting to avoid
stiffness and injuries caused by disuse. Class is
appropriate for students who are comfortable with
basic knit purl stitches.
Knitting Happily Ever After – Ergonomics for
Knitters (all-day): Ever know a knitter who hasn’t
said, “Just one more row”? Me neither! I’ll bet they’ve
also complained of aches and pains while knitting. In
this class, you’ll learn how knitting effects the “fabric
that makes the fabric”- your body. By completing a
Risk of Injury assessment in class you’ll learn how
knitting contributes to those aches and pains
throughout your body. But more importantly, you’ll
learn how to reduce them. A little knowledge and
some simple changes can keep you knitting happily
and safely ever after. Students who’ve taken this class
have said that it should be “required learning for all
knitters regardless of experience level!” and, “it’s as
important as the knit and purl stitches!”
Classes
Laura Bryant
Pump it Up! Color Selection for Visual Impact: Using
the color wheel as a starting point, learn how to select
colors that enhance one another rather than compete.
Learn about saturation, value, intensity, and hue;
qualities that must be considered and that can make or
break your color combinations. With such a huge array
of lovely patterns featuring multiple colors, this class
can break you out of defaulting to the model color!
Fibonacci for Graphic Effects: Fibonacci numbers
describe a mathematical sequence that occurs
repeatedly in nature, known as the Golden Ratio.
Humans find this relationship particularly pleasing to
the eye, and artists, builders, and designers have used
the Ratio throughout civilization. Learn the history of
and explore this fascinating tool for designing knitted
stripes, blocks and perfect shading. Lots of hands-on
swatching.
Creating with Chevrons: Master the basics of how
chevron stitches are created, then explore ways to take
them beyond the ordinary. Laura will lead you through
three methods of increasing and three methods of
decreasing, where you will learn how they present
differently, and how different pairings affect the final
fabric. We’ll discuss gauge, design application and color
selection. Your hand-on swatch will be a permanent
record of how each type of chevron appears, so future
project application will be a snap.
Reversible Fabric & Garments: Not double knitting!
Join Laura in exploring truly double-sided fabrics in a
variety of stitches, with an emphasis on two sides that
read very differently. Not brioche, and not double
knitting; there are a few other ways to get similar
results. To ice the cake, we’ll then look at finishing
techniques that allow a garment to be truly reversible,
with no raw seams or pick-up ridges showing.
Nina Machlin Dayton
Design Your Own Hats (All-Day): Together we will design
hats, learning about all aspects of 15 different hat
constructions plus unique alternatives. We will study
different types of brims, learn about different types of
crown decreases (and the math formulas that help create
them), learn how to figure out gauge for hard to measure
patterns, and even touch briefly on how to size our hats
into different sizes in order to make them fit whomever we
want to make them for. Appropriate for those looking to
design knit hats professionally as well as for those just
wanting to design hats for themselves, their friends and
family students will walk out of the class with the
information, techniques and formulas needed to bring all
their hat ideas to fruition, and at least one hat completely
designed on paper and started, plus an understanding of
how to make many more! Students taking this class should
have should be at least Advanced Beginner knitters, with
some experience having knit hats. This is not a class to
learn how to knit your first hat.
Bead Your Knitting: We will learn 4 ways to add beads to
our knitting while knitting a beaded cowl designed
exclusively for this class. We’ll go over the sizes beads come
in, and which yarn weights are appropriate for each size,
learn a Beaded Cast On, 3 ways to add beads to your knit
stitches, and a Beaded Bind Off. You will leave class well on
your way to having a beautiful beaded cowl, and with the
skills to add beads to any knitting project!
Level Up! 5 Intermediate Techniques for Sweater
Knitting : Together we will learn 5 techniques to kick your
sweater knitting up a notch. Nina will cover afterthought
pockets, a sloped shoulder bind off to avoid those stairsteps
that make shoulder seams look less than perfect, turned
hems (both plain and picot) that can be used in so many
places, how to pick up stitches for collars and button bands
so they are reversable without the line of your picked up
stitches showing on the wrong side, and a perfect one-row
buttonhole that holds its shape and won’t stretch out.
Amy Snell
The Magic of Mosaic: Learn to make striking color
patterns in your knitting while working only one color per
row. Mosaic knitting is incredibly popular right now, and
with good reason. It is simple to learn, but once you’ve
mastered the concept, the possibilities for play are
limitless. We’ll cover mosaic knitting both flat and in the
round, and discuss yarn management and color planning.
You’ll leave this class with the skills and inspiration to
tackle any mosaic pattern.
More Mosaic: Exploring Charts and Combined Stitches:
In this class you’ll gain the knowledge to forge confidently
ahead in mosaic knitting! We will unlock the differences
between mosaic charts and other knitting charts; you’ll
learn how to combine stitch patterning into your mosaic
work; and you’ll gain an understanding of the rules of
mosaic design so that you can experiment and design your
own mosaic motifs.
Smooth Sailing: Jogless Stripes in the Round: Do you get
annoyed by the “jog” at the start of each new color when
you knit stripes in the round? In this class, we’ll practice
several different ways to avoid this jog and discuss the
pros and cons of each technique. You’ll also learn
techniques that are applicable to any project worked in the
round, including how to join without twisting and how to
make a smooth, invisible join in your cast-ons and bind-
offs.
Log Cabin Knitting : The concept of Log Cabin knitting is
straightforward — modular knitting that can grow in all
directions — but the execution can range from the simple
to the complex. Learn the basics of Log Cabining, including
different ways to pick up stitches for varying edge effects,
then use the basic building blocks to jump off into fun
constructions that are limited only by your imagination.
Class Schedule
Friday AM: 9:00am-12:00pm
Fibonacci for Graphic Effects Laura Bryant
Swatchbuckling (all day) Carson Demers
Intro to Double Knitting Alasdair Post-Quinn
Design Your Own Hat (all day) Nina Machlin Dayton
Cast On/Bind Off Keith L. and Shaina B.
Magic of Mosaic Amy Snell
Friday PM: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Reversible Fabric and Garments Laura Bryant
Swatchbuckling (cont.) Carson Demers
Two Pattern Double Knitting Alasdair Post-Quinn
Design Your Own Hat (cont.) Nina Machlin Dayton
Increase/Decrease Keith L. and Shaina B.
More Mosaic Amy Snell
Saturday AM: 9:00am-12:00pm
Creating with Chevrons Laura Bryant
Knitting Happily Ever After (all day) Carson Demers
Double Knitting Off the Grid Alasdair Post-Quinn
Level Up Your Sweater Knitting Nina Machlin Dayton
Sweater Seaming Keith L. and Shaina B.
Smooth Sailing - Jogless Stripes Amy Snell
Saturday PM: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Pump It Up! Laura Bryant
Knitting Happily Ever After (cont.) Carson Demers
Texture in Double Knitting Alasdair Post-Quinn
Bead Your Knitting Nina Machlin Dayton
Crochet for Knitters Keith L. and Shaina B.
Log Cabin Knitting Amy Snell
Retreat Schedule
Thursday, September 23rd Check in at UMass hotel and Retreat Registration before 5pm.
6:00pm: Welcome Dinner hosted by Valley Yarns and Steve and Kathy Elkins
8:00pm-9:30pm: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the late night lounge
Friday, September 24th 8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am–Noon: Morning classes
12:15pm –1:15pm: Lunch with sponsor presentation
1:30pm–4:30pm: Afternoon classes
6:00pm: Dinner with cash bar and sponsor presentation
8:00pm-9:30pm: Late-night knitting and socializing with
cash bar in the late night lounge
Saturday, September 25th
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am – Noon: Morning Classes
12:15pm – 1:15pm: Lunch with sponsor presentation
1:30pm – 4:30pm: Afternoon classes
4:30pm – 6:00pm: Boxed Dinner
WEBS Shopping Spree with Steve and Kathy Elkins,
featuring trunk shows, special deals and
FREE SHIPPING for purchases.
9:00pm:-10:30pm Lounge area set up with snacks and
cash bar for knitting, socializing, and show and tell.
Sunday, September 26th 9:30am: Brunch with Keynote Speaker Norah Gaughan
11:00am: Check out of hotel.
WEBS will be open from 11:00am until 1:00pm for last minute shoppers!
Make sure you leave extra time before you travel home on Sunday to explore the beautiful downtown
Northampton area. Have a late lunch, browse our many clothing boutiques and local artisan galleries, and leave
with wonderful memories, new friends made, and a resolve to join us for our WEBS Knitting Retreats in 2022!
Retreat Prices
Single Room Package: $1,599
Double (shared) Room Package: $1,409
*Pricing includes food, lodging, and classes*