Friday Workshops

Stefanie Japel: Anatomy of the Top Down Sweater

Join Stefanie and learn her tips and tricks for creating a successful sweater knit from the top down to the hem. We will discuss such topics as choosing paired sleeve increases, incorporating stitch patterns, shaping, and working elastic bind-offs.

Nancy Bush: Making a true Haapsalu Sall

The tradition of knitting lace shawls began in Haapsalu, a town on the west coast of Estonia in the early 1800Õs. In this class we will study the history and the techniques involved in making shawls as they have been made in Haapsalu for almost 200 years. We will make a miniature rectangular shawl, easily translated to a human size, that incorporates unique stitch patterns and special ways of finishing.

Cookie A: Top Down Sock Design

This workshop is geared towards intermediate to advanced sock knitters who are interested in a hands-on approach to designing their own socks. Students can bring in stitch patterns or choose stitch patterns from books during class. We will go over key calculations that need to be made for a standard top down sock using the students' chosen stitch patterns. Handouts and worksheets will be provided, so students can easily calculate stitch counts. By the end of this class, students should have a good start on their very own sock, and the necessary tools to complete the sock on their own.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee: To Be Announced!

Look for more information about Stephanie's classes later in the Spring!

Saturday Workshops Include...

Stefanie Japel

Fitting Your Knits
This class will demonstrate how to customize patterns by incorporating simple shaping techniques, such as bust and hipline shaping using creative placement of increases and decreases, or even shaping through simply changing stitch pattern and needle size.

Converting Flat Patterns to Circular
Many of the flat patterns published in knitting books and magazines can be easily reinterpreted to be knit in the round. Knitting sweaters in the round can be preferable for many reasons such as increasing knitting speed and evening out tension problems. In this class, you will learn to turn your favorite flat patterns into circular knits.

Nancy Bush

Knitting Estonian Lace
Estonia has a lace tradition spanning nearly 200 years. Learn about the stitch patterns and some of the history of these lovely garments. In this workshop, students will learn several of the unique ways Estonian knitters use to create texture in lace. For the intermediate to advanced knitter.

Cookie A

Toe-Up Socks with a Gusset Heel
Who says toe-up socks have to use a short row heel? Knitters with high insteps will be pleased to learn that it's just as easy to knit a toe-up sock with a gusset as it is to knit one top-down. Students will learn how to provisionally cast on, a yarn over short row method, how to use short rows to create a toe-up sock with gusset and heel flap, and how to do the sewn bind off. Students will complete one baby-sized bootie with all the elements of a sock in class.

Traveling Stitches
Learn how to add curves and angles to your knitting by using traveling stitches. We will go over the different methods for making stitches travel, affects on the fabric, and how to incorporate traveling stitches into a basic knitting pattern.

Amy R. Singer

Plug & Play Shawl Design
In this class, Amy will give you a simple plug-and-play manual that will let you turn sock yarn into something gorgeous to wrap around your shoulders. Triangles and rectangular wrap options are offered, and the lace patterns are guaranteed easy-but-beautiful. For the lace-avoidant, come make a garter-stitch or eye-of-partridge wrap with us!

No Sheep Yarns
Join Amy on a voyage through the world of yarns made from anything but animal fiber. You'll look at soy, bamboo, linen, and talk about different possibilities for each main fiber type.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

To Be Announced!
Look for more information about Stephanie's classes later in the Spring!

Register Today!

Your price of just $995 includes everything you need for the weekend except your knitting. You'll enjoy three nights in a shared room (2 Queen beds), all your meals and non-alcoholic beverages, and all classes. Single rooms are available for a $200 supplement, or we can match you up with a roommate we think you'll like. Need transportation? Take the optional "Fun Bus" from the shop for just $30 round trip.

A deposit of just $200 + GST holds your space and confirms your Friday class preferences. As always, we help you make it work; just pay off your balance prior to October 1 without paying any interest.

Accommodations and Pricing Details

We'll be staying at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis, with all meeting rooms on property. A wide range of room options are available, whether you want your privacy or to bunk with your three closest knitbuds. Detailed room descriptions can be viewed here.

The above prices are per person and are based on room type, exclusive of GST. We are able to match up roommates only for Double Occupancy in a Standard Room. Additional room classes may be available - just ask!

The Fine Print & FAQs

Got questions? We've got answers! Please read the below information before registering. If you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask by phoning 403-802-4770.

What's Included?
Your registration fee includes the following: 3 nights accommodation, 2 days of workshops, all meals and 2 daily snacks from Thursday dinner through Sunday Brunch, all non-alcoholic beverages with meals and during coffee breaks, all taxes and gratuities. You may wish to bring some spending money to have on hand for alcoholic beverages, time in the spa, and souvenir shopping. Any excursions or optional events with a surcharge will be announced prior to the retreat so you can plan.

How good of a knitter do I have to be?
One of the great things about knitting classes is that no matter what your experience level, you're bound to learn something. Most of the classes over the weekend will be geared towards intermediate knitters; those who have completed a good variety of projects that use techniques such as reading a chart, knitting in the round, increasing and decreasing. For example, for Cookie's Sock Design class, you should have knit at least a pair of socks in order to get the most out of it. However, even if you're a newer knitter, classes like Amy Singer's "No Sheep Yarns" will give you some basic knowledge. Why not use the time between now and the retreat to build on your existing skills so you can make the most of your time?

Cancellations & Refunds
Before Sept 1, your deposit and any payments are fully refundable, less a $50 administrative fee. Sept 1 - October 5, we will refund any payments, less your $200 deposit. For any cancellations after October 5, we reserve the right to withold all payments. If your plans change and you know someone who would like to go in your place, we are able to change the name on the reservation with no penalty. Do consider purchasing travel insurance from your insurance provider or your local automobile association.

Payment Plans
As always, we are happy to offer flexible payments at your convenience, with no interest or penalties. Your $200 deposit holds your space on the retreat. Pay off your remaining balance as you wish prior to October 1. All accounts must be paid in full on or before October 1.

For Out of Towners
You'll want to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). Most major airlines fly into Calgary. We suggest doing searches on travelocity.com and expedia.com to find the best airfare deals, then booking directly through that airline's website. US Citizens will require a US Passport to clear immigration on landing in Calgary. If you need to renew or apply for a passport, please do it as soon as you've confirmed your registration. If arriving on November 6, it's not necessary to rent a car. A taxi ride to the shop should cost around $20, and you'll be able to take the Fun Bus to the lodge. Because weather can be unpredictable any time of year, plan on arriving no later than 1pm on Thursday the 6th. You'll also want to book return flights no earlier than 4pm on Sunday the 9th.

The Fun Bus
This year, you'll have a choice in taking the Fun Bus roundtrip from the store to the lodge and back. Expect an hour and a bit of time to get to know other retreat attendees, knit some, and enjoy some snacks and beverages. The Fun Bus will be leaving on Thursday at 6pm and returning Sunday at 2pm. The cost is just $30 round trip - far less than gas! There's plenty of room - we'll ask you to sign up in October when details are finalized.

Non-Knitting Spouses/Friends
If booking a single-occupancy room, you're welcome to bring your non-knitting spouses or friends for the weekend. Please do note that since all meals are with the group, he/she will need to make separate meal arrangements as well as find other activities to do during your classes as classes are only open to registered attendees. Please do let us know if you will be bringing a companion.

Special Concerns
The Lodge is happy to make accomodations for food allergies and intolerances. We will be asking for detailed information about any allergies or health concerns when we finalize your details in October. All meals will be served buffet-style, so there will be ample choice.

What Happens Next?
After you've put down your deposit, consider yourself registered. In early October, we'll send, via email, an information packet including some packing hints, supply lists, and last minute details. At this time, we'll also confirm your Friday class and request some additional details including emergency contact information and dietary restrictions.