Explore 4, Gotlands from All Angles

March 21-24, 2022

Friday Harbor, Washington

Faith Hagenhofer will be co-facilitating this retreat. We’ll all be experiencing a single, versatile breed from all sorts of angles: as fleece direct from the sheep, and from several sources (the genetics are interesting); in a couple of commercially processed forms; we’re working on facilities arrangements for a washing sequence; we’ll probably felt a bit, and likely do some dyeing. We’ll definitely spin. Among other things, you’ll discover the advantages and disadvantages of both working from a whole fleece and buying prepared top or roving. As usual, all sorts of questions and experiments will arise.

These retreats are designed to provide an in-depth exploration of a special topic, while allowing ourselves plenty of time to relax and refresh.

Each morning we enjoy a fabulous breakfast and then gather in the great room of the Lakedale Resort, where we talk about the textiles: skills, tools, and philosophies. Our time will be relaxed and yet full of information and experience.

Our mornings are both talking and hands-on time: the fibers and techniques of the day are our companions in this journey. 

 

After the morning session, we break for lunch, catered for us by a fabulous chef using the best local ingredients, and then spend the afternoons enjoying our own individual explorations—nature walks around the island, trips to local points of interest, or more spinning and knitting or weaving time. Naps and massages can be located, too!

Each evening, after we gather again to enjoy a delicious dinner, we spin (or knit or crochet or weave) more together, and we review and I answer more questions about what we covered in the morning.

A few people stay up late spinning. Many take advantage of the peaceful environment to read a novel or go to bed early. Lakedale accommodates both solitude and companionship.

 

If you’d like to get away and immerse yourself in the craft you love and the fibers that make that craft possible, while in a richly restorative environment and community, join us on our next exploration.

 

The Details:

When: March 21-24, 2022 (arrive March 20, depart March 25)

Where: Lakedale Resort, Friday Harbor, Washington (click here to visit their website)

Who: This event accommodates new and experienced spinners. If you can spin a singles yarn and ply it, you’ll be able to keep up with our exploration without any difficulty.

 

Costs:

• $600 retreat and materials fee, due by December 1, 2021.
• Food: $240, payable at the time of registration or one month out from the event
• Lodging: At Lakedale Resort, about $385–$775 for the 2017 rates, depending on the options you choose (prices subject to change for 2018 and beyond); includes breakfast

 

We are close to capacity for this retreat, so please e-mail my assistant (jess@drobson.info) if you would like to attend, and she’ll let you know if there’s any space available.

 

Click here to return to the main Explore 4 informational page.

 

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