For registration information, see “What next?” We do keep waiting lists.
A quick note as of 2/12/26 about the 2026 Spring Fiber Retreat in Friday Harbor, Washington, March 16 to 19 (arrive the 15th, depart the 20th). Due to unforeseeable circumstances affecting some participants we DO have both openings for the retreat and some lodging availability, either single or shared (with someone who comes with you or with an existing participant who has space).
Wools I’ll be featuring include Valais Blacknose and Perendale, plus two others for which I’m still sourcing adequate fiber supplies–but all the candidate breeds offer contrasts to those two. Not guaranteed, but Teeswater and Clun Forest are looking probable, even though the Clun Forest roving I’d ordered as a baseline just arrived and it’s . . . Cheviot (I checked my order confirmation . . . Clun . . . implement plan B and prepare plan C; never a dull moment ). Yes, we had a waiting list and spaces have been offered to everyone on it.
If you’re interested in joining us at Explore 4 in March 2026, fill out the registration form here.
2026 Autumn Retreat
Explore 4 Fall Fiber Retreat ♦ Friday Harbor, Washington
One session: November 2-5, 2026
Want more information on what the retreats are like, where they’re located, and what the accommodations are like? Please see the Explore 4 pages.
November 2-5, 2026
Arrive on November 1st, retreat November 2-5th, depart on November 6th.
As of 08/2026, this retreat is waitlist only. Join the waitlist here for the retreat.
2027 Spring Four-by-Four Retreat: Four days, four compare/contrast breeds
Explore 4 Spring Fiber Retreat ♦ Friday Harbor, Washington
One session: March 15-18, 2027
This was the original Explore 4 format and is how the gathering proceeds for
most spring sessions. Over four days, we explore four breeds, selected for their
variety, history, and/or rarity, with several fleeces from each so that we can
experience both the consistency and the variety within the breed. We’ll look at
the history, fiber characteristics, and uses of each.
It often takes a year (or three) to gather enough appropriate fleeces and conduct
the necessary extensive research to feature a breed in a spring retreat. As a
result, details can change up to the last minute (I once had to change breeds
while en route to the event because the fleeces being delivered under the wire
weren’t of good enough quality—!), but feel free to get in touch to learn what’s
looking likely.
Want more information on what the retreats are like, where they’re located, and what the accommodations are like? Please see the Explore 4 pages.
March 15-18, 2027
Arrive on March 14th, retreat March 15-18th, depart on March 19th.
As of 08/2026, this retreat is waitlist only. Join the waitlist here.