2010
June 25-30, 2010 at Fibre Week in Olds, Alberta, Canada
Fibre week is a long-standing and very popular event hosted by Olds Colege in Olds, Alberta, Canada. It brings together fibre artists, processors, and producers. In addition to a roster of workshops, the week offers fleece shows and sales, informal evening events, and is anchored by the internationally recognized Master Spinner Program. I'll be teaching a different class each of the five days. For more information, visit their website.August 8-15, 2010, at the Golden Gate Fiber Institute in the glorious hills perched above the Pacific Ocean in California
Details have not yet been firmed up but Morgaine Wilder has been organizing and hosting amazing fibery weeks that are becoming legendary. For more information, visit www.goldengatefiberinstitute.orgSeptember 24-27, 2010 at City Knitting in Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you are ever traveling anywhere near Grand Rapids, stop in at this shop and plan to stay for hours. I hesitate to put into words what is happening here becasue words cannot possibly do justice. It is one of the warmest, most welcoming, inspiring, positive, kind, peaceful, and wonderful shops of any kind I have ever had the pleasure of being in. Lorilee Beltman, the owner, tells me that her customers say it is the "Cheers" of knit shops, and that does fit, except they are even better. Anyway, I am so happy to be coming back - contact Lorilee at lorilee@city-knitting.com for more information. Her website is:http://www.city-knitting.comSeptember 30 - October 2, 2010 at Wild Purls in Billings, Montana
This will be my first trip to Montana and I am excited to see this beautiful state. I'll be teaching for three days. For more information, visit http://www.wildpurls.comOctober 17-22, 24-29, and October 31 to November 5, 2010, Island Knitting Retreats in Friday Harbor (on San Juan Island), Washington
I particularly love doing these retreats and sharing the beauty of the island where I am so fortunate to live. San Juan Island is closer to British Columbia's Vancouver Island than it is to mainland USA, and those of us who live here consider it paradise. These three retreats will take place in a beautiful setting, (see for yourself: http://www.lakedale.com) on a lake in a forest with eagles, ravens, occasional foxes, clean fresh air, wonderful food, and best of all the company of knitters over a relaxed and lovely 5 nights and 4 days. The lodge itself has about 10 luxurious rooms (with fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, free wifi) and there are also cozy cabins which may be shared with a friend. We are in the off-season, so I have arranged for very good rates. Afternoons will be free for exploring the island - there are alpaca farms, hiking trails, beaches, a lovely small town, an outdoor sculpture museum, a yarn shop, whales, harbor seals, and more. Depending on the ferry schedule, we are usually able to spend a day on a ferry using it as a floating classroom. There will be bountiful time to learn lots of knitting techniques, get plenty of one-on-one instructions, make new friends, relax, and make yourself at home on a beautiful island. What I teach shifts from year to year, but I always welcome any projects you want to explore or have help with, and we will also reverse engineer interesting elements of store-bought garments you've photographed or bring. Reverse engineering knitting is a fantastic sport, whether you're in the audience or "on the field" trying to figure things out with friends, and knitting up swatches to test your ideas. But you need not be quite so adventurous to come - I welcome anyone who loves to knit, even if you knit dishcloths year in and year out, you are a knitter and we understand one another and share a kindred well of goodness. To add your name to the email notification list, email me at cat@catbordhi.com Please type Island Knitting Retreat 2010 in the subject line. Note: For the last two years both retreats have sold out in 48 hours, so for 2010 I am adding a third retreat. I do keep a waiting list, and every year several people from the wait list make it into the retreats. I expect to send out email notifications sometime in the spring. Note: These retreats are sold out and I do have a rather long wait list. Please see 2011 dates for more opportunities.November 13-14, 2010 at Hilltop Yarn East in Seattle, Washington
I'll be teaching two workshops here just in time for you to get inspired to make a Christmas gift for a loved one.For more information, visit http://www.hilltopyarneast.com2011
Note: Other events for 2011 have been pencilled into my calendar, but have not yet been finalized. Check back once in a while to see what has been added.
January 6-10, 2011 at TNNA in Long Beach, California
This industry show is open to shop owners and industry professionals only. I’ll be teaching classes and signing books on the market floor. For more information, visit http://www.tnna.org/trade.phpJanuary 12-13, 2011 at Compatto Yarn Salon in Santa Monica, California
I'll be teaching two days of workshops. For more information or to put your name on a list, visit http://ww.compattoyarnsalon.com or contact Nancy Hannah at ndhannah@gmail.com.January 21-23, 2011 Vogue Knitting Live! in New York City
This is the first of what is likely to become an annual and legendary knitting event. Vogue Knitting is taking over the Hilton Hotel near Times Square for an event that will include dozens of master classes, fashion shows, fashion studio tours, panel discussions, an exciting marketplace, and more. Now that I have gotten a taste of NYC (I had never been there until my workshops in the spring of 2010) I can't wait to go back! I will be teaching all three days. For more information, see http://www.vogueknitting.com/live.aspx. Registration is set to open in August, 2010.February 10-16, 2011 in Friday Harbor, Washington
The Seventh (Returnee) Annual Visionary Retreat—Self-Publishing for Knit Designers
This year my returning Visionaries will gather separately from new Visionaries. Over each of the past six years of our collaboration and explorations, what we offer one another in terms of support, knowledge, insight, solid experience, and effective avenues for success has grown to be so rich and diverse that we are going to use this week to focus on one another. Those who attend one of the other Visionary Retreats this year (see February 20-26, or March 13-19) will be eligible to attend next year's Returnee Visionary Retreat, and to contribute to and take part in the amazing concentration of resources of this increasingly more experienced group. So, if you are hoping to be a new Visionary, please see one of the other dates mentioned.February 19, 2011 in Tacoma, Washington - The Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat
I'llbe teaching just on Saturday,but the retreat runs from February 17 to 20. This unparalled annual gathering of knitting and spinning teachers and of course, knitters and spinners galore is at the top of the list of so many fiber afficianandos for good reason. Classes out so fast that you must be poised at your keyboard to sign up for the classes of your choice - so get on their email list before then. If you can't get into classes, it is still entirely worth your while to come and spend a few days in the radiance of this gathering, and to enjoy the amazing marketplace. For more information, visit madronafiberarts.comFebruary 20-26, 2011 in Friday Harbor, Washington
Second Annual Men's Visionary Retreat - Self-Publishing for Knit Designers
In 2009 I was invited to speak at the Men's Fall Knitting Retreat in Seattle. My topic was how important I feel it is that the serious and talented male knit designers in our midst begin to publish seriously, to turn the tide so that someday we have equal numbers of men and women knitting, and so that we can all benefit from the engineering techniques that will come from men. I was stunned but not surprised by the talent in the room, and found myself spontaneously offering to lead a Visionary Retreat just for men, if there were enough who would be interested. There were, and so we spent one week together last spring, concentrating and distilling what these men had to offer the knitting community. In addition to helping individual designers bring their work into focus, I spent many hours transmittin the art of successfully marrying the mechanics of self-publishing with the magic of knit design and creativity. Although it may seem strange to segregate designers by gender, everyone agreed that the week was amazing partly because of that (my not being a man did not seem to matter), and everyone passionately agreed that we ought to repeat the gathering the following year, with some newcomers. Our original participants will be part of the gathering, collaborating with one another and sharing their accumulated knowledge with newcomers. Those who attend this retreat (February 20-26, or March 13-19) will be eligible to attend either future Returnee Visionary Retreats (see February 10-16 this year), or future Men's Visionary Retreats, to contribute to and take part in the amazing resources of an increasingly more experienced group. If you are a serious male designer, you may apply to either this retreat or to the March 13-19 retreat (which is for bothmen and women). Please email me for more information at cat@catbordhi.com and put "Men's Visionary 2011" in the subject line. All applicants will be asked to answer several questions so that we can try to choose the applicants most likely to benefit from the retreat.March 4-7, 2011, at Knit & Stitch in Cocoa, Florida
Details are yet to be arranged, but let me say I am thrilled to be returning to this small shop with its enormous community of passionate, radiant-hearted knitters, cared for beautifully by owner Ann Sweeny and her devoted helpers. For more information, phone (321) 632-4579 or visit their website.March 13-19, 2011 in Friday Harbor, Washington
Visionary Retreat—Self-Publishing for Knit Designers
Since 2005, the Visionary Retreats have been an extraordinarily rich experience for all involved, and every Visionary book that has been published has been a great success, much respected, true to the author's unique vision, inspiring and filled with new knowledge. Books by Visionaries have raised the bar for knitting authors and publishers the world over—for our books become classics, and are among the best selling of the thousands of knitting books in print. In this workshop, I will teach a new group of knit designers how to happily and successfully marry the mechanics of self-publishing with the magic of knit design and creativity. Once you have attended one Visionary Retreat, you become eligible to attend the Returning Visionary Retreat, which always takes place in February, the week before the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat. At the Returnee retreat, you can contribute to and take part in the amazing resources of this group of designers-authiorswho have diverse and rich experience and knowledge and are eager to share and support one another, by teaching everything from page layout skills, to chart-making, to up-to-date marketing tactics. I can take up to 10 qualified designers this year, and choose them based on the enduring value of their topic to the knitting community, how persistent and eager to learn new skills they are, andif they are also the sort of person who will, in the long run, contribute to the greater good of both the Visionary community and the knitting community. All applicants will be asked to answer several questions so that I can try to choose the 6 applicants most likely to benefit from the retreat. If you would like to be added to the list for 2011, please contact me at cat@catbordhi.com and put "Visionary Retreat 2011" in the subject line.March 27-April 1 or April 3-8, 2011: Two Spring Island Knitting Retreats focused on Gift-Knitting, held in Friday Harbor (on San Juan Island), Washington
Because the fall Island Knitting Retreats I lead here on the island where I live fill up instantaneously with an overflowing wait list (nearly 95% of my knitters sign uop to return the following year), I've decided to open up a couple of Spring island Knitting Retreats. (Also...I love sleeping in my own bed, since I spend so much time traveling to teach.) I particularly love doing these retreats and sharing the beauty of the island where I am so fortunate to live. San Juan Island is closer to British Columbia's Vancouver Island than it is to mainland USA, and those of us who live here consider it paradise. These two retreats will take place in a beautiful setting, (see for yourself: http://www.lakedale.com) on a lake in a forest with eagles, ravens, occasional foxes, clean fresh air, wonderful food, and best of all the company of knitters over a relaxed and lovely 5 nights and 4 days. The lodge itself has about 10 luxurious rooms (with fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, free wifi) and there are also cozy cabins which may be shared with a friend. We are in the tail end of the off-season, so I have arranged for very good rates. Afternoons will be free for exploring the island - there are alpaca farms, hiking trails, beaches, a lovely small town, an outdoor sculpture museum, a yarn shop, whales, harbor seals, and more. Depending on the ferry schedule, we are usually able to spend a day on a ferry using it as a floating classroom. There will be bountiful time to learn lots of knitting techniques, get plenty of one-on-one instructions, make new friends, relax, and make yourself at home on a beautiful island. The focus of these two retreats will be to knit gifts for others: for holiday gifts, birthdays, baby showers, house-warming gifts, or just to have a collection of gifts to pull from as needed. I will provide a small collection of original patterns and plenty of one-on-one as well as group instruction, and will be sending out newsletters with links to on-line patterns that seem promising, as well as a list of books that have lots of good patterns. So you will be able to spend a week spoiling yourself while lovingly working to spoil those you love! My goal is that everyone go home with at least several completed gifts. You do not need to be a great knitter to come; in fact, if someone wants to bring a friend who wants to learn to knit, we will teach them and give them some really easy patterns to succeed with. To add your name to the email notification list, email me at cat@catbordhi.com Please type Island Knitting Retreat 2010 in the subject line. I expect to send out email notifications with more information sometime this fall.April 30, 2011 at the Minnesota Knitters' Guild event, the Yarnover, in Minnetonka, Minnesota
I'll be teaching a workshop. For more information, visit their website, http://www.knitters.orgMay 1-2, 2011 at Needlework Unlimited in Minneapolis, Minnesota
I'll be teaching two days of workshops. For more information or to put your name on a list, visit http://www.needleworkunlimited.com orcontact Karen Rumpza at krumpza@AOL.comJune 9-13 2011 at TNNA in Columbus, Ohio
This industry show is open to shop owners and industry professionals only. I’ll be teaching classes. For more information, visit http://www.tnna.org/trade.phpJuly 28-31, 2011 Sock Summit the Second in Portland, Oregon
No details yet available, but if you weren't able to make it to the first Sock Summit August 6-9, 2009, in Portland, here's the next generation of this other-worldly event. If you were there in 2009, then you know of what I speak. As news becomes available, you will find it here: http://www.socksummit.comOctober 9-14, 16-21, and October 23-27, 2011, Island Knitting Retreats in Friday Harbor (on San Juan Island), Washington
I particularly love doing these retreats and sharing the beauty of the island where I am so fortunate to live. San Juan Island is closer to British Columbia's Vancouver Island than it is to mainland USA, and those of us who live here consider it paradise. These three retreats will take place in a beautiful setting, (see for yourself: http://www.lakedale.com) on a lake in a forest with eagles, ravens, occasional foxes, clean fresh air, wonderful food, and best of all the company of knitters over a relaxed and lovely 5 nights and 4 days. The lodge itself has about 10 luxurious rooms (with fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, free wifi) and there are also cozy cabins which may be shared with a friend. We are in the off-season, so I have arranged for very good rates. Afternoons will be free for exploring the island - there are alpaca farms, hiking trails, beaches, a lovely small town, an outdoor sculpture museum, a yarn shop, whales, harbor seals, and more. Depending on the ferry schedule, we are usually able to spend a day on a ferry using it as a floating classroom. There will be bountiful time to learn lots of knitting techniques, get plenty of one-on-one instructions, make new friends, relax, and make yourself at home on a beautiful island. What I teach shifts from year to year, but I always welcome any projects you want to explore or have help with, and we will also reverse engineer interesting elements of store-bought garments you've photographed or bring. Reverse engineering knitting is a fantastic sport, whether you're in the audience or "on the field" trying to figure things out with friends, and knitting up swatches to test your ideas. But you need not be quite so adventurous to come - I welcome anyone who loves to knit, even if you knit dishcloths year in and year out, you are a knitter and we understand one another and share a kindred well of goodness. To add your name to the email notification list, email me at cat@catbordhi.com Please type Island Knitting Retreat 2010 in the subject line. Note: These retreats have always sold out in 48 hours. I do keep a waiting list, and every year several people from the wait list make it into the retreats. I expect to send out email notifications sometime in the spring.November, 2011—Knitters Review Annual Retreat, somewhere wonderful on the East Coast
This will be Clara Parkes' tenth anniversary Knitters Review Retreat. If you are one of the rare knitters who doesn't know about Knittersreview, click on those words and sign up for a free subscription. Every week you'll learn firsthand about a worthy yarn or knitting accessory, taking an armchair journey with Clara, whose impeccable integrity and infinite grace and eloquence make every single weekly journey a joy. And, if you subscribe, you'll learn about the retreats, and if you are really lucky, you will be able to attend (I think they sell out and have wait lists). Personally, I cannot wait to return - I taught at one about four years ago and have longed to return ever since.
2010 (These events are now all done...)
January 7-11, 2010 at TNNA in Long Beach, California
This industry show is open to shop owners and industry professionals only. I’ll be teaching classes and signing books on the market floor. For more information, visit http://www.tnna.org/trade.phpJanuary 13-14, 2010 at Compatto Yarn Salon in Santa Monica, California
I'll be teaching two days of workshops. For more information or to put your name on a list, contact Nancy Hannah at ndhannah@gmail.com.January 16-19, 2010 at Anacapa Fine Yarns in Ventura, California
I'll be teaching four days of workshops. For more information or to put your name on a list, check the shop website or contact Lois Varga at Lvarga@sbcglobal.netFebruary 4-10, 2010 in Friday Harbor, Washington
The Sixth Annual Visionary Retreat - Self-Publishing for Knit Designers
The first five Visionary Retreats (2005, 2006,2007, 2008, and 2009) have been an extraordinarily rich experience for all involved. I will teach a 6th group of knit designers how to happily and successfully marry the mechanics of self-publishing with the magic of knit design and creativity. Because of the enormous interest in this workshop, which can only take 4-6 new people this year (14-16 previous participants are also part of the gathering, collaborating with one another and sharing their accumulated knowledge with the newcomers), all applicants will be asked to answer several questions so that I can try to choose the 6 applicants most likely to benefit from the retreat. If you would like to be added to the list for 2010, please contact me at cat@catbordhi.com and put "Visionary Retreat 2010" in the subject line.March 5-7, 2010 on Saltspring Island, British Columbia, Canada
I taught on this beautiful island years ago and am so happy to be returning. For more information or to put your name on a list, contact Susan Berlin.March 15-19, 2010 in Inverness, California—Wool Lover's Retreat
I've been hearing about this legendary knitting retreat for years and was honored when Shirley Grade invited me to teach here. To learnmore, contact Shirley at The Yarn House, 940 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove, Wisconsin, 553122, phone 262.786.5660, or visit Manka's Inverness Retreat.April, 2010, Camp Cattywampus, the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Sock Camp in Port Ludlow, Washington
Exact dates are not yet finalized, but Tina and I managed to massage my schedule so that I can fit sock camp in again this year. Lucky for me, since it is inconceivable to think of missing it! I thinkthis will make it the fourth year for sock camp. For more information and exact dates, to be released sometime in 2010, visit bluemoonfiberarts.comApril 14-15, 2010 at Needlework Unlimited in Minneapolis, Minnesota
I'll be teaching two days of workshops. For more information or to put your name on a list, contact Karen Rumpza at krumpza@AOL.comApril 17, 2010 at the Minnesota Knitters' Guild event, the Yarnover, in Minnetonka, Minnesota
I'll be teaching classes and will also be the keynote speaker. For more information, visit their website, www.knitters.org.April 18, 2010 at Amazing Threads, in Minneapolis, Minnesota
I'll be teaching a one-day workshop. For more information or to put your name on a list, visit the Amazing Threads web site.April 30 - May 2, 2010 at A Knitted Peace, in Littleton, Colorado
I taught here years ago and have always wanted to return to this exquisite knitting shop. For additional information or to put your name on a list, contact Jane Dickinson at aknittedpeace@comcast.netMay 16, 2010 at Lion Brand Studio in New York City
I'll be teaching here for one day. For additional information, visit http://www.lionbrandyarnstudio.comMay 17-18, 2010 at Knitty City in New York City
I'll be teaching here for two days. For additional information, visit http://www.knittycity.comMay 21, 2010 at Wooly Lamb Yarn in Chicago, Illinois
I'll be teaching at the Wooly Lamb Yarn Studio. For additional information, phone (773) 631-6208 or visit woollylambyarn.com.May 22-23, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois
I'll be teaching for the Windy City Guild - more information to follow.June 18-19, 2010, at the Victoria Fibrefest on Vancouver Island in Victoria, British Columbia
I'll be teaching two days of workshops at this lovely event in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. beautiful spot. For more information, visit http://www.victoriafibrefest.com2009 (all done now . . .)
January 15-18, 2009 at TNNA in San Diego, California
This industry show is open to shop owners and industry professionals only. I’ll be teaching 4 classes and doing several book-signings on the market floor. For more information, visit http://www.tnna.org/trade.phpFebruary 5-11, 2009 in Friday Harbor, Washington
The Fifth Annual Visionary Retreat - Self-Publishing for Knit Designers
The first four Visionary Retreats (2005, 2006,2007, and 2008) have been an extraordinarily rich experience for all involved. Cat will teach a 5th group of knit designers how to happily and successfully marry the mechanics of self-publishing with the magic of knit design and creativity. Because of the enormous interest in this workshop, which can only take 6 new people this year (12-14 previous participants are also part of the gathering, collaborating with one another and sharing their accumulated knowledge with the newcomers), all applicants will be asked to answer several questions so that Cat can try to choose the 6 applicants most likely to benefit from the retreat. Applications have already gone out and are due on October 2. If you would like to be added to the list for 2010, please contact Cat at cat@catbordhi.com and put "Visionary Retreat 2010" in the subject line.February 13-15, 2009 in Tacoma, Washington - The Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat
This unparalled annual gathering of knitting and spinning teachers and of course, knitters and spinners galore, will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. I'll be speaking one night, and teaching classes on Saturday and Sunday. This retreat sells out so fast that you must be poised at your keyboard to sign up for the classes of your choice - so get on their email list before then. If you can't get into classes, it is still entirely worth your while to come and spend a few days in the radiance of this gathering, and to enjoy the marketplace. For more information, visit madronafiberarts.comFebruary 26-March 1, 2009 at Stitches West, Santa Clara, California
I’ll be teaching classes, giving a talk, and along with Lucy Neatby and Sandy Rosner, helping to judge the largest sock contest on earth. We can't wait to be holed up in a room with more handknit socks than any room in history! For more information about the contest and about Stitches, contact http://www.knittinguniverse.com/xrx/events.phpMarch 13-15 , 2009 near the Skagit Valley, Washington, Camp Yawatink
This knitting retreat is sponsored by Anacross Stitch, a wonder fiber shop in Anacortes, Washington. I'll be teaching lots of sock trickery, ranging from delightfully simple to truly tricky. For more information, contact Anacross StitchMarch 30 - April 5 , 2009, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Sock Camp - Camp KnittyhaHa, in Port Ludlow, Washington
Details of this event are still being developed, but if it is anything like what happened last year, beware if you prefer total peace and quiet! Underwater knitting contests with near-drownings by knitters who preferred to sink rather than stop knitting, a surprise snowfall, a sock monkey-making craze, a museum-quality display of projects brought by each knitter, not to speak of more impassioned sock-knitters and beautiful yarn gathered in one spot than perhaps ever before . . . get lots of sleep before arriving, because you'll use up a lot of energy having so much fun. For more information and exact dates - to be released later in the year- visit bluemoonfiberarts.com.April 17-19,2009, in Neenah, Wisconsin - Midwest Masters
I'll be teaching three days of workshops. I taught here a few years ago and had a wonderful time - can't wait to return and work with all those wonderful Wisconsin knitters. For more information, contact Yarns By Design.May 18-21, 2009, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at Lettuce Knit
I'll be teaching workshops,giving a talk, and having a good time with the spirited and intelligent knitters of Toronto. Contact Lettuce Knit at 416-203-9970 or email at info@lettuceknit.com for more information. Their website is lettuceknit.com.May 22, 2009, in Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, at Shall We Knit?
Friday the 22nd I will be doing an event at Shall We Knit? in Hamburg. You may phone for more information at (519) 662-3636, or email at info@shallweknit.com. Their website is shallweknit.com.May 23-24, 2009, in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, for the Kitchener/Waterloo Knitting Guild
I'll be giving two workshops for guild members. If they have any open spaces, I think you can find out about that through Shall We Knit? - see above.June 4-7, 2009 in Tacoma, Washington, Northwest Regional Spinners Association Conference
I will probably be giving a talk as well as teaching classes. For more information (be patient, it is probably not going to be updated until closer to the event), visit www.NwRegionalSpinners.orgJune 10-14, 2009 at TNNA in Columbus, Ohio
This industry show is open to shop owners and industry professionals only. I’ll be teaching classes. For more information, visit http://www.tnna.org/trade.phpJuly 11-12, 2009 Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood, Washington
I've been trying to fit my friend Sonya and her shop into my workshop schedule for a few years now and am so glad to have firm dates at last. I'll be doing a workshop each day - for more information, contact Sonya at info@yorkshireyarns.com. The shop's website is: www.yorkshireyarns.comJune 17-20, 2009 Knitters Connection in Columbus, Ohio
This is the third annual Knitters Connection - a gathering of instructors, vendors, and knitters which offers a wide array of events and classes, yet remains intimate and cozy. I'll be teaching classes, and looking forward to enjoying the wonderful speakers (last year I got to introduce them and that was great fun!). For more information, visit: Knitters Connection Website :: Welcome!July 25-26, 2009, Northwest Needle Market, Tukwila, Washington
This is for the most part an industry-only event, but they may feature one evening which is open to everyone for a fashion show, special presentations, and a design contest which any knitter may enter. For more information, visit www.nwneedlemarket.com, keeping in mind that the 2009 update probably won't be posted until a few months ahead of the show.August 5, 9-10 AM Pacific Coast time, Oregon Public Broadcasting radio show
Emily Harris, host of the Thinking Out Loud radio show, will be interviewing me and a few others the morning before Sock Summit opens. Thinking out Loud is a highly respected program which "was born from the desire to create a space in Oregon and southwestern Washington for a civil, engaged, far-ranging dialogue informed first and foremost by experience." You can listen to it live (see OPB website for live streaming) or listen later as a podcast. We'll explore, among other things, the history of knitting and how it has evolved from ancient history to the point where 30,000 individuals are so smitten with the art and satisfaction of sock-knitting that they simultaneously try to register for classes the very moment the Sock Summit website opens. Knitting history, will of course continue to reveal itself in Portland over the next few days, and I hope you will join us for a day or two, whether you were able to get into a class or not. I am pretty sure the Sock Summit (see next entry) is going to become one of those legendary events which make people sigh in 2051 and tell their grandchildren, "You know, I could have gone, but I didn't." Don't let that be you.August 6-9, 2009 in Portland, Oregon - SOCK SUMMIT!
I expect this event to go down in knitting history as one of the most significant gathering of the century. Imagine thousands of impassioned sock knitters thronging together in this beautiful city's convention center, with a vendor area of approximately 150 sock-focused everything, with spinning, dyeing, knitting, designing, walking while knitting, everything you can imagine going on for four days. These legendary teachers will be with us: Barbara Walker, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Anna Zilboorg, Nancy Bush, Judith McKenzie-McCuin, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee - need I go on? I do - there are 40 teachers. To learn all their names and get updates on the event, visit the socksummit website: www.socksummit.com I have been wondering for months what the rest of Portland is going to think as their city is inundated with insouciant sock knitters. You know that scene in the first Harry Potter where the muggles are all wondering why there are owls flying everywhere, even in daylight? It will be about like that. And yes, we have magic wands - both double-pointed and circular, made of fine woods and metals just like Harry Potter. If only he had thought to knit with his wand! I could go on, but instead - come join us and see for yourself. Bring your magic wands and fibers.September 11-13, 2009, Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival
This is my Wisconsin year - I'm back again! I'll be teaching classes and wandering the barns breathing lovely lanolin and petting sheep. For more information, visit wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.comSeptember 14, 2009, in Madison, Wisconsin - Madison Knitters' Guild
If you're a member of the guild, they will give you information on my class.September 24, 2009, Book Release Party at Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood, Washington
This will be the first book release party for my new book, Personal Footprints For Insouciant Sock Knitters, which will be hot off the press for this event. I'll be signing books from 4-8:30. If you can'tmake it, you can phone them to preorder a copy and I will sign it for you. For more information, contact Sonya at info@yorkshireyarns.com. The shop's website is: www.yorkshireyarns.comSeptember 26-27, at The Whole Nine Yarns in Woodstock, Georgia
I'll be teaching two workshops at this lovely shop where I taught in May of 2008. Last year when I arrived, there was a power outage and the knit night group was knitting in the dark anyway, perfectly happy—what great people! For more information, phone (678) 494-5242 or visit their website.September 28-30, at Knit & Stitch in Cocoa, Florida
This will be my first visit to Florida and I am excited to be teaching for Ann Sweeney, the very enthusiastic owner of this shop. I'll be doing a book-signing with wine and cheese from 6-9 Monday evening, then teaching workshops on the 29th and 30th. For more information, phone (321) 632-4579 or visit their website.October 2-3, at Knitch in Atlanta, Georgia
I had a wonderful time teaching at this marvelous knitting mecca last year and am so glad to be returning, and to visit with the shop's exceptionally creative and supportive-of-knitters owner Kim Nickels again. Since I was there, the shop has grown into neighboring spaces and I can'twait to see everything. I'll be teaching workshops both days. For more information, phone (404) 745-9276 or visit their website.October 18-23 and October 25-30, 2009, Island Knitting Retreats in Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) , Washington
I particularly love doing these retreats and sharing the beauty of the island where I am so fortunate to live. These two retreats will take place in a beautiful setting, (see for yourself: www.lakedale.com) on a lake in a forest with eagles, ravens, occasional foxes, clean fresh air, wonderful food, and best of all the company of knitters over a relaxed and lovely 5 nights and 4 days. The lodge itself has about 10 luxurious rooms (with fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, free wifi) and there are also cozy cabins which may be shared with a friend. We are in the off-season, so I have arranged for very good rates. Afternoons will be free for exploring the island - there are alpaca farms, hiking trails, beaches, a lovely small town, anoutdoor sculpture museum, a yarn shop, whales, harbor seals, and more. Depending on the ferry schedule, we may be able to spend a day on a ferry using it as a floating classroom. There will be bountiful time to learn lots of knitting techniques, get plenty of one-on-one instructions, make new friends, relax, and make yourself at home on a beautiful island. To add your name to the email notification list, email me at cat@catbordhi.com Please put Island Knitting Retreat 2009 in the subject line. Note: Last year both retreats sold out in 48 hours, to my astonishment. I will keep a waiting list, so do not lose hope. I expect to send out email notifications sometime in the spring.
November 13-15, 2009, in Houston, Texas at Yarns 2 Ewe
I'll be teaching 3 workshops - for details, contact Wendy at wendy@yarns2ewe.com. Here is the shop's websiteNovember 17-18, 2009, in Austin, Texas at Gauge Knits
I'll be teaching 2 workshops - for details, contact Karlie or Allison at gaugeclasses@gmail.com. Here is the shop's websiteNovember 20-21, 2009, in Plano, Texas at Woolie Ewe
I'll be teaching 2 workshops - for details, contact Pam at pamjohnson11@aol.com. Here is the shop's website