Seascape Monterey Bay Knitting Retreat
Last year’s Seascape Monterey Bay knitting retreat was such a blast that we knew we had to make it an annual tradition… which we have!
Registration is now open for this year’s retreat, which will run October 8-11 at the Lighthouse Lodge and Cottages in Pacific Grove, CA.
The retreat runs from Thursday evening until Sunday midafternoon and includes all meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch, four workshops, one lecture, and all our evening activities. The price of the retreat is $1195, which does not include lodging. You’ll receive a link to book your room with the hotel once you’ve registered for the retreat; our special room rates range from $194-$235 a night, and the hotel will honor those prices for the nights before and after the retreat in case you’d like to extend your stay.
Retreat Registration
Knitting Classes at the Retreat
Our classes at the retreat will focus on new ways to look at your knitting and your yarn. We’ll be expanding your horizons, so wherever you’re starting from, you’ll end up somewhere further along in your knitting journey.
Knitting Outside the Box with Bristol Ivy
One of the most interesting and best parts about knitting is the huge variety of patterns available. But where does the inspiration for those patterns come from?
In this class, we’ll talk about different forms of inspiration and different ways of thinking about knitting, and then explore methods and theory to bring those ideas to reality.
Harmonious Transitions with Amy Snell
Hand-dyed, kettle-dyed, hand-spun yarns, and commercial yarns from different dye lots present us with a uniquely frustrating challenge: How do we make the transition within a project when yarns are close-but-not-exactly? In this class we’ll explore solutions for working with these yarns of desperation, and see how these same techniques apply beautifully to purposeful fades and gradients.
Drape and Fold with Bristol Ivy
Knitting is the creation of a piece of fabric that 95% of the time exists on a flat plane. However, most human bodies? Not so much. We have bumps and curves, changes in angle, places where fabric clings and places where fabric falls gracefully away. So what might happen if we embrace our three-dimensionality, using the angles and changes of direction on our bodies tohelp create the shape of the knitwear itself?
Fascinating Finishes: Embroidering Your Knits with Amy Snell
What’s better than a finished object? A fascinatingly-finished object! Learn to take your knits to the next level with these arresting embroidery finishes. Simple to execute but stunning to see, you’ll come away from this class with boundless ideas for really finishing off your knits by adding amazing touches to borders, hems, cuffs, or even entire pieces.
You can read more about the class details here (scroll down).
Location
The knitting retreat takes place at a beautiful little boutique inn called the Lighthouse Lodge and Cottages. It’s located in Pacific Grove, California, just down the road from the iconic lighthouse and a few minutes’ walk from the breathtaking coastline. The property is filled with spaces to knit, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a pool and hot tub.
The inn has two types of rooms: Lodge rooms, which are set up like typical hotel rooms with a patio or balcony; and Cottage rooms, which are a bit larger and have mini kitchenettes and a little sitting area. Both types of room have gas fireplaces and many have jacuzzi tubs. You can read all about the room choices and descriptions here, or see even more photos on the inn’s website.
Retreat Meals and Schedule
We’ll kick things off Thursday evening with an al fresco dinner and welcome gathering. We work with a wonderful local chef to make sure the food is just as wonderful as the setting.
On Friday, we’ll spend the day in classes. Half of the group will take Bristol’s classes while the other half will have my classes. Friday evening we’ll have a little walk down to the beach to toast the sunset, followed by dinner and evening knitting in front of the many fireplaces on property.
Saturday morning we’ll have classes again, with the groups switching teachers so that everyone attending will get all four classes. Lunch will be arranged so that you can take it to go if you wish, because Saturday afternoon is time off to explore!
With so many amazing sights in the area, we knew you’d want a chance to take it in. Whether you decide to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, drop in on Monarch Knitting, walk the coastline, take a whale-watching excursion, stop by Point Pinos Lighthouse, look for butterflies at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary take advantage of the pool and hot tub, or just relax, the afternoon is yours. (We’ll happily provide a list of our favorite recommendations, though!) We’ll gather once again Saturday evening for dinner together and an evening activity.
Our final classes will take place Sunday morning, followed by lunch and then Bristol’s lecture, “Meaning in Every Stitch: Adding Secret Messages to Your Knitting.” Afterwards, we’ll say goodbye to our (hopefully many) new friends and head home. Or if you wish to stay an extra night, the hotel will extend our special rates so you can spend a little more time relaxing and soaking in the coastal air.
Non-Knitting Companions
Because the Monterey Peninsula — with its golfing, bird watching, beaches, hikes, and charming towns — is a world-famous destination, it occurred to us that some of you might want to bring a non-knitting companion along. You can do that! We will be able to include them in all our meals for $450 if they’re staying in your room with you. Just let us know when you register.
You can see an outline of the schedule and travel recommendations here.
Retreat Registration
We also have a Facebook group and Ravelry forum for those interested in or attending the retreat. It’ll be a good place to find roommates or plan shared travel, etc.
