WEBS Retreat May 2-5, 2019

We’ll be welcoming knitters to the beautiful Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts for a weekend of classes, late-night knitting, after-hours shopping sprees and more. If you’ve been waiting to make a pilgrimage to America’s biggest store, now’s the time to make your move!

Enjoy cozy comfort and deluxe accommodations We have some of the most talented instructors at Hotel UMass, our home base for the weekend. sharing their expertise this weekend! Fiona Ellis, Fabulous, fresh meals and snacks, nooks for Patty Lyons, Susan B. Anderson, Nicky Epstein, knitting and a ‘late-night lounge’ with desserts, Michelle Hunter (KnitPurlHunter), and Julia Far- drinks, and a chance to knit and talk knitting with well-Clay will share their expertise, tips, and those who understand your fiber passion. tricks of the trade with our students.

Shopping Spree at WEBS with Steve and Kathy Elkins After-hours exclusives with trunk shows, yarn reps and Free Shipping for all your purchases!

WEBS Spring Knitting Retreat is a weekend of fiber, friends, food & flower blooms! Your registration fee covers all your meals from Thursday’s Welcome Dinner through Sunday brunch with Keynote Speaker Patty Lyons, two full days of classes on Friday and Saturday, and transportation to WEBS for an After-Hours Shopping Spree with owners Steve and Kathy Elkins. There will be late-night knitting get-togethers with snacks, desserts, and cocktails, plenty of time to meet up with friends or make new knitting buddies, creative meals, and lots of yarn to see, feel, and buy.

Make sure you leave extra time before you travel home on Sunday to explore the beautiful downtown Northampton area. Have a late lunch, browse our many clothing boutiques and local artisan galleries, and leave with wonderful memories, new friends made, and a resolve to join us for our WEBS September Knitting Retreat 2019.

On Saturday night, you’ll enjoy a trip to WEBS. Luxury motor-coaches will take attendees to a shopping spree at WEBS, America’s Yarn Store. You’ll have 2 super-special shopping Sherpas: Steve and Kathy Elkins, owners of WEBS! The icing on the cake is that whatever you buy, you will get FREE SHIPPING! And in case you can’t make a decision on Saturday evening, the store will be open to shoppers on Sunday, and again, FREE SHIPPING!

Our sponsors will make your weekend as unique and luxurious as possible starting with giveaways and sumptuous swag bags. They will also be on hand Saturday night at WEBS with trunk shows, reps and designers ready to show you their most popular and garments. Teacher Bios Julia Farwell-Clay Julia has had many teachers, and nowhere is this more true than in knitting. She learned to wrap yarn around needles first from her mom. She made her first sweater in college and broke the boyfriend knitting rule quickly after that. She learned about Patty Lyons color from many places, but most of all Patty Lyons is a nationally recognized knitting teacher and technique from . Julia was a college English expert. She specializes in sweater teacher for about 10 years, where she learned design and sharing her love of and about the joy of approaching material with . Patty teaches nationally at students. She eventually connected with the guilds & knitting shows around the knitting scene on the Internet where passion is country such as Vogue Knitting LIVE, literally viral. Knitting has since inspired her to write a blog, then articles STITCHES, and the Knit and Crochet Show for magazines, to help start an online magazine, and for a few years now, and her classes can also be found online to offer patterns for the things she primarily makes for herself. Julia teach- at Interweave and Annie’s and Craftsy. Patty’s designs and knitting skill articles es a few times a year at select events and locally at a favorite yarn shop. have been published in Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, Knit Purl, Knitter’s Magazine, Cast On, Creative Knitting and Twist Collective magazines, where she also writes a knitter’s advice column called “Patty’s Purls of Nicky Epstein Wisdom.” Patty’s designs have also been included in pattern collections Renowned knitwear designer, Nicky Epstein has gained worldwide from Classic Elite, Noro, Cascade, Tahki Stacy Charles and Willow Yarns. recognition for her distinctive, innovative work and informative workshops. She has authored numerous books including the top selling Knitting On The Edge, Knitting Over The Edge, Knitting Beyond The Edge, Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers, Knitting On Top Of The World, Knitting In Tuscany, Knitting A Kiss In Every Stitch, and her latest, blockbuster best selling Knitting Block by Block. Her designs have been featured in many knitting publications, as well as on television and in museums. She has also expanded her artistic talent by creating a line of designer buttons, clasps, scarves, and artwork, all to be found on her website www.nickyepstein.com. Teacher Bios

Susan B. Anderson Susan B. Anderson is the author of Itty-Bitty Hats, Itty-Bitty Nursery, Itty-Bitty Toys, Spud & Chloe at the Farm, and Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Michelle Hunter (Knit Purl Hunter) Knit Toys. Her popular knitting blog, Knitting and education have always gone hand susanbanderson.blogspot.com, won the in hand with Michelle Hunter. The thrill of Reader's Choice Award on About.com for the learning a new technique or discovering a top-knitting blog/website in 2012. Susan also different way to execute a favorite stitch has has a YouTube channel with dozens of always been a love of Michelle’s. As a former instructional knitting videos that can be found schoolteacher, she brings her two passions under SusanB. Anderson. She lives in Madison, together as an author and knitting Instructor, Wisconsin, with her husband and four children. broadening her students’ knowledge and bringing success to their projects. Her passion for knitting education led her to create a series of skill building books including The Best of Knit Purl Hunter, Building with Lace, Building Blocks, and Building with Color, all designed with a step-by- step plan for better knitting. Fiona Ellis Fiona escaped from career-captivity in the early 1990’s to pursue fashion design at De Montfort University. She graduated with a degree specializing in Knitwear design. Fiona then founded her independent design business, selling designs to major fashion houses in New York, Paris and London. Her contacts in New York helped her to add design for the independent knitter to her repertoire. This led to her published patterns in major print and on-line magazines, and two successful books published by Random House. Fiona helps people escape from the mundane and bring creative design sensibilities to their knitting. Classes

Julia Farwell-Clay Susan B. Anderson Steeks for the Timid: Yup, we're going to cut our knitting! Be it Smooth Operator Socks: Join sock knitting expert, Susan B. Anderson, and work stranded or plain work, cut steeks are (if you'll allow for the pun) a shortcut for through her twist on the perfect fitting afterthought heel. In class you willbe knitting in the round and can accommodate design aspects that might not be covering loads of sock knitting tips and tricks, and working through the Smooth possible otherwise. But before we touch our , we'll stabilize our work, and Operator afterthought heel together in class. Techniques covered will include tips explore finished (or not!) edges after they've been cut. for making matching socks, putting in a waste yarn place holder in a different way, Continental or Combination Knitting: Which is Better for You?: This introduction to several ways to get rid of those pesky holes at the sides of the heel, a surefire tip to Continental and Combination knitting techniques will allow knitters to try out for remember the Kitchener stitch every time and how to get rid of those donkey ears, themselves to see if it really is the fastest method for them. Practicing both knit and a no-Kitchener version of heels and toes, and so much more! Come to class ready to purl for both methods, we’ll talk about why it’s a hoot to scoop. work hard on your sock techniques through large group discussion, small group technique demonstrations and individual help. Seams and other Finishing Touches: Join me in this adventure all about (you guessed it) joining, and see if I can convince you that a good mattress stitch is every bit as Fingerless Mitts: Pull together 150-200 yards of worsted weight yarn to satisfying (and fun) as a yo k2tog, and that some sweaters benefit from a stable make a pair of beautiful color work fingerless mitts in class. We will work on the framework. We’ll also look at how to pick up stitches for seamless joins and button corrugated rib, the Latvian braid and the two-handed color work technique during bands, and work button holes for different sized buttons. class. Susan provides lots of large and small group demonstrations and individual attention during class. Students are walked through skills and everyone succeeds. Introduction to : In this class, we’ll cover intarsia basics, move on to yarn Students are provided the recipe for the mitts but you get to create your own management strategies, and trouble shoot some samples to keep the in of version. Lots of options and charts and examples will be shared in class to help you ends to a minimum, and work a sample design both flat – and if you're feeling pick and choose your own mitt adventure! You will leave a much more confident brave– in the round. colorwork knitter. Three French Hens: Join toy-knitting expert Susan B. Anderson to make an adorable Nicky Epstein pint-size hen that includes a unique bottom-up seamless construction, and simple Edgings/Flowers/Embellishments: Learn Nicky’s thought process in creating original stranded colorwork. Susan will provide guidance, tips and technique instruction for knit embellishments. Unique Edgings and edgings that become flowers and a variety toy-knitting but the skills in this project are used in so many other projects way of appliqués. Easy knitting that can easily turn your garments into show stoppers beyond toy-knitting. Three French Hens is the perfect project for beginning colorwork students due to the simple chart and small scale of the project. Swing Knitting Made Easy (AKA Kluge Knitting): Enter the fascinating world of Swing Techniques covered include exactly how to pick up stitches on a garter stitch edge, knitting aka German Kluge knitting. A unique variation of garter stitch short rowing several different techniques to do colorwork, a Kitchener stitch tip so you’ll never that creates beautiful pattern repeats. Nicky is fascinated by this technique and looks have to look it up again, and loads of toy-knitting tips and tricks. forward to sharing it. In class you will complete enough to at least start a scarf, bag, hat etc. A Bear and a Bunny Suit: Join acclaimed toy-knitter Susan B. Anderson to work on this cleverly constructed and adorable toy all while learning useful skills and The Knit Hat Class: From Nicky’s first knitting book, learn a variety of hat styles, top techniques that are used in all sorts of different projects. A few of the techniques shaping, bottom edgings and fitting techniques. And fun toppers, Pom-Pom, tassels and skills covered in class include a new way to look at and memorize the Kitchener and more! Everyone leaves with a funky fun hat. stitch, picking up stitches and knitting on, face embroidery, appropriate gauge for Twist/Braids/Knots: Learn a variety of unusual tricky stitches to create beautiful toy-knitting, stuffing tips, seaming, and much more! Susan’s classes are taught in a textural patterning and stitch depth. Example- loop stitch, drop stitch floral, cord, lively way with large group discussion, small group technique demonstrations and Celtic braids, and more. lots of individual help in between. There is a little bit of homework to complete before class begins so students can make good progress on the toy during class. Classes Michelle Hunter (Knit Purl Hunter) Wrong is Right Cowl: Design a cowl using simple stitch patterns and delightful Knitting as Meditation: Join Fiona Ellis as she brings awareness to what is taking tricks to create your own unique accessory. Learn to pair, blend, transition and place during our knitting practice. She will lead some knitting exercises that will manipulate stitch patterns for a piece that is attractive from every angle. In this begin to teach many of the things she has learned from yoga. You can expect to class you will design your own reversible with simple knit and purl stitches. Perfect come away with something new and useful; that may be a nifty new knitting trick, edges, harmonious stitch selection, gauge considerations, fabric drape, yardage or you may learn something about yourself and how knitting can be used as calculation and more will be covered. Go home with your own original pattern on meditation. the needles! Navajo Intarsia: Learn to knit a whimsical shawl where opaque polka dots dance Patty Lyons on a sheer background. Unlike traditional Intarsia, only one skein is used at a time Fix It: Knitwear Repair and Alterations: Discover the joys of fixing your knitting with no interlocking or ends to weave in. It’s fast, fun, and easy to learn and the when it’s on and off the needles. We’ll explore fixes to lace pattern stitches and design possibilities are endless. Class includes the pattern, expert finishing tips, color work, and delve deep into duplicate stitch repairs. Then we’ll discover that a and lots of hands-on instruction for this unique technique. pair of scissors can be a knitter’s best friend when we cut our knitting. Learn how to shorten and lengthen your knitwear in both stockinette and pattern stitches, Beginning Toe-Up Socks: Learn toe up sock construction and find out why this and best of all, learn the world’s best way to fix a hole in your knitting! Learn to method is preferred by many sock knitters. Knitting a sock from the toe up allows repair your beloved hand knit socks and never throw out a moth-eaten sweater you to try on the sock during the entire process to guarantee a perfect fit. again! Another benefit to toe up construction is that every inch of yarn can be used. No Advanced Knitting Fixes: Delve beyond picking up a dropped stitch into more more running out of yarn or kitchener stitch! A sample sock will be made in class major fixes. Learn how to “tink” or un-knit increases and decreases w/o losing a as you learn this fabulous technique. The skills covered include Judy’s Magic Cast stitch. Reverse a cable or add a missing cable many rows down. Fix common On, Magic Loop, Heel and along with appropriate bind offs. mistakes in lace such as a missing YO or a K2tog 3 rows down. Even learn how to shorten or lengthen your knitted piece. You have the power to fix without Fiona Ellis frogging! Twisting with the Cable Girl: In this workshop you will learn how to twist in a number of different ways, how to read charts and how to add cables to simple Chart it, Swatch it, Love it!: Learn how to spice up any sweater with your own projects for stunning details. This workshop is a must for newer knitters who need stitches. We’ll start with an exploration of what cables and lace do to your fabric. a refresher with a twist. We’ll look at what can make the cast on edge undulate or the side of a stitch move in and out. Next we’ll learn the simple math to insert or replace a stitch panel or Designing Your Own Cables Using Existing Patterns: There are several ways of detail into existing sweater pattern. Then, after looking at swatches, stitch creating your own cables and using patterns that already exist can be a great dictionaries and finished objects for inspiration, we’ll start to play with adjusting springboard. With so many lovely cables found in stitch dictionaries we can create and combining to create your custom stitches. Finally, using both graph paper and many combinations of them set horizontally across the width of the fabric and be some imaginative three-dimensional tools you’ll start to lay out your own stitch very happy with the result. But Fiona finds it more interesting to come up with and even start to swatch it. vertically arranged combos. In the class she will show you how do this so that you can create something unique and exciting for your next cable project. Take it From the Top: Short Row Set-In Sleeves: We all know the hardest part about a set in sleeve is setting it in! In this class, learn how to create a sleeve cap It’s All in the Details – Necklines and Cuffs: To add polish and finesse to any from the top with no seaming required! We will learn how to create this little project, attention must be given to the trims and finishes, especially at the neckline! piece of short row magic by knitting a mini version and then we will finish the class In this class you will see samples of Fiona Ellis’s favorites and discuss the decision by going over how to convert an existing pattern into a top down, short row set in making that goes into each aspect. You will also be able to try 2-3 techniques so sleeve. that you will know how to include them in your own projects. RETREAT SCHEDULE Class Schedule Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm Thursday, May 2nd Introduction to Intarsia Julia Farwell-Clay Check in at UMass hotel and Retreat Registration before 5pm. Edgings/Flowers/Embellishments Nicky Epstein 6:00pm: Welcome Dinner hosted by Valley Yarns and Steve and Kathy Elkins Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts Susan B. Anderson 8:00pm: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the Beginner Toe-Up Socks Michelle Hunter late night lounge Twisting with the Cable Girl Fiona Ellis Friday, May 3rd Take It From The Top Patty Lyons 7:30am: Breakfast Friday, 1:30pm-4:30pm

9:00am–Noon: Morning classes Continental or Combination Knitting Julia Farwell-Clay 12:15–1:15pm: Lunch The Knit Hat Class Nicky Epstein 1:30–4:30pm: Afternoon classes Three French Hens Susan B. Anderson Wrong Is Right Cowl Michelle Hunter 6:00pm: Dinner with cash bar 8:00pm: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the Designing Your Own Cables Fiona Ellis late night lounge Chart It, Swatch It, Love It! Patty Lyons Saturday, May 4th Retreat Prices Saturday, 9:00am-12:00pm 7:30am: Breakfast Single Room Package: $1,199 Steeks for the Timid Julia Farwell–Clay 9:00am – Noon: Morning Classes Double (shared) Room Package: $1,049 Swing Knitting Made Easy Nicky Epstein 12:15– 1:15 pm: Lunch *Pricing includes food, lodging, and classes* Smooth Operator Socks Susan B. Anderson Wrong Is Right Cowl Michelle Hunter 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Afternoon classes Knitting as Meditation Fiona Ellis 4:30–6:30pm: Dinner Fix It: Knitwear Repair and Alterations Patty Lyons 5:00:pm: Bus leaves for Northampton. Saturday, 1:30pm-4:30pm 6:00pm: Bus leaves for Northampton Seams and Other Finishing Techniques Julia Farwell-Clay WEBS Shopping Spree with Steve and Kathy Elkins, featuring trunk shows, special deals and FREE SHIPPING for Twists/Braids/Knots Nicky Epstein purchases. Bear and a Bunny Suit Susan B. Anderson 9:00pm: Bus returns to Umass Hotel. Lounge area set up with snacks and cash bar for knitting, socializing and show and tell. Navajo Intarsia Michelle Hunter Sunday, May 5th It’s All In The Details Fiona Ellis 9:00am: Brunch with Keynote Speaker Patty Lyons Advanced Knitting Fixes Patty Lyons

11:00am: Check out of hotel. WEBS will be open from noon until 2:00pm for last minute shoppers.