WEBS Annual Retreat September 14-17, 2017

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. Registration opens February 8, 2017.

CLASSES We’ve got some of the hottest instructors sharing their expertise this weekend: Anne Hanson, owner and designer of Knitspot, author and designer Frank- lin Habit, international rock star Olga Buraya- Enjoy cozy comfort and deluxe accommoda- Kefelian, NYC couture knitting designer Josh Ben- tions at Hotel UMass, our home base for the nett, and toymaker and designer extraordinaire Su- weekend. Fabulous, fresh meals and snacks, Shopping Spree at WEBS san B. Anderson. nooks for knitting and a ‘late-night lounge’ with Steve and Kathy Elkins with desserts, drinks, and a chance to knit and talk knitting with those who understand your After-hours exclusives fiber passion. with trunk shows, yarn reps and Free Shipping for all your purchases!

WEBS Fall Knitting Retreat is a weekend of fiber, friends, food & foliage Your registration fee covers all your meals from Thursday’s Welcome Reception through Sunday brunch, 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 boutiques and local artisan galleries, On Saturday night, you’ll enjoy a trip to WEBS after a special dinner. Luxury motorcoaches and leave with wonderful memories, new friends will take attendees to a shopping spree at WEBS, America’s Yarn Store. You’ll have 2 super made, and a resolve to join us for our WEBS Knitting -special shopping Sherpas: Steve and Kathy Elkins, owners of WEBS! The icing on the cake Retreat 2018. is that whatever you buy 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 SHIP- PING!

Our Promotional Partners will make your weekend as unique and luxurious as possible starting with giveaways and sump- tuous 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. Anne Hanson Classes Advanced Knitting: Taking It to The Next Level: This is an all-day intermediate to advanced level class covering knitted lace (motifs with Susan B. Anderson on RS and WS of the fabric), chart reading, working with Shawl Shapes Design Workshop: Grab that languishing ball of fingering weight yarn or incorporated edgings and knit-on edgings, shaping for shawls of various a favorite skein you’ve been saving for just the right project, your needles, and a pencil types, and fielding specific lace knitting questions from students. Prereq- and away you’ll zip, designing your very own shawl in one of 10 selected shapes, be it uisite: Students should have completed at least two beginning- crescent, triangular, long-ended for extra wrapping, half-hexagon, asymmetrical, semi- intermediate lace projects, have a complete understanding of increas- circular, or more! Your shawl may have stitch, lace, stockinette stitch, many tex- ing/decreasing and intermediate knitting terminology, experience with a tures, stripes, beads…the sky is the limit. variety of lace stitches, and be able to execute a crochet chain stitch.

Yarn Voyage for Knitting and Design: Ever wonder why, when you Build-A-Toy Workshop: The students in this class will become toy designers for a day achieved exact , your finished object looks nothing like the original (and hopefully beyond). Students will be given patterns for a wide variety of different in a different yarn? Much more than a discussion about yarn weights, toy parts that include bodies, arms, legs, tails, and ears. The possibilities are endless! this explorative class for knitters of all levels covers myriad yarn charac- Students will learn tons of toy-making techniques including stitching together effective- teristics and their effect on . Participants will learn how ly, stuffing tips, gauge discussion, face , seamless toy knitting tips and op- yarn type relates to gauge needle size, texture, and fabric integrity, and tions, and much more. Prerequisite: Must be comfortable knitting in the round on a how to use that information to make better choices and/or substitutions small number of stitches on double-pointed needles, as well as increases and decreas- in their projects. Prerequisite: Students should have intermediate es. knitting skills with the ability to execute simple patterned motifs from Fingerless Mitts: Pull together 150-200 yards of worsted weight yarn to make a written or charted instructions pair of beautiful colorwork fingerless mitts in class. We’ll work on the corrugated rib, A Survey of Color Knitting Techniques: Let’s tackle something new to- the Latvian braid, and the two-handed colorwork technique in class. You’ll be provided gether and take the fear out of color knitting! This class is an exploration with the recipe for the mitts but you’re encourage to create your own version. Lots of of color knitting techniques including stitch, mosaic, , and options and charts and examples will be shared in class to help you pick and choose stranded colorwork. We’ll start with intarsia, then move on to slip stitch- your own mitt adventure. Prerequisite: Must be comfortable knitting in the round on es and mosaic using two colors. Finally we’ll try stranding, where both double pointed needles, (or another technique for working in the round such as Magic two-handed and one-handed techniques will be demonstrated. Materi- Loop). als fee $15 covered in class cost. Prerequisite: Students should have Sheep! Workshop: Joined renowned knit-toy designer Susan B. Anderson for some intermediate knitting skills with the ability to execute simple patterned seriously fun sheep knitting and toy-making tips. The pattern will be provided in class motifs from written or charted instructions. and students will work on knitting their own Sheep! Toys in either a textured wrap stitch, a loopy stitch, or some simple stranded colorwork. As students work on their Olga Buraya-Kefelian sheep style, loads of general toy-knitting tips and tricks will be taught as well. Tips and Modular Knitting Basics: This adventurous beginner class is based on guidance on face embroidery, stuffing tricks, fiber choices, gauge information, and ways the Asanagi Wrap design (pattern provided) and is worked in modular to get your toys to look great and stand the test of time will be shared. Prerequisite: technique. You’ll learn the theory of modular knitting and create this Must be comfortable knitting small number of stitches on double-pointed needles. stunning ombre wrap of scalloped patterning with the yarn of your choice. Even more importantly, you’ll learn the numerous vital tech- niques as a knitter which will be crucial to your future skill set. Tech- niques taught include: basic Modular knitting theory, various cast-on methods and their benefits, several ways of picking up stitches on both knit and purl sides, and different methods of knit and purl decreases. Prerequisite: Know how to cast on, knit, and purl. -continued on next page- -continued- Olga Buraya-Kefelian Brioche and Beyond: Ever wonder what the difference is between Brioche, Tuck, and Franklin Habit Fisherman’s Rib, what they have in common, and how to work them? This class will fill Garter Party: Garter Stitch Gone Wild: Poor, plain garter stitch. So often con- in the gaps in your brioche knowledge, and give you the confidence to use any of these fined to the edge of the party. But not today! Today, garter stitch breaks out into methods for a beautiful fabric by making a reversible colorwork cowl. Prerequisite: fully-fledged stranded color patterns, courtesy of an intriguing but little-known Know how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. technique called garter jacquard. We’ll learn to work charted garter jacquard patterns and also explore other fun techniques that play well with this fabric: I- Colorwork Cowl: Want to knit colorwork faster and in a way more suited to your cord edgings and “afterthought” openings created by cutting into the knitting. knitting style? Learn 3 different methods to work colorwork flat by knitting the Swiss Prerequisite: Fluency in basic knitting techniques including working from color Cross Cowl in chunky yarn, as well as several ways to trap your floats to create a con- charts. sistent fabric. Under careful guidance, students will complete their cowl by the beginning to the end edge with Kitchener stitch in pattern for an invisible seam. Prereq- Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Shadow Knitting: Color and texture meet and uisite: Know how to knit, purl, pick up stitches, and have some familiarity with color- mingle with startling results in the subtle, intriguing fabrics created by shadow- work. knitting. Stripes, garter stitch, and stockinette combine to create patterns that appear or vanish depending on the angle of view—perfect for hiding secret mes- 3-Dimensional Knitwear (2 hours): This class is part demonstration, part swatch-fest, sages in your work. We will not only learn the technique (including simple chart and all inspiration. Olga will present her 3-D design philosophy, and gear it to your own reading), but will also investigate methods for designing shadow patterns, and discovery of knitwear in a new light. Students will learn the 3 principles of dimensional play with creating our own charts for custom projects. Prerequisite: Fluency in the texture used in knitwear, some cast on and bind off varieties used for stretchy edgings, basic techniques of knitting. specific techniques and how to chart them, and review some patterns that incorporate dimensional knitting. Prerequisite: Must know how to knit, purl, cast on, Snip and Zip: Steeks and Zippers: This empowering class is designed to guide and bind off. timid and/or inexperienced knitters through two operations: the cutting of steeks (slashed openings in knitted fabric) and the installation of zippers. Please note: Josh Bennett This class has an additional per-student materials charge of $5. Prerequisite: Flu- Tips and Tricks: Making Your Garment Look More Professional: In this interme- ency in the basics of knitting including knitting in the round; fluency in stranded diate-level class, you’ll learn all of Josh’s tricks for making your garment look two-color work (i.e., Fair Isle knitting). more professional. Different cast-on methods, increases, decreases, body shap- Embroider Your Knitting: Hand embroidery is the perfect complement to hand ing, and other special techniques will be discussed and demo’d. Prerequisite: knitting. In this introductory-level class, students will learn basic (but lovely) line, Must know how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, , , how to work fill, knot, and motif stitches, and how to vary and combine them for different in the round, basic finishing techniques, and must have knit a garment. effects. We will also discuss the selection of materials, planning designs, transfer- Introduction to : (two sections) In this class, you’ll learn the ring patterns, and the care of finished work. No previous embroidery experience start-to-finish of writing a basic sweater pattern. Josh walks you through the is necessary–if you can work with two needles, you can work with one! Prerequi- math to be able to start creating your own original designs and modify existing site: Fluency in the basic techniques of knitting, completion of a simple home- patterns for different fits. The class will discuss fits for different body types, pick- work assignment before class. ing the right fiber, knitting the correct gauge swatch, and measuring the body correctly. Prerequisite: Know how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, increase, de- crease, work in the round, advanced finishing techniques, and must have knit an entire garment. More Tips and Tricks: Learn a new level of Josh’s best tips and tricks for even more complex knitting problems and solutions. Prerequisite: Know how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, increase, decrease, work in the round, advanced finishing techniques, and have knit an entire garment. Teacher Bios Olga Buraya-Kefelian Olga Buraya-Kefelian learned knitting from her mother at an ear- ly age while growing up in Belarus. Now a published author of Susan B. Anderson several books on knitwear, she resides in Alexandria, VA while Susan B. Anderson lives and she continues to work on her brand, olgajazzy, as well as collabo- designs in Madison, Wis- rations with numerous yarn companies and magazines. You can consin. Barrett Wool Co. is find her teaching classes and workshops nationally as well as her brand new yarn and internationally. pattern line found at bar- rettwoolco.com. Susan has Josh Bennett authored six knitting books Josh Bennett grew up in Pennsylvania where he learned to knit including the bestselling Itty from his grandmother when he was 8 years old. Moving to New -Bitty Hats, Itty-Bitty Nursery and Itty-Bitty Toys series, Topsy-Turvy York City moved his knitting to a new level, and while working in Inside-Out and Kids’ Knitting Workshop. Susan has three popular a yarn shop, he wrote custom patterns for customers. He’s col- Craftsy.com online workshops. For the past 10 years she has written laborated with CFDA winter Michael Bastian on a handknit line her award-winning blog, found at susanbanderson.blogspot.com. sold in stores worldwide. They have worked together on projects for the Folk Couture: and Folk Art at the American Folk Art Museum, was a men’s sweater designer at , Anne Hanson and has worked with and designed for Gant by Michael Bastian, Knitspot owner and designer Anne Hanson, Vogue Knitting, , Alexander Wang, winner Irina Shabayeva, Rowan a life-long knitter with experience in the magazine, Vogue Knitting, and many other publications. fashion and graphic design fields, enjoys an ongoing conversation with users, incorpo- rating customer feedback into Knitspot Franklin Habit products wherever possible. Anne also Designer, teacher, author and illustrator Franklin Habit is the au- teaches and writes about knitting, spinning, thor of It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons. His new book, I and designing in her “knit spot”, and lives in Dream of Yarn: A Knit and Crochet Coloring Book, was published in Ohio with David, who loves wool, too. 2016. He first became known as the writer of The Panopticon, one of the most popular knitting blogs on the Internet. Franklin’s var- ied experience in the fiber world includes contributions of writing and design to Vogue Knitting, Yarn Market News, Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, PieceWork, Twist Collective; and regu- lar columns for .com, PLY Magazine, Lion Brand Yarn, and his popular “Fridays with Franklin” feature for Skacel Collection. Franklin lives in Chicago, IL, cohabiting shamelessly with 15,000 books, a Schacht spinning wheel, 3 looms, and a colony of yarn that multiplies whenever his back is turned. RETREAT SCHEDULE Friday Morning 9 am—noon Thursday, September 14 Shawl Shapes Workshop, Susan B. Anderson Check in at UMass hotel and Retreat Registration before 5pm. 6:00pm: Welcome Reception hosted by Steve and Kathy Elkins Modular Knitting Basics, Olga Buraya-Kefelian 9:00pm: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar Advanced Lace Knitting, Anne Hanson ( this is an all-day class) Friday, September 15 7:30am: Breakfast Retreat Prices (includes lodging, food & classes) Tips and Tricks, Josh Bennett 9:00am–Noon: Morning classes Double (shared) Room: $899 Garter Party, Franklin Habit Single Room: $1,049 12:15–1:15pm: Lunch Friday Afternoon 1:30 pm—4:40 pm Registration opens February 8, 2017 1:30–4:30pm: Afternoon classes Build A Toy Workshop, Susan B. Anderson 6:30pm: Dinner sponsored by Valley Yarns, with cash bar Brioche and Beyond, Olga Buraya-Kefelian 9:00pm: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar Introduction to Sweater Design, Josh Bennett Saturday, September 16 Shadow Knitting, Franklin Habit 7:30am: Breakfast hosted and sponsored by Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Advanced Lace Knitting, Anne Hanson (continuation of 9:00am – Noon: Morning Classes morning class) 12:15– 1:15 pm: Lunch sponsored by Berroco Yarns Saturday Morning 9 am—noon

1:30pm – 4:30pm: Afternoon classes Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts, Susan B. Anderson

4:30–6:30pm: Dinner buffet Yarn Voyage: Knitting and Design, Anne Hanson 5:00:pm: Bus leaves for Northampton. Colorwork Cowl, Olga Buraya-Kefelian 6:00pm: Bus leaves for Northampton More Tips and Tricks, Josh Bennett WEBS Shopping Spree with Steve and Kathy Elkins, featuring trunk shows, special deals and FREE SHIPPING for pur- chases. Snip and Zip, Franklin Habit 9:30pm: Bus returns to Umass Hotel. Lounge area set up with snacks and cash bar for knitting, socializing and show Saturday Afternoon 1:30 pm—4:30 pm and tell. Sheep!, Susan B. Anderson Sunday Survey of Color Knitting Techniques, Anne Hanson 9:00am: Brunch with guest speaker Franklin Habit 11:00am: Check out of hotel. WEBS will be open from noon until 2:00pm for last minute shoppers. 3-D Knitwear, Olga Buraya-Kefelian Introduction to Sweater Design (sec. 2), Josh Bennett

Embroider Your Knitting, Franklin Habit