My Vermont Retreats

Come to Vermont to knit and learn!

Nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains of southern Vermont, I hold a knitting retreat three times every year.  A variety of  traditional workshops, based on my research in many European museums,  is offered to deepen the skill level of intermediate to advanced knitters.  Attended by warm and friendly knitters from all over North America, the extended weekend is full of camaraderie, good food, interesting classes, and a lovely setting. Classes are held in the Dutton Farmhouse, which is situated on an historic apple farm. I love teaching knitters in this beautiful setting. The small class size (14 to 15 students) makes these weekends a true retreat. We laugh a lot, knit a lot, and eat very well. It all adds up to a memorable time for new and returning participants.

 

What retreat participants say about the Vermont Retreats…

“Thank you so much for a wonderful knitting weekend. It is always a special experience to work with you, and I learn so much. I share your passion for traditional knitting, and so am thrilled to learn about the history, ingenious construction, and remarkable knitting tips that you share with us. Mostly, Beth, I so appreciate your patience, understanding, and compassionate heart. I feel so fortunate to know you, and to have you for a beloved teacher. I look forward to attending your other workshops. I never tire of it. The weekend in beautiful VT, with all its aspects, shines as a jewel in my year.” –Ellie C.

 

The Classes

November 8-12, 2018

Designing Ganseys~ a British Tradition

Students will learn how to construct a Gansey, a sweater form prevalent in the 19th century and early part of the 20th century among the fishermen of the British Isles. On the first class day, a small scale sweater will be knitted using traditional construction techniques including the classic Channel Island Cast-on, split welts, seam stitches, traditional knit/purl patterns, the underarm gusset, the perpendicular shoulder join, picked-up sleeves, and three choices for the collar. Alternative methods to these techniques will also be explored.

 The Design Class continues over the next two days from the 1-day Gansey sampler class, and explores the design process: Design details (sweater attributes), the Silhouette (sweater size), and the Surface Design (sweater patterning).  Each phase will be explained and students will be able to begin planning a full-sized garment.  Books with charts and large format graph paper will be provided.

Level:  Intermediate- student should have previous experience knitting a sweater and must be proficient with double-pointed needles, Magic Loop, or working with two circulars for little sampler.

To get more information or to register, email Marilyn King who handles registrations.

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The Details

The Schedule

Thursday Evening: Arrive around 5 PM, wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30, dinner around 6:15.

Friday: Breakfast- 8:30, Class- 9:30 -12:30, Lunch and break until 1:30, Class until 4 PM.

Saturday: Breakfast- 8:30, Free time- until 12:30 (Beth will be available if you would prefer to stay at the Farmhouse to knit), Lunch and break until 1:30, Class until 4 PM.

Sunday: Breakfast- 8:30, Class- 9:30 -12:30, lunch and break until 1:30, Class until 4 PM.

 

The Cost: $550 includes all instruction and comprehensive handouts, Thursday welcome dinner, breakfast and lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. (Dinners on those days are on your own.  Often the group will go out or bring dinner in.)

 

Getting There

AmTrak and Greyhound both serve Brattleboro (BRA) with one trip north and south each day.

Car Rental (in Brattleboro):
Enterprise: 802.257.4700
Avis:  802.258-3810

Taxi service:
From the train station to the Dutton Farmhouse, the cost is approximately $20, plus tip.

Adventure Taxi: 802.254.8400
ABS Taxi: 802.254.6446
MP Gouin Taxi: 802. 246.1165

Airports:
The closest are Hartford, CT (BDL),Manchester, NH (MHT), Albany, NY (ALB) and Boston, MA (BOS).

Driving:
Enter “Dutton Farmhouse 255 Dutton Farm Road, Dummerston, VT 05301” into Google Maps for directions.

 

Staying There

 

Classes are held in  the Dutton Farmhouse.  In warm weather, we often eat outside and enjoy the view of Mount Monadnock many miles away in New Hampshire!  The farmhouse  has four bedrooms with shared baths.    Contact Marilyn for more information on staying there.

The following hotels are within 5-10 minutes and 5-10 miles of the workshop.

• The Hampton Inn 802.254.5700 www.hamptoninn.hilton.com/Brattleboro
• Holiday Inn Express 802.257.2400 www.brattleboroexpress.com
• The Latchis 802-254-6300 www.latchis.com
• Motel 6 802.254.6007 www.motel6.com/Brattleboro, VT
• Chesterfield Inn, NH 603.256.3222 www.chesterfieldinn.com

 

 

To Register

To get more information or to register, email Marilyn King who handles registrations.

A $150 deposit will secure your spot in the workshop, with  the balance due approximately 90 days prior to the class.  Checks should be made payable to Beth Brown-Reinsel and mailed to: