My Vermont Retreats: 2020!

Landscape of Vermont Mountains

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 a historic apple farm, or at Rudyard Kipling’s beautiful home.  I love teaching knitters in these beautiful settings.  We laugh a lot, knit a lot, and eat very well. It all adds up to a memorable time for new and returning participants.  Here are photos of past Vermont Retreats!

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.

SAVE THE DATES!

The dates for 2021 will be chosen soon!

 

The 2020 Classes

Session 1:  Estonian Roositud, May 14-17

I spent over a month in Estonia in 2005.  The knitting techniques I saw were varied and sophisticated.  I was particularly entranced by the method of Roositud, where color is introduced to a garment by the “laying in” of other yarns to create motifs.  In this retreat, students will work on a mitten or glove while learning an Estonian cast-on, a choice of cuff motifs, reading Roositud charts and working them correctly.

Level: Intermediate.  Must be comfortable with double-pointed needles or working with two circulars or Magic Loop.

 

Session 2: The British Gansey and Latvian Fingerless Mitts, September 10-13

This retreat will focus on two traditions, that of the British Gansey (construction techniques) and Latvian Fingerless Mitts (colorwork).  The Gansey was worn by the fishermen of England and Scotland in the 19th century.  This fascinating square sweater, patterned by knits and purls with occasional cables, was handsome and fit well due to the ingenious neck and underarm gussets and shoulder straps–the epitome of a well-engineered garment!

Detail of Alouette

In this class, a sampler-sized gansey will be knitted to learn the classic Channel Island Cast-On, overlapped split welts, underarm gussets, shoulder straps with the perpendicular should join, and neck gussets.

In the Latvian Mitt class, participants will knit a fingerless mitt, learning how to create a scalloped edge, work different half-braids, and how the Latvians use subtle layout methods of colorwork for different effects. Working with two or more colors on the right side of the work will be addressed (two yarns in the right hand, two yarns in the left hand, or a yarn in each hand) as well as color dominance.

Latvian Fingerless Mitts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

(Must be proficient with DP needles, Magic Loop, or working with two circulars). Prior stranded (two-color) knitting experience is suggested but not mandatory.

 

 

 

Session 3: Korsnäs Techniques from Finland,  November 12-15

Finland is home to a gorgeous 19th century garment, the handsome Korsnås garment worn by men at that time. Today it is proudly worn by all who attempt it. It incorporates both knitting and tapestry crochet. In this class students will learn the history and the techniques of the Korsnäs by knitting and crocheting a little project bag using colors, motifs and techniques from this tradition. A kit of yarns may be available.

Level: Advanced (Must be proficient with DP needles, Magic Loop, or working with two circulars). Prior stranded (two-color) knitting and crochet experience is preferred.

 

 

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: $560 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

Taxi service:
This is not always available–email Beth to confirm.

Airports:
The closest airports 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”,  OR  “Naulakha, 481 Kimpling Rd, Dummerston, V T  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.

 

The November workshop will be held at Naulakha, Rudyard Kipling’s beautiful home, which also has four bedrooms. Contact Marilyn for more information on staying there.

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

 

Cancellation Policy

A full refund will be issued to cancellations made more than 90 days from the beginning of the retreat.  When canceling less than 90 days from the workshop, no refund will be given, unless your space can be filled.

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:

Marilyn King

24692 E Arkansas Pl
Aurora, CO 80018

If you have any questions, or for more information, contact Marilyn: Mkingco56@gmail.com

We hope to see you at the retreat!