Summer and Fall Events and Classes

I’m still getting a wee shock when ‘June’ greets me upon opening my calendar - but the long days and blue skies are a happy reminder that indeed it is. I have been busily putting together a calendar of distractions for the second half of the year and I hope something will appeal to you - and our paths will cross in this next half of 2024.

First up, I invite you to join me on a visit with Sandy Wallace and her charming herd of alpacas on the West Marin coast overlooking Nicasio Reservoir. We will spend the day on August 3rd in West Marin on the ranch with the Alpacas of Marin learning all about them, their history, evolution and personality. Sandy is their guardian and a breeder of both Huycaya and Suri alpacas. Come and learn about the animals and husbandry that produce gorgeous fiber, spend the day in the glorious hills overlooking Nicasio Reservoir and perhaps you will make a new friend as I did (you’ll have to read to the end to see who it was!). It’s a special opportunity and I am grateful to Sandy and the alpacas for hosting and sharing.. Do join us.

Find all the details - click here

Next up …

Flock Fiber Festival in Seattle: August 9-11, 2024

You have likely heard me raving on about how this is the best fiber festival and a must visit for anyone who is interested in meeting the most inspiring fiber artists. Jess from La Mercerie has the spirit and the will to curate the experience we have all been craving. I recommend without reservation!

I am attending and happy to either produce my ‘list’ (as I did for Stitches West) or organize a more structured get together depending on your interests and desires. Let me know if you have particular ideas about getting together at Flock - or just want to be kept up to date on any Flock related content by emailing gayle@pacificknittingretreats.com and use Flock Fiber Festival in the subject line.

I’m particularly pleased with how the Sweater Series at Fiber Circle Studio has evolved this Fall.

You have probably heard me opine that ‘yokes are the devil’ - for all the beauty and enticement and joy of them, they are very challenging to create fit-wise. This gives them something of a ‘reputation’. I’m sure we’ve all heard people say that yokes are not for them - either their shoulders or their busts or their heights or something about their shape simply doesn’t work in a yoke in a way that makes them happy. What if we said “it wasn’t you - it’s them” ……

I’m delighted to link teaching yoke construction in my Sweater Series to a One Day Yokes Workshop by Elizabeth Doherty of Blue Bee Studio. Can’t attend her class at Squam? Join her in Petaluma!

Elizabeth will teach a one day workshop on September 23, 2024 at Fiber Circle Studio in Petaluma, and I will follow up one week later with a Yokes Sweater Series where we knit a Blue Bee yoke sweater.

The Sweater Series at Fiber Circle Studio - 2024 edition: A focus on Yokes

SIGN UPS ARE OPEN for two yoke education opportunities - pick one or both:

Yokes!

One Day workshop with Elizabeth Doherty of Blue Bee Studio: September 28, 2024

and/or

Knit a Blue Bee Studio Yoke with Gayle: October 5, November 2 and 23 and December 14 from 2-4pm

Details about Elizabeth’s workshop and sign up - click here

No one is more meticulous and thoughtful about construction than Elizabeth and her yoke patterns number among the few that truly respect every body. Come and learn the tips and tricks as we knit a Blue Bee yoke garment together.

Pick one of 4 beautiful slip stitch yoke designs from Blue Bee Studio. Then together we will knit a garment that fits and flatters you! And to add to the fun, Elizabeth, Alisha and I have each picked out some very fun kits from Fiber Circle Studio in case you need some colour inspiration.

Details about Gayle’s Sweater Series and to sign up - click here

I hope you find something here to pique your interest - and that works in your calendar. Thank you for reading this far ….

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