LKR2016 -- it's a wrap!

If the success of a retreat can be measured by the ability of a group to keep the 'real world' at bay while immersing itself in a healthy pastime (knitting!), we've definitely just had a successful retreat. 

Stepping out of the everyday world we live in allows us to deepen and strengthen relationships, build new skills, learn new techniques, and, if we're really lucky, to truly relax and build community. 

The tone for the Lancaster Knitter's Retreat was set by the perfect weather, and complimented by the sophisticated, comfortable and beautiful setting.  We 'cast on' Friday evening with wine & yarn, added excellent teachers--and set a pattern for the next two days that allowed us to enjoy a really good time.

The Lancaster Knitter's Retreat 2016 was wonderful. 

We gathered together in the beautiful Great Room at the Amish View Inn in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania on Friday evening for a glass of wine and an evening of knitting and introductions. 

We welcomed Lorilee Beltman from Washington and Candace Eisner Strick from Connecticut to teach at #LKR2016, and they proved to be inspiring instructors and great company.

Saturday afternoon brought a return of a local old time music group, 'The Knitpickers.'  They cheerfully made a reprise of some tunes from last year including the crowd favorite "I Dye A Little Each Day."

Our Sunday morning Knitting Salon was filled with poetry, a flax spinning demo,  an esoteric cast on, a WIP Red Carpet,  and an exploration of a  new stitch pattern.  Our visiting teachers wrapped up the weekend with a casual interview.  We shared our knitting triumphs and the projects that tripped us up.  It was great fun to share Door Prizes from Brown Sheep Company, Bryson Distributing, SOHO Publishing, Knit One, Crochet Too, our teachers, and Harrisville Designs.

The Lancaster Knitter's Retreat was a chance to step out of the ordinary every day part of our lives, to connect and make new friends, and to sit together in the great company of knitters.  After all, as Annie Dillard wrote, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives... Each day is the same, so you remember the series afterward as a blurred and powerful pattern."

Thank you to everyone who came to the Lancaster Knitter's Retreat!  We can't wait until we meet again.  Until then, let's spend our days and our lives knitting!