Announcing our Spring 2025 Retreat: April 21st - 24th/25th

Tickets are on sale NOW! Please understand that with limited capacity, tickets will sell out quickly. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting on the waitlist if you miss your chance for tickets, as we had a lot of turn over last year!

Once again we have teamed up with the extraordinary crew of the Winchester Inn, and enlisted Fair Isle and colorwork expert Gudrun Johnston, to bring you a one-of-a-kind luxury getaway in Southern Oregon. This year we can accommodate 22 Retreat Guests. Last year we sold out within a few hours, so don’t wait to book your ticket! See full details below.

Testimonials:

“Such a well organized retreat with so many thoughtful touches.”

“What a lovely experience... You thought of everything and things appeared to run so smoothly!!!! And such a nice group of people!”

“Thank you so much for a wonderful well planned retreat, I would not have changed a thing.” “I haven’t had so much fun in a long time! Everything perfectly planned out.”

Our retreat begins at the luxurious Winchester Inn, located in the heart of Ashland. A mere 2 blocks from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Winchester Inn has a long history of providing a boutique hotel experience for playgoers, and they are excited to welcome back our group of knitters! Each retreat guest will have their own unique room, which are all appointed with fresh flowers, plush terry cloth robes, Antica Farmacista toiletries, and afternoon pastry treats. We will enjoy gourmet breakfast on site each day, and use their charming parlor for social knitting in the evenings.

Testimonials:

“The Winchester Team is amazing at every level.”

“I felt totally pampered!”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever stayed at such accommodating lodging. The afternoon treats and special touches were quite unique and made for an extraordinary stay. I also think the location in relation to The Websters and Main Street shopping was great!

This year we are thrilled to be hosting Shetland born knitwear designer Gudrun Johnston! Gudrun will share lots of fascinating information about this remote group of islands including the knitting heritage, the production of Jamieson’s wool, Shetland Sheep and her own personal connection with it all, as well as teach 2 Shetland themed classes!

“A comedy of (hardly any) manners.”

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a very special part of any visit to Ashland, and this time our theater outing is to the Oscar Wilde classic, The Importance of Being Earnest. This “trivial comedy for serious people” is a beloved classic that is sure to humor and delight. We are thrilled to have reserved seats in the historic Angus Bowmer Theatre, and we know this will be a memorable part of the retreat.

Testimonials:

“It was perfect. I wasn’t sure I would have stamina for the evening, and I am so glad I decided to go.”

“Being able to attend the theater was frosting on the cake! What a treat!”

“Ahh, the play was perfect, and that it was close enough to walk to was a big plus.”

Ashland is home to many incredible culinary establishments, two of which are right on site of our retreat! Our retreat includes all meals during your stay, and we will be dining at several unforgettable restaurants, including Alchemy Restaurant and Bar, and Chateaubriand 36.

Testimonials:

“The food was plenty and delicious!”

“They were all superb!”

In the spirit of our Fair Isle knitting classes using Shetland Wool, and our very English play, this year we are so excited to spend an afternoon having a Queen’s Tea service at our local tearoom. Lovejoy’s Tea Room is a charming space to enjoy your fill of dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and of course a bottomless pot of tea to go with our knitting!

\

And of course, our retreat will include ample time at our beloved Local Yarn Shop! We will have opportunities throughout the week for you to visit and explore our huge selection of yarn, spinning and weaving equipment, Art to Wear clothing and jewelry, and so much more. We can’t wait to meet you and share our knowledge and enthusiasm for all things fiber!

Full Retreat tickets include:
• 3 nights stay in an individual room at Winchester Inn (April 21st - 23rd)
• All meals from dinner Monday night through Breakfast Thursday morning, with wine/beverage tickets at lunch and dinner
• 2 classes plus an evening lecture with Gudrun Johnston
• Queen’s Tea Service at Lovejoy’s Tea Room
• A ticket to The Importance of Being Earnest in the Angus Bowmer Theater at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
• A fantastic luxury swag bag
• Private shopping event at The Websters

Based on feedback we received from our last retreat, this year we are offering an optional 4th night! Thursday will not include any official knitting content, but will allow for some local activities and more relaxation time!

Full PLUS Retreat tickets include:
• Everything listed above
• An additional night stay at the Winchester Inn (Thursday, April 24th)
• All Thursday meals, and Friday breakfast
• A facial or massage at a local spa (other services may be available on request)
• Visit to a favorite local vineyard for leisurely wine tasting and knitting

*Last time we had a few folks wanting to bring their partners. We can accommodate up to 8 “Guests” who want to stay at the Inn and have meals with us, but will not be participating in any of the knitting classes. If you secure a Full Retreat Ticket and would like to add a Guest, the price range is $840-$1060 depending on activities and length of stay.

Contact Laurel to arrange a Guest ticket once your Full Retreat ticket is purchased.