The Websters October Retreat 2026
We are so thrilled to be welcoming Sari Nordlund all the way from Finland to teach at our October retreat! Sari is known for her clean, timeless designs rooted in Scandinavian style and minimalism. Drawing inspiration from architecture, contemporary design, and classic silhouettes, she creates knitting patterns that feel both modern and enduring. Once again our luxurious getaway in Southern Oregon will take place at The Winchester Inn, and can accommodate 23 Guests. These retreats sell out quickly, so don’t wait to book your ticket! See full details below. See full details below.
Testimonals
“I have been to many kinds of retreats, and yours was by far the most thoughtful, well-planned, and well-executed.”
"It was an incredible group of ladies, and I really enjoyed everything about this Retreat. I would definitely like to attend a future retreat with Websters."
“I have not ever participated in any similar event and I so enjoyed it! It is my goal to attend another event!”
“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 was perfectly planned out."
Where You'll Stay
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 and private bathroom, 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.
Testimonals
“The Winchester Team is amazing at every level.”
"Every single employee is professional and competent, at every level and in every department. They make you feel like a friend, not just a guest."
"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!"
*Please contact us if you have accessibility requirements for your stay and we will be sure to accommodate you.
Classes
Sari’s designs are synonymous with tasteful design and exquisite detail. She especially enjoys working with textured stitches, cables, and natural fibers, and aims to design garments that knitters return to year after year—pieces that feel thoughtful, well-balanced, and quietly classic. At this retreat she will be guiding us through one of her beloved patterns, the Laulu Shawl, as well as taking us on a journey into designing our own cables.
Retreat Class 1 - Laulu Scarf
In this class we will learn the techniques you need to knit your own Laulu shawl. During the class we will cast on the shawl and you will learn to read charts, knit the charted pattern and learn to knit cables without a cable needle. The pattern is included in the class.
Retreat Class 2 - Creating Your Own Cables
In this class we will learn how to create your own cable patterns. We will learn about the arrangement of cables to create your own fisherman style cable designs, combination cables, adding texture to cables and creating totally new cable designs from scratch. We will also learn how to measure gauge over the cabled pattern and how cables affect the gauge over cabled fabrics, so you can start adding your own cables to existing patterns to give them your own flair.
Required knowledge: basic knit and purl stitches, basic cables, working charts flat and in the round.
Culture
As soon as it was announced that Emma would be performed, We knew that had to be our October play selection. What could be better than knitting and Jane Austen?? However there are rave reviews coming in for Come From Away, so you will have a choice of 2 plays:
Emma: Jane Austen’s beloved Regency-era heroine takes center stage in this fast, funny, feminist adaptation by Kate Hamill, featuring contemporary pop music and a screwball-comedy spirit. In the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre. A heart-forward, joyful celebration of resilience.
Come From Away: reminds audiences of all ages of the power of community in the darkest of times. Indoors in the Angus Bowmer Theater.
Testimonals
"It was perfect. I wasn’t sure I would have stamina for the evening, and I am so glad I decided to go.”
“It was great! Made for a long day, but it was worth it.”
“Ahh, the play was perfect and that it was close enough to walk to was a big plus.”
"This was my very first Oregon Shakespeare Festival play, and it was so entertaining! I had a great evening."
Cuisine
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.
“Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Ashland, where each dish is a celebration of local ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience.” - Chateaubriand 36 website
Testimonals
"Fantastic food, and truly the best pastries I've ever had."
“It was delightful to have luxury dining experiences during the Retreat, giving us the perfect settings for all of us to be able to get to know a little bit about each other.”
*Please contact us if you have dietary requirements for your stay and we will be sure to accommodate you.
Wine Tasting
Southern Oregon is home to many award winning wineries and vineyards, and we will enjoy an afternoon of tasting at one of our favorites! Transportation and tastings are all included. Bring a portable knitting project and enjoy the lovely vistas and incomparable wines of the Rogue Valley.
Testimonals
"So relaxing to sit, sip and stare at the hills!"
"Even though I don’t drink it was relaxing and fun."
"I had a great time at the wineries. It was great to see a little of the area outside Ashland."
Shopping
And of course, our retreat will include ample time at our beloved Local Yarn Shop! We will have a private shopping afternoon 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!
Testimonals
“I wish I could rate it higher than a ten. The shop staff, as always, were amazing and the shop is so beautifully curated, it makes it easy to find what you need.”
“So fun and everyone is so helpful!! I found everything and more!! I need a bigger budget next time so I can actually stay within!”
“Everyone was so helpful and went above and beyond what I've experienced in other small shops.”
Optional PLUS Ticket
We are offering a limited number of PLUS tickets for those who want to come in early for a bit of R&R before the retreat festivities begin! This add-on will include Sunday night at the Inn, another exceptional dinner out with your host, and a visit to a local spa for a service of your choosing. PLUS ticket upgrades will be available once your spot at the retreat is secured.
October Retreat Tickets
Since there are a limited number of spaces available and last retreat we sold out within a few hours,
we encourage you to purchase your retreat ticket early!
October 5-8, 2026
23 single rooms available
$2980 total fee
$700 deposit
PLUS Ticket Upgrade:
$3980 total fee
$900 deposit