Register Here (will show as SOLD OUT until October 18th at 8AM MT)
September 17th - 19th, 2025. This retreat opens for registration October 18th at 8AM Mountain Time (10AM Eastern Time).
Explore the art of Fair Isle Knitting with internationally renowned expert Gudrun Johnston high in the Colorado Rockies! We will retreat over three days and two nights to knit and hike surrounded by gorgeous, high alpine nature at the Shrine Mountain Huts above Vail, Colorado.
Relax and explore the mountain trails with us amidst rich fall foliage. Dive into the vibrant world of Fair Isle knitting without distraction over two classes. Whether you’re new to colorwork or looking to refine your skills, Gudrun's sessions will offer expert, hands-on, in-depth instruction in the art of Fair Isle.
We'll explore essential techniques such as color selection, understanding color dominance, and stranding yarn effectively. Get ready to experiment with swatching in the round and try your hand at steeking—cutting into your knitting to create beautiful designs! We’ll be using 100% Shetland wool from Jamieson’s Spindrift, a classic choice for Fair Isle projects, allowing you to experience the unique qualities of Shetland yarn.
What You’ll Learn:
- Choosing and combining colors for Fair Isle patterns
- Techniques for stranding yarn and managing floats
- Swatching and working in the round
- The process of steeking and its applications
Our retreat starts when we meet at Maker+Stitch in Edwards at 10:30 AM Wednesday morning. From the shop we will drive up to the top of Vail Pass where we will depart on a leisurely, under-two-mile hike to the hut. The fall colors should be perfect, and llamas will hike with us, carrying most of our gear!
We'll enjoy a big, well-earned afternoon snack at the cozy hut while we settle in and prepare for our first afternoon session with Gudrun.
Wednesday evening is for relaxing, eating a home-cooked dinner, and sharing each other's company around stove and the campfire. With a clear night, star gazing will be a highlight.
Thursday we'll wake up to a yummy, light breakfast then head out to hike Shrine Pass through meadows and forest, and incredible high mountain vistas. Our hike is 4.5 miles round-trip; we will munch on snacks on the trail, and if weather permits we'll sit for a knit looking out over the Rockies.
When we arrive back to the huts, we'll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and Gudrun will hold her second teaching session of the retreat.
Again, we'll spend the evening knitting, dining at the hut, and relaxing around the stove and campfire.
Friday we wake up to another tasty light breakfast then pack to head down the trail for our drive back to Edwards. We will arrive back at the shop by 1PM, which marks the end of our retreat.
Important: For those traveling from afar, Edwards is at 7,200 feet and the hut is over 11,000 feet above sea level so you may want to plan a day here at altitude prior to the retreat to help acclimate. To get to Edwards, you will fly into Denver or Vail-Eagle and either rent a car or take an Epic Mountain Express or Peak 1 Express van. It is not a difficult drive but Edwards is a two hours and 15 minute drive from the Denver airport. It is also possible to stay in Denver Tuesday evening and meet the group at Vail Pass (about 1.5 hours from Denver) on Wednesday. If you plan to choose this option, please let us know!
Accommodations at Jay's Cabin are double and communal occupancy. If you are not comfortable sleeping in a room with others, this retreat may not be for you. The hut does have hot and cold running water, two indoor bathrooms with flush toilets, one with shower, one with bathtub. The hut is heated by a central wood-fired stove. There is running, potable water at the cabin. There is a communal, wood-fired sauna behind our hut for our use.
Make sure to check back October 18th at 8AM Mountain Time to register!
Retreat pricing $1485 per person. Includes all lessons, two nights hut lodging, meals at hut, snacks, llama hike, transport to and from shop to huts, and 5 balls of Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift yarn.
Please feel free to contact us at hello@makerandstitch.com with any questions.
More details about what to bring will be available after registration.
All cancellations must be received by July 1st, 2025 for a full refund, except a $150 non-refundable deposit. All cancellations must be received in writing via email. No refunds for cancellations will be issued after July 1st, 2025. If you cannot attend, you may send a substitute in your place at no extra charge. Substitution requests must be received before August 15, 2024.
