Third Time's a Charm

The Knitters Retreat was really fun this year. At six in total our numbers meant that Marilyn and I bunked up at the Homestead vs. the Cottage, which is Retreat Central. Once we land, we settle and get knitting.  Occasionally someone will glance out the window to watch the lambs frolicking or laugh at a group of wild turkeys roaming by.

I started a tradition of "goodie bags" from the hostess at the onset of these get togethers, assembling fun bags of knitting notions that I thought might be unusual or helpful.  I don't see these friends all that often given my busy life between town and country, so I enjoy trying to make this event special for everyone.

This year I outdid myself (if I do say so myself), ordering kits from my friend Karen Damskey at L'Atelier in Redondo Beach, CA (USA, http://www.latelier.com ) for everyone to make high end market bags with suede handles.  The pattern/kit is called "Sling It." Colorways are cool, with a mix of two different Prism yarns, "Calypso," and "Galaxy Ribbon." The latter has a touch of metallic, which ends up creating a lovely effect. With Grayson E. colored suede handles and Lantern Moon stitching stones, the finished product is for a trip to that high end country farmers market for sure, forget the local supermarket! I had seen a finished version at L'Atelier during my visit this past June.

Four out of six finished knitting their bags before we got home (the hostess ended up seriously behind since I was keen to work on one of my existing UFO's):

 

I was the lucky recipient of some lovely hostess gifts, including handmade hearts, hangers, gift basket with chocolate (latter is essential to maintain energy while knitting). But check out this beautiful hand dyed merino yarn by Nicky, dyed with Kool Aid! This technique is on my list of things to learn to do:

 
We're thinking that maybe we need to make this a semi-annual event. Everyone liked the idea of working on the same project, one that had a good chance of being finished at the Retreat.

 

 

Comments

[Nicky]

Love the Sling Its !
A fantastic weekend ..Thank you for having us all to stay.

[Marilyn]

Loved the retreat, and the bag! It was just the right speed for me and my fingers.