Everyone at the retreat was given a bear along with the yarn to knit their bear a custom sweater. There were a variety of different patterns available, to suit different knitting skills. Some knitters embarked on their first sweater ever, using simple patterns. Others chose to try lace for the first time, and knit their bear a little tank top with a co-ordinated lace shawl. Still others chose cable sweaters or fairisle sweaters.
Shortly before the end of the retreat, the bears posed for a picture. Some of the knitters who came from further away had already taken their bears and started the journey home, but just before the end of the retreat on Sunday at lunch time, the following bears remained:
And here's the bears happily posing with their knitters:
Still another bear and knitter picture, this one is of the Victoria Knitter's Guild.
I look forward to seeing some of these knitters again in June, when I plan to attend the Victoria Fibre Festival, where the Yarn Harlot will be appearing. I'm extremely excited about that upcoming event!
A big highlight of the retreat for me was finally meeting up with Peg. We've been reading each other's blogs for some time, and it was wonderful to finally see each other in person. Here we are with our bears:
Peg is a lovely woman that I look forward to seeing more of. We are already talking about a Fun Knits visit in the not too distant future.
My personal knitting goal for the retreat was to learn to knit fairisle, a goal which I'm happy to say was accomplished. And would you be surprised to learn that I chose pink and brown for my first fairisle sweater?
I didn't think so. The knitting of this sweater was completed shortly after returning home from the retreat. I still have to attempt the steeks though. That will be accomplished on a weekend when I am feeling brave. I don't have a sewing machine (and admittedly have a big fear of those contraptions). I am however very comfortable with a crochet hook, and I know I've seen instructions somewhere online for crochet steeks, so that is what I plan to try. Any tips?
If I haven't yet bored you with these Retreat Recaps, please stay tuned for the final installment, the Stash Acquisitions.
Those bears are adorable! What a great idea.
Posted by: Felicia | Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 08:02 AM
That is a great photo of us, Brenda. Thanks! I am happy to see you finished the sleeve of the little sweater. I plan to knit one for 'Fern' when I get the chance to go over my stash. There must be something there I can use.
I don't think I will ever tire of talking and remembering the retreat. It was fabulous to meet you and now I have a friend to go to Fun Knits with and I would even like to take Charlotte over with us, if she is available.
Have a great day and I await your 'steeking' experience!
Posted by: Peg | Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Your bear sweater is so pretty in its pink and brown. Great job!
Posted by: Vera | Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Oh, never bored...absolutely looks like a great time and the bears...well, that is just a great idea! From meeting people to trying a new skill- certainly seems to be a perfect retreat! I've enjoyed your pictures!
Posted by: PJ | Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 05:57 PM
The retreat looks like it was fun.
Your bear sweater is too cute. The best directions for crochet steeks I've seen are by Lisa Young of blogdogblog.
http://www.exit109.com/~lsyoung/knitting/Crochet_Steeks/crochet_steeks.html
Posted by: Paula | Friday, March 30, 2007 at 06:59 AM
Awww...cute bear and I love the colors in the sweater. I'm a pink and brown freak too - heh!
Posted by: Bliss | Friday, March 30, 2007 at 08:19 PM