Gone Stitchin'...okay actually I did....a long time ago...

Every September (well at least the last seven for me) there is this knitting retreat known as Gone Stitchin'. It rocks. There are great teachers, a wonderful location (once you get used to the trains) and just a wee bit of hijinks that go on...and on. The retreat is held at Bayview Wildwood Resort just North of Orillia and is put on by Julie, Karen and Bev. They do a fantastic job and the weekend is intense, fun and exhausting.

This year the teachers included Barry Klein of Trendsetter Yarns, Bev Galaskas of Fiber Trends and Maureen Mason-Jamieson of Kinver Beach Knit Designs. I have had classes during past retreats with both Bev and Maureen who teach fabulous techniques and ideas. I have never had a class with Barry, and although I did sign up for his classes I still haven't had a class with him. I wasn't sure I could go this year because I have really not been well but I so had to be there so the compromise was to be there although I did not attend classes (with some medical intervention I did go to the retailers fashion show and the student fashion show...oh and the market table.. baby did I go to the market table).

This is one of the finished objects I showed at the student fashion show. I am particularly proud of this because during my summer of illness when mental concentration was a concept that did not exist, I worked on a bunch of my UFO's; knitting and sewing. I cannot claim the sewing victory however...my best bud Carole, on one of her many trips to the farm this summer, took pity on my messed up state and sewed the stripes for me. She did such a fantastic job. Thanks Carole! Now Carole finishing this sweater set me up for some ribbing because I have a bit of a reputation at the retreat for not sewing up my own sweaters (Nancy Wiseman, yes the Nancy Wiseman, sewed up a sweater for me and Margaret Della Rosa sewed up a couple) - can I help it if I am good at getting recruits to do what I totally hate?

Anyway, the sweater is Oliver and it is knit with freedom DK cotton by Twilleys of Stamford. The stuff was a dream to knit with. I normally hate to knit with cotton; I find it hard on my hands and lacking alot of give. This cotton is addictive; soft and supple.

My model isn't too bad either! Ed went with me and we arrived at the resort on the Monday with Carole - the extra three days are fantastic. We knit without interruption (i.e., no making of beds, housework, meal prep, meal clean up) and I can honestly say that we got lots done - well Carole and I did; Ed went golfing, had a couple of massages, a manicure and pedicure. He totally deserved the vacation; he has and continues to do such a fantastic job of taking care of me (in addition to all of his other responsibilities). Ed has a great time at the retreat; he loves being surrounded by all that estrogen - he modelled several sweaters and one jacket (scroll down 5 photos - this is the real Ed!).

I can honestly say the best part of the weekend (aside from the knitting classes and the market table - the market table ROCKED this year; I spent the money to prove it) are the knitters. This is my seventh year and it is fabulous to see people I really only get to see at the weekend.

I met Carole at this weekend. Dawn aka Heather aka Sybil roomed with Carole; Dawn is pretty hilarious and has this thing for PINK. Maureen and Dalia (Fred and Ethel to those of us at the retreat), Joan and Joan, Manon, Loretta, Monica, Gloria, Connie, Patrick, Lynn, Alexis and so many others (if I didn't mention you specifically I apologize...I see faces and I forget names and I think I just blew the last brain cell I have on that list). We laugh and laugh and laugh. It is such a great time. Next year they are having Barry Klein again and Sally Melville. It is gonna be good.

I do have more FO's which I hope to post soon (sorry that it is so long between my posts; I am really trying to get back in the swing of things - just lots of fatigue and other lovely symptoms) and I may have to display my haul from the market table - NOW that was fun!