October and knitting seem made for each other. The first reach for a warm sweater, hat or scarf tends to happen at the same time the leaves change color and sunsets come earlier. Maybe that’s one reason the Creative Knitting Retreat with Mary Germain and the companion Open Knit Studio take place in October…it’s a perfect fit (and you can wear your handknits as you create more)!
The garments and accessories worn in class set the tone for the week, along with the projects students plan to work on. The range of expertise Mary Germain brings, and has at the ready to assist with each knitted piece, takes everything to the next level. How wonderful to have Mary as a knitting” “engineer” at their sides!
Former Creative Knitting Retreat students and other beyond-beginning knitters choose to attend the Open Knit Studio. It’s a time to share ideas, enjoy the company of fellow knitters, set your own schedule for studio and Island-time and, of course, knit!
For the past several years, one night during the week has been set aside for a fashion show. Sweaters, hats, blankets, shawls, mittens, socks, knitted friends and even a knitted wire tiara have all been represented. This year featured some “first-knitting” projects (you’d never know by looking at them!) and one handwoven piece. Using yarns from the swap/giveaway table at the end of class last year, Connie Westbrook wove yardage in the SAORI method. Fun for the knitters to see their “leftovers” repurposed!
More of the knitters’ fashions can be seen in one of our recent Facebook posts.
Knitting and visiting aside, the northern lights were visible several nights. Oh, that I were out and about with a camera then! Seeing them was a first for some, and aurora apps helped predict the chances each day. The lyrics to what many feel is an Island anthem, “Northern Lights” by Julian Hagen, seem especially appropriate for this past week and these groups of knitters:
“Laughing and dancing yet tears in my eyes
I’ve watched the northern lights dance in the sky
To a simple freedom song.
Twisting and turning yet calm all around
They’ve made my feet never touch on the ground
Yes, they’ve made me dance along.
Because I’ll never have this time to live again
So why not live it up while I can
For there’s less time than before and I don’t know how much more
But I’ll know I’ll never have this time again.
Fresh smell of woodsmoke invading my mind
Makes me remember all the good times
That I’ve spent here with my friends.
Talking and dreaming of what we could be
If we could just find out life’s simple key
To make it never end.
Because we’ll never have this time to live again
So why not live it up while we can
For there’s less time than before and we don’t know how much more
But we know we’ll never have this time again.”
To hear a recording, follow this link to youtube.com.
This week of knitting traditionally culminates in Saturday’s Fall Fun Fest/Cider Pressing Party at the Farm Museum which includes an art and craft fair with Island artisans and makers, and food, the highlight being fresh caramel apples. Everyone knows to save room for supper, since the same night is Trinity Lutheran Church’s Harvest Dinner, a turkey dinner with all the fixings, homemade by Island cooks and bakers.
Just when we think the fall colors can’t get any better, they do! Any and all views across Washington Island continue to be a gift.
I so loved my week with you in August! But the end of season events sound SO appealing, I’m wondering about an October visit next year. I’ll be watching for your 2025 schedule!
Ciao! from Italy
Hi Robin, our long distance Sievers student of 2024! It would be wonderful to have you in class again next year…we hope it works out! Watch the blog for our 2025 classes around mid-January for a sneak peek at dates and titles.
Carolyn
I have loved coming up to Sievers for years, especially at this time in the fall. I would suggest that next year, you include a “Weavers Free Week” like this one for knitters. So many of us would love having that uninterrupted time to devote to a weaving project amidst those magical autumn skies.
Thanks, Carla. We have talked about an Open Weaving studio, just need to work out details. We’d love to see you again!
Carolyn
Absolutely beautiful items were made! I love to see the finished pieces!
Hi Janet,
You are so right! The quality of the knit garments and accessories is above and beyond!
Carolyn
I loved hearing Julian sing “Northern Lights” at our jewelry bootcamp class in September!
Hi Mary,
That really added to the class experience! You were lucky to have had an in-person concert!
Carolyn