We’re excited to now offer two Farm & Fiber Knits Retreats on different coasts—spring in Vermont and fall in Washington State. Each event has its own local texture and focus that celebrates the community of farms and mills we visit. While the experiences are unique, both retreats share some of the things we love most about bringing knitters together:
- We visit farms and see fiber where it begins, meeting sheep, alpacas, and more.
- We tour mills and learn how fleece is transformed into yarn.
- We spend time with the farmers, woolen mill folks, and makers who bring our fibers to life.
- And, of course, we knit!
This September, we’ll visit Lisa Mitchell and her husband, Greg, who operate a guanaco farm on Whidbey Island, Washington; courtesy of Lisa Mitchell
One of the most memorable parts of the retreat is following the fiber through its journey from farm to finished skein. We’ll visit a local farm, meet the animals, and learn about the fiber they produce. Then, we’ll load the fiber onto the bus as we head to the mill, where we will discuss how it will be processed. Later, you’ll receive a souvenir skein of yarn—a tangible reminder of the farms, people, and experiences you encountered along the way.
Loading the bus with our sheared and skirted fleece from Sunny Fields Farm in New Hampshire during our spring 2026 retreat. Off we go to the mill! Photo by Sean Henkel
This September on the West Coast, we’ll visit Skagit Woolen Works, a zero-waste fiber mill in Washington, along with local farms raising rare fiber animals like guanacos, pygora goats, suri alpacas, and yaks. The East Coast retreat takes place in Vermont and New Hampshire next April, 2027, with visits to several farms and mills that carry on the tradition of New England’s rich textile past.
Harrisville Designs historic fiber mill in Harrisville, New Hampshire; photo by Sean Henkel
This year’s Washington retreat is sold out, but registration for our next Vermont retreat opens August 19. Choose from two spring sessions, each featuring a different guest instructor:
Session 1: April 11–15, 2027
We’re delighted to welcome Norah Gaughan as guest instructor.
Session 2: April 18–22, 2027
We’re thrilled to have Samantha Guerin join us as our guest instructor.
Whichever coast you choose, you’ll come away with new skills, a deeper understanding of your fiber, and a closer connection to the animals, people, and places behind your yarn.
Visit retreat.farmfiberknits.com to learn more and to register for the spring event. We hope to see you there!