About this time of year, when it’s too hot to think about much beyond the next glass of iced tea, my thoughts turn to cooler weather. What’s my must-have knit for fall? Are there any skills I want to add to my spinner’s toolbox? And, of course, what are the must-attend festivals and retreats that I want to add to my calendar?
The Spin Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR) has been at the top of that list for a long time, and since joining the Spin Off team a few years ago, I’ve been able to see what all the buzz is about. SOAR is truly a spinner’s paradise—a week of focused and rejuvenating companionship with other spinners in a beautiful setting. At SOAR, you’ll step away from the world for nearly a week to foster creativity and connect with spinning friends.
Pamela braking flax in Tom Knisely’s 2024 Flax to Fabric class—just one of the avaiable offerings for SOAR 2026. Photo by Tiffany Warble
This year, SOAR returns to the Heritage Hills Resort in York, Pennsylvania from October 11–16, 2026. In this central location, you’ll have just a short walk between your hotel room, classes, and meals. Where else can you say hello to the sheep in the parking lot on your way to dinner, then have dessert with Maggie Casey? Many SOAR attendees note that the after-class interaction with other spinners and instructors is where they really get to know other members of the spinning community and make lifelong friends, whether it’s their first year at SOAR or their fortieth.
If all this sounds like a something you want to be a part of, you’re in luck—a few spots just opened up thanks to hotel room availability, and we can add students into some of our most popular classes. Head on over to the SOAR website to register today—you won’t want to miss out on this incredible experience!
The Ultimate Spinning Retreat
If you’ve never been to a SOAR event before, here’s what it’s like in a nutshell:
- A retreat-style event where you can expand your skills and deepen your passion for spinning.
- A five-day reprieve from everyday life to spend with like-minded fiber lovers.
- A place to learn from some of the most outstanding spinning teachers and fiber artists in the world.
- A time to connect with fiber friends.
- All this and more in a comfortable, accessible location.
Expand your skills and learn from some of the world’s most outstanding spinning teachers and fiber artists. Join us in 2026 and deepen your passion for fiber alongside a warm, spirited community of fellow fiber enthusiasts! Don’t delay—just a few spots remain, so you’ll want to make sure to register soon. We can’t wait to see you at SOAR!