Behind the scenes at Spin Off, not only is there the usual excitement around upcoming magazines, but we have two fab retreats in the works: SOAR and Weave Together with Handwoven. SOAR (Spin Off Autumn Retreat) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, while Weave Together launches into the world as a first timer. SOAR has evolved over the decades, but it is—heart and soul—a retreat. It’s a time to be surrounded by people who do what you do and understand why. At this new loom-centric event, I’m excited that weavers will be able to step into the fiber bubble, too.
I filmed a short video earlier this year about weaving bands with a rigid heddle—a low-tool technique I adore. I’m thrilled to be teaching this as a one-day workshop at Weave Together this year—it’s going to be great! I’ve attended and taught at all sorts of wonderful fiber conferences, retreats, and festivals around the United States, so let me give you my top three favorite things about this kind of retreat-style event.
It’s easy to fully immerse yourself in your craft when your typical errands and chores aren’t calling your name! Photo by Matt Graves
1. The Care and Feeding of Makers
For many of us, retreating, stepping away from our daily demands, means not having to make time for meal plans, laundry, news, and the to-do list that stands between us and our wheels and looms. At a retreat such as SOAR and Weave Together, students (and teachers!) can be fully immersed in our creative bubble and simply walk down the hallway to a meal that is waiting or to your hotel room at the end of the day. It’s not only rejuvenating to spend time with your head in the fibery clouds, it allows you to fully focus on what you are learning.
Bring your equipment and settle in for a day of hands-on learning. Photo by Matt Graves
2. Settle In
Once you arrive, you can settle in. Because everyone at the retreat is there for the stay, it’s different than events where a steady stream of folks are arriving and departing on separate schedules. Especially for weaving events, equipment can be challenging. The classrooms at Weave Together are all on the ground floor, so moving looms is easy. (And loom rental is available, making these classes more accessible.)
It’s always such a treat for students and teachers to mingle during social hour. From left: John Mullarkey, Katrina King, Devin Helmen, and Deb Robson at SOAR 2021. Photo by Matt Graves
3. Find Your Folks
Retreats bring our community together for a time, and you can meet and greet in a safe space. Despite being an introvert, I love to sit with a different group of makers at each meal during a retreat. You get to hear about what different classes are doing, where your fellow makers are from, and what other events they are headed to next. Even when I go to a retreat event alone, I leave having new friends from far-flung places.
Weave Together with Handwoven
February 25–29, 2024
Embassy Suites
Loveland, Colorado
Check out the great classes from John Mullarkey, Sarah Neubert, Sara Goldenberg White, and more at handwovenretreat.com.
Kate Larson, editor of Spin Off, teaches handspinning around the country and spends as many hours as life allows in the barn with her beloved flock of Border Leicesters.