Embracing the Craft: The Joy of Knitting Retreats, Fibre Festivals, and Tours

A sheep against the backdrop of mountains. Scenery you might get to see on a knitting tour!

It’s at this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, as I look out the window and see the rain pouring down, we start to dream of holidays. What better way to holiday than to combine it with your hobby? This post talks about the appeal of fibre-based holidays and other activities, as well as highlighting a small selection of upcoming events for 2024 that you might want to sign yourself up for! 

In our fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquillity and connection is becoming increasingly important. For us knitting and crochet enthusiasts, the perfect escape comes in the form of retreats, fibre festivals, and tours. These gatherings offer a unique blend of creativity, camaraderie, and relaxation that can rejuvenate us. I have to confess that to date, I have only had the opportunity (and finances) to attend fibre festivals, but I’m writing about all things fibre events anyway, because I love to crochet, knit and travel, and I hope to be able to combine them more in the future. This post explains why. 

image courtesy of Canva

Retreats

Knitting and crochet retreats allow makers to immerse themselves in their craft while surrounded by like-minded individuals. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, participants can focus on honing their skills, learning new techniques, and exploring the limitless possibilities within the world of fibre art. The retreat locations often serve as a source of inspiration. Personally, I would love to attend the annual knitting retreat on Pender Island, BC. I love the Gulf Islands; it’s one of my favourite things about living in British Columbia; the thought of attending a knitting retreat in that environment sounds too good to be true! 

Upcoming retreats (still available at time of publishing)

Big Sky Country Retreats, Montana, USA - https://thefarmersdaughterfibers.com/pages/bigksyretreat

Poets Cove Retreat, BC, Canada -https://www.knitsocial.ca/upcoming-retreats/event-two-hgrtl

Rowan Connect Weekend (virtual) - https://knitrowan.com/rowan-connect-events

Image courtesy of Canva.

Fibre Festivals

Fibre festivals are celebrations of all things yarn and fibre. These events bring together fibre artists, independent yarn dyers, and enthusiasts to connect with the huge variety of colours, textures, and fibres of yarn available. From hand-dyed yarns to unique knitting accessories, fibre festivals offer a treasure trove of materials to spark creativity. Often, attendees can shop for exclusive items, attend workshops, and connect with the passionate community that surrounds this ancient craft.

Upcoming fibre festivals (still available at time of publishing)

Knit City (various cities across Canada) - https://www.knitsocial.ca/event-info-1

Flock Fiber Festival, Seattle, USA- https://flockfiberfestival.com/ 

Summer Wool Festival, Ampthill, UK - https://summerwoolfestival.co.uk/

Tours

For those with a sense of adventure, knitting tours present an exciting opportunity to explore different cultures while indulging in the joy of knitting and crochet. Imagine knitting against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes or in the heart of charming villages and all the quirky, independent yarn stores you may get to visit! Knitting tours seamlessly blend travel and creativity, creating memories that last a lifetime.  As a traveller myself, a knitting or crochet tour sounds like a dream activity. 

Upcoming tours (still available at the time of publishing)

Rowan Tree Travel (multiple, international) - https://www.rowantreetravel.net/our-tours 

Roadtrip with Sisterhood Fibres, Newfoundland, Canada https://www.sisterhoodfibres.com/events-1/wool-whales-icebergs 

Pro tip: I highly recommend visiting the Knitter’s Review website, where all retreats, tours, and festivals around the world have been compiled. It’s an excellent source of information https://www.knittersreview.com/upcoming_events/ 

Conclusion

All the above are great places to start if you’re a solo traveller.  I attended Knit City Vancouver on my own, including going to the Grocery Girl’s workshop and knew I’d be ok because I would be surrounded by people I shared something in common with - a passion for all things fibre and making! If you want to attend events or travel more but feel unsure about doing it alone, consider tying in travel with your hobby. 

So, why should you embark on a knitting retreat, attend a fibre festival, or join a knitting tour? The benefits extend far beyond the finished scarf or sweater. These experiences provide a chance to escape the routine, forge lasting friendships with fellow crafters, and tap into a wellspring of inspiration. 

If you do go on any crafting trips, check out my collection of patterns, designed to be taken and made while on the go!