Something wonderful happens in Tacoma, Washington next week. The Madrona Winter Retreat is Thursday through Sunday, February 12 through the 14th.
The Madrona Retreat happens every year at the Murano Hotel. The hotel is a jewel in downtown Tacoma. It is filled with art, largely art glass, and is less than a mile from the Museum of Glass. During Madrona the hotel is also filled, filled I tell you, with knitters, spinners, and every other kind of fiber enthusiast.
Every year Madrona Fiber Arts brings in a host of fiber stars. This year Judith MacKenzie, a nationally known teacher, master weaver, spinner, dyer and fiber artist, will be giving the keynote talk at the banquet. Lucy Neatby is returning and Amy Herzog is coming for the first time. There will also be a lot of fun with Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (The Yarn Harlot) and Franklin Habit. I am excited to spend a day with Galina Khmeleva learning more about Orenburg lace knitting.
I’ve only mentioned a few of the fiber stars who will be there. You can find more information here.
Entrance to Madrona, the demonstrations and clinics in the Rotunda and the market are all FREE, only the classes and meals cost anything. One of the best experiences in the rotunda will occur all day on Saturday when Carol Milne, the lone pioneer in the field of knitted glass, will be there with a display. (A display of knitted glass at the Madrona Retreat in the Murano Hotel is so perfect!)
There is also a market with local and national vendors. There is no entry fee. Many of your favorite vendors and many new ones will be there this year. It’s open in the Pavilion at the Hotel Murano daily during the retreat from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm and closing earlier on Sunday at 2:00 pm. These are pictures from last year’s market.
And, just in case you thought there was only yarn at the market, there were also these gorgeous spinning wheels from Clemes and Clemes in Pinole, California. (Only yarn?!?)
Speaking of your favorite vendors, Jorstad Creek Yarns will have a booth where BK Collective patterns will be featured.
In preparation for the Retreat, BK Collective has published a new pattern.
The Corky Avenue Tweed Cowl and Mitts pattern is available for free on Ravelry through Saturday, February 7. There will also be a limited supply of this pattern for free with a purchase of the Tweed DK yarn to make the cuffs and mitts.
A second new pattern will be a surprise during the Retreat, in the Jorstad Creek booth, of course.
Hope to see you at the Madrona Winter Retreat which will be full of knitting adventures.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jann
KnitKnot Adventures 