Inspiration
Heading to Sewanee
Dear everybody with summer dreams,
Just a note to say hi and we’re off to Sewanee today for the Knitting Getaway at Shakerag Workshops. I’ve got all the off-to-camp feels that I used to have when I was growing up—practically sewing name labels into my socks! What is it about spending time in close proximity, in basic surroundings, in nature, that is so very compelling?
We have a mix of folks coming from 34 states and Canada, some veterans, many new ones. It’s going to be fun, with Gale Zucker, Mary Lou Egan, Julie Robinson, and Carson Demers teaching short classes.
If you’re hanging out at home rather than the wilds of rural Tennessee, you can still spend time with these folks. Their posts for MDK make for the best kind of armchair travel. (You’ll find their posts at the bottom of each contributor’s page.)
Gale’s Knitter’s Weekend series shows us a photographer’s eye as she travels the world.
Carson Demers: Knitting Comfortably is a superb series of posts about avoiding knitting aches.
Mary Lou Egan’s endless curiosity is on display in her posts about travel, weaving, and knitting traditions.
And if you’re in the mood for eye candy, knitwear designer and teacher Julie Robinson’s designs are modern, cool, and delightful.
Even as I’m planning my Knitting Getaway knitting strategy (urgent work, obviously), we are cooking up a bunch of virtual events and events at MDK World HQ for the coming months. It has been really heartening to have such a good response to our virtual events, so we’re scheming up some real doozies for you.
Everybody in the MDK Society has been saving 10% on these classes, and we see a huge number of members who are taking advantage of that members’ special coupon code. (Never too late to join for this year, of course.)
Meanwhile . . .
About halfway through Natalie Chanin’s embroidery class last Wednesday, I started working on a new project, yet another in my set of swing skirts using Natalie’s elegant, simple stitches.
I realized that I was doing that thing that happens when summer arrives and the child in me wakes up: a new thing! I’ve got a new thing to do.
As the days stretch out, it’s so tantalizing, that wide-open horizon of a new season. What’s your new summer thing?
Love,
Ann
Leaving today for 2 day travel to Sewanee. Can’t wait!
I’m kicking off my summer knitting with you, Ann. I’m leaving for the airport in 45 minutes with lots of fun stuff to play with.
I’ll be on the road to Sewanee tomorrow morning. See you soon!
I’m so excited to be joining you at Sewanee!! Can’t wait!
It will be my first time going to Shakerag **squee **. I am sooooo looking forward to going! Meeting new friends, hanging out and talking about row counts and bind offs- in nature, I can’t wait!
We’re hitting the road in the morning…..see you soon!!
I’m packing, too. See you in Sewanee!
A fun time will be had by all (even those of us who will hear about it afterward)!
Safe travels and send our hugs to Claire—I’ll miss the poems.
I love the idea of “the child in me wakes up”. I remember well the feeling of getting out of school on the last day before summer vacation. I think I can channel that again now and live each day of summer as if it is an endless stretch of days to fill with whatever brings me joy.
I was not a lottery winner this year. To everyone attending enjoy every moment. It is a great way to meet new knitting friends, learn new techniques, and enjoy summer in Sewanee….and you will never be hungry or thirsty.
Hope everyone has a fabulous time at ShakeRag! Wish I could join you.
My summer projects are the Brioche Pastiche hat (there have been numerous re-starts), and the ShakeRag top.
Enjoy!
First time lottery winners, heading from Atlanta tomorrow and looking forward to meeting all of you and a special time with other knitters!
Can’t wait, will be there tomorrow!
At the airport, with way too much stuff. Kelly snd Jeanette are waiting for me in Nashville. (I hope )
See you tomorrow!!
This is the first trip to Sewanee I’m sitting out. I hope all the newcomers experience the instant camaraderie and sheer joy of sharing their passion with so many people that I did. There’s also the beautiful setting, great food and inspiring teachers. Enjoy!
I’m finishing up packing (when not online reading knitting blogs) to head out later for the drive to Sewanee. Can.not.wait! My summer stretch is an embroidery kit I bought after visiting the Bayeux tapestry a couple weeks ago. I’m good at starting things like this but this one I mean to finish. (Maybe I should pack that, too?)
Loved Shakerag last year. Sorry I missed the lottery this year, but compensating by spending the time in nature at a State Park in our local mountains with our Casita trailer and a nice group of friends. Will think of you all and the beautiful Sewanee campus with its gorgeous trees as I sit under the California pines and oaks and knit. Enjoy!
I planned my knitting yesterday AND wound my yarn. So organized…. See so many of your tomorrow! Safe travels.
On my way to Sewanee for the first time – actually I’ve been on the way since Friday, when we left to visit our daughter and son-in-law in Montgomery (on the way, or at least, too close not to kill two (or three) birds with one trip). I’m nervous and excited. And seeing Ann’s skirt, I’m wishing I’d brought my A-line dress to wear among people who might properly appreciate it.
My girlfriend and I will be ‘first timers’ and Shakerag. WE CANNOT WAIT!!! So, I’ll be seeing you soon!
Custom Leather Sandal Making at the North House Folk School. I’ve been wanting to go up there (Grand Marais, MN) for a long time, and now that I’m retired I can!