Strikkestua – Fall 2019 Retreat

Had so much fun with the first fall “Strikkestua” retreat for Ellen Susanne Designs with members of Prairie Yarn Over Knitting Guild, followed the next day by a fall Yarn Shop Hop in central Iowa with an even larger group from the guild!

Our outings included a visit to Pacaland Alpaca Farm in Kelley, IA  and 4 yarn shops in Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Newton, Iowa. We began the weekend with a nordic-themed experience, beginning on Friday with afternoon coffee, heat-shaped waffles and mandler kake and discussion of our knitting experiences. This was followed with a presentation on historical developments of knitting in Norway and the important role knitters played in giving shape to the national identity.

Then a private tour of Pacaland Alpaca Farm, a short 10-minute drive from my studio. We all fell in love with “Ariel” who is the hospitality ambassador of the Kramer alpacas.

In the evening, we had a demo by licensed Massage Therapist, Allison of “Espiritu” where she pointed out ways we can take care of our bodies and the stressors knitting imposes. Day 2 began with a Nordic Breakfast which led to a discussion of all the white food in contrast to the rich use of color in the crafts…knitting, weaving, rosemaling…! Then off to join up with other members of the Prairie Yarn Over knitting guild as we visited yarn shops in central Iowa: Knitting Next Door in Ankeny; A Tangle of Yarn and Yarn Junction in West Des Moines; and Jan’s Yarn Barn in Newton in Iowa.

The Spring 2020 Strikkestua knitting retreat is scheduled for March with members of the Sons of Norway Knitting Group from Restoration Lodge 548.