Knit the Acadia Beanie • Learn Colorwork • Relax on the Coast of Maine
November 5th – 8th
Escape to Acadia, one of America’s earliest and most beautiful National Parks for a long weekend filled with knitting, nature and new friendships.
Join fellow knitters in working on a beautiful beanie designed by Nancy Bates in the area that inspired the lovely design.
Whether you’ve always wanted to master colorwork or simply spend a few peaceful days knitting with like-minded people, this intimate retreat is designed to help you slow down, learn something new, and enjoy the magic of Acadia in the off-season.
Only a small number of spots available.
Why This Retreat is Different
Imagine waking up in a quiet cottage in the woods with the sounds and smells of the ocean just outside.
No large crowds.
Personalized instruction made possible by the small, intimate group size.
Your knitting at hand, gathering with fellow knitters to spend the day learning a new skill, then taking a walk along the rocky Maine coastline, sharing laughter and building life-long memories with fellow knitters who love the craft as much as you do.
This retreat blends:
- expert instruction
- beautiful scenery
- a welcoming community
- relaxing time in nature
- a project you’ll proudly wear for years to come
Meet Your Project
Knit the Acadia Beanie
Pattern from Nancy Bates’ Knitting the National Parks
The Acadia hat design mimics the beautiful birch tree that is so common in Acadia. Using natural, neutral colors it is the perfect hat to pair with any sweater, coat or outfit.
Starting with a single color ribbed brim, the hat eases into colorwork adding in two more colors with a stranded colorwork knit following a chart.
This is a good pattern for both experienced and new colorwork knitters since it only uses three colors and is forgiving if mistakes are made when counting and knitting the chart.
Any time you wear your hat in the future, you’ll be instantly transported back to this beautiful time and experience with your fellow knitters in the very area that inspired the design in the first place.
It’s the perfect souvenir because you’ll create it while surrounded by the very landscape that inspired it.
Perfect for Beginners to Colorwork
Have You Been Nervous About Colorwork?
You’re not alone.
Many knitters put off stranded knitting because they’re worried about:
- floats
- tension
- juggling two colors in a row
- reading charts
This retreat is designed to help you step-by-step through each of these elements in a supportive environment so your first colorwork project is enjoyable instead of overwhelming.
You’ll learn:
- reading colorwork charts
- carrying floats (short sections)
- catching floats (longer sections)
- maintaining even tension
- choosing yarns (substitutions, colors)
- troubleshooting common mistakes
No prior colorwork experience required (but you are welcome to come if you do have prior experience!).
Ease Into Double Pointed Needles
DPNs (or Double Pointed Needles) can also be a source of intimidation for knitters.
Hats are a great way to ease yourself into DPNs!
You’ll receive guidance on:
- transitioning from circular needles
- avoiding ladders
- keeping stitches organized
- finishing hats confidently
Already comfortable with DPNs?
You’ll pick up tips for faster, smoother knitting.
What is Included
Your Retreat Kit Includes
✔ Acadia hat pattern
✔ Premium yarn
✔ Stitch marker
✔ Printed handouts
✔ Support throughout the weekend
Bring your favorite needles (recommended sizes and types provided for purchase if applicable)
Cozy Lodging
Stay Together in a Private Housing Complex
No hotel needed! Instead you’ll stay in cozy cottages with fellow retreat attendees just minutes from Acadia National Park.
Benefits include:
- shared knitting spaces
- relaxing evenings together
- easy transportation
- beautiful surroundings
- comfortable common areas
- private space to retreat to if/when you want to
Shared rooms create plenty of opportunities to knit, chat, and build lasting friendships.
Private rooms are available for those who want some alone time to recharge and process new information learned throughout the weekend.
Weekend Schedule
Thursday
4:30-6:30pm Arrive at Kinfolk Cottage
Settle in, get to know each other at welcome gathering
7pm Dinner Provided
Kit Distribution
Begin the Acadia Beanie + Mini Lessons
- Casting on for stretchy ribbing
- Joining in the round
Friday
Breakfast Provided
Independent knitting
Lunch Provided
Project Work Time
Optional nature walk
Dinner (on your own in town or ordered in)
Saturday
Breakfast Provided
Project Work Time + Mini Lessons
- Stranded colorwork tips and trick
Optional nature / in town exploring
- Lunch available to pack or eat onsite
Project Work Time + Mini Lessons
- Decreases and finishing off
Dinner Provided
Evening Knitting Session
Sunday
Breakfast Provided
Final farewells and group photo
10-11am Pack up and check out by 11am
Explore Acadia National Park
In addition to knitting, you’ll have time to explore the beautiful nature Maine is known for.
Enjoy free time to visit:
- Jordan Pond
- Sand Beach
- Thunder Hole
- Cadillac Mountain (sunrise reservation available!)
- Bar Harbor
- Scenic carriage roads (perfect for biking or walking)
- Local yarn and gift shops
Visiting in the off season is a great way to soak up the breathtaking coastal scenery without as many people to compete with for space (and photos!)
Plus, Cadillac Mountain does not require timed passes in November, this allows you to go see the sunrise (a little later than in the summer!) or go later in the day without restrictions.
Who This Retreat Is Perfect For
This retreat is tailormade for you if you:
✓ have always wanted to learn colorwork
✓ feel intimidated by stranded colorwork
✓ want to conquer double-pointed needles
✓ want experience reading a chart while knitting
✓ enjoy small group instruction
✓ prefer meeting people in small groups or 1:1 interactions
✓ love national parks
✓ love rocky coastlines and beaches
✓ enjoy crisp weather and walking around with a sweater on
✓ want a relaxing getaway with fellow knitters
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’ve never done colorwork. Can I come?
A: Absolutely! This is a beginner friendly setting. My patient style of teaching tailored to each participant will help you get over your fears and tackle colorwork one stitch at a time.
Also, a good portion of the hat doesn’t use colorwork, so you’ll be able to start with a single color, jump into colorwork, take a break for some solid color knitting before transitioning back to colorwork. The very top of the hat also ends with a single color.
Q: I’ve never used DPNs, will that keep me from finishing the project?
A: Don’t let that stop you! You can introduce DPNs in the crown decreases and add that to your list of knitting skills.
Don’t want to use DPNs? That’s okay, too! You can do the same thing using two circular needles just fine!
Q: Do I need to bring yarn?
A: The yarn for the Acadia beanie will be provided to you. But, if you have another project you want to work on, feel free to bring additional yarn for your down time (or plane knitting!)
Q: Can experienced knitters attend?
A: Definitely! Sometimes just being around other knitters is just the balm our soul needs. And having dedicated time to do a fun project is something knitters of any skill level can enjoy.
What should I bring?
Recommended Packing List:
- Knitting needles size
- US size 5 (3.75mm) 16 in. long circular knitting needles
- US size 7 (4.5mm) 16 in. long circular knitting needles
- OR US size 7 (4.5mm) 36-40” circulars to do the magic loop
- If you don’t want to use the magic loop method, also bring one of the following:
- US size 7 (4.5mm) double pointed needles (DPNs)
- Second US size 7 (4.5mm) circulars 16 in (or longer!)
- Favorite knitting notions
- Row counter
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Needle stoppers
- Tapestry needle
- Shoes for walking / hiking
- Comfortable clothing for relaxing and knitting
- Clothing for exploring Acadia National Park
- Layers
- Rain Jacket
- Sweater / Fleece
- Scarf / Shawl / Cowl
- Wool Socks
Additional Optional Items:
- Extra knitting projects
- Reading material
- Hiking poles
- America the Beautiful Park Pass
Meet Your Instructor
I believe in meeting people where they are.
Breaking things down into their simplest building blocks is my specialty and patiently walking you through to success.
Being comfortable with both picking (continental) and throwing (English) style knitting helps me reach a broader range of knitters and explain things and show them in a way that makes sense for your approach and style.
Helping new and nervous knitters is something I am passionate about. It is very satisfying to see tension fade and excitement grow.
Celebrating success, big or small, always makes things better. I like to say, if small things make you happy, you’ll be happy more often.
No question is too small and showing something again is never a problem.
Have a question or a mistake that needs addressing? Great! That’s why we are gathered, to learn and grow. To get back on track and to be better equipped the next time to address similar situations.
Growing up in Utah, where there are many National Parks, moving to the East Coast was an adjustment. The first time I planned a trip to Acadia I was in grad school and told one of my classmates, who was from Maine, that I was going to Acadia for a long weekend. “That’s such a long drive!” he told me and I worried I’d gotten myself into a 13 hour road trip without realizing it.
Being in the park in mid-October gave me my first love for this beautiful, breathtaking place.
Still being on the East Coast, I look for every opportunity to head north and enjoy some time in Maine.
I can’t wait to help you fall in love with this place (or give you a great excuse to come back!) and to tackle a fun knitting project with likeminded folks.
