I have a confession.  I helped organize this event, but I don’t knit (yet). I made an attempt to learn last Spring, but gave up when I tried to cast-on 7,352 times and failed (miserably).  My “Granny Barb” sat patiently next to me, guiding me through the process, offering encouragement as I started and stopped, over and over.  I watched YouTube videos.  I followed experts and influencers.  It wasn’t my time, I suppose.  I keep the yarn and wooden needles in plain sight hoping that I’ll be inspired to give it another try; I just think it’s too soon.  At least I thought it was…

Carole – the owner of Nautical Yarn – recently called me to discuss this year’s Knitter’s Weekend.  I saw the finished project and knew right away that I need to dust off the needles and dive back in (with more patience and grace than the last attempt) because THIS is worth it! 

As we discussed the pattern she created, Carole shared that her love for the water and the fact that we live and work so close to Lake Michigan is where she drew her inspiration.  “I wanted to do something that really highlights the colors of the water during all the seasons here in Ludington, and add textures and stitches that kind of mimic the waves and movement we see along the beach and shoreline.”

I ask if there’s something she wants people to know about this class and project. “People see this and think it’s really complicated – that they’ll never be able to complete a project like this pattern.  It’s just not true.  The way we developed the pattern was really intentional – it’s blocks that you can easily create and then put together.  And it looks like there’s a lot of different stitches, but there are only three – and we show you how to master each one!”

If this looks like an original piece that you’d like hanging in your closet, consider joining us April 5, 6 and 7, 2019 here in Ludington for the 2^nd Annual Knitter’s Weekend with Nautical Yarn.  It’s a relaxing weekend that combines knitting, great food, cozy accommodations and a fun time with friends!

Event Schedule

Friday Evening, April 5

Meet and greet while enjoying a light dinner in the Nautical Yarn Studio.  Discover the yarn used in the pattern, the pattern design and the contents of the kit.  Cast on and begin your Lake Michigan Waves Shawl!

Saturday, April 6

Enjoy a delicious start to your day with a two-course breakfast here at The Lamplighter, then head to Nautical Yarn’s studio for the start of day 2, kicking off at 9AM.  Spend the morning learning the eyelet stitches used in the shawl pattern, as well as a variety of methods to transition colors while working on your project.

After lunch, learn the ‘waves’ lace stitches and practice a set or two.  Then it’s time for a break!  Explore Ludington and enjoy dinner on your own.  Saturday evening, knit and enjoy new-found friends at a knitting reception at The Ludington House Bed & Breakfast, complete with wine and desserts, gifts and other door prizes too!

Sunday, April 7

Sunday morning, learn the third lace pattern – the beautiful ‘White Caps’ border.  Spend time working on your project and participate in a Q&A session before wrapping up the event at Noon.

Join Us for Knitter’s Weekend!

The cost to participate in the weekend is $125, plus a two-night stay at The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast, which is giving all class participants 15% off your entire stay for the weekend!  To reserve your space in the class, call us at 231-843-9792 to register for the event, or book online and select the “Knitters Weekend” upgrade during the booking process. 

All classes will be held at Nautical Yarn’s studio, located at 108 South Rath Avenue in downtown Ludington.  The Lamplighter B&B is a short, one-minute drive or 9-minute walk, to the studio!

You may bring yarn from your stash, or purchase the Lake Michigan Waves Shawl Kit from Nautical Yarn for $115 (more than a 10% discount).  For a detailed list of supplies needed, please click here to visit Nautical Yarn’s page about the event.