Episode 78 Retreat Tips

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These wonderful businesses are sponsors of our retreat and this episode: Quince & Co, Ewe-nique Yarns, Peddler’s Way Quilt Co, TheFiber Universe, The Blend, and Knit4Together…and of course, my Longaberger Home business.  Their sponsorship helped keep the cost of the retreat down so we hope you will support them as best you can.

The folks at Quince & Co believe that businesses can be good citizens—should be good citizens—without making too much a fuss about it. So, they have created a line of thoughtfully conceived yarns spun from American wool or sourced from overseas suppliers who grow plants, raise animals, or manufacture a yarn in as earth- and labor-friendly a way as possible. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.

Ewe-nique Yarns is a full-service yarn shop located at The Field Shopping Center in Morton IL.  Among the items they carry are a full line of Addi needles, Chiagoo, and Knit Picks.  They also stock Malabrigo, Madelinetosh, Frog Tree, Elsabeth Lavold, Debbie Bliss, Claudia Handpainted, Louisa Harding, Rowan, Sublime and dozens more. Debbie and Jenny are happy to ship to Pipeliners. 

Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is  located just about a mile from our retreat location just off the historic Washington Square.  Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is practically at the back door of those of you staying at The Cornerstone Inn Bed and Breakfast.  On the second floor of this 6,000 sq ft store is a fiber corner with an array of fine quality yarns, books, and needles.  http://www.peddlersway.com 

The Fiber Universe in Peoria IL  provides quality products, service and instruction for fiber enthusiasts. They stock yarn from Cascade, Plymouth, Skacel, Three Irish Girls, Kauni, Jojoland, Claudia Handpaints, and more.  Fibers for spinning and felting are available from local farms.  The Fiber Universe accepts orders over the phone and offers free shipping on orders over $50.  Check out their website, www.thefiberuniverse.com or give them a call today at 309.673.5659.

The Blend is an independent specialty coffee shop in Washington IL  The Blend has espresso drinks, teas, and freshly roasted beans. New Flash! Recipient of the 2012 Outstanding Business Award from the Washington Chamber of Commerce!

New knitters at The Blend

The  Blend Hours: Monday-Friday (6am-10pm) Saturday (7am-10pm) Sunday (7am-4pm)  The Blend will be set up at our retreat so you can purchase GOOD coffee while you knit.  

Knit 4 Together Yarn Co is a full service knitting and fiber shop in Dunlap IL just north of Peoria IL.  Owned and operated by 5 friends, Knit 4 Together is a cosy shop crammed with fiber, books, and accessories. 209 N 2nd St, Dunlap, IL 61525 309-243-9499. Hours: T-SAT 10-4 TH 10-8

I enjoy your feedback, comments on the blog, and questions.  Feel free to write to me at Paulaef@aol.com or on Ravelry as PrairiePiper.

I would like to thank the wonderful knitters who tested my first shawl design, Piper’s Journey. It was released last week and thanks to all of you it has gotten a lot of attention. The Knit Along is piping right along too. A big round of applause for test knitters Molly, Amy, Bronwyn, Charr, Judy, Louise, Meghan, Nancy, Sarah, Deb, Mimi, and tomatkatgreen.

Our retreat!  We still are still accepting reservations...

March 2-3, 2012

(Friday night and all day Saturday)

Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571

Needle Notes

Charr: 

Honey Cowl

Norby by Gudrun Johnston

Bronwyn

Piper’s Journey by Paula Emons-Fuessle

A Very Good Cowl Indeed by Liz Abinante

Flurries Cowl

Cozy Worm Child’s Cowl

LTK Braided Cap by Theresa Belville

Paula

Started Mystery Mitten KAL with Laura Linneman 

General Retreat Tips

Things to bring:

• Social knitting.  Easy, autopilot.
• More than one project, possibly another weight and needle size.
• Waste yarn and needles in case you want to learn a new technique.
• Business cards.  Vistaprint has low cost/free.
• Camera
• Knitting Notions
Wear:
• Your handknits!
• Bring layers of clothing as facilities tend to run hot/cold and you may too.
• Be comfortable.

For those coming to our retreat please bring a mug for tea or hot drinks so we can save on paper goods.

We talk about eating and shopping in our town of Washington.

Maria's  for those with special diets or if you just like good food.

Basta O'Neills for wonderful Italian and Irish fare

Gracie's Chicago Style Grille next to The Sleep Inn

Michael's Italian Feast.  Famous for their bread. Not much atmosphere here though. Most of the locals carry out.  Just so you know.

Cummin's for cafe style food, jello salad, cottage cheese and PIE!  Their breakfast special is super and is only a bit over $4.  Did you really expect a web site?

We forgot to mention The C-Note Pub which is located in the same building as The Cornerstone Inn.  They have wonderful sandwiches and THE BEST sweet potato fries.  The Denhardt Baking Company is our usual place to go for breakfast after church.  They cannot easily handle large groups though.

High Note/Low Note

Bronwyn’s high is Grady’s imagination.  Low (very) is bending back a fingernail.  Ouch!

Paula’s high is a new apple called Autumn Glory.  It is has a unique taste. Low Note: mealy and mushy apples.

Charr’s highs.  Seeing a bright red male cardinal outside of Paula’s window and Red Velvet Cake Doughnuts from Ron’s Bakery.