On my flight home from New Hampshire, the nice woman seated next to me looked at what I was doing and said “That’s … knitting, right?” Shaking her head woefully, she declared, “It’s a lost art, I tell ya. I’m an art teacher.” I assured her briefly that knitting is alive and quite well, but it was a particularly funny moment for someone to say that to me, since I had just left the deep woods of Squam Lake, where I’d spent several days surrounded by knitters (and artists and writers and weavers …) at Squam Art Workshops.
I’d been seeing photos and hearing about Squam for the past few years, and longing to attend, and I can tell you the place is even more beautiful than the pictures. When Anna and I got our first glimpse of our cabin and our porch (that porch!) and our dock, we just shook our heads and laughed at how lovely.
It being late Sunday night after the long travel day home, I’m too tired to describe any of it nearly as well as I hope these photos can — but there was the scenery and the yarn bombing and the wonderful people, some of whom were carrying Fringe Supply tote bags! The first couple of days were chilly, and we started off in classes held around blazing fireplaces in the living rooms of various large cabins and lodge buildings, which was just as charming as it sounds. But by Saturday the sun had arrived, and the place was a whole ’nother kind of beautiful. Many classes, mine included, moved outdoors. And Saturday afternoon was all free time — prime dock knitting time, the one thing I wanted most.
It all culminated in the Squam Art Fair on Saturday night, which I definitely don’t have the words for. I’m so grateful to Christine and to Anna for helping me in so many ways, to Austen and Kate for bringing me cold beer from the Ravelry party as I stood boiling under those lights, to the friends who came from neighboring states to say hello, and to everyone who introduced themselves and/or shopped the table. It’s all a blur, but it was amazing.
These last two photos are my two favorite outfits/sweaters of the week. Sam Lamb, on the left, is wearing a sweater she improvised and a Wiksten tank dress. Kate Gagnon Osborn, on the right, is wearing a sweater I’ll tell you more about soon, with a perfect denim jacket and the cutest Hasbeens ever — which you can’t see in this photo, but this one is a lot funnier than the one where you can see the shoes, so you’ll have to take my word for it.
In short (much too short; leaving so much and so many people out): it was a fantastic trip, full of good friends old and new, and a reminder of just how much knitting — thankfully not a lost art — has enriched my life.
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ON A TOTALLY DIFFERENT NOTE: There were some difficulties back at Fringe Supply Co. headquarters while I was away that held up the shipping of some orders. I apologize profusely for the delay!
Oh, what fun for you!
I was riding the metro to work in Washington, D.C. a couple weeks ago, knitting a pair of socks for a friend, when the lady next to me uses the exact same line “that’s really a lost art”. I replied with “yes, some people think that.”
Ha!
Looks like a place and an experience that’s hard to leave. Are you still moving to Nashville, or has this prompted a change of plans. :-)
It was just an all too brief 24 hours for me, but well worth it! Squam is beautiful, and it was so great to meet you in person. Good luck in the weeks ahead! (I took such similar pictures. I’ll have to send you some…right down to the foot shot of my chucks!)
Great to meet you, too, MJ! Sorry I was so distracted at breakfast.
It all looks so very lovely and like you had a wonderful trip. Oh, how I wish I could’ve been there! I can totally believe that the photos don’t do the whole experience justice. We have a short heatwave over here in Europe and I, too enjoyed knitting outdoors yesterday. But feet being cooled by a lake is a big plus!
Oh I’m so jealous. It looks like the most magical place. Yes knitting is alive and well!!!
OhMyKnitting&WoodsGoddesses, what a gorgeous trip! I just want to pack up my camping and knitting gear and head for Mt. Rainier. (Except there’s still snow there… ;) Thanks for sharing!
Yay! It was lovely to meet you for a brief moment — your table was a big hit! Hope your re-entry is going well… I’d give anything to be back on that dock today….
Same to you, Michaela!
All I can say is “wow.” These pictures take me back to my childhood summers spent on that lake. I have long since relocated to the Bay Area and this is all making me homesick for the Northeast. Of course, only for the summers. :)
Now that I am a knitter, I really must check out Squam for all the craft/making activities that happen at that idyllic spot. Thanks so much for sharing and reminding me that I need to plan a Squam workshop vacation myself.
There’s always Tahoe!
I’m sure there would be lots of interest for a “Squam West.” :-)
Sam Lamb! : )
Love her.
Wow! SO Gorgeous! And fun! Someday… :)
Oh my! I’d have had real trouble tearing myself away.
Looks like a dream! I’d love to go there one day.
Karen, it was so lovely to meet you and spend some time in class under the trees. I adore my new tote (Austen says she has first dibs on “knit and let knit” as a tattoo!)
You too, Heather!
Is this a yearly thing? I’ve never heard of it. I live in Massachusetts, but also have a place in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.
Twice yearly, actually. Think it’s been around for about 6 years.
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One day, I WILL make it to Squam!! Looks like you had a wonderful time. Love your beautiful photos.
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