A few months ago (before the madness of the move) I got an email from Marlee Grace of Have Company and Courtney Webb of Hey Rooster. They were planning a little retreat for owners of tiny retail businesses, called Shop:Keep, and somehow they had thought to invite me. Being absolutely desperate for people to talk to about how to do this thing I find myself doing, I jumped at the chance, and that’s where I am right now. (That photo up there is the garden behind the house we’re using for the event.) We started out yesterday morning with a loose agenda that included long, leisurely afternoon breaks, during which I was planning to blog. But it turns out all six of us have been absolutely desperate for this conversation and we utterly failed to take a break. We talked and talked and talked until past midnight, and we’re about to start up again. I want to take full advantage of this while I’m here, which I hope you’ll all understand, so the big knitalong post I’ve been promising is going to have to wait a little bit. And this may or may not be the only post here for a couple of days. But I wanted to give you a little bit of a quick heads-up about what’s up with the knitalong:
There are a lot of really knowledgeable people planning to join this knitalong, so I’m putting together a panel of featured knitters, who I can poll or interview about various topics along the way. The thing about knitting a sweater — at least (or especially) one as basic as this one — is that you can totally knit it as written, but there also are numerous opportunities to choose your own path. Some people will knit it in pieces, as written; others will merge the three body pieces into one, or knit the sleeves in the round instead of flat, etc. At least one of our panelists will be knitting it entirely seamlessly, while another will be making the case for the structural value of the seams. So it will be a chance to see one sweater knitted by lots of different people with different approaches and perspectives, and learn some techniques from some actual experts. I’m super excited about this, and think it’s worth it taking a little longer to get it rolling in order to make it this really amazing experience for everyone. Plus some of the people whose yarn I’m recommending have offered to give you guys a discount of some sort. In other words, it’s a lot of ducks I’m lining up right now, so I hope you’ll bear with me while I put it all together. Like I said, it will be worth it!
Got my yarn for Amanda. When are we starting? What kind of a swatch should I do?
I can hardly wait for the knitalong!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This knitalong just keeps getting better and better Karen! Thank you so much for putting so much into it, even with your busy schedule. I hope the retreat is super beneficial and I will be on the edge of seat waiting to hear more about the knitalong.
I can’t wait. It sounds like such a fantastic opportunity for learning, and growing, and sharing. Enjoy your time away!
I don’t know if I’ll be able to join the knitalong, but it sounds great. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
I can’t wait for this knitalong!!!!
I never planned on knitting a fisherman jacket again after many, many years, but just recently I discovered your blog and like it very much.
Now you made me fall into this knit-along, so plans are waving through my head.
Just came back from my lovely lys and ordered my yarn.
Have a good time at your retreat!
I was originally thinking of watching this KAL from the sidelines because the idea of a Fisherman-style sweater seemed a bit beyond my skillset. I would love to challenge myself, however, and the addition of all these great ideas on featuring different techniques, forging your own path, etc. make me feel like maybe I can do this. Or at least give it a good try with something that might be a bit more accessible than the Amanda sweater.
If the KAL allows us to knit from different patterns with different skill levels, then count me in. I want to be a more adventurous sweater knitter.
OMG Shop Keep sounds heavenly . .. lucky lucky you! hope it was as restorative and supportive as it sounds . . xoox, e
Thanks for doing this, Karen! Enjoy your conversations.
Expanding/sustaining your own business is hard work! I hope you’re renewed and energized by sharing with kindred spirits! Can’t wait for the KAL – and to think we’ll be learning at the same time is the icing on the cake! Thank you so much for your generous spirit – I’m so very grateful I found your blog!!!
Did you see the new Rowan book on Aran knitting? I haven’t seen it in person but saw a copy on the internet….love the aran on the cover – a lovely fitted version of the traditional style!
ive done quite a few kals but i think this one will really be something special and im so excited for it!
give us a heads up re timing so i can clear out some other projects first:)
Hi– loving your blog!!! Beautiful Inspiration in every way!! I am loving your double basket weave cowl but not having luck finding the Sincere Sheep Luminous in the Indigo Colorway…do you know if this is still available anywhere?? Many Thanks!!
Hi, Courtney. Send an email to Brooke at sinceresheepyarns@gmail.com and I’m sure she’ll hook you up.
Enjoy your bliss! You deserve it! We will wait as patiently as possible. :)
The KAL sounds like it’s going to be amazing! I’m going to be knitting Amanda, but since I’m obsessed with fisherman sweaters in general, I’m excited to see all the sweaters that others decide upon. Trying to finish up a couple of FOs before we get started. Thank you for all your work on this and enjoy your time away!
Beautiful garden! I hope you truly enjoy the retreat to its fullest !
Hey Karen – what topics did you guys cover?