The threat of the ever-spreading coronavirus did not scare away a hearty group of knitters who came from all corners of the state and as far away as Alaska to Port Townsend for a four-day conference hosted by the local yarn store, Bazaar Girls.
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The threat of the ever-spreading coronavirus did not scare away a hearty group of knitters who came from all corners of the state and as far away as Alaska to Port Townsend for a four-day conference hosted by the local yarn store, Bazaar Girls.
Experts in the art of knits and purls already, the group of 39 women came to the annual “Getaway Retreat” for classes in special knitting techniques, such as Scandinavian colorwork, the art of elegant entrelac, the intimidating practice of steeking and “turning ‘oops’ into ‘aahs’” by fixing mistakes.
The classes, which took place March 5-8, featured well-known knitters and pattern designers, including Portland’s Mary Scott Huff and “knit doctor” Ann Budd from Boulder, Colorado.
For Bazaar Girls, the retreat is a way to bring business not only to their shop on Quincy Street, but also to the restaurants and hotels at the end of a long winter season, before the tourist rush begins.
“It’s our slowest time of the year,” said Numahka Swan, one of Bazaar Girls’ three owners. “In the winter, all the locals shop here, but when spring begins they go out in their gardens, but tourist season hasn’t quite begun yet.”
Beyond infiltrating the town with knitters, Swan said they also love bringing together a group of creative, artistic people for a weekend of learning.
“It feels like coming home,” said Jo Cottle of Woodinville, who has come every year since the retreat started four years ago. “It’s comforting and loving and I always learn something.”
Not only do the knitters take in the expertise of the teachers, but they learn from each other, she said.
“Sharing our knitting stories and our challenges,” Cottle said. “It truly is the spirit of giving.”
Beyond the annual retreat, Bazaar Girls also hosts a weekly “nip and knit” on Thursdays, and monthly classes. Upcoming courses include classes on needle felting on March 16, 18, 21 and 25, drop-in beginning knitting on March 28, and two-handed Fair-isle knitting and Portuguese knitting with teacher Lisa Ellis on April 4.
To learn more, go to bazaargirls.com.
