Clever Ewe

Fine Yarns for You

Chris Bylsma Retreat

November 6 - 8, 2009
South Haven B & B
Chris retired from a career in marketing communications and advertising to pursue her artist passion - knitting and tentureplay. She teaches workshops coast to coast for guilds, TNNA, conferences and shops and in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. In addition, she has her own line of knitting patterns available through retail yarn stores.

Chris' approach to knitting is that the process and the end product should both be a joy and designs with that in mind. Chris is noted for her Crayon Box Jacket and inventive Ladder Scarf and Ladder Shawl. She encourages knitters to "color outside the lines" where it's more fun, and to "think outside the box" (she has occasionally been accused of actually not having a box).

Workshops during the Retreat

Madly Plaid Vest - The colorful Noro yarns that stripe offer a wonderful opportunity - and challenge - to make the most out the striping and try your hand at several fun techniques at the same time. We will create bear-size vest in class (won't they be well dressed) with a crochet cast on, shaped points, and plaid without carrying colors, while knitting the whole vest in a tube to the shoulder. We'll finish with a never - fail, no - machine steek for neck an armhole and I-cord bind-off for the edges. A great learning experience - and great results.

Stashology 201 - Stashers Unite! An "adequate supply of yarn" is nothing to be ashamed of - it's a true art and science. You already understand "archiving (Stash 101), now explore "retrieving", "feeding" and "creating" from  your wonderful treasure trove. Learn to release your own creative powers to combine fibers, textures, colors and weights to create many different types of "stash fabric". Explore how to use your stash fabric to turn the ordinary into extraordinary.

Beyond Basic Buttons ... and Other Excuses or Playing with Yarn - Can't find the perfect buttons? Great! Come play with yarn and discover there are many different types of buttons and closures you can create yourself for that perfect finishing touch. Covered, woven, balled, fringed, finger-cording knots and swirls - explore them all plus half a dozen unexpected closure options. You'll even learn to rethink how and when to use basic buttons. Bring your sense of adventure.

The retreat will start at 4:00 PM on November 6 through Sunday November 8th. All meals will be provided. And there will be a private shopping experience available at Clever Ewe with Chris upon your return to Ada on Sunday afternoon. We  will offer a 10% discount on all yarn purchases during this shopping experience.

Cost is based on double occupancy with a king or queen bed in each room. Every room has a private bath. Cost $375.  A 10% discount will be applied if registration before May 9th. Half of the retreat fee is required as a deposit, balance due by August 31, 2009. A refund may be request by September 30, 2009, a $100 fee will be applied unless we are able to fill your slot. No refunds will be given after October 2, 2009. If for any reason Clever Ewe needs to cancel the event a full refund will be given.

To register, please call Clever Ewe at 616-682-1545