For the first time ever, VIOLA is hosting a weekend of workshops celebrating the beauty and warmth of the winter season. Join us the weekend of February 6th to 9th at VIOLA’s home in Mooresburg, Ontario to explore and enjoy the colours of winter! We will be working outdoors, in the dye studio and next to the wood stove in order to bring winter colour discoveries to life in knitting!
seeking more info?
…
Over the course of the weekend we will work through an in-depth, but relaxed version of ‘Discovering a Knitted Palette’, a workshop that Emily shared last winter. Take a peek here for the full workshop description. With the extra time the weekend provides, we will be able to explore colour ideas and discoveries in greater detail through mark making, knitting and in the dye studio!
EDIT 11/25/29: We have added an extra night to this retreat! You now have the option of arriving on Thursday and staying through to Sunday. There is no change in price. Those of you who are only able to attend from Friday to Sunday, a reduced rate of $2,300 is available. Please let us know which night you will be arriving if you wish to reserve a space.
THURSDAY provides time for travel, arrival and settling into your rooms. We will gather in Mooresburg in the late afternoon to share a meal take, in our surroundings and greet one another.
FRIDAY is our day for winter exploration! Whether you are game for a brisk snowshoe or prefer a gentle wander through the frozen garden, there will be options for everyone. After a warming lunch more time outdoors is on offer as well as ample free time for knitting and developing your colour ideas. The day will end with a bonfire and a cozy dinner.
SATURDAY will allow time for us to review the colours ideas that Friday’s walk inspired and to explore them using paints, paper, yarn and in the dye studio. Groups will take turns working in the dye studio while the rest enjoy creative knitting time. Sharing and discussion will be woven throughout the day along with lots of tea, snacks and opportunities to shop from shelves of yarn. Lunch and dinner are provided.
SUNDAY wraps up our weekend, allowing time to review any questions or topics that did not receive enough attention the day before and do any last minute shopping. A hearty and warming cooked breakfast will be ready for you (we make really good pancakes).
Because this event is happening in the depth of winter, our schedule is very much a guideline. The structure of each day may have to change to accommodate extreme weather, but that’s all part of the magic of winter!
We can’t wait to welcome you to VIOLA’s home, for a weekend that celebrates the value of creative play and exploration as well as our love for the winter season. VIOLA’s home is also the home of Emily, her parents and dog Lucy. It is a charmingly creaky former general store with stories and character to spare. Our small hamlet is surrounded by fields and forest that will be covered by a blanket of snow during your visit. Pack your coziest knits and share this beautiful season with us!
Accommodation…
…will be provided nearby in cozy, comfortably cabins and guest homes. Approximately four guests per home will share a common space, washroom and kitchen, but everyone will have an option for a private room. Please be aware that we are in a rural location and accommodation cannot be luxury. Think warm, comfortable and rustic for a cozy winter cabin experience. Wifi will not be available, so download all your podcasts at VIOLA HQ before you head home for the night!
*If you would prefer to stay on your own, please reach out to us and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Food…
…We have warming local meals in mind for the duration of your visit. Dinners Thursday Friday & Saturday, Lunch Friday, Saturday and Brunch on Sunday are all covered, along with lots of snacks and warm drinks of all types. Breakfast goodies (granola, sourdough, jam, juice, fruit…anything else you might need), coffee & tea will be waiting for you in your cabins when you arrive. Help yourself in the mornings, or whenever for that matter!
All food will be local and organic wherever possible; we often know the farms that have grown the food and will insist upon telling a story about each vegetable. Options for any and all dietary needs will be available. Alcohol will be available with dinners.
Transportation…
…There is no train or bus that will bring you to Mooresburg, guests must be able to drive here (carpooling is always a good idea). A reminder that the road conditions in February could be dicey, so a familiarity and comfort with winter driving is recommended. If you are not happy about the thought of winter driving, but would really like to join us, please get in touch and we will do our best to find a solution for you. We will provide transportation to and from Mooresburg for the duration of your stay with us.
Cost:
$2,600 (Thursday through Sunday)
*price includes all workshop fees, materials, food & drink & accommodation and much more. All prices in CAD. If your schedule does not allow you to arrive with us until Friday, please just let us know and we will accommodate your needs.
Reserving a Space:
Spaces will be available on a first come first served basis, but sales will not begin until January. If you are keen to reserve a space, please get in touch and we will hold a space for you. If you have been in touch with us to reserve a space, you can confirm your reservation by providing your $500 deposit here.
