The place: Easton Mountain
The time: This past weekend
The event: Men's Spring Knitting Retreat organized by Joe and Ted.
Thirty two men gathered from across the country and Canada to knit, spin, teach and share knitting and spinning. We also shared much laughter, excellent food and stories of our lives. It's really difficult to express how special and almost magical this past weekend was. So, I'll give you some photos to share some wonderful memories from some men who knit.
The Guest House at Easton Mountain:
Joe, Scott and Sean knitting during Show & Tell:
More knitting:
One of Ted's shawls. Ted is a master lace knitter, and I was fortunate to attend a lace knitting workshop run by him. Maybe someday I, too, can knit something this spectacular:
A beautiful Saturday evening sky:
My favorite pictures from the weekend show exactly what the weekend was about - men getting together and sharing and helping and enjoying the process of knitting. Sunday morning my friend Van was getting some help from Ted with his very first sweater:
Is that a look of concentration, or what??
The weekend was a very special moment in time, and I think we all walked away with some very wonderful memories, and a sense of community that will always hold an important place in our hearts.
Now, I have some lace knitting to practice. Have a great night.
Wow, another report of a great time. I'm so envious of the male bonding time. If I could have car-pooled, I SO would have been there. Glad to hear you had fun!
Posted by: Dave Daniels | May 19, 2008 at 06:46 PM
aaah it looks like a wonderful time. Glad you enjoyed it so much!
Posted by: brendajos | May 19, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Awww, honey, that's awesome! Totally great pictures, too. LOVE the one of Van & Ted. *hugs*
Posted by: Sprite | May 19, 2008 at 09:18 PM
What a lovely weekend and you all look like you were having fun. The lace shawl by Ted is a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing, your photos have inspired me to improve on my lace knitting.
Posted by: Zoe | May 19, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Thanks for sharing your photos of the weekend. I wish I could have been there. Maybe next time. I've yet to travel to the northeast portion of the U.S.
Be warned... lace is addicting! :)
Posted by: Doug | May 20, 2008 at 04:48 AM
I was so glad I was able to meet you, Paul...you made a huge impact on the community that was created.
For Paul's readers, this should be no surprise, but everyone adored Paul at the retreat. He is pretty spectacular.
Posted by: QueerJoe | May 20, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I'm so glad you had a terrific time!
... and that white shawl is awesome - I didn't know you - er - ONE could knit like that!
Tristan
Posted by: Tristan Robin | May 20, 2008 at 08:28 AM
A big hug for you, there are so many thing for us womanly type knitters--it's nice to see the guys bonding. I recognize some of my favorite male knitters as part of that group. I'm so proud of you!
Posted by: Ann | May 20, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Looks like a fabulous time was had by all :) That white shawl is amazing!!
Posted by: Ruth | May 21, 2008 at 02:20 AM
oh what a marvelous time you must have had. I'm so glad you had the opportunity and followed up on it. I'll be watching this space to see your lace.
Posted by: Susan | May 21, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I am so happy that you went to what looks like a wonderful event!!!!
Seems getting away to knitting events is happening for both of us...I'm heading out on June 12th for five days...I need it!!!!
Posted by: Sara | May 21, 2008 at 08:27 PM
What lovely pix and a nice recap of the retreat! Thanks for sharing. :-)
Posted by: WonderMike | May 22, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I think this is AWESOME! It can't be easy to be a man who knits when society today continues to make sexist assumptions about who does handwork (heck, even being a knitting woman raises way too many eyebrows!). Surely, connecting to that heritage of "men were the first knitters" had to be fabulous. I love your pics, and hope you guys continue the new tradition! (looks like a truly idylic spot for your retreat, too!)
(((hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | May 23, 2008 at 06:15 AM
How nurturing and stimulating! I'm so glad you got to go and enjoy. Obviously, this is an evenet that bears repeating.
And I'm not at all surprised that everyone loved you. I love you from across the continent.
Posted by: Roxie | May 23, 2008 at 06:29 AM
The Ted and Van pictures is one of the best ones I've seen capturing the magic that happened that weekend.
It was great to meet you in person! (oh, and yes, the mullet bouffant is gone)
Posted by: stephen | May 31, 2008 at 11:06 AM