By Meghan Scott
As an avid knitter, I can’t imagine traveling without my yarn and needles. My husband has become accustomed to my yarn stash-enhancement expeditions in every city we visit. Several bed and breakfasts cater to the knitting and crocheting crowd with special packages, classes, and events, giving us a great excuse to pack up the stash and hit the road for a yarn getaway.
Flying Cloud B&B, Newcastle, ME: Innkeepers Karen and Dave Bragg will host “Knitters Meet the Critters” April 30-May 2, a weekend extravaganza which gives yarnaholics a chance to see the entire process of making luxury yarn, from the fiber animal to the skein. The weekend includes a visit to a cashmere goat farm, an alpaca ranch, and a self-sustaining fiber mill. Watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and speak with the breeders of rare long-fiber sheep. Friday evening you'll meet with Mary Lou, a certified knitting instructor and shop owner. She will spend the evening showing you "tips and tricks" to make knitting more enjoyable. Karen says, “The goal of the weekend is to learn what it takes to raise the animals, harvest the fibers and then turn it into the wonderful luxury yarns we love”. The cost of the weekend package is $80 plus the cost of your room. Special room rates will be offered and vary from $85-$150 nightly depending upon the room. Stay a third night for half the regular room rate.
Rohn House & Farm, Burt Lake, MI: The Rohn House & Farm combines two of my favorite things: a B&B and a yarn shop! The secluded country home has an on-site yarn store, featuring hand-dyed yarns and designer kits. Innkeeper Robin Rohn also offers custom knitting classes and learn-to-knit seminars.
Wakefield Farm, Wakefield, NH: Knitters of all skill levels can enjoy an inclusive Knit’Inn Weekend at this beautiful Federal Colonial B&B. Come with two or more fellow knitters and bring your unfinished projects. Common areas are perfectly suited to crafting, especially the first floor which boasts a three-sided fireplace with beehive oven, or the majestic wraparound front porch. The package includes a trip to a local yarn shop or Alpaca farm. Knitting classes can be arranged upon request with enough notice. The package includes 2 nights lodging, breakfast daily, and a trip to a local yarn shop for $230per person plus tax; stay an additional night for $85 per person. Dinners are included for larger groups.
Kismet Inn, Bath, ME: This tranquil, all-organic inn is a particularly fitting location for those who practice mindful knitting or crocheting. Owner Shadi Towfighi is a knitter and offers classes, and the inn is just a few blocks away from Halcyon Yarn.
Captain Stannard Inn, Westbrook, CT: For the crafting group who wants to host a retreat, the Captain Stannard Inn offers space with work tables, a guest refrigerator, a stocked mini-fridge and double ovens, extension cords, iron and ironing board. The regulation pool table can be converted into a large workspace, and will be left undisturbed for the group’s entire stay. The inn is just one block from the beach, and serves a gourmet two-course breakfast. Room rates vary from $150 nightly during low season to $220 in high season.
For more crafting workshops and packages, visit BedandBreakfast.com’s Specials pages. Go to www.BedandBreakfast.com, then click on SEARCH, then SPECIAL PACKAGES or simply click here. Choose Craft Workshops and Getaways from the drop down box and you’ll find everything from scrapbooking to tee-shirt making getaways.
