Note times list below are in Eastern Standard Time (ET): click here to convert to your local time if needed.

Thursday, April 24
6:00pm: Retreat Welcome!
6:30-8:00pm: Valley Yarns Presentations & Knit Night

Friday, April 25
9:00-9:15am: Morning Check-in
9:30-10:30am: Panel Discussion with the Berroco Design Team
11:00am-1:00pm: Friday Class Block 1
   - Botanical Intarsia: Jardin Pullover Class with Florence Spurling
   - Taking the Eek! Out of Steeking with Ana Campos
   - Yes! You can Knit Plaid - With Duplicate Stitch Technique with Bruce Weinstein
   - Essential Techniques for Crochet Confidence with Edie Eckman
   - Ziggurat Workshop Part 1: Mini-Ziggurat with Asa Tricosa
   - Embroidery on Wool: The Basics Made Easy and Fun! with Dario Tubiana
1:30-2:30pm: Mindful Yoga for Makers with Mary Ann Gebhardt  
3:00-5:00pm: Friday Class Block 2
   - Colourwork: Theory, Technique & Design with Florence Spurling
   - Intro to Portuguese Knitting with Ana Campos 
   - Let's Keep Knitting Plaid - With Slipped and Elongated Stitches with Bruce Weinstein
   - Successful Yarn Substitution with Edie Eckman
   - Ziggurat Workshop Part 1: Mini-Ziggurat with Asa Tricosa
   - Victorian Tufting Stitch - Fluffy Embroidery with Dario Tubiana
5:30-6:30pm: Berroco Presentation on Yarn Construction
7:30-9:00pm: Evening Sponsor Presentation with Rowan Yarns

Saturday, April 26
9:00-9:15am: Morning Check-in
9:30-10:30am: Koigu Presentation on Yarn Dyeing Process
11:00am-1:00pm: Saturday Class Block 1
   - Intarsia: Thinking Outside the Box with Florence Spurling
   - Taking the Eek! Out of Steeking with Ana Campos
   - Reversible 3-Color Gingham - In Easy Double Knitting with Bruce Weinstein
   - Dramatic Dropped Stitches with Edie Eckman
   - Ziggurat Workshop Part 2: Your Own Ziggurat with Asa Tricosa
   - Geometric Embroidery with Dario Tubiana
1:30-2:30pm: Mindful Yoga for Makers with Mary Ann Gebhardt
3:00-5:00pm: Saturday Class Block 2
   - Estonian Inlay with Florence Spurling
   - Beautiful Bi-Color Brioche: Working with Two Colors with Ana Campos
   - Let's Make 4-Color Gingham: Creating Stranded Knitting By Simply Slipping Stitches! with Bruce Weinstein
   - (You Want Me to) Put My Hook WHERE? with Edie Eckman 
   - Ziggurat Workshop Part 2: Your Own Ziggurat with Asa Tricosa
   - Tuck Stitches Anyone? with Dario Tubiana
5:30-7:00pm: Virtual Drop-In 
7:30-9:00pm: Evening Sponsor Presentation with Rowan Yarns

Sunday, April 27
10:00-10:30am: Final Check-In & Giveaways!
11:00am-12:00pm: Keynote Speech

Click here to download the full retreat brochure.

We're here to help!  
Please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Team at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102 with any retreat related needs.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays), and on-call staff will be available throughout the duration of the retreat. All calls, voicemails, and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Florence Spurling
Florence is a textile designer specializing in knitted, crocheted, and embellished fabrications. Originally from Oxfordshire, England, she trained at The Royal College of Art in London, where she earned a Master’s in Textile Design. With a deep passion for craftsmanship and an eye for detail, Florence creates fabrics that are both tactile and visually striking. Her designs explore the dynamic relationship between colour, texture, and pattern, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary hand knitting techniques. Florence’s work has been featured in collections for fashion brands such as Anthropologie, Chloé, and Michael Kors, where she collaborated on design development. She is also the author of Designing Knitted Textiles: Machine Knitting for Fashion (Laurence King, 2021), a resource that blends creative design with practical insights into the world of knitted textiles. An experienced educator, Florence has lectured at renowned institutions such as Parsons, Pratt, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), while also teaching bespoke hand knitting workshops both in-person and virtually around the globe. Through her design work and teaching, Florence remains dedicated to exploring new possibilities in textile design. 

Florence Spurling designs on Ravelry
@florence_spurling_studio on Instagram 

Ana Campos
Ana Campos was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and now makes her home in the Witch City (Salem, Massachusetts). She is a founding member of Vogue Knitting's Diversity Advisory Council and is committed to increasing equity and access in the fiber world. Ana brings more than 20 years of knitting experience to her yarn shop, Circle of Stitches, and to her workshops, which she teaches across the U.S. As a teacher, her focus is on the technical aspects of knitting, and she strives to empower her students to create pieces they love.

Bruce Weinstein
Bruce Weinstein learned to knit while he was an advertising creative director in New York. Having already published a number of cookbooks, he discussed the idea of a men’s knitting book with his agent and the book KNITS MEN WANT: The 10 Rules Every Woman Should Know Before Knitting For A Man, was published. The success of that book led to BOYFRIEND SWEATERS: 19 Designs For Him That You’ll Want To Wear. Bruce’s passion with yarn is creating fabric. He loves to use woven and textural stitches as well as the slipped stitch and duplicate stitch technique, using multiple colors, to create gorgeous fabrics. In each of his workshops, Bruce will go over how to turn these beautiful colorwork fabrics into sweaters, cowls, blankets, and more. His patterns are best sellers on Ravelry as well as his own website www.bruceweinstein.net. 

Edie Eckman
Edie creates confident knitters and crocheters! She helps you learn the techniques you need not only to follow patterns, but also to problem-solve and think for yourself. Self-confident crafters are happy crafters! In almost 30 years of professional designing, teaching, technical editing — and even owning a yarn shop — Edie has honed her skills to help you learn exactly what you need to be successful at any skill level. In the past few years, she has fully embraced virtual instruction, and it's now her favorite way to teach. In all of Edie's classes, you'll be encouraged to ask questions, to laugh (often at the teacher), to think, to reflect, to engage, and to learn transferable skills. Most of all, we'll have fun!

Edie is the author of a number of best-selling books, including Learn to Knit Socks, The Crochet Answer Book and Around the Corner Crochet Borders. Find her at www.edieeckman.com and on social media as @edieeckman. 

Åsa Tricosa
Åsa Söderman (known professionally as Åsa Tricosa) is a Swedish knitwear designer and enthusiastic knitting teacher most known for her Ziggurat technique – a top-down sweater construction that is the answer to so many knitting dilemmas. Now firmly planted in Denmark, Åsa has lived most of her life abroad – New York, Boston, Sussex, Singapore, Scotland, and Germany. She knits with abandon and hopes to inspire fellow knitters to do the same. Come and learn and practice the Ziggurat steps & techniques with Åsa. Cast on and knit a Ziggurat sweater from top to bottom with built-in sleeve caps and everything else in a completely continuous construction without seams. This is an all-in-one technique that provides a tailored fit – seamlessly and with very few ends to sew in. Åsa will guide you through each step and technique at your own pace, and you are invited to ask as many questions as many times over as you wish or need.
Åsa Tricosa Designs on Ravelry
Åsa Tricosa Group on Ravelry
Åsa Tricosa Newsletter
Åsa Tricosa on Instagram

Dario Tubiana
Dario Tubiana is an Italian knitwear designer living in Amsterdam.

After his humanistic studies in Israel, he graduated in Creative Knitwear Design at the Accademia di Costume e Moda, in Rome.

He participated with his knitwear collection at the Pitti Filati 2019 fashion show for which he designed, created and exhibited two knitwear capsule collections. He worked as a knitwear designer at United Colors of Benetton in 2018 and 2019, and since 2021 he has been collaborating with the knitwear brand "Laboratori Knitwear". Since 2015 he has been collaborating as a knitwear designer with international magazines such as "The Knitter", "Simply Knitting" and "Knit Now" and also collaborates with international wool and knitwear brands such as Fibre.co, mYak, Sheepjees, LangYarns, KatiaYarns, Mez Cucirini Italy and Prym.

As a teacher he has led numerous workshops in various events such as Vogue Knitting, Swiss Yarn Festival, Abilmente, Knit Italia, Lugano Creativa. He has also lectured at the IED Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan knitwear techniques/collections and hand knitting and embroidery techniques and at NABA for the course in knitwear fabric design.

He currently works as a knitwear designer for Esprit, in Amsterdam. 

 We're here to help! 
Please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration at registration@umass.edu. or 413-577-8102.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). When possible, please contact us by email for the quickest assistance. All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Florence Spurling
Botanical Intarsia: Jardin Pullover Class:
Offered Friday from 11am-1pm EST
Learn intarsia with the Jardin Pullover! Intarsia is one of the most creative techniques within hand knitting that can be likened to painting with yarn. In this class, students will learn all the skills needed to walk away feeling confident with this artistic colourwork method. After trying out the technique with a small swatch in two colours, participants will look at different intarsia charts as examples and learn how to read them. Yarn organization and finishing will be explored, including the best ways to add in new yarns for a clean and professional look, as well as tips on handling and organizing multiple yarns at a time. We will work on a botanical intarsia chart that uses different weights of yarns to create an organic patterning effect. After completion of the class, students will walk away with all the skills needed to confidently knit the Jardin Pullover.

Colourwork: Theory, Technique & Design:
Offered Friday from 3-5pm EST
Colour is often the first feature we notice in a design and although it is subjective, there are approaches to employ that lead to universally aesthetically pleasing outcomes. To begin, we will look at the basics of colour theory in the context of knitwear, taking into account notions of tone and proportion in relation to fibres and yarns. Next, we will explore three methods of colourwork techniques within hand knitting, all of which allow for a huge amount of creative exploration. The instruction will introduce each category - Fair Isle/Stranded Knitting, Intarsia Knitting and Slip Stitch/Mosaic Knitting – showing knitted examples and explaining the fabric structure and how it is created. Each will be demonstrated and students will work from a simple chart to put this knowledge into practice.

Intarsia: Thinking Outside the Box:
Offered Saturday from 11am-1pm EST
Intarsia is a very creative technique in which patterns can be built in an unlimited number of colours, much as an artist paints a picture. The resulting fabrications can exhibit outcomes that range from minimalist geometric compositions to pictorial and even figurative works. Patterns and motifs can be as small as a few stitches or span the expanse of the whole accessory or garment. Aside from creative colourwork, you can create intriguing surfaces using yarns that are diverse in texture and weight and explore how intarsia can be combined with numerous different stitch types. By subverting the way you handle the yarns, open structured and lace-like textiles can also be created. In this class, we will start with the basics using two colours, and then expand upon the typical technique in numerous creative ways.

Estonian Inlay:
Offered Saturday from 3-5pm EST
In this workshop, students will learn the method of Estonian Inlay – a tactile technique that has the appearance of beautiful embroidery. It is created by knitting with a main yarn, and using a contrasting yarn to form decorative floats within the fabric. Participants will work on a small stockinette and simple lace swatch in the round that integrates Estonian inlay within it.

Ana Campos
Taking the Eek! Out of Steeking:
Offered both Friday and Saturday from 11am-1pm EST
Come learn how to steek your knits! It’s not that scary, we promise. You’ll learn how to knit a steek panel, work a crochet reinforcement, and cut your steek. You’ll then learn how to pick up stitches along the steek edge for a button band.

Intro to Portuguese Knitting:
Offered Friday from 3-5pm EST
Learn how to knit Portuguese style! Portuguese knitting is more efficient and easier on your joints, so it can help reduce strain and fatigue. In this style of knitting, the yarn is tensioned either around the neck or using a knitting pin. This unique method of tensioning the yarn allows both knit and purl stitches to be created with a simple flick of the thumb! After the live workshop, you will receive lifetime access to pre-recorded review videos that cover the basic techniques so you can keep practicing.

Beautiful Bi-Color Brioche: Working with Two Colors:
Offered Saturday from 3-5pm EST
Take your brioche knitting to the next level! We’ll start off with a quick review of brioche basics, and then dive into two colors. You’ll learn how to work two colors both flat and in the round, and how to create beautiful brioche motifs in two colors using increasing and decreasing. 

Bruce Weinstein
Yes! You Can Knit Plaid - With Duplicate Stitch Technique:
Offered Friday from 11am-1pm EST
Plaid and knitting are two words that don’t usually go together. That’s because it has always required highly advanced knitting skills and the ability to master the fair-isle stranded method of knitting. But now you can learn how to create this gorgeous plaid fabric with four colors and the simple ability to knit and purl. Basic knitting, that’s right stockinette stitch. You’ll work on circular needles so you can slide your work back to the beginning of each row, working a different color on each pass. Plus, you’ll learn the duplicate stitch technique. That is, using a tapestry needle and yarn to embroider over your existing stitches to change their color and add depth and excitement to your knitting. Bruce will explain how the placement of the vertical elements can make or break the plaid effect. It’s a customizable look and we promise that no two students in the class will have the same plaid when all is said and done. 

Let's Keep Knitting Plaid - With Slipped and Elongated Stitches:
Offered Friday from 3-5pm EST
There’s more than one way to shear a sheep and the same is true about knitting plaid. Some plaids use pairs or triplets of vertical lines spaced across a striped background. This version is a symmetrical plaid that has a basket weave quality about it. The secret is to create some extra-long stitches here and there to create the vertical effect. Be prepared to use three solid colors of the same worsted weight yarn and to stretch your finger dexterity as you learn how to elongate stitches that weave under and over a combination of both stockinette and garter stitch to create this textural and intricate looking plaid. 

Reversible 3-Color Gingham – In Easy Double Knitting:
Offered Saturday from 11am-1pm EST
Double knitting is a technique that allows you to create a reversible double layer fabric that has stockinette on both sides of the fabric. Bruce makes this technique easy with ribbing and slipped stitches. Plus, you’ll use three colors, creating a beautiful gingham that looks exactly the same on either side. And as a surprise, halfway through the class Bruce will make one tiny change and your gingham becomes stripes on both sides. Finally, you can learn a simple double knitting pattern without tears. All you need is 3 solid colors of the same DK or light worsted yarn. And since needle size has such a huge impact on the fabric, make sure you have a bunch of sizes on hand, and you’ll see just how much your needle choice can impact your final product. 

Let’s Make 4-Color Gingham: Creating Stranded Knitting By Simply Slipping Stitches!:
Offered Saturday from 3-5pm EST
As beautiful as 3-color gingham is, adding a 4th color turns your knitted fabric into a magic carpet. But until now you had to carry multiple colors of yarn across each row to create this beautiful stranded-style knitting. So, if the idea of working with more than one strand of yarn in each row has kept you away from trying your hand at colorwork, this class is for you. And if you already know and love stranded color work this class is also for you. Come learn a new way to create a gorgeous color-work design simply by slipping stitches. Join Bruce to knit this magical fabric with 4 colors of the same DK or light worsted weight yarn. And bring lots of needle sizes so we can play around with the fabric and customize it to your taste. 

Edie Eckman
Essential Techniques for Crochet Confidence:
Offered Friday from 11am-1pm EST
You've got the basic crochet stitches down pat, but you still have questions. How do I tell the right side from the wrong side? Why are my edges crooked? How do I decrease without making a hole? How do I weave in ends invisibly and securely? How do I read a pattern? If these and similar questions plague your crochet, now's the time to clear up the confusion. No matter your level of crochet experience, if you have questions, this is the class for you. You may even find answers to questions you didn't know you had. 

Successful Yarn Substitution:
Offered Friday from 3-5pm EST
Don't waste time with the wrong yarn! When it comes to substituting yarn in a pattern, stop relying on dumb luck or wild guesses. Instead, learn tips for successful yarn substitution. See and feel how yarn properties like weight, fiber and ply combine to create a fabric. Discover online resources that provide important details about yarns, then pair that knowledge with a willingness to swatch. You'll be able to confidently "use this, not that" when it's time to choose a yarn for your next project.

Dramatic Dropped Stitches:
Offered Saturday from 11am-1pm EST
Dropped stitches can be a good thing. Intentionally dropped stitches can create a light and airy fabric with very little effort. Learn an assortment of dropped stitches and see how they can be used to lighten up your knitting. 

(You Want Me to) Put My Hook WHERE?:
Offered Saturday from 3-5pm EST
No more "insert hook in next stitch" for you! It's time to go fishing in other waters by putting your hook into unusual places. We'll explore making fabric with post stitches, third loop stitches, split stitches, long stitches, folding stitches, linked stitches and other beyond-the-ordinary places to put that hook. 

Åsa Tricosa
Ziggurat Workshop Part 1: Mini-Ziggurat (Two-Part Class, Need to sign-up for both Part 1 & Part 2):
Offered Friday from 11am-1pm and Friday from 3-5pm EST
This class will cover:
   - The basic Ziggurat steps so you can then navigate any Ziggurat pattern on your own German short rows
   - How and exactly to pick up stitches for beautiful sleeve caps
   - Crochet cast on adapted to neckline and armholes
   - Directional increases
   - Quick guidance of the Helpful Table 

Ziggurat Workshop Part 2: Your Own Ziggurat Name (Two-Part Class, Need to sign-up for both Part 1 & Part 2):
Offered Saturday from 11am-1pm and Saturday from 3-5pm EST
This class will cover:
   - Brief overview of the Ziggurat method and its variants (sweater, cardigan, sleeveless, collar-first, saddle shoulder)
   - How to choose size
   - Helpful Table again (a tool in all Ziggurat patterns): tips on how to customize Ziggurat patterns to your liking for a sweater that fits you
   - Start your own Ziggurat sweater or cardigan (if you wish)
   - Personal guidance through each step
   - Provisional winding cast on (the smoothest provisional cast on ever)
   - My favorite buttonband and buttonhole (built in and knitted at the same time with the rest of the cardigan)
   - Tips on cuffs, hems, edges, collars
   - Pockets you might consider

Dario Tubiana
Embroidery on Wool: The Basics Made Easy and Fun!:
Offered Friday from 11am-1pm EST
During this workshop, we will discuss in detail several embroidery stitches that can be used on wool to embellish sweaters or any of your knitted projects. By the end of this class, you will not only have a beautiful small project that we will work on together, but also all the technical knowledge you need to embroider your knits! I will guide you through all the steps to realize the stitches, give advice on wool embroidery, discuss how to draw a project on the stabilizer and share tips and tricks in order to realize flawless (and painless) embroidery. We will explore these stitches in a fun and interactive way by working on a small swatch together! While our project will include some flat stitches, the main focus will be on 3D stitches, particularly 3D flowers. These stunning embroidery elements add depth and texture, making them perfect for embellishing both garments and accessories. Throughout the class, we will discuss each stitch in detail, practice them together, and you will receive schematics and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

Victorian Tufting Stitch - Fluffy Embroidery:
Offered Friday from 3-5pm EST
Whoever said that embroidery is all about flowers? Well, it might very well have been me, I’ll admit. I have a crush on botanical embroidery and love to embroider colorful flowers, but as you engage in a craft, you naturally evolve and your tastes tend to embrace newer techniques you hadn't considered before. As much as classic embroidery can bring joy to my heart, I discovered that I also need to create funnier things sometimes, things that are not solely technique oriented. That’s where fluffy embroidery came in! With the advent of tufting, which has become fashionable in the fabric panorama, I pondered a technique that could be used to bring tufting onto knitwear. I recalled studying the Victorian tufting stitch, a truly cool stitch that can be interpreted in many ways, shapes and colours, ultimately yielding a great fluffy effect. Do you want to know more? Join this class to discover details about his technique. I will guide you through this stitch, teaching you how to work it using from one to three different colors. I will explain how the Victorian tufting stitch can be used for various projects and how to incorporate other stitches to enrich it! This is a very fun class open to anyone willing to experience something new with embroidery or who simply wants to approach embroidery for the first time and have fun and a good time.
I will share an extensive handout with all the details about the stitch and its story and several different embroidery patterns.

Geometric Embroidery:
Offered Saturday from 11am-1pm EST
In this workshop, we will explore geometric embroidery on wool. You’ll learn how to work various stitches directly onto knitted fabric - no stabilizers or markers needed! This technique is perfect for adding unique finishing touches to any knitted project, allowing you to create stunning visual effects. I will guide you through different stitches, and as you practice, you’ll naturally pick up additional techniques just by playing with the fabric and following the directions of the stitches and rows. Geometric embroidery on wool is pure fun! 

Tuck Stitches Anyone?:
Offered Saturday from 3-5pm EST
Get ready to play with your knitting and unleash your creativity by customizing your garments with knitted fabric manipulation!

Manipulating knitwear is much easier than you might think, especially with the versatile tuck stitch, which is commonly used in knitwear design. It’s perhaps the easiest way to add texture to knitted garments, akin to cables. However, the beauty of tuck stitch lies in its simplicity: charts for tuck stitches are easy to read and follow, making all the difference.

In this class, we’ll dive into experimenting with various tuck stitch patterns that you can use individually or combine to create captivating all-over designs. I’ll also guide you through the process of planning your own patterns using tuck stitch.

Furthermore, once we’ve grasped how this stitch works, we’ll take it a step further by executing it on an already knitted garment, using tuck stitch as a smocking stitch. The concept is remarkably similar, and knitwear proves to be an ideal fabric for this type of manipulation.

We're here to help! 
Please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration at registration@umass.edu. or 413-577-8102.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). When possible, please contact us by email for the quickest assistance. All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

General
What is included with the package I selected?
Each retreat package includes access to all retreat social events, sponsor presentations, the keynote speech, and a Stitch and Stash tote bag mailed right to your door and an exclusive coupon code valid at WEBS for use during the retreat. Depending on your selected retreat package, you will also enjoy between 4 to 8 hours of classes: 4 class hours are included with the Merino Package, 6 class hours are included with the Alpaca Package, and 8 class hours are included with the Cashmere Package. 

Will the retreat be recorded?
No, sessions will not be recorded. Please plan to attend all retreat events and classes live!

What are my payment options? 
A minimum non-refundable $100.00 deposit is required to complete your registration by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit card. You can select to only pay this deposit when you first register, or your full balance, or anything in between! If you do not pay your full balance when you first register, all remaining fees must be paid by Tuesday, March 25, 2025. You can create your own payment plan by periodically submitting additional payments by card online or by phone (413-577-8102), or by contacting us to discuss alternate payment options (413-577-8102, registration@umass.edu).

Can I use a WEBS gift card?
No, sorry, WEBS gift cards cannot be applied to your balance for the retreat. Save that gift card to stock up for your class materials before the retreat starts!

What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be sent in writing to UMass Conference Services by email (registration@umass.edu). No registration will be canceled and no credit will be issued unless a written confirmation is provided. For cancellations received prior to March 25: a refund will be processed less the non-refundable $100.00 deposit. For cancellations received after March 25 but before April 10: a refund will be processed less a cancellation fee in the amount of 50% of the selected retreat package + $60.00. For cancellations received after April 10: cancellations will be ineligible for a refund and no refund will be issued.

Registration
I'm not sure which package is best for me. What should I do? Can I change my selected retreat package later?
Yes, depending on availability (and prior to when class links are emailed out), you can change your selected retreat package, either decreasing to a package with fewer class hours or increasing to a package with additional class hours. If you are unsure which package would best suit you or would prefer to wait until more class details related to materials, homework, and/or skill level are available, select whichever package feels most right for you now, complete your registration, and then adjust as needed from there, ideally prior to March 25 (this date will give you the best chance to change packages, including classes if applicable, with less chance of their being an issue). To adjust your retreat package contact us (413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu), or log back in to the registration page using the account you used to register and click "Edit Registration". If you edit yourself online, upon login you'll be able to go back through the form and select a different package. If a partial refund is due one will be processed accordingly within a few business days. If an additional balance is due fees must be paid by March 25 or, if changes are made after March 25, at the time you adjust your registration. Note the online registration form will disallow these types of edits once those are no longer being accepted, but to ensure your class schedule is edited as needed before the retreat, we recommend contacting us by phone or email when possible.

Can I register multiple attendees at once?
Registration is accepted on an individual basis, so each attendee must go through the form, enter in their unique details, and proceed through to submit payment: you cannot register or pay for multiple attendees at the same time and cannot add multiple retreat registration packages at once. Because of this, and because of how quickly the retreat can fill, we recommend each attendee goes through and registers themselves using their own account. However, if needed, you can register one attendee through the payment submission process and, once that registration is completed, you can go through the form again to register someone else. To do this, first enter in the details for one attendee and proceed through to submit payment via our online payment portal. Next, click "Home" in the toolbar at the top of the page (if you don't see the "Home" button, click to access your receipt which should bring you to a page with this button). Once you click "Home", you'll see a summary of the registration you just completed, and a "Create Additional Registration" button over on the right. Click this button to be brought to a new, blank form, where you can enter in the details for the next attendee and again proceed all the way through the form to the payment gateway. Do not use your browser's back button and do not replace existing information with another attendee's information: deleting one attendee's information and replacing it with new information will overwrite the completed registration with this new information, and will not result in multiple people being registered. If you need assistance, contact us: while you need to complete all registrations yourself online, we're happy to help you navigate the registration form as needed.

Classes
How do I sign up for classes?
We use a multipart registration process. First, start by registering for your chosen retreat package. Registration will open at 12 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 5. Then, at 12 p.m. EST on March 12, registered attendees will be able to submit class preferences by returning to this page and logging back into their account. Detailed instructions will be emailed to registered attendees prior to March 12. Click the "Class Description" tab above to learn more about the classes being offered!

I didn't get the class I wanted. What can I do?
Some class sizes are limited and typically some classes are very popular, so while all attempts are made to put everyone into their first choice for each time block unfortunately it is not always possible. We strongly recommend you take a look at all of the class descriptions and try to find two for each block that are of interest to you so that you can enter in accurate class preferences on March 12. If we are unable to add you to any of your top choices we will automatically place you on the waitlist for your preferred class(es) and contact you if a spot opens up. You can also contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102 to see if space is open in any other classes that might be of interest.

Is there any homework or materials for my class(es)?
Yes, some classes have homework and/or materials lists, as well as class specific handouts. All of the information that you will need will be provided as an attachment to your class assignment email, followed by any necessary updates, patterns, download links, etc., as the retreat approaches.

I have questions about a class description, skill level, homework and/or materials. Can someone help me?
Sure! If you have any questions about a class description, skill level, homework and/or materials needed please send along a detailed email to us at registration@umass.edu and we would we happy to help, or connect you with the appropriate person who can further assist you.

Preparing for the Retreat
When will I receive additional information about the retreat?
When you register you will automatically receive an informational email containing the latest information about the retreat. Leading up to the retreat, you can also expect to hear from us periodically by email with additional updates and instructions on how to access virtual programming, as well as emails related to your class assignments, necessary homework/materials lists, and confirmation of the mailing address to use to ship your Stitch & Stash tote bag. Please add our email address (registration@umass.edu) to your contacts so you don't miss any of these follow-up emails! We're here to help you get the most out of the retreat, so if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We can be reached at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.

How do I access retreat sessions?
The retreat will be held virtually from April 24 - 27. All retreat events will be held live on Zoom, a web conferencing platform that you can download and use for free. Each retreat session will have its own unique meeting link, and prior to the retreat you will receive a personalized schedule by email that will include all of the links that you will need, including links for your classes, all presentations, talks, socials, mindful yoga and meditation, and the Sunday keynote. Sessions will not be recorded so you should plan to attend all events live. Note all listed times are ET (Eastern Time): click here to convert to your local time. In preparation for the retreat, please make sure to install Zoom client for meetings and create an account if you don't have one yet.

This is my first virtual event. How can I prepare?
We know a virtual event can be intimidating, so we put together a whole bunch of information to help you get ready! Click on the "Virtual Retreat Tips" tab above to see our suggestions on how to get the most out of your virtual experience, including how best to prepare yourself and your space prior to - and during - the retreat. You may also find it helpful to check out our detailed Zoom How-To Guide and Zoom Cheat Sheet, which review key Zoom features and functionality. Note these resources are written for those using a desktop or laptop computer, so if you instead plan to join using a mobile phone or tablet some features may be slightly different. If you still have questions, we're here and happy to help - contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102 so we can assist you with getting ready, answer any questions, or troubleshoot any issues! Keep an eye on your inbox as the retreat approaches, too - we'll be sharing pertinent updates and news between now and April, and you can always reply to these emails or give us a call.

What should I do if I'm having trouble connecting during the retreat?
If you're having trouble connecting to your session it may be because the host has not yet started the meeting. If you join the meeting before the host does, you will see a message that says "Waiting for host to start this meeting." In this case, please wait for the host to join, and you should be brought into the meeting shortly! Most sessions will use the "Waiting Room" feature, which puts you and other attendees into a virtual waiting room until the host and co-host are ready to begin. If this is the case, you will see a message that says "Welcome! Your session will start shortly." You will then be let into the meeting by the host once they are ready to begin.

If the meeting is in session but you can't connect, don't worry! First, make sure you are connected to the internet. Next, try closing Zoom and then reopen the meeting link included in your personalized schedule email (we will send you all of the necessary links by email prior to the retreat). If this doesn't work, we suggest restarting your device and trying again. If you are still having trouble connecting, please reach out to us at registration@umass.edu with exactly what issues/errors you are experiencing so we can assist you.

 We're here to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu. or 413-577-8102.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

We're happy to help you navigate if you are new to virtual learning or your a returning virtual learner and need a refresher! We have put together tips and tricks to make your experience as seamless as possible. Please review the information below and contact us if you have any questions (registration@umass.edu, 413-577-8102).

Virtual Retreat Brochure
Virtual Retreat Zoom Guide
Virtual Retreat Zoom Cheat Sheet
Download Zoom Client for Meetings or (click here)
Sign-up for a Zoom Account
Zoom Resources Library
Zoom Test Meeting
Internet Speed Test

Prepare Before the Retreat
Download Zoom and Create an Account: For First Time Users
All retreat sessions will be held live on Zoom, a web conferencing platform that you can download and use for free. For first time Zoom users, first visit https://zoom.us/download click the "Download" button under Zoom Client for Meetings. We recommend downloading Zoom onto a device with a larger screen, such as a laptop or desktop computer, instead of using your phone or tablet. In addition to downloading Zoom, you will need to create a Zoom account if you do not yet have one. You can create an account by downloading Zoom and then opening the Zoom app. This will bring you to a login screen, and on the bottom right you can click the "Sign up for Free" button. You can also create an account by visiting https://zoom.us/signup. It's a relatively easy process to download Zoom and create an account, but it does take a few minutes so make sure to do this before the start of the retreat!

Choose Your Device Carefully
If you have multiple devices, we recommend downloading Zoom onto the one with the largest screen, such as a laptop or desktop computer, so that you can easily see what is going on. When possible we don't recommend using your phone as it will be difficult to see what is happening on such a small screen, plus phone calls, emails, and text messages could be distracting. The features and functionalities of the mobile version of Zoom are also slightly different, so please note that our guide and cheat sheet are not fully applicable to the mobile version (and also vary slightly from Zoom features/functionality on tablets). Lastly, for most classes, as well as some social events, you will want to be following along and actively knitting: be sure to use a device that can stand on it's own so you can keep your hands free!

Practice with Zoom
If you are new to Zoom or need a refresher, we recommend taking advantage of some of the many resources available to familiarize yourself with how to use it! We have created a detailed Zoom how-to guide, as well as a Zoom cheat sheet for your reference. You can also practice on your own by joining a test Zoom meeting here, or checking out some of Zoom's beginner tutorials here. If you have any questions or need a little more support, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're more than happy to help you get squared away before the retreat (registration@umass.edu, 413-577-8102)!

Check Your Internet Connection
To get the most out of each session, it is important to use reliable internet! If possible, ask others in your home to stay off of the internet when you are in a session to minimize the devices connected to your network. If your wireless internet frequently lags, kicks you off, or is generally unreliable, try to use a wired connection right from your computer into your router, and keep your camera off as much as possible. You could also see if there is somewhere else you can go for internet access, such as the home of a family member or friend, a library, or a local café. Some libraries offer free outdoor wi-fi, allowing you to connect from a nearby parking lot or outdoor space.

Unsure about your internet speed and reliability? Do a quick test of your internet speed on Google! This test will let you know your internet speed and how well it can handle multiple devices connected at the same time, video conferencing, and more.

Create a Special Retreat Space
Find an area of your home where you will be comfortable, and ideally one that is private to minimize distractions. Arrange a comfortable chair in front of your screen. Set your screen up on a table, stand, or desk, so that you can easily see it while having your hands free to knit. Create a little kit to keep all of your supplies organized and easy to grab, and fill it with your knitting supplies, class materials/homework, drinks, snacks, a notebook, a pen/pencil, and whatever else you might need. If you decide to have your camera on, consider the camera angle and the background your teachers and fellow students will see. You may want to prop up your screen so that the camera is at or above eye level for a more flattering angle. Consider what others will see behind you, and perhaps rearrange or spruce up the space a bit. During the retreat, remove distractions and background noises by closing the doors and windows to your space, silencing your phone, and asking your family or housemates to be mindful of when you will be attending retreat sessions.

During the Retreat
Get Ready for Your Sessions
"Zoom fatigue" is all too real - it can be tough to sit in virtual session after virtual session, even if we have some of the most engaging hosts and teachers around! It helps to prepare yourself and your space in advance, and to get mentally and physically ready the day of. Consider stretching or going for a walk before a block of session begins. Leading up to the session, give yourself enough time (at least 15 minutes!) before the start of the session to get your device up and running and make sure your audio and video are working. Know when your classes begin, and what additional events you would like to attend. Be sure to setup your space in the days leading up to the retreat (see the "Create a Special Retreat Spot" section above) and have anything that you might need during the session close by - you don't want to miss anything because you have to go grab some supplies or a drink! If you decide to have your camera on, keep in mind the instructor and other attendees will be able to see you, so make sure you are camera ready. This is also helpful if you need to get up and grab a supply from somewhere else in your home (we've all seen the videos of the mishaps that result when someone on camera forgets that they aren't quite dressed appropriately!)

Stay Muted (except during dedicated Q&As!)
When you join a session you should automatically be muted. Please stay muted unless you have a question or need assistance to avoid broadcasting any unexpected background noises to all of the other participants in the meeting. On the bottom meeting toolbar you will see a microphone icon: if there is a red line in this icon that means you are muted, and you can click this icon to request to unmute if needed. You can also utilize a number of other communication methods in Zoom while staying muted, such as the Chat feature or Reactions (take a look at our how-to guide and cheat sheet for more information!). Your instructor might have their own specific requests regarding how attendees should make comments or ask questions, so the exact protocol to follow may vary depending on the class or session - we recommend logging in a few minutes early to make sure you don't miss any special instructions made by that session's host.

Take Advantage of Time In-Between Sessions
The retreat is packed full of great events. Review the schedule to get a sense of when you will have some breaks or blocks of down time, and take advantage of these! When you have a break, try to get up and stretch. For longer breaks, consider taking a short walk to get some fresh air and recharge. These are also great chances to replenish any supplies, drinks, or snacks in preparation for the next session!

 We're here to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu. or 413-577-8102.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

We are so excited you will be joining us for the virtual WEBS Spring Knitting Retreat! If there is anything you need or anything we can assist with, either before or during the retreat, please contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102. We are open Monday - Friday from 8am - 4pm (ET).