Tentative Retreat Schedule
Below is the tentative retreat schedule. To download a copy of the retreat brochure, including the schedule, please click here.

Note all time listed are Eastern Time (ET): click here to add your time zone and convert to your local time, if needed.

Thursday, April 27
6pm: Welcome Meeting with WEBS
6:15pm: Tahki Stacy Charles presentation
7:15pm: Valley Yarns presentation
8 - 9pm: Evening Sponsors Presentation

Friday, April 28
8 - 9am: Virtual Yoga
9 - 10am: Tea Time
11am - 1pm: Early afternoon classes

• Introduction to Double-knitting with Alasdair Post-Quinn.
• Reading Your Knitting (and Charts) with Ann Budd.
• Edges Bordering on Perfections with Margaret Radcliffe. At capacity.
• Build a Better Fabric with Patty Lyons.
• Tunisian Crochet for Absolute Beginners with Toni Lipsey. 
• Exploring the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible (all-day class) with Gayle Roehm.
• Design a Hat! (all-day class) with Nina Machlin Dayton.  

1:30 - 2:30pm: Afternoon Sponsor presentation  
3 - 5pm: Late afternoon classes

• Advanced Beginner Double-knitting with Alasdair Post-Quinn.
• Fixing Mistakes with Ann Budd.
• Stripe Tricks with Margaret Radcliffe. At capacity
• Knitting ER with Patty Lyons.
• Tunisian Crochet Stitch Exploration with Toni Lipsey.
• Exploring the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible (all-day class) with Gayle Roehm.
• Design a Hat! (all-day class) with Nina Machlin Dayton.

5:30 - 6:30pm: Virtual Event 
7:30 - 9pm: Evening Sponsor presentation

Saturday, April 29
8 - 9am: Virtual Yoga
9 - 10am: Tea Time
11am - 1pm: Early afternoon classes

• Double-knitting in the Round with Alasdair Post-Quinn.
• Happy Heels with Ann Budd.
  
• I-Cord Tips and Tricks with Margaret Radcliffe.
  
• Chart It, Swatch It, Love It with Patty Lyons.
  
• Understanding Japanese Knitting Patterns with Gayle Roehm.
  
• Seaming, Finishing, and Blocking with Nina Machlin Dayton.
  
• TC x Knitting Crossover: Tunisian Crochet for Knitters (all-day class) with Toni Lipsey.

1:30 - 2:30pm: Afternoon Sponsor presentation
3 - 5pm: Late afternoon classes

• Slip-stitch Double-knitting with Alasdair Post-Quinn.
• Bind-Off Techniques with Ann Budd. 
  
• Lazy Knitter's Guide to Pattern Stitches with Margaret Radcliffe.
  
• Secrets of Yarn Substitution with Patty Lyons. At capacity.
  
• Tips and Techniques from Japanese Designs with Gayle Roehm.
  
• Duplicate Stitch with Nina Machlin Dayton.
  
• TC x Knitting Crossover: Tunisian Crochet for Knitters (all-day class) with Toni Lipsey.
  

5:30 - 6:30pm: Virtual Event
7:30 - 9pm: Evening Sponsor presentation

Sunday, April 30
9:30 - 10:30am: Tea time
11am - 12pm: Keynote speech by Margaret Radcliffe

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help! 
Please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Team 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) and some of our staff is working in a hybrid format. 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!

Alasdair Post-Quinn
Introduction to Double-knitting:
Friday from 11am - 1pm
In this workshop, you'll learn my 2-color cast-on for double-knitting, get comfortable with the techniques involved, move into colorwork, and then finish with bind-off that mirrors the cast-on. At the end of the workshop, you should have a motif swatch and be confident that you can tackle a larger standard double-knitting pattern.

Advanced Beginner Double-knitting:
Friday from 3 - 5pm
Perhaps you've tried double-knitting once or twice in the past, but are still not feeling confident in their ability to start in on a project. Perhaps you're an experienced knitter who wants to little less of a basic introduction to double-knitting,  If either of those descripbes you, this may be the workshop for you! In this workshop, we'll use the same techniques as in the intro workshop, but with more complex chart. You will also learn my very clean double-knit selvedge and variation on it. 

Double-knitting in the Round: 
Saturday from 11am - 1pm
In this workshop, you'll learn my 2-color cast-on for double-knitting, learn to join double-knitting in the round and follow an all-over chart. You'll learn about options for jog reduction and of course, how to double-knit on two circulars. You are welcome to use DPNs or magic loop if you would rather, but I will not be teaching those techniques.

Slip-stitch Double-knitting:  
Saturday from 3 - 5 p.m.
In this workshop, you'll learn how to work slip-stitch double-knitting in plain fabric and simple colorwork, as well as the cleanest edge solution available for this style. You can take this workshop if you've never double-knitted before, but if you already have some other foundational knowledge of the modern style, this workshop will be especially interesting for you.

Ann Budd
Read Your Knitting (and Chart):
Friday from 11am - 1pm
Most knitters run into problems when they aren’t able to “read their knitting”—that is, they can’t recognize where they are in a pattern by simply looking at the stitches on the needles or in the fabric below the needles. How do you tell where you are when you’ve put your knitting down in the middle of row? Can you tell how many rows you’ve knitted since the last increase, or decrease? How do you know what type of increase or decrease was worked? In this class, Ann will examine how the basic stitches look in a piece of knitting and how those stitches are represented in charts.

Fixing Mistakes: 
Friday from 3 - 5pm
Too often knitting comes to a screeching halt (usually late at night) when we find mistakes that we’re unable to correct. In this class, Ann will demonstrate fixing common mistakes, including stitch mount, ripping out, picking up single and a series of dropped stitches (including edge stitches), and reversing the direction of a cable or correcting a mistake in a lace pattern several rows below the needles.

Happy Heels: 
Saturday from 11am - 1pm
In this workshop, Ann Budd will demonstrate three popular types of sock heels— the round heel, the short-row heel, and the afterthought heel. While the round heel is most easily fitted when worked from the top down, both the short-row and afterthought heels can be worked equally well from the top down or from the toe up, and both are great for adding spots of contrasting colors. All three types are interchangeable.

Bind-Off Techniques:
Saturday from 3 - 5pm
Just as there are a variety of ways to cast on stitches, there are also many ways to bind off, each with its own advantages. Learn an assortment of Ann’s favorite methods, including the Suspended, Decrease, Sewn, I-Cord, Invisible Rib (also called Tubular), Channel Island, and when to use them to provide strength, elasticity, invisibility, or decoration.

Margaret Radcliffe
Edges Bordering on Perfection:
Friday from 11am - 1pm
Perfect borders can be a pain to pick up. Learn to prepare for borders with neat edges on your knitting and how to pick up perfectly every time. You’ll work swatches with four different types of edges as homework, then in class learn to determine the right number of stitches to pick up for your borders and a variety of ways to pick them up. Be prepared for perfectly elegant borders on all your future garments.

Stripe Tricks:
Friday from 3 - 5pm
Nifty tricks and inspirational ideas for working knitted stripes. Learn to work single-row stripes without cutting the yarn, how to create reversible striped patterns, ideas for designing interesting striped patterns, coded stripes, integrating stripes into textured pattern stitches, managing your yarn and dealing with ends. Class is a combination of hands-on swatching and lecture demo.

I-Cord Tips and Tricks:
Saturday from 11am - 1pm
I-cord makes great strings and ties, but it’s also fantastic for decorative bindoffs, edgings, and cast ons. It’s the easiest way to make small tubes for toys, mitten thumbs and glove fingers. Workshop begins with the basics and includes how to avoid loose stitches, finishing techniques, and multi-color I-cord.

Lazy Knitter's Guide to Pattern Stitches:
Saturday from 3 - 5pm
A curated collection of pattern stitches for those who love to knit and hate to purl! Learn to make fabrics with ribs, diagonals, honeycombs, and more, just using the basic techniques of knitting below and slipped stitches. We’ll discuss the types of fabric these produce and the best uses for them. This is a hands-on class where you’ll swatch a selection of patterns and have the opportunity to perfect your technique and ask questions.

Patty Lyons
Build a Better Fabric:
Friday from 11am - 1pm
We’ll explore ways to improve your knitting technique by looking at the most important fundamentals, like the job of the left needle tip and the right needle shaft, stitch sizing, and even the correct exit path of your stitch. If you feel like you are always 3 needles off from a pattern, or have inconsistent gauge, or are just unhappy with your finished fabric, this is the class for you!

Knitting ER:
Friday from 3 - 5pm
We’ll learn how to read your knitting and master the basics that every knitter needs to know, how to unknit, how to pick up a dropped stitch in stockinette, how to fix garter, how to fix a mistake in a stitch pattern such as rib or seed, and how to fix your stitch mounts to avoid twisted stitches. We’ll also learn a few fancy tricks like picking up a dropped stitch at the end of your row or using a small needle to safely rip down to. Everyone makes mistakes; now learn that it doesn’t have to ruin your knitting!

Chart it, Swatch it, Love it:
Saturday from 11am - 1pm
Learn how to spice up any sweater with your own stitches. We’ll start with an exploration of what cables and lace do to your fabric. We’ll look at what can make the cast on edge undulate or the side of a stitch move in and out. Next we’ll learn the simple math to insert or replace a stitch panel or detail into existing sweater pattern. Then, after looking at swatches, stitch dictionaries and finished objects for inspiration, I’ll set you on your path to start to play with adjusting and combining to create your custom stitches. After the class you’ll be set for using both graph paper and some imaginative three-dimensional tools to start to lay out your own stitch and even start to swatch it.

Secrets of Yarn Substitution:
Saturday from 3 - 5pm
Learn to substitute with confidence! Proper yarn selection can make or break your knitting project. Know the three questions everyone needs to ask themselves to make a perfect yarn sub –how much, how big, what is it? We will learn to look deeper at gauge to understand the difference between yarn gauge and pattern gauge and understand nuances like designer intent. Find out just how much a knitted swatch can teach you as we learn the difference between yardage and weight and delve into world beyond gauge and explore the properties of different fibers.

Toni Lipsey
Tunisian Crochet for Absolute Beginners:
Friday from 11am - 1pm
Join guest instructor Toni Lipsey for a beginner-level introduction to Tunisian crochet. Resting at the intersection of knitting and crochet, Tunisian crochet brings the best of these crafts into a new dimension. Discover the excitement of this addictive technique and walk out of class with your first project - the Geo Potholder, an exclusive pattern from Toni's book The Tunisian Crochet Handbook.

Tunisian Crochet Stitch Exploration:
Friday from 3 - 5pm
Dive deeper into the world of Tunisian crochet as you learn 4 unique and beautiful stitches. Master close textures, lacy patterns, and beginner colorwork. Combine those stitches with joining and finishing techniques for a beautiful and unique sampler blanket.

TC x Knitting Crossover: Tunisian Crochet for Knitters (all-day class):
Saturday from 11am - 1pm and 3 - 5pm
Dissect the differences (and similarities) between knitting and Tunisian crochet in this beginner workshop. By breaking down the tools, basic stitches, and helpful tips related to Tunisian crochet, knitters of any skill level can add this addictive technique to their toolkits. Build a solid foundation of Tunisian crochet as you stitch the beginnings of the Loveland Shawl, a best-selling pattern from guest instructor Toni Lipsey's extensive collection.

Gayle Roehm
Exploring the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible (all-day class):
Friday from 11am - 1pm and 3 - 5pm
From easy to brain-bending! We'll start with a stitch pattern from JKSB that gives you a lot of “bang for the buck”: it’s lovely and relatively easy to knit. Then we'll move on to other stitch patterns with more challenge: patterning on both right and wrong sides, with complex combinations. You’ll gain confidence from practice with Shida’s style and with the charts and symbols. All of the patterns and chart keys will be provided, so there's no need to purchase the book if you’d like to sample it first.

Understanding Japanese Knitting Patterns:
Saturday from 11am - 1pm
Are you interested in trying your hand at a Japanese knitting pattern that doesn’t have a translation? Japanese patterns are presented in a graphic format, with drawings and charts that knitters can decipher without knowing the language. In this three-hour class, we cover the basics of understanding such a pattern. You’ll learn where to find important information such as gauge, needle size and shaping. You’ll also learn a few key vocabulary words and basic stitch symbols. We’ll discuss where to get help when you encounter something unfamiliar. If time permits, we’ll practice a swatch to strengthen your chart-reading skills.

Tips and Techniques from Japanese Designs:
Saturday from 3 - 5pm
Japanese knitting patterns often include useful techniques as well as great designs. This mini-class will introduce you to an assortment of tips and techniques from Japanese patterns and instruction books. Most are variations or refinements of techniques that you already know, but they can be useful additions to your “tool box.” Among other things, we’ll look at: Variations on three-needle bindoff, a couple of vertical buttonholes, ribbed cast-on variations, sewn bind-off variations and Japanese bobbles worked with a crochet hook.

Nina Machlin Dayton
Design a Hat! (all-day class):
Friday from 11am - 1pm and 3 - 5pm
Together we will go over all aspects of designing a basic hat from measurements using any yarn you choose. We’ll examine the different brims, hat body patterns, and crown decreases, and you will leave the class with a hat designed (and possibly knit as well) as well as the skills and worksheets needed to make as many more as you wish.

Seaming, Finishing, and Blocking:
Saturday from 11am - 1pm
We will examine the best practices for the steps that make our projects more polished looking – seaming (vertical to vertical, horizontal to horizontal, and vertical to horizontal), weaving in ends, and blocking. Take your projects to the next level by learning the techniques and tricks that make them look impeccable!

Duplicate Stitch:
Saturday from 3 - 5pm
Duplicate stitch is a way to decorate your finished knitting with contrasting colors that leaves your work looking like the contrasting colors were knit in. We will learn how to do this stitch as well as diving into the other uses it has – for reinforcing your knit fabric, for repairing small holes or worn patches invisibly, and for a surprising pathway to understanding and mastering how to graft knitted pieces together. Never pass up a pattern again because it calls for Kitchener stitch!

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help! 
Please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Team 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) and some of our staff is working in a hybrid format. 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!

Margaret Radcliffe
Margaret is the author of the bestselling Knitting Answer Book, The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques, Circular Knitting Workshop, and The Knowledgeable Knitter. She has taught knitting since 1991 and began publishing her designs in a line of knitting patterns under the name Maggie’s Rags in 1997. Margaret's many teaching venues for knitting and dyeing have included the John C. Campbell Folk School, the Madrona Fiberarts Winter Retreat, the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF), Knitters’ Day Out, Houston Fiber Fest, the Schooner J&E Riggin out of Rockland, Maine, plus numerous shops and fiber guilds across the U.S. and into Canada. As a teacher, Margaret is acclaimed for her ability to help all knitters to develop their independence and creativity. Her current fiber arts interests include preparing, spinning, and designing handknits using heritage breeds and participation in The Livestock Conservancy’s Shave ’Em to Save ’Em program.

Toni Lipsey
Toni Lipsey, the designer and instructor behind TL Yarn Crafts, strives to spark others’ creativity through online tutorials and modern, approachable crochet patterns. Toni learned to crochet from her mother as a teenager and has been exploring the possibilities of yarn ever since. She offers hundreds of crochet patterns on her website and thousands of hours of crochet instruction and inspiration on her YouTube channel. When she’s not crocheting, you can find Toni cuddled with her 2 kittens and husband in her Michigan home, binge-watching the latest true-crime thriller. Follow her daily crochet journey on Instagram and pick up her book, The Tunisian Crochet Handbook, and patterns on tlyarncrafts.com.

Alasdair Post-Quinn
Alasdair Post-Quinn is the author of the critically acclaimed books "Extreme Double- Knitting" and "Double or Nothing" and a smattering of other patterns, mostly also double-knitted. He has been working to push the boundaries of double-knitting since 2003. Alasdair lives in Cambridge, MA and works in computer repair when he's not traveling around North America to teach. He has a burgeoning business in self-published knitting books, patterns, online video tutorials and in-person or live virtual workshops for all levels of doubleknitting experience. For more info, please visit double-knitting.com.

Nina Machlin Dayton
Nina Machlin Dayton has been knitting and designing, and teaching knitting and design, for over 45 years. Her first professional knitting job was back in the 1980’s when she did hand knitting for couturier designer Joan Vass, and she has never looked back. She is a season 6 Knit Star and leads the team that created and runs the annual Indie Design Gift -A-Long on Ravelry. A native New Yorker, she now lives in the beautiful Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts, with her family and cats, in an old Victorian house stuffed to the rafters with books, yarn, and all things vintage knitting, crochet, dressmaking, and millinery. You can learn more about Nina’s designs at: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/nina-machlin-dayton or follow her on Instragram @ninamachlindayton.

Ann Budd
In addition to being a fun-loving knitaholic, Ann worked for Interweave Press for more than 20 years and is now a freelance knitting author, editor, designer and teacher. She has written more than a dozen books, including The Knitter’s Handy Book series, Getting Started Knitting Socks, Sock Knitting Master Class, New Directions in Sock Knitting, and many of Interweave’s Style series books. Ann lives in Boulder, Colorado, and teach workshops all across the country. You can follow Ann’s blog and my Ravelry page Budd’s Buds.

Gayle Roehm
Gayle Roehm is a former management consultant who now devotes herself to knitting and other fiber arts. She teaches nationally for knitting events, guilds and yarn shops. Her designs have been featured in Knitter’s, Interweave Knits, A Gathering of Lace, and other publications. Gayle has traveled throughout the world, lived in Japan, speaks Japanese and has knitted with Japanese designs for many years. She is the translator of the "Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible" and “250 Japanese Knitting Stitches” by Hitomi Shida, "Japanese Knitting" by michiyo, “Keiko Okamoto’s Japanese Knitting Stitches,” “Wonder Crochet,” “1000 Japanese Knitting and Crochet Stitches,” and “280 Lace Stitches,” and she has edited several more. She published the first information in English about Japanese patterns in 1997 and has been teaching and knitting Japanese designs ever since.

Patty Lyons
Patty Lyons (http://pattylyons.com/) is a nationally recognized knitting teacher and technique expert who is known for teaching the “why” not just the “how” in her pursuit of training the “mindful knitter”. She specializes in sweater design and sharing her love of the much-maligned subjects of gauge and blocking. Patty teaches nationally at guilds, shops & knitting shows around the country such as Vogue Knitting LIVE, and STITCHES. Her popular classes can also be found on DVD and online at Interweave, Annie’s and Craftsy. She also runs wildly popular video sweater classes on her Ravelry group. Patty’s designs and knitting skill articles have been published in Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, Knit Purl, Knitter’s Magazine, Cast On, Knit Style, Creative Knitting, Twist Collective and Mason Dixon Knitting where she writes a monthly knitter’s advice column: “Ask Patty”. Patty’s designs have also been included in pattern collections from Classic Elite, Noro, Cascade, Tahki Stacy Charles, Sugar Bush and Willow Yarns. 

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help! 
Please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Team 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) and some of our staff is working in a hybrid format. 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 available packages?
Each retreat package includes access to all retreat presentations, sponsor sessions, morning yoga, and tea time with friends, as well as a sumptuous swag bag mailed right to your door and an exclusive free shipping coupon code valid at WEBS. 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. There are four class blocks with different classes running during each block and you will be assigned to classes based on the class preferences you provide and your selected retreat package. Classes run Friday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Friday from 3 - 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., and Saturday from 3 - 5 p.m. (ET).

Can I change my selected retreat package?
Yes, availability permitting 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. To adjust your retreat package contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu, or log back into the online registration form using your existing account and click "Edit Registration". You'll then be able to go back through the form and select a different package, and once you reached the "Registration Review" page, all updates will have been successfully applied to your account.

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 register 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 "Create Additional Registration" 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: doing so will overwrite the completed registration with this new information, and will not result in multiple people being registered.

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 swag 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.

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 (eligibility permitting) unless a written confirmation is provided.
For cancellations received more than 30 days from the start date of the retreat (prior to March 28): a full refund will be processed less the non-refundable $100.00 deposit.
For cancellations received less than 30 days from the start date of the retreat (after March 28 but before April 13): a full refund will be processed less a cancellation fee in the amount of 50% of the retreat package + $60.00.
For cancellations received less than 14 days before the start date of the retreat (after April 13): cancellations will be ineligible for a refund and no refund will be issued.

Virtual Retreat
How do I access retreat sessions?
The retreat will be held virtually from April 27 - 30. 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 it's 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 all your classes, sponsor presentations, tea time, morning yoga, and the Sunday keynote. Session 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 prepare! 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 then be brought into the meeting without issue! 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. When you join a meeting with a waiting room, 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.

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

Classes
How do I sign up for classes?
The registration for the Spring Retreat will be a two-part process. The first step will be registering for your preferred retreat package. Registration will open at 12 p.m. EDT on Thursday, February 23. Then, at noon on Wednesday, March 8, registered attendees will be able to submit class preferences by returning to this page, logging back in to their account, and entering the first and second class choices for as many class hours as selected. Detailed instructions will be emailed to registered attendees prior to March 8. 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 8. 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.

Payment
What are my payment options?
A minimum non-refundable $100.00 deposit is required to secure your registration. During registration you can select to pay this deposit, your full balance due, or any amount in between. Payment is accepted via this online registration page by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit or debit card.

If you do not select to pay the full balance due during your initial registration, all remaining fees are due by the close of business (4 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. You can create your own payment plan to periodically submitting additional payments online, by phone, or by check. Additional instructions are included in the informational email you will receive after completing your registration.

For questions related to payment and/or to discuss alternate payment options, please contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102!

What is the payment deadline?
You must submit a minimum non-refundable $100.00 deposit to secure your registration. If you do not pay in full during your initial registration, all remaining fees are due by the close of business (4 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy 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!

Are you new to virtual learning?
We're happy to help you navigate this new adventure! We have put together tips and tricks, a how-to guide, and a cheat sheet 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).

Prepare Before the Retreat
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.

Download Zoom and Create an Account
All retreat sessions will be held live on Zoom, a web conferencing platform that you can download and use for free. To use Zoom, 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 some classes and guided social events you will want to be following along and, in some cases, 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, 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)!

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 sessions begin. 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!

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy 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!

Questions, concerns, or need some assistance? We're here to help!
We are so excited you will be joining us for the virtual WEBS Spring Knitting Retreat! A virtual retreat might be a new adventure for you, but we are committed to doing all we can to provide you with the best experience. 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.

Below are some links you might find helpful as you prepare for the retreat:

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 Resource Library
Zoom Test Meeting
Internet Speed Test