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, January 18
6:00pm: Welcome Meeting
6:15pm: Sponsor Presentation
8:00pm-9:00pm: Late-night Lounge Presentation

Friday, January 19
8:00am-9:00am: Virtual Yoga
9:00am-10:00am: Tea Time
11:00am-1:00pm: Early Afternoon Classes
   - Stacked Stitches with Xandy Peters: at capacity
   - Adventures in Short Rows with Amy Snell
   - 2 Socks in 1 with Safiyyah Talley
   - Math for Knitters with Kate Atherley
   - Flower Show Block (Part 1) with Margaret Holzmann
   - Reversible Cables with Harry Wells
1:30pm-2:30pm: Sponsor Presentation  
3:00pm-5:00pm: Late Afternoon Classes
   - I-Cord with Xandy Peters: at capacity
   - Basic Knit Fixes with Amy Snell
   - The Sweater Cheat Sheet with Safiyyah Talley
   - Smart Strat for Garment Knit with Kate Atherley
   - Geometric Knitting Basic with Margaret Holzmann
   - Color Cables with Harry Wells
5:30pm-6:30pm: Lounge Activity
7:00pm-8:00pm: Sponsor Presentation
8:30pm-9:30pm: Late-night Lounge Presentation

Saturday, January 20
8:00am-9:00am: Virtual Yoga
9:00am-10:00am: Tea Time
11:00am-1:00pm: Early Afternoon Classes
   - Fixing Mistakes in Brioche with Xandy Peters
   - Cabling without a Cable Needle with Amy Snell
   - Technology for Knitters with Safiyyah Talley
   - Chart Reading with Kate Atherley
   - Flower Show Block (Part 2) with Margaret Holzmann
   - Introduction to Argyle Knitting with Harry Wells
1:30pm-2:30pm: Sponsor Presentation
3:00pm-5:00pm: Late Afternoon Classes
   - Color Theory for Fiber Artists with Xandy Peters
   - Knitwear Repair with Amy Snell
   - Sweater Hacks with Safiyyah Talley
   - Yarn Substitutions with Kate Atherley
   - Finishing Techniques for Garter Stitch with Margaret Holzmann
   - Mosaic Knitting with Harry Wells
5:30pm-6:30pm: Lounge Activity
7:00pm-8:00pm: Sponsor Presentation
8:30pm-9:30pm: Late-night Lounge Presentation

Sunday, January 21
9:30am-10:30am: Tea Time
11:00am-12:00pm: Keynote Speech by Melanie Falick

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). 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!

Xandy Peters
Intro to Stacked Stitches:
Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Stacked stitches are an innovative approach to striped colorwork, best known as the technique behind the Fox Paws pattern. This introductory class will enable knitters of all levels to try out the technique in a swatch and become confident working patterns that incorporate stacked stitches. We will focus on mastering the increase and decrease stitches and learn several strategies for avoiding problems and fixing mistakes.

I-cord Cast ons, Bind offs, and Everything in Between:
Friday, 3:00-5:00pm
I-cords are simple tubes of knitting, but they have so many uses. In this class, we will learn to make a simple I-cord, and use it as a structural or decorative edge for our knitting. This stitch is easy to learn, and, once you can use it, the possibilities are endless. Students will leave ready to explore their own creative uses for this invaluable technique.

Fixing Mistakes in Brioche: 
Saturday from 11:00am-1:00pm
In this class, we will look at the structure of brioche fabric and learn when and how to rip back multiple rows, fix laddered stitches, and even correct a missed increase or decrease. We will also learn how to spot mismatched, dropped or twisted tuck stitches. Each student will cast on and begin a swatch of simple brioche stitch before class and are encouraged to follow along with demos of each fix. They will also have an opportunity to bring in their own brioche projects for help and advice.

Color Theory for Fiber Artists:  
Saturday from 3:00-5:00 pm
Learn strategies to help you quickly and efficiently try out exciting yarns and colors in your knitting. Students will learn about the color wheel, historical points of interest, and will see examples of quick and dirty color-ups from a fashion industry perspective, focusing on methods of exploring color combinations without the expense of yarn and the time intensive process of swatching. Students are encouraged to bring in “difficult” yarns, spinning fiber, and color inspiration.

Amy Snell
Adventures in Short Rows:
Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Short rows allow us to create shaping and dimensionality in our knitting, giving us the ability to turn a sock heel, raise the back of a sweater neck, or allow for extra room in the bust. Short rows can also be a fun and interesting design element when we play with color in our designs. In this class, you will practice four different methods for creating short rows: wrap and turn, Japanese, German, shadow wrap short rows and more. We’ll discuss the benefits of each and talk about how to substitute between them.

Basic Knit Fixes: Recognize, Avoid, and Fix Your Mistakes:: 
Friday, 3:00-5:00pm
Uh-oh, there’s something wrong with your knitting! Never fear, almost everything in knitting can be fixed. In this class, you’ll learn how to “read” your knitting to identify problems, what causes common problems like dropped or twisted stitches and how to fix them. You’ll learn how to tink, how to frog, and how to know which one to do when. You’ll learn how and when to use lifelines, and a few other tips and tricks along the way!

Cabling Without a Cable Needle:
Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm 
Unlock the secrets of squishy, captivating brioche knitting! Working brioche in the round is easier than flat, and two colors are easier to keep track of than one. You’ll learn the magic of working this fun and fluffy stitch as you begin to work the Bri-Licious Cowl in class (you not finish the cowl during the class time, but will know everything you need to know in order to finish on your own). This class is suitable for first-time brioche knitters and the pattern will be supplied in class.

Knitwear Repair: Resurrecting Your Damaged Knits:
Saturday, 3:00-5:00pm
No matter how much care we take with our knitted items, sometimes they develop holes, pulls, snags, or even moth damage. Never fear! With just a bit of effort, you can repair the damage and ready your knits for many more years of use. You’ll learn several different methods for repairing damage, and when to use each.

Safiyyah Talley
2 Socks in 1:
Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Knit 2 Socks in 1 is a two at the time sock method in which you knit one long sock that you could then cut in half to create two socks. What makes this method foolproof is that lifelines (lengths of scrap yarn used to hold stitches in place) are inserted as you knit, allowing you to cut into your knitting with confidence. The socks are finished off with a peasant heel, which is an afterthought heel that uses lifelines to simplify the process. The peasant heel also doubles as the toe! The combination of these techniques creates an approachable way to knit two socks at a time!

The Sweater Cheat Sheet:
Friday, 3:00-5:00pm
Using my quick and dirty cheat sheet, I walk knitters through how to knit the sweater of their dreams without a pattern. This class focuses on constructing a circular yoke, raglan, and an improved drop shoulder

Technology for Knitters:
Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Learn to improve your knitting experience using accessible, web based knitting and design programs. In this class, we will explore how to map out color, create knitting charts, schematics, mood boards and more!

Sweater Hacks:
Saturday, 3:00-5:00pm
The best thing that you can do for a handknit sweater is customize it to fit your needs. This class will guide you through improving the fit of any sweater pattern by incorporating shaping, short rows, alternative necklines and more.

Kate Atherley
Math for Knitters:
Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm
We’ll focus on how math fits into pattern reading – all the aspects of counting and working and keeping track on instructions. We’ll cover things like “Decrease every 8 rows 10 times”, and "Increase 12 sts evenly distributed across the row". We’ll talk about calculating yardage in partial balls of yarn, and how to ensure you’ll have enough to complete your project. We’ll also have a discussion of gauge and what it really means – and how to deal with it if you can’t match. Suitable for newer knitters, and those who wish to get more comfortable reading patterns—it's all about conquering your fear of the numbers and making you a more powerful knitter!

Smart Strategies for Garment Knitting:
Friday, 3:00-5:00pm
This class is all about helping you make a better garment by teaching you how to make great choices. We’ll start with tips for choosing a good pattern, through to properly identifying what size to make, to finding the best yarn. We’ll have a honest discussion about the issue of gauge, and share tips for ensuring that the knitting is fun and the result fantastic.

Chart Reading:
Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Class provides knitters of all levels the tools to read, understand and comfortably work from charts for any type of knitting pattern: colorwork, cables and lace. We’ll talk about how to read them, and also share tips for working with them, keeping track of your progress, and making them as easy to read as possible.

Yarn Substitution:
Saturday, 3:00-5:00pm
Suitable for newer to intermediate knitters, this class will explain yarn terminology, and build your knowledge of types of yarns and fibers. We will dive deep into the topic of yarn weights and gauge, giving you foolproof and easy ways to check and get gauge for a pattern – along the way explaining why it matters, when it doesn’t, and what to do if you can’t get it. We’ll also talk about yarn and fiber types, with a deep dive on matching project to yarn for best result.

Margaret Holzmann
Flower Show Block (Two Sessions, Must Sign-up for Both):
Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm and Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Learn how to work curved shapes and integrate them into a block or design while making the beautiful Flower Show block. Curves are created by short rows, decreases, increases and the clever placement of 3-needle Bind offs. Perfect your skills for purling backwards as you make this beautiful block.
In Part 1 of the class, we learn to make Petals. As homework after class, and before Part 2 of the class, students need to complete 8 Petals. Students generally complete between 4-6 Petals during class.
In Part 2 of the class, taught the following day, we learn how to make the Center, and the edge pieces that surround the Flower and turn it into a square block.

Geometric Knitting Basics:
Friday, 3:00-5:00pm
Learn new geometric knitting techniques while making a beautiful Pin-wheel block. Explore ways to create geometric shapes modularly to minimize seaming. We’ll be covering the optional construction for this block which is to use Intarsia for Garter Stitch.

Finishing Techniques for Garter Stitch:
Saturday, 3:00-5:00pm
Learn several methods for assembling garter stitch knitted blocks or strips into a blanket. We’ll cover all the finishing techniques to make a polished and perfect handmade blanket that you’ll be proud of. We will learn several different sew-less blanket border constructions and their pros and cons, and how to weave in ends permanently and invisibly. Learn how to knit on embellishments and how to tack them to your blanket neatly (so they don’t show on the back).

Harry Wells
Flipside Awesomeness: Reversible Cables:
Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Learn how to make them reversible! Learn what can and cannot be reversed, and two methods in developing reversible cable fabric. Many examples of cables— rope, lozenge, celtic braid, horn and more—are covered with step-by-step examination and in-class exercises to convert them to reversible. Participants will be given several reversible sample stitch patterns to knit up.

Crisscrossing the Rainbow: Color Cables:
Friday, 3:00-5:00pm
Now add color to that mix! You will be amazed at how the same cable pattern can produce very different visual experiences by changing which stitch columns receive color. And discover the fun of experimenting with color placement as you learn how to convert a cable chart into a color cable chart using graph paper and/ or a charting program.

Introduction to Argyle Knitting:
Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm
In this class, you will learn the classic technique of knitting Argyle flat, along with a seaming method that makes the seam nearly invisible and not bulky. Students will make an Argyle sample swatch, learning how to wrap yarns to prevent holes, how to add in bobbins, and other Argyle tips and tricks. You will also learn the calculations to design your own Argyle diamond patterns for different gauges. You’ll discover the fun of watching these diamonds grow, but beware, Argyle can become addictive!

Colorwork the Easy Way! Mosaic Knitting:
Saturday, 3:00-5:00pm
Along with the basic mosaic knitting technique for garter and stockinette, learn to predict when combinations of variegated and solid color yarn work together and when they will not, and how charts are written and read differently for mosaic knitting. Practical tips about navigating the technique and advice regarding the best uses for mosaic knitting are included. Also covered are examples of adding slip stitch to basic garter and progressively adding one, two, and three colors to achieve stunning colorwork results with so little effort!

Harry Wells
Teaching and knitting are passions for Harry. In 2010, he retired from being a university professor to pursue his passion for knitting professionally, including managing the Northcoast Knittery yarn shop (from 2010-2017) and teaching a myriad of classes at knitting conferences and fiber festivals on the regional and national circuit. His extensive experience in classroom presentation and course preparation makes for an organized and engaging learning experience. He enjoys designing knitwear and accessories for both men and women, with an aesthetic that emphasizes texture and linear flow. Check out his designs and knitting blog at www.goodforaboy.com. He is Knitteryninja on Ravelry, @harrywellsknits on Instagram, and Good for a Boy Knitting on Facebook.

Safiyyah Talley
Safiyyah started knitting ten years ago, and simply never stopped. She is a knitwear teacher, designer, podcaster and blogger who works from her home in scenic Indiana, USA. When she is not knitting, Safiyyah spends her free time either hiking with her photographer husband and chocolate Labrador or enjoying the rural Indiana landscape with her angora rabbit and two cats. She’s the host of The Drunk Knitter podcast on You Tube and her self published patterns are available from her Ravelry Pattern Store. You can learn more about Safiyyah on her website, YouTube, and Ravelry!

Kate Atherley
Kate Atherley is an internationally known knitting author, teacher, and editor. Her latest book, Custom-Fit Hats is her ninth, and the fourth in a series on customizing projects for perfect fit and style; it joins works on shawls, socks, and mittens. She’s also the co-founder and publisher of Digits & Threads, an independent, member-supported online magazine about Canadian fibre- and textile arts, crafts and industry. The combination of her university degree in mathematics, professional experience in software development and usability, and training in garment and fashion design give her a unique perspective. She lives in Toronto with her husband and their rescue dog Winnie. www.kateatherley.com

Amy Snell
Amy Snell is an instructor and designer with an eye for the unusual or unusually captivating. Her aesthetic focuses on color, contrast, and texture. She loves to explore unusual stitch patterns and clever construction in ways that are challenging but accessible. Her goal is to make complex concepts accessible and approachable for all knitters, while sharing tips that simplify and improve your process, whether you’ve been knitting for several months or several decades! You can find her designs at Morehouse Farm, Lovecrafts, Ravelry and her website.

Margaret Holzmann
Margaret Holzmann likes to design and knit the big things! She uses larger items such as blankets, throws and sweaters as a canvas for texture, shapes and colorwork. She excels at construction techniques, the geometry of knitting, and color theory. Following a career as a Software Systems Engineer at Bell Laboratories - a Jet Propulsion Laboratory - she is now a full-time knit designer living in Monrovia, California, and her patterns have appeared in multiple knitting publications. During the stay-at-home orders of 2020, Margaret released the “Safe at Home Blanket“. You can check out her blog if you are looking for yarn support or need advice on how to write an arts & crafts book.

Xandy Peters
Xandy Peters is a knitting designer and teacher, best known as the innovator of the stacked stitch technique and for the Fox Paws pattern. Starting out as a footwear and product designer, he turned to knitting as a way to explore textiles and surfaces without using factory production and has since made a career out of publishing new patterns and teaching workshops. Xandy has been published in magazines such as Vogue Knitting, Twist Collective, Knitscene, Knitty, and Pom Pom Quarterly, has a Bluprint class teaching the stacked stitch technique and continues to self publish patterns monthly. Xandy also blogs about design, crafting, and baking on soimakestuff.com and posts craft videos on YouTube.

General
What is included with the available packages?
Each retreat package includes access to all retreat presentations, sponsor sessions, morning yoga, and lounge events, as well as a sumptuous swag bag mailed right to your door and an exclusive free shipping 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. 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, depending on availability, 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 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.

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 unless a written confirmation is provided.
For cancellations received more than 30 days from the start date of the retreat (prior to December 19): 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 December 19 but before January 4): 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 January 4): 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 January 18 - 21. 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 sponsor sessions, trunk shows, your classes, evening socials, the lounge, morning yoga, 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 January, 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.

Will the retreat be recorded?
No, retreat classes, presentations, trunk shows, 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 Winter Retreat will be a two-part process. The first step will be registering for your chosen retreat package. Registration will open at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 26. Then, at noon on November 8, registered attendees will be able to submit class preferences by returning to this page and logging back in to their account. Detailed instructions will be emailed to registered attendees prior to November 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 November 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. EDT) on Tuesday, December 19, 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. EDT) on Tuesday, December 19, 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 most classes, as well as some lounge 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, 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 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 in the lounge and 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 Winter 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