Schedule
Below is the event schedule. To download a copy of the YarnSmarts Retreat Booklet, including the schedule, please click here.

Please note that since attendees, teachers, and event staff will be joining from around the United States (and the world!) all times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST). Click here to add your time zone and convert to your local time, if needed.

Thursday, November 13
6:00 - 6:15pm: Welcome 
6:15 - 7:15pm Guest Speaker
7:30 - 8:30pm: YarnSmarts After Dark 

Friday, November 14
9:30 -10:30am: Morning Kickstart 
11:00am -1:00pm: Classes (available classes below).
   - Technicolor Shawls with Kim McBrien Evan
   - Combination Knitting with Amy Snell
   - Stranded Colorwork 101 with Tanis Gray
   - Inspired Cables with Fiona Ellis
   - Bear Claws Workshop (Part 1) with Xandy Peters (Need to take both part 1 & part 2)
   - Intro to Color Mixing (open to crocheters) with Natalie Warner
1:30 - 2:30pm: Craft Chat 
3:00 - 5:00pm: Classes (available classes below).
    - I Hate Seaming with Kim McBrien Evans
    - Math for Knitters: Level I with Kate Atherley
    - Design Stranded Colorwork Cowl with Tanis Gray
    - Focus on Embroidery with Fiona Ellis
    - Bear Claws Workshop (Part 2) with Xandy Peters (Need to take both part 1 & part 2)
    - Intro to Dart Manipulation with Natalie Warner
6:00 - 7:00pm: Happy Hour
7:30 - 8:30pm: YarnSmarts After Dark

Saturday, November 15
9:30-10:30am: Morning Kickstart
11:00am-1:00pm: Classes (available classes below).
   - Shapely Sweaters: Short Rows and Sweater Fit with Kim McBrien Evans
   - Duplicate Stitch with Amy Snell
   - Roosimine Estonian Inlay with Tanis Gray
   - Design Your Own Cables with Fiona Ellis
   - Colorwork Games (open to crocheters) with Xandy Peters
   - Tessellations: Lace with Natalie Warner
1:30 - 2:30pm: CraftChat
3:00 - 5:00pm: Classes (available classes below).
   - Secrets from the Skein with Kim McBrien Evans
   - Tunisian Crochet with Barry Klein
   - Intro to Double Knitting with Tanis Gray
   - Scrapbooking for Knitters (open to crocheters) with Fiona Ellis
   - Make a Mini Glenbrook Pull-through Scarf with Xandy Peters
   - Tessellations: Textures with Natalie Warner
6:00 - 7:00pm: Happy Hour
7:30 - 8:30pm: YarnSmarts After Dark 

Sunday, November 16
10:30 - 11:30am: Morning Kickstart
12:00 - 1:00pm: Keynote

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help! 
Please contact the 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. EST (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!

Class Descriptions

FIONA ELLIS
Inspired Cables:
Friday, 11:00am - 1:00pm  
Fiona will begin by reviewing cable techniques, including tips for understanding the terminology and reading charts, which can help even advanced knitters. You will then try your hand at designing your own cable combinations, beginning from the sample, worked for homework. We will discuss which stitches work well together, and how to chart your own pattern selection. Novice cable knitters will work through a simple pattern.

Focus on Embroidery:
Friday, 3:00 - 5:00pm
Here is a way to look at making a simple knit garment very special and totally unique. Fiona will demonstrate several methods of embellishing your projects, some technical, some whimsical. During the class participants will work on their own individual samples exploring the endless possibilities this approach has to offer. You'll be inspired to try these techniques to add fun, whimsical elements, tone on tone texture or highlights to patterning in a more sophisticated way. And the applications extend beyond knitted garments as you consider adding character to knitted toys and gnomes!

Design Your Own Cables:
Saturday, 11:00am - 1:00pm 
There are several ways of creating your own cables and using patterns that already exist can be a great springboard. With so many lovely cables found in stitch dictionaries we can create many combinations of them set horizontally across the width of the fabric and be very happy with the result. But Fiona finds it more interesting to come up with vertically arranged combos. In the class she will show you how do this so that you can create something unique and exciting for your next cable project.

Scrapbooking for Knitters:
Saturday, 3:00 - 5:00pm 
Scrap booking is lots of fun and can also be functional. You can use if for recording your knitting projects or for organizing your thoughts and ideas for future sweaters. Fiona will share her love of design sketchbooks and mood /story boards and encourage you to take pleasure in the cross pollination that occurs when you marry two (or more) crafts.

TANIS GRAY 
Stranded Colorwork 101:
Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm  
Freaked over Fair Isle? Curious about stranded colorwork techniques? Intimidated by multiple strands of yarn in multiple colors? Not sure how gauge works or how to trap those floats? This is the workshop for you! We'll cover basic Fair Isle knitting techniques for English, ontinental, and Combination knitters, tackle common issues, proper technique, how to trap floats, Fair Isle history, and set good Fair Isle knitting habits. We'll put everything we learned into practice while knitting up either the Torchy Hat or the Torchy Cowl (knitter’s choice!). No previous colorwork experience necessary.

Design Stranded Colorwork Cowl:
Friday, 3:00 - 5:00pm
Ready to move beyond basic stranded colorwork? Interested in trying your hand at designing? Let your imagination and creativity take over in this Design Your Own Stranded Colorwork Cowl workshop! Working with simple graph paper, we’ll start your very own design from scratch, beginning with inspiration, sketching, moving onwards to design, figuring out how to manipulate the math, and finally start knitting your own work of art! Worried that you’re not an artist? All you need is an idea, a love of knitting, and the desire to try something new.

Roosimine Estonian Inlay:
Saturday, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Learn the art of Estonian Inlay, or Roosimine in this hat workshop! Originating from the western Estonian island Muhu, this stranding technique has been used for centuries to embellish knitting. Sharing similar characteristics of stranded colorwork, intarsia, and embroidery, this beautiful technique adds texture and color to your knits.
You’ll have the option to make a 2-colored hat, or a 3-colored hat with 2-colored Vikkle Braids. We will also cover twisted ribbing, blocking, and finishing techniques, and knit A Short Reprise Hat.

Intro to Double Knitting:
Saturday, 3:00 - 5:00pm
Join colorwork master Tanis Gray for a Double Knitting workshop! A truly magical technique, Double Knitting creates a double-thick, double-sided fabric with no visible wrong side and inverted colors simultaneously! A cousin to stranded colorwork and intarsia, Double Knitting requires no stranding, no float trapping, no bobbins, and allows for larger motifs to be knit with ease without worrying about puckering. If you can knit and purl, you can Double Knit! We’ll cover basic Double Knitting techniques, chart reading, fixing simple mistakes, and binding off a swatch. By the end of our time together, you’ll be Double Knitting like a champion!
Ability to knit and purl in the round. Previous colorwork experience not necessary, but helpful.

KIM MCBRIEN EVANS
Technicolour Shawls:
Friday, 11:00am - 1:00pm 
Technicolour Shawls takes an in-depth look at colour play in shawls. Basic colour theory gives us rules for working with colour and helps us choose them. We’ll learn how to develop our instincts, when to trust our own colour sense and learn tools to help confirm what effects the colours we’ve chosen will have. Learn multiple techniques yarn management for multicoloured shawls: How to determine how much of each colour you will need for your gauge as well as how to manage switching colours and weaving in ends as you go. And finally, strategies for building a collection of “leftovers” that helps your shawl knitting.

I Hate Seaming: A Seaming Class for the Rest of Us:
Friday, 3:00 - 5:00pm 
Do you hate seaming? Me too. Or do I? Garments with seams have more structure, more stability, last longer and withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. But seaming often feels like that onerous task that we loathe to do and avoid at all costs. Not anymore! Let me show you how to set yourself for seaming success.
You’ll learn:
- how to knit your garment to prepare for easy seaming
- how to build a seaming kit that works for you
- how to prepare your garment for seaming in ways that make it easy for you to pick it up and seam without frustration
- how to seam shoulders, along curves and straight edges
- seaming tips and tricks to get a beautiful seam every single time.

Shapely Sweaters: Short Rows and Sweater Fit:
Saturday, 11:00am - 1:00pm 
Hemlines that ride up. Shoulders that feel too tight. Necklines that choke us. All of these fit issues, and more can be resolved by adding short rows to your sweaters! Come explore how to shape your sweaters with short rows to create sweaters with comfortable shoulders, necklines, and hems that lay evenly all around your body. Skills required: You must understand how short rows are worked. Knowledge of German Short Rows is preferred. Instructions for how to create short rows will not be covered in this class.

Secrets from the Skein:
Saturday, 3:00 - 5:00pm 
Hand dyed yarns seduce us with their beauty, but are often challenging to work with. But once the honeymoon is over and you’re knitting your project, all its secrets rise to the surface. What is your hand dyed yarn REALLY telling you, and how can you best use it in your next project?

XANDY PETERS
The Bear Claws Wrap Part 1 & 2:
Friday, 11:00am-1:30pm & Friday 3:00 - 5:00pm
The Bear Claws Wrap is an engaging striped colorwork project featuring a large scale flame stitch motif. The pattern is relatively simple, using only a few rows of shaping in combination with color to create a distinct claw motif. We will start class with an introduction to the stacked increase and decrease technique. Then we'll cast on a swatch of the Bear Claw motif work a portion of the pattern while learning to read stacked stitch patterns. Students will learn ways to check their own work and fix any problems that arise at home while testing out their new yarn and color choice in the pattern. Requirements: This class is best suited for intermediate level knitters or adventurous beginners who have experience reading patterns and working basic increases and decreases.

Colorwork Games:
Saturday, 11:00am - 1:00pm
If you love playing with geometry and want to combine your fiber arts with some fun math puzzles and games, this class is made for you! The class begins with an introduction to tiled patterns. We’ll look at Truchet tiles and learn how to use rotational symmetry to turn a simple group of tiles into varied designs. Students will have the chance to cut out, fill in, and play with their own tile sets. Once we’ve made some fun patterns with simple tiles, we’ll move on to edge matched tiling. These tile sets are used to create random patterns that look seamless (think of randomly generated maps in video games). These tile sets are surprisingly easy to create, and we will go over various strategies for creating edge matched tiles. Students will have time in class to create their own colorwork tile sets on paper and explore the possibilities. At the end of class, students can share their colorwork designs. Requirements: Students should be familiar with 2 color stranded colorwork, crochet colorwork, or quilt piecing.

Make a Mini Glenbrook Pull-through Scarf:
Saturday, 3:00 - 5:00pm
The Glenbrook Scarf is designed for less knitting and more warmth. It is half the length of a traditional winter scarf, but the pull-through channel allows you to easily and securely tie this scarf around your neck. When you aren’t wearing it, the scarf rolls up and can be secured with the loop for tidy storage. In class, we will learn multiple useful techniques that are used to create the scarf project. Stitches are cast on using Judy’s Magic Cast On - an invisible cast on method, useful in stockinette stitch projects. Students will work a few rows, then learn to join the ends of the fabric into a tube or hem. The remainder of the scarf is worked in ribbing with yarns held double. Towards the end of class, we will finish off the scarf by learning to work a tubular bind off. Requirements: This class is best suited for intermediate level knitters who have experience reading patterns and are ready to learn advanced techniques.

NATALIE WARNER
Intro to Color Mixing:
Friday, 11:00am -1:00pm 
Unlock your creative potential by learning to mix and match colours with confidence. This
introductory class, suitable for all skill levels, will teach you the fundamentals of colour mixing. Using a combination of primary and complementary colours, we’ll demystify the process of creating a vast range of shades and tones. You’ll discover how to create a palette that enhances your design projects, whether they’re knitwear or other crafts. This class is more than just learning a technique; it’s about giving you the confidence to explore colour and find your unique creative voice.

Intro to Dart Manipulation:
Friday, 3:00 - 5:00pm  
Master the essential skill of dart manipulation in this hands-on class. Perfect for anyone interested in garment construction and fit, this class is suitable for all ability levels. You will learn to pivot and transfer darts to create a wide variety of new silhouettes and designs.
We’ll provide you with a digital half-scale bodice block to work with, allowing you to practice and continue your learning independently. This is a chance to move beyond basic patterns and understand the fundamentals of shaping garments, giving you the power to put your own creative spin on any design. Half-scale bodice blocks will be supplied digitally for learners to practice and continue learning independently of the class or lecture.

Tessellations: Lace:
Saturday, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Discover the world of surface pattern design for knitwear. This class is for knitters of all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced designers We’ll explore how to transform simple shapes into beautiful and complex tessellations. Learn to design repeating patterns using lace motifs. You’ll be guided through the process of developing your own ideas and creating a bank of unique designs. Give yourself credit for being a designer, not just a knitter—it’s time to expand your creative horizons and put your own stamp on your work!

Tessellations: Textures:
Saturday, 3:00 - 5:00pm 
Discover the world of surface pattern design for knitwear. This class is for knitters of all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced designers. We’ll explore how to transform simple shapes into beautiful and complex tessellations. Learn to design repeating patterns using texture motifs. You’ll be guided through the process of developing your own ideas and creating a bank of unique designs. Give yourself credit for being a designer, not just a knitter—it’s time to expand your creative horizons and put your own stamp on your work!

AMY SNELL
Combination Knitting:
Friday, 11:00am - 1:00pm 
Some of us suffer from “Rowing out,” where our purled rows are at a different gauge than our knit rows. Others struggle with loose knit stitches in ribbing. Combination knitting solves these issues and often makes purling easier. This class will teach combination knitting for both English and Continental-style knitters

Fixing a World of Woes with Duplicate Stitch:
Saturday, 11:00 am -1:00pm 
In this class, we'll learn (or revisit) how to work the handy and versatile duplicate stitch, then practice some of its many useful applications. You'll learn how duplicate stitch can be used to fix mistakes in color, texture, and even missed cables.

BARRY KLEIN
Tunisian Crochet:
Saturday, 3:00 -5:00pm 
Let’s start with the basics and move on. In this class we will learn the classic Tunisian Stitch, from the initial chain to picking up stitches and then the return. We won’t spend a lot of time with this as we assume you have an understanding of basic crochet. We will continue with this idea through working multiple yarns, changing shapes, working Zig Zag, Miters and creating patterns from what you create with your swatches. One simple technique and we’ll turn it in every direction possible.

KATE ATHERLEY
Math for Knitters – Level 1: Solving Knitters’ Number Puzzles:
Friday, 3:00 - 5:00pm 
Everything you need to know to figure out all those tricky numbers puzzles you en-counter in your knitting. We’ll focus on how math fits into pattern reading – all the aspects of counting and working and keeping track of 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! skill level: beginners, suitable for knitters who are confident with the mechanics of knitting, and are starting to work from patterns.

Teacher Bios

KATE ATHERLEY
Kate Atherley is an internationally known knitting author, teacher, and editor. She has written nine books about various aspects of knitting, including a series of four about customizing projects for perfect fit and style. Her next book, Math for Knitters, will be published in the fall of 2025. 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

FIONA ELLIS
Fiona Ellis graduated from DeMontfort University (England) with a degree in fashion design, where she specialized in hand-knitwear design. Since graduating in 1993 she has been consistently designing professionally in a number of different areas. Her original designs have been sold to major fashion houses in New York, London & Paris for mass-market production and have been widely published through premier knitting magazines and in yarn pattern booklets for many yarn companies. In 2015 she was featured as the “Designer in Residence” throughout the year for Webs Yarns. She is the author of Inspired Cable Knits, Knitspiration Journal and Inspired Fair Isle Knits. You can find out what she is currently doing at www.fionaellisonline.com. You can also see all of her extensive design portfolio on Ravelry at: https://www.ravelry.com/stores/fiona-ellis-designs

TANIS GRAY 
Tanis Gray Chang is a graduate of RISD, and lives in Northern VA with her Mechanical Engineer husband and two children. She has been in the creative field for many years, including roles at Martha Stewart, HBO, Focus Features, Hungryman Productions, and as the Yarn Editor at Vogue Knitting/Sixth & Spring and co-editor of Knit.1. She has worked on projects with Warner Brothers, Lucasfilm, Tim Burton, and Disney. With over 700 published knitting designs in her portfolio, her work has been featured in many major publications and books worldwide.

BARRY KLEIN
Barry Klein is owner and designer of yarns and patterns for Trendsetter Yarns. Barry grew up in the knitting industry by working in his mothers’ knitting store. Barry learned how to custom design patterns and create knitwear for customers and the movie industry. Barry and his Mom started Trendsetter with the idea of bringing the most exciting textured, fashion and luxury yarns to the knitting customer. Over the past few years Cardiff Cashmere (Luxury Cashmere yarns from Italy), Lana Grossa (Largest and most successful yarn company in Europe) and now GGH have all been added in creating the new Trendsetter Yarn Group. Along with being a published author of 5 knitting books, T.V. knitting personality, knitting spokesperson/teacher at Stitches Events, Vogue Live, in store Trunk Shows and more. Barry has been a voted member of “Top 10 Men who Knit Throughout History.” Barry continues to share his knitting motto “Have fun, enjoy creating, personalize it and when possible let the yarn do the work.”

KIM MCBRIEN EVANS
Curiosity, exploration and an ever expanding plan for world domination are central to the work of knitwear designer and indie hand dyer, Kim McBrien Evans. Known for designs that turn abstract ideas into colour-filled hand knit reality while simultaneously fitting and honouring every body, Kim aims to revolutionize sweater fit, sizing, and how diverse bodies are represented in the yarn world through research, education, and collaborations with makers worldwide. Her representative body measurement chart for designers—inclusive of 28 - 76” chest sizes—earned her a Trailblazer award from Interweave in 2023. Kim believes all bodies are good bodies and deserve clothing that fits. She also believes that clothing should be dynamic and exciting to make and to wear. In service of this, Kim sketches each design on a wide range of body shapes and sizes to ensure her styles will respect your body as it is right now.

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 Craftsy class teaching the stacked stitch technique and continues to self publish patterns on a regular basis.

AMY SNELL
Amy Snell is a knitting instructor and designer and who teaches across the U.S. and online. She’s known for her clever designs, deep technical understanding, and teaching style that empowers knitters to be curious, confident, and capable. Her brand, “The Devious Knitter,” refers to the kind of delightful trickery that knitting often involves—where a simple technique can yield a surprisingly complex or elegant result. Whether teaching locally in the San Francisco Bay area, virtually, or in-person for knitting guilds and events nationwide, Amy loves to help other knitters explore new techniques and expand the way they think about their knitting. Her goal is to make complex concepts approachable for all knitters, while sharing tips that improve your process whether you’ve been knitting for several weeks or several decades. Amy's work has appeared in numerous books and periodicals including Cast On, Interweave Knits, Knotions, I Love Knitting and numerous pattern collections. She frequently shares tips and tricks on her website, www.DeviousKnitter.com, and can be found as @DeviousKnitter on social media.

NATALIE WARNER
Natalie Warner of Natalie in Stitches is a fourth-generation dressmaker and university-trained knitwear designer dedicated to empowering makers. She understands the frustration of ill-fitting garments and champions a personalized approach to apparel patterns. Natalie believes clothes should serve you, not the other way around. Through her courses and patterns, she guides knitters and sewists to create garments that truly fit and express their unique style, fostering confidence and joy in the making process 

General
What is included with the available packages?
Booklet with complete details coming soon!  Classes run Friday and Saturday with events and presentation held Thursday - Sunday.  For each package you will select the number of classes you want to attend, access to all retreat events and presentations. You will also receive a goodie bag delivered right to your door. 

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, 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 goodie 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.

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.*

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 October 14): a 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 October 14 but before October 30): a 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 October 30): cancellations will be ineligible for a refund and no refund will be issued./p>

Virtual Retreat Logistics
How do I access retreat sessions?
The retreat will be held virtually from November 13 - 16. All retreat events will be held live on Zoom, a web conferencing platform that you can download and use for free. Each event 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 presentation, morning kickstarts, your classes, happy hours, and the YarnSmarts After dark sessions. Note all listed times are EST (Eastern Standard 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 November, 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, events and presentation will NOT be recorded. Please plan to attend all retreat events and classes live!  

Class Details
How do I sign up for classes?
The registration for YarnSmart Knitting Retreat will be a two-part process. The first step will be registering for your chosen retreat package. Registration will open at 12:00pm (EST) on Tuesday, September 30. Then, at 12:00pm (EST) on October 14, 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 October 14. 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 October 14. 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 (4:00pm EST) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. 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 (4:00pm EST) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

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. EST (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!

New to virtual learning? We've got you covered.
We're happy to help you navigate this 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 Event
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.

Tips for 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!

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 YarnSmarts 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.

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

Virtual Retreat Booklet
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