Knitting Retreat, Sievers School of Fiber Arts

October 2025 was a great time to visit Washington Island, WI.  I was there to attend my first-ever knitting retreat.  An intermediate knitter at best, I was game to attend a retreat with fellow knitters!  It was a great experience all around.

The "Open Studio Knitting Retreat" took place from Oct. 7th - Oct. 12th.  I journeyed to Washington Island, WI one day ahead of time.  I stayed at the Inn at Frog Hollow, a charming B & B I'd stayed at before. The entire experience was wonderful.  Fellow knitters at the retreat were very welcoming.  Many have been attending this retreat for years.  The retreat typically fills quickly once registration opens.  There was an instructor-lead knitting class running concurrently in the other studio. Those knitters were friendly as well. The staff at Sievers is top notch. Don't hesitate to go there if the chance arises!

I took the Washington Island ferry on October 6th, arriving a day ahead of the retreat.  The day was initially blustery.  The weather improved upon arrival on the island.  I drove around on the island.  I visited Schoolhouse Beach.  Eventually I stopped in at the Sievers School of Fiber Arts gift shop.  It's simply the best gift shop around, especially for those who are into fiber, basketry, and other handmade goods. 

Photos are pure eye candy!  Some show scenes from Sievers, the world’s cutest dog spotted outside a gift shop, the Inn at Frog Hollow, signage at the knitting retreat, and, riding on the ferry to and from Washington Island.  Oh, and there’s a “class” photo too!  I'm in the row that's standing. I'm wearing an orange print shirt.  Last photo shows the two shawls I worked on while at the retreat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto

Urban Sketching Retreat in Racine, WI

What fun it was!  Attending my first urban sketching retreat was a joy.  This retreat was held in late February/early March at Taylor Hall, part of the character-filled DeKoven Center complex in Racine. Fortunately the weather was exceptionally nice for winter travel.  Sponsored by the Racine Urban Sketchers group, the event was open to all enthusiasts of any ability.  I’m a newbie to urban sketching and I still have a lot to learn about it.  I was warmly welcomed and accepted.  The multi-day retreat fee included lodging, 3 classes, and most meals.  There were approx. 30 attendees, with a number of them from other states.  

I stopped at several businesses while enroute from Madison to Racine.  Schoolhouse Antiques, in Sturtevant was my first stop.  Found some buttons, buckles, and other curiosities there.  From there, I headed east, to Sew & Save in Racine.  I bought two pieces of Riley Blake calico. I’m making blouses out of each of those fabrics.  I’m embellishing the bubblegum pink blouse with vintage lace.

If you like to sew and you visit Racine, WI, you must stop at this store!  Friendly owner and staff!

Taylor Hall, part of the DeKoven Center complex.  Built in the late 1800's, this building housed retreat attendees.  Wonderful meals cooked onsite added to a festive atmosphere.

All of the sleeping rooms have names/labels.  My room was labeled "Abundance".

This room served as a classroom and meeting spot.

Several of the "throwdowns" during our retreat.  This is when everyone displays their sketches.  It's a fun, non-judgemental event!

Beautiful Lake Michigan is a short walk from Taylor Hall.

Pretty view on the DeKoven campus.

Meeting up with my friend, Denise Zingg was enjoyable.  Denise and I attended the same high school here in Madison.  I hadn't seen Denise in 50+ years,when I discovered she founded, and directs, the Spectrum School of the Arts in Racine.  Spectrum is on DeKoven Center property!

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto