What to stash this week: Explore Italy

Marny Kindness, a Rhode Island-based knitting instructor and knitwear designer, is weaving some yarn through her first trip through the newly-launched Explore Knitting Tours. Join Marny and tour guide Lynn Ruggieri for a nine-day tour of Italy, including the ancient city of Perugia — where Lynn is from — the Renaissance capital of Florence, and the historic city of Rome.

Traveling by coach, attendees will tour a family-owned vineyard, view stunning cathedrals, architecture and art, and enjoy shopping (including some yarn stores) and, of course, delicious food. Aside from exploring Italian culture, there will also be some yarn involved, with a visit to an original working loom studio from the 18th century and Marny providing classes in knitting techniques, including shaping, colorwork, and designing.

Get $300 off if you book before May 31. 

Did you get a glimpse of the Northern Lights recently? Either way, capture the beauty with Olive & Two Ewe’s Northern Lights colorway, which is available to preorder. 

Andrea of WoolenWomenFibers is celebrating Christmas in July with a yarn box inspired by orange as the “sharing fruit,” with its slices representing the gift of giving and sharing as each of you and your friends get a portion. There is a sock box, a hat and mittens box and a crochet box.

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape into nature, with plenty of time for knitting, there are a few spots available at Indie Untangled’s second Mount Rainier Retreat this summer.

Last year, Melissa and her friend Caroline stayed in one of the camper cabins at Wellspring Spa and she recently posted this great review of their experience: 

“My friend and I were hoping for a combination of knitting activities and some quiet time away from our busy lives. The trail’s end cabin was absolutely perfect for that. It was nice to end the day with a brief walk through the woods and then nestle into our quiet cabin on the edge of the property. As noted in the description, it is a dry cabin, so you’ll need to walk the few minutes to use the shower/facilities, and a little water jug is provided so you have drinking water in the cabin. My friend and I go camping often, so the short walk to clean facilities felt like a luxury. 

We greatly enjoyed knitting in the various gardens and alcoves on the property, often meeting with others attending the retreat, and have made lasting friendships. 

I also highly recommend the onsite massages and befriending those with hot tubs! All in all, the retreat was a lovely, rejuvenating experience.”

Join Abbye and Selena of Wool & Pine Designs and your new fiber friends at this magical property from August 12-15, following the Flock Fiber Festival. There is one camper cabin, the Grace West Guest room (one of the accommodations with the aforementioned hot tub!) and one Deluxe cabin still available.

Prior to a busy few weeks of shows, Victoria of Eden Cottage Yarns has added a ton of mini skeins to her website and had a small update of Titus DK, a luxurious blend of Superwash Merino and mulberry silk.