we could have been knitting…

…right here

and over here.

my friend kat was.

she took these great photos,

then generously agreed to tell us about it:

Squam Art Workshops (SAW) is a magical place. The textiles knitting retreat has taken place for the past three years during the first week of June. It is held in a beautiful little hamlet in Holderness, New Hampshire called Rockywold Deep Haven Camps. Getting there is like a journey inward. Slowly, I could feel the stress of live ebb away and the wilderness begin to surround me. SAW was quite the adventure for me. It was the first real vacation I’ve taken for myself and something completely out of my comfort zone. I went alone, something I would never do normally because it would involve interacting with people I don’t know. But, I took a leap of faith – relying on what I’d read on all of the discussion forums and blog posts about SAW, that it was a beautiful, welcoming place where everyone was accepted, and it was true.

Elizabeth MacCrellish, the founder, makes a point to greet everyone personally as they come in. She let me help out during registration because I thought it would be a good way for me to come out of my shell a little bit and meet some people right off the bat. The week started with an opening ceremony in the Playhouse. A room full of women knitting – can you imagine how awesome that is? Every five minutes or so there would be a clink of a needle dropping and no one judging the disturbance! Elizabeth welcomed us all and the resident Yoga Instructor “grounded” us all. It was such a cool experience. What a wonderful way to start something that is truly meant to be a place to reflect.

SAW really was mind blowing. Everyone was amazingly welcoming, I learned so much from the brilliant teachers that were there. By the end of the week, it felt like summer camp – my cabin mates and I passed notebooks around so we could keep in touch with each other. Many nights by the fire knitting and sharing stories had created a bond, this magical experience we’d never forget. I loved every moment of SAW and I really hope I can make it back again soon.

…and there’s always next year for the rest of us.

generously’ taken from 15:9-11 of deuteronomy.