The g2k Origin Story.

Machiasport

When I first dreamed about creating what would become g2k, I was solo camping (with my dog) at a beautiful private beach in Machiasport. Through the pines, the September full moon was rising above the bay, giant and golden like a ripe peach. The waves were lapping at the jasper rocks on the beach as the tide crept in, and my fire was crackling.

I was in this special place for just three nights, but I came home feeling rested and renewed like I'd been away for a week. My days were simple: cooking camp food, hiking along mossy trails, sitting on the beach knitting or reading, journaling, endless swims for the pup and a few for me too, and evenings by the fire listening to the wind and the wavelets.

I work full-time and have the usual commitments at home, so it was a real gift to have this time and space away from my regular life. I was able to pause, reconnect with myself, move slowly, and appreciate a beautiful, natural place.

I kept envisioning a small group of knitters, tucked away in beautiful natural locations — knitting, learning, laughing, experiencing and appreciating nature, making connections with each other, sharing stories, taking solo time, eating nourishing meals.

I could see the glow of smiling faces and happy hands by firelight.

Moss pillows

A Purposeful Pause.

From the g2k mission gather2knit retreats provide a space to rest and reflect, enjoy the company of other knitters, refine your skills in the craft of knitting, and embrace the beauty of our natural world. 

There are a lot of knitting retreats out there — often expensive, usually far away, with a big investment of time and money. Couldn't a retreat be accessible for "regular" people like me? Folks who could sneak away for a couple of nights, and return to their busy lives refreshed and rejuvenated, with some new friends and a new knitting skill or project.

And though I love knitting, there's no way I can sit all day and knit! My body just can't do it! I need whole body movement throughout my day, starting with morning stretching, and a hike and/or a walk mixed in. I want to stand at a rocky cliff's edge and breathe in that salty air, to observe the afternoon light on the leaves, find a cool bit of lichen, and listen for birdsong.

(And then return to my knitting.)

Cozy Spaces, Access to Nature, Freedom.

Part of why group sizes are limited to 10-12 is because connection and community are at the heart of a g2k retreat. It's a cozy number of folks.

There's a sweet spot in a group this size — enough folks to make conversations interesting, a variety of configurations of smaller groups who might sip coffee together or explore a new trail, but not so many people that our introverts are overwhelmed.

We're so blessed with natural places that are easily accessible to us here in Maine and New England. I look for retreat locations that have appropriate spaces to gather for meals, learning, and knitting together, and with opportunities for attendees to experience nature at various levels of challenge.

Some consistent feedback I've heard from g2k participants that they appreciate the balance of structured and unstructured group time, with free time to head out for a solo walk, a nap, some quiet journaling, or a hike with a couple of friends.

...And Then There's The Knitting!

Each g2k retreat includes a different knitting theme. Sometimes it's learning or technique-focused — color theory, brioche, or finding the perfect fit in our knits. With my background in teaching knitters of all ages from 6 years onward (plus 11 years in public school as a teaching librarian), I love the opportunity to help folks expand their skills.

Other times there's a pattern that's the theme —for example, the Bitty Brioche Kerchief or the Musselburgh hat — with in-person support and support materials for the specific techniques or stitch patterns required.

Retreat participants are ALWAYS encouraged to bring an easy social knitting project (or two ... or three!), something that doesn't require your full attention, that you can work on while hanging out and relaxing.

Join us.

The g2k retreat experience isn't for everyone — and that's OK. Some of the settings are more rugged, or more like glamping. And there may not be great cell service or WiFi — which could be a good thing!

But if you've read this far and this sounds like your cup of tea, go ahead and check the Events page to see whether there's an upcoming retreat that still has space, or get in touch to request to be on a waitlist.

Happy Knitting.