Long time followers know that we have the BEST Handcraft and Gift Shop ... The Net Loft ... located right here in our remote corner of the planet!
The Net Loft owner, Dotty Widmann, began sponsoring International and National Instructors to come and teach several years ago! These events have become global as people from the around the world and U.S. come to have the experience of fellowship and learning here in Cordova, Alaska.
The event began with a Meet & Greet Dinner! I shared a table with new and old friends ... such a lovely way to begin my staycation!
A part of Dotty's events include a "swag" bag ... they are always of the highest quality and filled with treasures to assist us in enjoying the week ahead. This year they were a waxed canvas backpack especially made for this event by Artifact. They are made in America, reflect true craftmanship, and are practical in purpose! My week was filled with four formal classes and several other social activities ... I had warned Mr. DillyDally that a staycation meant that I would be in and out all week and that there would be no food preparation or housekeeping! As usual ... he just grinned. He knows his wife well!
My first class was Beginning Lace Knitting with Evelyn Clark. She is a very personable instructor and removed any trepidation we may have had about lace patterns.
She shared several samples ... including the small version we would create in class!
When I got home, I could not wait to block my sample. 😊 So ... I pulled out my skewers (used for grilling) to use as blocking rods! I loved the results of my knitting and no fiber was harmed by my kitchen utensils!
An Icelandic Shawl class was also taught by Evelyn!
Evelyn again demystified the process of lace knitting for us. I consider myself a real beginner when it comes to lace ... her calm and pragmatic approach was very reassuring for me.
My long time followers know that Mr. and I spent some time in Iceland in 1980. It was my time in that magical place that inspired me to return to knitting as an adult. Iceland has always held a special place in my heart and in my knitting.
Her samples were inspiring and left us all hopeful that we could make one as equally beautiful!
Many know that I am most comfortable with color pattern knitting. Evelyn demonstrated a way to change color without leaving tails to be worked in later!
Through The Net Loft, many of us have joined Dotty on her gansey journey! I'll share my journey on another post. This year Dotty invited Stella Ruhe, her publisher and the entire collection of ganseys from the Netherlands!
It was such a pleasure and privilege to meet Stella and her publishing assistant. Her books and research is about so much more than gansey knitting ... they are a fascinating glimpse into the history of fishing and Dutch life!
To see, up close, all the handknit ganseys Stella designed based on her research was incredible.
My third class was Gansey Motif Design and it was taught by Stella. We all came up with motifs that were individual to us. The above photo is not my design, but is by another participant from the east coast. She was working to implement a cat design ... I love how her kitty's nose and whiskers came to life in her knitting!
My fourth class was with Lori Ann Graham! We designed and embroidered covers for a personal journal.
It was a wonderful day as Lori assisted us in honoring our individuality and expressing our creativity!
This was my first ever staycation! It is a brilliant concept that I had heard of, but never actually done! I was fortunate to tryout the staycation concept with such an amazing event right here in my community. What I learned is that all of us ... wherever we may be ... whatever our resources ... can create a staycation experience. It can be around an event like Fiber & Friends or as simple as a movie night with family! Staycations are a wonderful idea that can be a implemented on a large or small scale! Believe me ... staycations will definitely become a permanent part of my dillydally lifestyle!
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| Artwork and photo © by Dotty Widman |
My knitting life was altered!
The world stopped turning! I love how something so simple can cause my knitting universe to change its course! Evelyn ... I will be forever grateful ... thank you! 
Through The Net Loft, many of us have joined Dotty on her gansey journey! I'll share my journey on another post. This year Dotty invited Stella Ruhe, her publisher and the entire collection of ganseys from the Netherlands!
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| Wild Iris - photo taken during Staycation |
Do what you love! Do dillydally!
Mrs. DillyDally
