Spin Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR) 2022
Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan, Wisconsin
(October 23–28, 2022)

SOLD OUT - JOIN WAITLIST
WHAT IS SOAR?
The Ultimate Spinning Retreat

There are fewer than 80 spaces total for this incredible handspinning experience! Spend four days expanding your skills and deepening your passion for spinning along in a warm, spirited community of fellow spinners. Learn from some of the greatest spinning teachers and fiber artists in the world, including:

  • Maggie Casey, instructor of The Spinning Teacher and author of Start Spinning
  • Louie García, Pueblo fiber artist of Tiwa and Piro heritage
  • Stephenie Gaustad, illustrator and author of Practical Spinner’s Guide: Cotton, Flax & Hemp
  • Stefania Isaacson, natural dyer and author of In Search of the Perfect Green — and Orange, too!
  • Kate Larson, editor of Spin Off and PieceWork magazines and author of Practical Spinner’s Guide: Wool
  • Judith MacKenzie, author of Teach Yourself Visually: Handspinning and The Intentional Spinner and textile raconteur
  • Rebecca Mezoff, award-winning tapestry weaver and author of The Art of Tapestry Weaving
  • John Mullarkey, author and tablet weaving instructor and the developer of the Schacht Zoom Loom
  • Dia Robinson, teacher and proprietor, Twisted Urban Fiber Arts
  • Angela Schneider, textile artist and project editor at Long Thread Media
  • Karen Selk, founder of Treenway Silks and author of In Search of Wild Silk

You’ll study with accomplished fiber arts teachers, connect with fellow spinners from around the world, and relax in the serene lakeside atmosphere.

All accommodations, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, classes, materials fees, and evening events are included, but space is limited. Tickets start at $2,499.99 for the full retreat.

Participants will be invited to choose classes on a first purchased, first choice basis. Attendees will receive a link to build your schedule by July 31st, 2022.

Get Your Ticket!


All COVID-19 CDC guidelines will be followed throughout the event. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all attendees, instructors, and Long Thread Media staff. We will offer full refunds for any reason until August 24, 2022 (60 days prior to the event).

SOAR Class Options

Note: Class details may be updated prior to the event.

Intensives

Have additional questions about the classes? Curious which ones are beginner friendly?
Contact us at support@longthreadmedia.com

Mechanics of Your Spinning Wheel

Intensive
Instructor: Amy Tyler

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

The Long and Short of Spinning: From Woolen to Worsted

Intensive
Instructor: Angela Schneider

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

Some wool combs will be available to borrow.

Sturdy Spinning: Sheep Breeds for Hardwearing Yarn

Intensive
Instructor: Devin Helmen

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

N/A

A Fresh Approach to Fractal Spinning

Intensive
Instructor: Heavenly Bresser

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

N/A

Cold Hands, Warm Yarns: Spinning and Knitting Cozy Handcoverings

Intensive
Instructor: Kate Larson

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

N/A

Tapestry Weaving with Handspun Weft on Little Looms

Intensive
Instructor: Rebecca Mezoff

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

The instructor will provide a Mirrix Saffron loom with tools to use during class.

Mixed Warp: Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom

Intensive
Instructor: Stephanie Flynn Sokolov

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

Rigid-heddle looms will be provided for use during class.

Sheep to Yarn: Navajo Handspinning

Intensive
Instructor: TahNibaa NaaTaanii

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

If you would like to preorder a spindle from TahNibaa, contact her at tahnibaaweavings@gmail.com.

Targhee: A Sheep of the Wooly West

Intensive
Instructor: Maggie Casey

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials Provided:

N/A

Samplers

Have additional questions about the classes? Curious which ones are beginner friendly?
Contact us at support@longthreadmedia.com

Introduction to Navajo Handspinning

Sampler
Instructor: TahNibaa NaaTaanii

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

If you would like to preorder a spindle from TahNibaa, contact her at tahnibaaweavings@gmail.com.

Three Japanese Dyes—Indigo, Kakishibu, Bengara—and Try Bengara Dyeing Together!

Sampler
Instructor: Maki Teshima

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

N/A

A Howling Good Time: Working with Fur from Wolf-Dog Hybrids in Sanctuary

Sampler
Instructor: Kris Paige

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

N/A

Dorset Buttons: A Handmade Tradition

Sampler
Instructor: Kate Larson

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

Just bring yourself to class. Kate will provide all supplies needed.

Beginning Book Charkha

Sampler
Instructor: Kate Larson

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

Charkhas will be provided for use during class.

Blending Board Fractals

Sampler
Instructor: Heavenly Bresser

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

Blending boards will be provided for use during class.

Plying on Supported Spindle in the Orenburg Way

Sampler
Instructor: Galina Khmeleva

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

Supported spindles will be provided for use during class.

Supported Spinning in the Orenburg Way

Sampler
Instructor: Galina Khmeleva

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

Supported spindles will be provided for use during class.

Spindle-Spun Longdraw

Sampler
Instructor: Devin Helmen

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

N/A

Beyond Plain Weave: Pick-up Stick Patterns

Sampler
Instructor: Angela Schneider

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

Pre-warped looms will be available to use during class along with required equipment.

Beyond Plain Weave: Hand-Manipulated Lace

Sampler
Instructor: Angela Schneider

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

Pre-warped looms will be available to use during class along with required equipment.

Spinning Silk Hankies: Cultivated and Wild

Sampler
Instructor: Amy Tyler

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

N/A

The Pros and Cons of Predrafting

Sampler
Instructor: Maggie Casey

Spinning equipment required:
Other tools to bring:
Materials provided:

N/A

SOAR 2021 Photos

We were lucky enough to bring one of our magazine photographers, Matt Graves, onsite to capture the memories of SOAR 2021!

Itinerary

SOAR class options will be announced in mid-February. Participants will be invited to choose classes on a first purchased, first choice basis.

Sunday, October 23
Registration, dinner, and welcome


Monday, October 24–Tuesday, October 25
2-Day Intensive session
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening gatherings


Wednesday, October 26
Morning & afternoon Sampler classes
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening gatherings


Thursday, October 27
Morning & afternoon Sampler classes
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening gatherings


Friday, October 28
Morning departure

Sponsors

Treenway Silks

You’ll find the largest variety of Silk Spinning Fibers, Silk Yarn and Silk Threads & Ribbons at www.TreenwaySilks.com. Choose from a rainbow of hand-dyed colors. Love natural?  Our array of wild silk and silk-blends provide choices beyond white.

Yarn Barn of Kansas

The Yarn Barn of Kansas has been supplying Knitters, Weavers, Spinners, and all fiber crafters and artists with yarn, patterns, equipment, and accessories since 1971. Whether you are around the corner from us in downtown Lawrence Kansas, or around the country, the Yarn Barn truly is your "local yarn store" with an experienced staff to answer all your questions. Call us today at 800-468-0035 or visit our website at www.yarnbarn-ks.com to shop, learn, and explore.

Schiffer Craft

Explore new directions in making with Schiffer Craft, bringing you the most important currents of inspiration and knowledge. Schiffer Craft's goal is to help energize and expand the craft world, so makers like you can continue to create in meaningful ways. Find them at http://schiffercraft.com and @schiffercraft

Eugene Textile Center

Visit Eugene Textile Center's retail shop for equipment and materials for the fiber arts, as well as studios for weaving and surface design. They offer classes and studio support for anyone with an interest in handweaving, surface design on cloth, and other non-woven fiber techniques.

Schacht Spindle Company

We have been designing handweaving and handspinning equipment since 1969. It's been pleasurable and challenging to learn how closely our products tie in with the craftsperson's work. We realize that the quality of this work depends on the quality of our tools.

Long Thread Media

Long Thread Media serves content for the handspinning, handweaving, and traditional needlework communities online, in person, and in print. The company was founded by Linda Ligon, Anne Merrow, and John Bolton to publish Handwoven, PieceWork, and Spin Off, as well as offer information, education, and community to crafters in those fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I take just one class?
Because SOAR 2022 is an immersive experience with activities outside class time, classes are available only as part of a 4-day package.

How long are the classes?
On Monday and Tuesday, each student will participate in a 2-day intensive designed to explore a subject in depth. On Wednesday and Thursday, participants will sample four subjects in 3-hour sessions. These classes emphasize trying new techniques, exploring unusual materials, and sparking your creativity.

I’d like to come for the market.
We are finalizing details with our sponsors to host a limited number of curated vendors. More details will be available later in the spring.

Are there materials fees?
We have included the cost of basic materials in the fees. In some cases, instructors may allow you to purchase some specialized tools used in the class.

Where will classes be held?
The classes will all be held on site at Lake Lawn Resort.

How do I find a roommate?
When you register, you will select either a private hotel room or a double room with two beds and a shared bathroom. If you choose a shared room, please indicate in the notes whether you have a roommate in mind or you would like us to introduce you to other guests seeking roommates.

What meals are included?
The event begins with dinner Sunday and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday–Thursday.  

I’m gluten free/dairy free/have specific food preferences. Can you accommodate me?
Lake Lawn Resort’s on-site culinary team will work with us to provide meal options for a range of dietary restrictions. Please let us know by August 15 of any food allergies or intolerances, and we’ll coordinate with the kitchen to let you know what alternatives are available. We will send a questionnaire about 90 days prior to the event for dietary restrictions.

Is the event handicapped-accessible?
Lake Lawn Resort is ADA-compliant. If you have difficulty with mobility, please let us know so that we can provide you with further details.

Can my spouse/companion attend?
Spouses/companions need to be pre-approved by Long Thread Media in advance of the event to be sure that we can accommodate you. Due to space limitations, spouses/companions may not attend classes, meals, or activities. Attendees who have a guest joining them should choose a private ticket type.  

What if I need to change my plans?
You may cancel your registration for SOAR 2022 for any reason up to 60 days before the event (or August 24, 2022) for a full refund.  

What COVID-19 precautions will be followed?
We treat the safety of the event’s participants, instructors, and staff as our highest priority, and we will follow the public health guidelines current at the time of the event. Because the best practices will likely change throughout the year, we will present our complete plan as the event nears.

Can a beginning spinner come to SOAR?
We have attendees at a range of skill levels and welcome people who are early in their spinning journey. The essential skills needed for most classes are to spin a continuous thread, make a plied yarn (just a basic 2-ply is fine as long as it holds together), and make yarn with whatever spinning device you’ll bring, whether it’s a spinning wheel, spinner, or spindle(s). Class descriptions will indicate which sessions are suited to spinners at all levels as well as what equipment is needed. If you have questions about whether a particular class is appropriate for you, please reach out.

How do I get to Lake Lawn Resort?
Lake Lawn Resort is located at 2400 E. Geneva St. on Highway 50 in Delavan, Wisconsin, just a few blocks east of I-43. Click here to get full travel directions from nearby airports.

SOAR is brought to you by Long Thread Media LLC.