Jul 05 2009
WOOL: One Month Out
Ladies, it is almost that time. Monday night finds us 30 days out from the third annual WOOL Retreat, and I can hardly wait! I know that guests are anxious to have an update on the details of the event, and what they should be doing leading up to it, so here is an abbreviated version of the email I send out roughly two weeks in advance.
You know you want to join us.
Balances & Check-in:
Those of you who have a remaining balance for owed to Wiawaka are encouraged to wait and pay upon check in. They accept credit card, personal check and cash. Check in officially opens at 2 p.m., though I can say that myself and several other guests will be showing up early on Thursday, roughly between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. You are welcome to show up early and roam the grounds, just leave your car parked in the main lot as you pull in, you can pull your car up to the Lake House unloading area after you’ve officially checked in.
Extras:
There will be a group outing to the local barbecue restaurant, just down the street and around the corner at some point that weekend.
Fibery Fun Stuff:
Remember to bring some of your finished and current projects to share with the group for Friday Night Fab & Fug! Bring your most fabulous finish object, bring your most heartbreaking fug… we are here to support you in your endeavors! The Show and tell is a lot of fun, don’t be shy. Whether it’s finished handspun, an epic afghan, or some kickin’ socks, we want to see them. We especially want to see your disasters, if you care to share, and may even be able to arrange lighting it on fire. Think of how cathartic! 
There will be a vending hour on Saturday, where we can swap and trade our stash and wares. If you have something that you’d like to sell you are welcome to bring it to WOOL. Some of our guests are indie dyers and spinners and there will be lots of gorgeous stuff to browse. Remember to bring cash if you’d like to participate. I’ll make sure to publicize the time of the sale so that those who don’t wish to participate are aware.
As we did last year, we will be holding a silent auction that will be held before the vending hour to benefit Wiawaka and help offset our stay. If you are an indie artist and would like to donate a fiber related item to the auction it would be much appreciated! Last year we had donations of roving, spinning kits, notions, books, yarn, kits and more. If you have a local yarn store that you think might like to donate and can arrange that, that would also be great.
So, there you have it, most of whatyou’ll need to know if you’re attending WOOL. I’ll firm up with guests via email closer to the date with more information on what you should pack, what the weather is supposed to be like, what you can expect from meals and all that. Most of it is stuff you can get from here. And of course, if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment or send me a private email at rowsred@gmail.com.
Remember, there is still room at the resort, so if you’ve been on the fence, or your plans suddenly changed, you can still join us! There are still rooms in the other cottages, call Gretchen at Wiawaka to confirm availability. I can’t wait to see you all there!
July 6th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Ok … so this is my first time … do we have to bring our own linens? That’s my only question.
July 6th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Sorry, Amy, my links got stripped out of the post, they’re back in now. No, you don’t have to bring your own linens, though you will have to make your own bed. The link above in the post about “getting info here” is to the FAQ page for Wiawaka, most every general question is answered there.
July 6th, 2009 at 8:38 am
I really can’t wait for this. First I have to finish summer school and spend a week dog-sitting for my sister. Then it’s my turn!
I will happily donate some fiber or yarn to the auction, you can pick something from my bin when I see you there!
July 6th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I can’t wait!
July 7th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I can hardly wait!!!
July 14th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I get that W.O.O.L. is some kind of fiber retreat, but having only a hint of what it is makes my brain scream for more input! Like, is there still room and what’s the cost? Is there an linky to what it’s all about?
July 14th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Chris, thanks for visiting the blog! I’m replying to you in public so that other people with the same question can see my reply.
YES! Yes, there are still spots open in the Victorian cottages scattered about the grounds (all within shouting distance). They are double occupancy rooms, so you will most likely have a room mate unless you inquire if there are any singles in the main house “Fuller”.
WOOL runs August 6-9th, and is a non-profit fiber retreat that I am running for the third year now. It’s held at a women’s resort on the quiet side of Lake George, right on the lake shore. Your rate is based on your ability to pay (honor system) and I don’t make a penny. Rates start as low as $60 a night! It includes your meals too, which is awesome. There are no formal classes, no famous people. Just you, me, and a whole bunch of rowdy ladies who all love to knit, spin, crochet and weave.
I hope you’ll consider coming out and joing us! You can read more about the history of the event and find the link to the sign up form on the WOOL page of the blog. Also, you only have to pay half up front, you can pay the other half when you check in! Guests are also welcome to sign up for a partial stay if they can’t make it the whole time. Let me know if I can be of any further help.