The Websters, a 40-year-old independent yarn shop located on the Plaza in Ashland, Oregon, today announced its November 2026 luxury knitting retreat, scheduled for November 2–5, 2026, at the historic Winchester Inn in Ashland. The all-inclusive knitting retreat will welcome up to 23 guests for four days of expert instruction by internationally recognized knitting designer and teacher Laura Nelkin, accompanied by gourmet dining, Southern Oregon wine tasting, an evening at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, and private shopping at The Websters.
A One-of-a-Kind Knitting Vacation in Southern Oregon
For fiber enthusiasts searching for luxury knitting retreats, knitting vacations, or knitting camps that go well beyond the typical workshop experience, The Websters retreats have earned a devoted following since the shop launched the series in 2024. Each retreat is built around a single guest instructor — carefully chosen for both their technical depth and their ability to create a genuinely joyful learning environment — and hosted at the Winchester Inn, a boutique hotel steps from Ashland's acclaimed arts and dining scene.
"You absolutely spoiled me for any other retreat. The bar is high," wrote one returning guest. "I was so happy not to have to make decisions about where to stay, where to eat, and just all the planning you did.”
Previous retreat instructors have included Fair Isle and colorwork expert Gudrun Johnston, Cocoknits founder Julie Weisenberger, brioche specialist Lavanya Patricella, and Finnish designer Sari Nordlund — an international roster that reflects The Websters' commitment to bringing world-class knitting instruction to the Rogue Valley.
November 2026 Instructor: Laura Nelkin
Laura Nelkin is one of the most widely recognized designers and teachers in the contemporary knitting world. Known for her infectious enthusiasm, innovative techniques, and joyful approach to craft, Nelkin brings two hands-on knitting workshops tailored to skill-building and practical application:
The I-cord Tool: Your New BFF
A deep dive into I-cord applications — including basic I-cord, beaded I-cord, I-cord bind offs — with each guest completing a beaded eyeglass fob or bracelet to take home.
Stitch Saver: What Can't It Do?
A 3-hour exploration of one of knitting's most versatile tools, covering provisional cast-ons, alternatives to picking up stitches, layered fabric techniques, entrelac tricks, heel flaps, and top-down and bottom-up folded hems.
"Laura is the knitting friend you haven't met yet," The Websters noted in announcing the retreat. "Her designs are joyful to make and wear, and her innovative techniques keep us coming back for more."
The Full Retreat Experience
The November retreat is designed as a complete luxury knitting vacation — accommodations, all meals, activities, and instruction are included in the retreat fee. Highlights include:
| Accommodations at the Winchester Inn Each of the 23 guests receives a private room with en suite bathroom, fresh flowers, plush terry cloth robes, Antica Farmacista toiletries, and afternoon pastry service. Gourmet breakfast is served on site each morning, with the parlor available for social knitting each evening. Gourmet Dining at Ashland's Best Retreat meals span two of Ashland's signature restaurants: Alchemy Restaurant and Bar and Chateaubriand 36, both known for locally sourced, chef-driven menus. Dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice. An Evening at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre For the first time in the retreat series, guests will attend a performance at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre — in operation for over 35 years in the Rogue Valley — located one block from the Winchester Inn. The November retreat features Dracula: a Comedy of Terrors, described as a lightning-fast comedic romp blending Bram Stoker with Mel Brooks and Monty Python. Rogue Valley Wine Tasting Transportation and tastings at a featured Southern Oregon winery are included, with time for social knitting among the vineyards. Private Shopping at The Websters Guests enjoy a dedicated private shopping session at The Websters' flagship store, featuring an extensive selection of natural fiber yarns, spinning and weaving equipment, and Art to Wear clothing and jewelry. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Websters November Knitting Retreat?
The Websters November 2026 Knitting Retreat is an all-inclusive 4-day luxury knitting retreat held November 2–5, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. It features two hands-on knitting workshops taught by internationally recognized designer Laura Nelkin, boutique hotel accommodations at the Winchester Inn, all meals, wine tasting in the Rogue Valley, and an evening at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre.
Who is The Websters Knitting Retreat designed for?
The retreat is designed for knitters at all skill levels who want an immersive, all-inclusive knitting vacation that combines expert instruction with the culture, cuisine, and beauty of Southern Oregon. No prior experience with Laura Nelkin's techniques is required.
How many spots are available, and how do I register?
The November 2026 retreat is limited to 23 guests. The retreat fee is $2,980, with a $700 deposit to secure your spot. A PLUS ticket upgrade ($3,980 / $900 deposit) is available for guests who wish to arrive early for an additional dinner, Sunday night at the Inn, and a spa service. Registration is available at https://yarnatwebsters.com/the-websters-retreats/. Previous retreats have sold out within hours of opening.
Does The Websters host other knitting retreats throughout the year?
Yes. The Websters hosts multiple luxury knitting retreats per year, each built around a world-class guest instructor and the full Winchester Inn experience. The 2026 series has included retreats with Lavanya Patricella (March), Olga Buraya-Kefelian (April), and Sari Nordlund (October), in addition to the November retreat with Laura Nelkin. Guests are encouraged to sign up for The Websters' newsletter to be notified when new retreats open.
| “This retreat was so well done. From start to finish I loved every moment! Thank you for all you do for us!” — Past Retreat Guest, The Websters |
About The Websters
The Websters is an independent yarn shop located on the Plaza in Ashland, Oregon, in business for 40 years. Specializing in high-quality natural fiber yarns from around the world, The Websters ships to more than 30 countries and has sold enough yarn to wrap the globe three times. In addition to an extensive selection of knitting and weaving supplies, Art to Wear clothing and jewelry, and fiber tools and notions, The Websters hosts a series of small-group luxury knitting retreats throughout the year — intimate knitting vacations that bring world-renowned instructors to Southern Oregon for hands-on knitting workshops set against the backdrop of Ashland’s arts, dining, and wine culture. Retreat capacity is limited to 23 guests per event. Learn more at yarnatwebsters.com.
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Media Contact
Laurel McKee
The Websters
11 N. Main St., Ashland, OR 97520
Laurel@yarnatwebsters.com
800-482-9801
Instagram: @yarnatwebsters | Facebook: YarnatWebsters
Published by: Randy Rohde