Loops Retreat 2025: The Punch Needle Rug Hooking Event of the Year!

Loops Retreat 2025: The Punch Needle Rug Hooking Event of the Year!

When we first envisioned Loops, we dreamed of an event that would bring punchers together to spend time doing what they love; learning, sharing, and creating, all while enjoying the beauty of Vermont. It turned out that this retreat, which happened in June 23–27, 2025 in Burlington, far exceeded even our wildest hopes. In fact, Loops 2025 turned into a resounding success!

We were thrilled to welcome a group of incredible Oxford punch needle enthusiasts, ranging from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. The energy was warm, welcoming, and bursting with excitement from the moment everyone arrived at Champlain College. The greetings weren't the only thing that was warm though- the weather was downright sweltering! We were all grateful for the cool air-conditioning of the residence hall. Everyone was so patient as we got check-in sorted and they received their dorm room keys, a special Loops 2025 collectable pin, and a personalized swag bag filled with awesome treats.

Once settled, it was time for some shopping, a no-pressure “get to know you Bingo” game, supper, and evening classes-within hours, old friends were reuniting, and strangers were becoming fast friends.

The week unfolded from there with all three of our classrooms having a great time working on their projects. You couldn't beat the views from the classroom windows overlooking shimmering Lake Champlain!

Amy’s Bee Skep Class with Kim Scanlan

Kim Scanlan’s “Amy’s Bee Skep” class had the room buzzing as students experimented with novelty yarns, sculptural techniques, and all eight sizes of Oxford Punch Needles, beading stitch and more!

Loops Retreat 2025

Peony Garden - Fine Shading Class with Judith Hotchkiss

Judith Hotchkiss’s “Peony Garden” group explored fine shading techniques while creating realistic florals. Judith had a beautiful range of value dyed yarns available so students could personalize their projects. Under Judith's guidance, students producing a colorful 'garden' of punched Peony's that were stunning.

Loops Retreat 2025 - Peony  Garden

Open Workshop

The Open Workshop was a creative hub, with beginner to advanced students who brought an interesting array of amazing projects and patterns to work on. Some enjoyed the time to simply be together and punching, others enjoyed having the guidance, suggestions and help from the Oxford Team to work through the unique challenges of their projects.

Loops Retreat 2025 - Open  Workshop and Retreat

Beyond the classroom, we had a number of additional fun events throughout the week- giveaways each day, a special presentation of the amazing multicolored rugs from Guatemala, a game where the winners went away with a whole new stash of yarns, and a fantastic show and tell. We all loved seeing them all- from awesome first pieces, to award winning projects!  Everyone worked together to make it a great event. The shop was a bustling spot too- who could resist all the gorgeous Violet Jane yarns on display. We had to restock several times throughout the week!

Even with all the fun we had, I think the greatest success of all was the sense of connection. Attendees left not only with new skills, but with new friendships, fresh inspiration, and a sense of belonging to a special community. We've already heard from so many that they'd like to return next year.

From all of us at the Oxford Rug Hooking School and the 2025 Loops teaching team: thank you for making this retreat unforgettable! You showed up with open hearts and left with full ones- and enough extra yarn to keep you punching for a while! Thank you!

Until next time,

The Oxford Team


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