Hi everyone! Now that the dust (and the yarn fluff) has settled, we are looking back on what an incredible week we just had at our Second Annual Loops VT retreat. If you weren't able to join us this year, we hope this recap gives you a little taste of the magic, and if you were there, that it brings back all the warm, fuzzy feelings.
A Setting Made for Slowing Down
From June 22nd to 26th, our punch needle family gathered at Champlain College Campus in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. Honestly, I don't think we could have picked a more perfect backdrop. Between the sparkling views of Lake Champlain right from our classroom window and the distant silhouette of the Adirondack Mountains, it felt like the whole retreat was wrapped in scenery designed specifically to help everyone breathe a little deeper and create a little more freely.
The Check-in on Monday afternoon at Juniper Hall had that familiar buzz of excitement, suitcases rolling in, hugs between friends who'd met at last year's retreat, and plenty of curious peeks into each other's project bags before class had even started. There were loads of “Oooos” and “Ahhhhs” over the special Loops bags filled with goodies that were given out. By the time we sat down together for dinner that first night, it already felt like a reunion rather than a first meeting for many of our attendees.
Four Classes, Four Completely Different Adventures
One of the things I was most proud of this year was the variety we were able to offer. Our incredible instructors came with so much passion for their classes, and a true generosity of spirit in sharing their knowledge and talents. We had four wonderful classes running side by side, each with its own personality:
Tile-rrific Fun with Jean Drevdahl Orchard
The day started with students diving into a stunning 14" punched tile design with a beautiful three-dimensional effect. Jean's calm, step-by-step teaching style (no surprise, given her background in public health and teaching!) made this an approachable, welcoming class for the beginners in the group while still giving more advanced punchers plenty to sink their punch needles into. It was exciting to see the creative approaches that were explored with colour placement and techniques!
Short Story Sheep with Rebecca Martin
This was without a doubt, one of the most talked-about classes on-site. Watching students build an entire miniature world for their little sheep, complete with tiny furniture, seasonal backdrops, and a whole lot of whimsy, was such a joy. Each day students delighted in a little ‘gift’ for their miniature worlds that would appear from the sheep, and many enjoyed adding personal touches to their punch needle scenes. The other classes were welcomed into the class to view the ever changing display of sheepy miniature homes and the boundless creativity was enthralling. Rebecca's passion for fine needlework and miniature storytelling was contagious!
The ABC's of Finishing with Judith Hotchkiss
Brought back one of our most requested instructors, and for good reason, Judith walked her students through her incredible collection of finishing techniques- yes, one for every letter of the alphabet! Judith brought numerous small samples for students to practice on and keep as examples of their favorite finishing techniques. Many of the students brought unfinished projects resurrected from the depths of cupboards and bottoms of drawers to finally be completed, finishing them beautifully in class with their new found skills and confidence. The dreaded finishing turned into finishing fun!
Open Workshop and Retreat with the Oxford Team
It gave punchers the freedom to work on whatever project called to them, whether brand new or long unfinished, with individualized guidance every step of the way. It was the perfect option for those craving flexibility and a little extra one-on-one attention. Students enjoyed sharing their ideas, offering each other support and encouragement. When little breaks were needed, sweet Misty (our unofficial class mascot) would enjoy being loved on with plenty of cuddles and pets! The array of projects being punched in the open workshop was amazing and a week of dedicated punching time meant significant progress and fabulous outcomes!
More Than Just Punching
Our Show-and-Tell night was incredibly inspiring with so many fantastic projects- ranging from first rugs to show stoppers- being shared. There was shopping to browse, goody bags to dig into, games and prizes sprinkled throughout the week, and that particular kind of friendship, filled with kindness and support, that forms when a room full of wonderful people love the exact same, wonderfully specific craft!
By the time the final class hours were over, and Friday noon rolled around there were more than a few heavy hearts bidding goodbye. Five days is somehow both the perfect amount of time and yet never quite enough.
Grateful for Every Loop
To every student, instructor, and helping hand who made this year's retreat so special — thank you. My heart is full. Watching this event grow into its second year and seeing so many of you return alongside new friendly faces means more to me than can really be put into words. Whether you were punching a tile-rrific project, a miniature house for darling little sheep, mastering your finishing alphabet, or enjoying the freedom of an open workshop, you brought so much heart into our Loops Vermont retreat.
We're already dreaming about what's next for Loops VT, and hope you are too! We can't wait to share more details when the time comes. Until then, happy punching and may your creativity keep flowing.
Related Blogs:
- Loops Retreat 2025: The Punch Needle Rug Hooking Event of the Year!
- Essential Oxford Tools You Need to Start Punch Needle Rug Hooking
- How to Thread Your Oxford Punch Needle
Leave a comment