In February/March and in November, I facilitate four-day fiber retreats in the San Juan Islands of Washington state. Each is a relatively small gathering for which I spend a year or two planning, and then collecting and preparing fibers. These are retreats: they are structured to include a bounty of information and fiber within a daily plan that allows everyone (including me) time to relax. We have structured time in the morning; afternoons are flexible (spin, knit, hike, nap, shop in town, get a massage), and evenings are low-key, sometimes with a program and sometimes just visiting and sharing inspiration.
Each of the retreats takes place at the fabulous Lakedale Resort in Friday Harbor, Washington, and each is catered by an outstanding island chef, using fresh, local ingredients. The format for each retreat is unique, but the atmosphere remains the same: a gathering of fiber-loving folks, excited to learn more and unwind for a week of exploration and fellowship.
— Deb Robson
Covid-19 Notes
Due to my own vulnerabilities and those of some regular participants, for the time being all retreats have the following covid parameters:
- As of Fall 2023, we are dropping the vaccination requirement, although we strongly recommend staying up-to-date with both covid and flu immunizations. Due to continued covid outbreaks—fully half of the participants at a gathering near us tested positive three to four days into their event (not an Explore 4)—the masking imperative remains in place. I have done especially well with Masklab masks, which are easy to breathe in and do well on tests. They are not washable, but can be used until they show signs of wear or get wet. Masklab may or may not be available. A good alternative I’ve found is Savewo, which comes in multiple sizes; an inexpensive sample pack provides an opportunity to fine-tune fit (I found I could use them all, but did select a “best” choice).
- Thus still in place: Masking when indoors with others, with a mask that covers both mouth and nose.
- As much physical distancing as is possible; our options here are somewhat limited, but so far we’ve done really well at spacing ourselves out.
For information about costs, lodging, and all sorts of other questions, please visit our FAQ page.
What skills and tools do you need?
You need to have the very basic spinning skills. If you can spin a lumpy singles, and make a two-ply yarn that’s enough! You can find more details about skills and tools needed in the FAQs here. If you don’t know how to spin yet, and still want to come, you can always take a spinning class before the retreat, but we don’t cover learning to spin at the retreat.
Upcoming Explore 4 Fiber Retreats
2026 Spring Four-by-Four Retreat: Four days, four compare/contrast breeds
Explore 4 Spring Fiber Retreat ♦ Friday Harbor, Washington
One session: March 16–19, 2026
This was the original Explore 4 format and is how the gathering proceeds for
most spring sessions. Over four days, we explore four breeds, selected for their
variety, history, and/or rarity, with several fleeces from each so that we can
experience both the consistency and the variety within the breed. We’ll look at
the history, fiber characteristics, and uses of each.
It often takes a year (or three) to gather enough appropriate fleeces and conduct
the necessary extensive research to feature a breed in a spring retreat. As a
result, details can change up to the last minute (I once had to change breeds
while en route to the event because the fleeces being delivered under the wire
weren’t of good enough quality—!), but feel free to get in touch to learn what’s
looking likely.
Want more information on what the retreats are like, where they’re located, and what the accommodations are like? Please see the Explore 4 pages.
March 16 – 19, 2026
Arrive the 15th, depart the 20th.
A quick note as of 2/12/26 about the 2026 Spring Fiber Retreat in Friday Harbor, Washington, March 16 to 19 (arrive the 15th, depart the 20th). Due to unforeseeable circumstances affecting some participants we DO have both openings for the retreat and some lodging availability, either single or shared (with someone who comes with you or with an existing participant who has space).
Wools I’ll be featuring include Valais Blacknose and Perendale, plus two others for which I’m still sourcing adequate fiber supplies–but all the candidate breeds offer contrasts to those two. Not guaranteed, but Teeswater and Clun Forest are looking probable, even though the Clun Forest roving I’d ordered as a baseline just arrived and it’s . . . Cheviot (I checked my order confirmation . . . Clun . . . implement plan B and prepare plan C; never a dull moment ). Yes, we had a waiting list and spaces have been offered to everyone on it.
If you’re interested in joining us at Explore 4 in March 2026, fill out the registration form here.
2026 Autumn Retreat
Explore 4 Fall Fiber Retreat ♦ Friday Harbor, Washington
One session: November 2-5, 2026
Want more information on what the retreats are like, where they’re located, and what the accommodations are like? Please see the Explore 4 pages.
November 2-5, 2026
Arrive on November 1st, retreat November 2-5th, depart on November 6th.
As of 02/2026, this retreat is waitlist only. Join the waitlist here for the retreat.