The Woolly Thistle

3-Night 10th Anniversary Retreat

We are so excited to announce the very first TWT Retreat in honor of the 10th Anniversary of The Woolly Thistle!!

Enjoy a long weekend designed for knitters who want something truly special, inspiring workshops, unhurried stitching time, and deep connection with fellow wool lovers, all wrapped in the charm of a beautiful New England summer.

This intimate gathering will include unforgettable experiences. If you’ve ever wanted to step inside the world of The Woolly Thistle, this is your invitation.

TWT Retreat

Highlights

  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and shopping at TWT Headquarters
  • Accommodations at the charming Norwich Inn. Meals provided.
  • Champagne Welcome Toast
  • Classes with Gudrun Johnston and Kristen Drysdale
  • Quality time with The Woolly Thistle Staff and Community
  • Swag Bag with exclusive goodies
  • Mill Tour at Junction Fiber Mill
  • Cozy knitting time and so much more!

Retreat Overview

July 9 – July 12 | The Historic Norwich Inn | Norwich, Vermont

Settle into a cozy weekend of knitting, learning, and woolly inspiration. This retreat brings together delicious meals, relaxed knitting time, and special experiences—including classes with designers Gudrun Johnston and Kristin Drysdale, a behind-the-scenes warehouse visit and private shopping at The Woolly Thistle, and an exclusive tour of Junction Fiber Mill. You’ll spend the weekend connecting with fellow wool lovers while learning new skills and being inspired. It’s a warm, memorable gathering for knitters who love community, creativity, and great wool.

Sign up to learn more about this Retreat!

You'll receive a confirmation email shortly with more information and excitment!

Stay at the historic

Norwich Inn

Enjoy three nights of classic New England charm at the historic Norwich Inn, a beloved Vermont country inn steeped in local character since the 18th century.

Nestled in the heart of Norwich, you'll enjoy a short drive to and from The Woolly Thistle Headquarters in West Lebanon, NH. Unwind in comfortable single or double rooms with modern amenities, surrounded by the warm hospitality and timeless atmosphere this iconic inn is known for. With easy access to local attractions and plenty of space to relax, it’s the perfect home base for your TWT Retreat weekend.

Class with

Gudrun Johnston

We are thrilled to welcome a truly special guest to the TWT Retreat - Gudrun Johnston (@gudrunjohnston) will be a featured teacher.

Gudrun is a celebrated designer known for her modern yet timeless knitwear, beautifully rooted in her Shetland heritage. Her thoughtful colorwork, elegant constructions, and deep understanding of traditional techniques have made her designs beloved by knitters around the world. As an experienced and generous teacher, Gudrun is known for breaking down complex techniques with clarity and warmth, making her classes both inspiring and accessible.

Class with

Kristen Drysdale

Kristen Drysdale (@scandiwork) is a friend of The Woolly Thistle, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome her into this special weekend to be a featured teacher!

Kristin is a respected knitwear designer, educator, and author of The Nordic Knitting Primer. She is known for her expertise in Scandinavian colorwork and traditional Nordic knitting. Her patterns, inspired by her heritage and published in magazines like Laine, have introduced thousands of knitters to the joy of multi-color knitting and timeless sweater design. Kristin’s teaching is clear, encouraging, and rich with insight, helping knitters deepen their skills and expand their creative confidence.

Quality Time with the heart of

The Woolly Thistle

Spend meaningful time with the Woolly Thistle team — the heart and hands behind it all — in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Enjoy an exclusive shopping experience created just for retreat guests, and settle in for plenty of unhurried knitting and conversation. This is your chance to connect, ask questions, share stories, and soak in the warmth of the TWT community.

Behind the Scenes

The Woolly Thistle

Oh hey! Step beyond the website and into the real workings of The Woolly Thistle. Enjoy the shopfront and then go behind-the-scenes where you’ll see aisles and aisles of your favorite yarns. See some of your favorite TWT personalities in their natural habitat!

You'll get a special look at our processes and see firsthand the care and attention each order receives in our fulfillment department before it heads out into the world. It’s a rare, insider glimpse and we'd love to share it with you.

Information Sheet

We’ve put together an information sheet with everything you need to know about the retreat—from pricing and accommodations to what’s included throughout the weekend. Take a look through it to get the full picture and see what makes this event so special.

Please let us know if you have additional questions (info@thewoollythistle.com) and remember that room reservations become available on March 18th.

We can't wait to host you!

Information Sheet

FAQs

Visit The Woolly Thistle Retreat Product Page (coming soon) on March 18th at 10 AM ET and select your preferred room type.

Spots are limited which is why we are doing a timed release. They are first come first serve basis. Checkout secures your space. If you are checking out for a shared room, only 1 guest needs to check out. We will reach out for your roommate's information after purchase. We will reach out to you with a Registration Form to get to know you better with a week after purchasing your spot.

Complete information about room options can be found on the our Retreat Information Sheet.

Thursday, July 9 (4:00 PM check-in) through Sunday, July 12 (late morning departure).

  • 3-night stay at the Norwich Inn
  • One class with Gudrun Johnston
  • One class with Kristin Drysdale
  • Junction Fiber Mill tour
  • The Woolly Thistle warehouse tour & private shopping
  • Champagne welcome celebration
  • Two catered lunches
  • Two special dinners
  • Daily continental breakfast
  • Curated swag bag
  • Evening knitting gatherings
  • More details to come as the date gets closer

The Woolly Thistle has a very welcoming and warm community of knitters and wool lovers. This retreat is designed for knitters who love wool, learning, and community. All skill levels are welcome.

The knitting classes are designed for Adventurous Beginners and beyond. The Mill tour, visit to The Woolly Thistle, and other events do not require previous knitting experience.

No. Double Twin, Double Queen, and Deluxe + Guest Shared Bed room options include 2 Retreat spots. One person should book that Room Option for the 2 attendees.

Complete information about room options can be found on the TWT 3 Night Retreat Information Sheet

The Retreat accommodations are in Norwich, Vermont at the historic Norwich Inn.

Classes, exclusive shopping, and tours will take place at The Woolly Thistle Headquarters in West Lebanon, NH.

Junction Fiber Mill will be providing a Mill Tour at their mill in White River Junction, VT.

All of these places are within a short drive of each other. (~15 minutes)

No. This Retreat is designed for adults only. We welcome trained service dogs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We welcome local attendees to join our Retreat; however, all guests must stay at the Norwich Inn. Having everyone centrally located fosters more bonding and community spirit. Additionally, staying at the Inn grants you access to all its amenities, including a delicious breakfast each morning.

The cost of this event varies based on your selection of accommodations.

You can review the room options and pricing information on the TWT 3 Night Retreat Information Sheet.

Airports

Trains

  • Amtrak service currently runs to Boston and New York, with Dartmouth Coach connecting to Hanover from both locations. You can take Amtrak "the Vermonter" from NYC to White River Junction once a day.  Please note that the Train does not arrive into White River Junction Station until 6:15-6:25, which is after 4 pm check in time. For returns the train leaves White River Junction Station at 11:30 ish to NYC, Philadelphia to DC

Buses

  • Dartmouth Coach (800) 637-0123 offers round-trip service between Hanover, Boston's South Station, and Logan Airport (BOS). Dartmouth Coach also offers service between Hanover and New York City. Check the Dartmouth Coach website for current service schedules.

Rental Cars

Enterprise rents vehicles with Lebanon Airport or Hanover as return locations. 

Guests provide their own transportation between Retreat locations. Carpooling is encouraged.

Other than the usual overnight stuff, we recommend bringing:

  • Knitting supplies - TWT favorites and vintage project bags are fun to show and tell.
  • Something "New Hampshire dressy" for Saturday night's dinner out. Casual is good.
  • Sunscreen and bug spray.
  • And of course, your current knitting or crochet project!

Yes. Meals will be catered and dietary restrictions can be accommodated. We will ask for this information prior to your arrival so that accommodations can be made.

This Retreat is intentionally limited to 48 guests. Guests will be split into smaller groups for classes and some activities.

You are welcome to attend alone and are sure to meet some wool-loving friends.

Yes, some rooms at The Norwich Inn require stairs. Please be aware of this when selecting your room.

To reserve your place at the retreat, an $850 deposit is required at registration. This deposit is applied toward the total retreat cost and is non-refundable.

The remaining balance will be invoiced in two additional payments, currently planned for April 18, 2026 and May 15, 2026.

Because lodging and retreat arrangements must be secured well in advance, cancellations made before April 18 will receive a refund of payments made minus the deposit. Cancellations between April 18 and May 15 will receive a partial refund. After May 15, refunds are not available.

If the retreat sells out, we will maintain a waitlist and will do our best to fill cancelled spaces. Participants may also transfer their registration to another knitter if they are unable to attend.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage.

Please review the full Retreat Terms & Conditions on the TWT 3 Night Retreat Information Sheet.

Get excited! July will be here before you know it!

We'll reach out soon with a Registration Form for you to fill out fo complete your registration. This will include things like dietary restrictions and accessiblity needs.

Make your plans for how you'll get here and around during the Retreat. We'll be in touch with more details as the Retreat gets closer!