Camp Knit ATX

Join Dawn Barker, Dyer and Designer of Barker Wool, and Knit ATX for a fabulous weekend in beautiful Mt Calm, Texas. This retreat is a chance to rest and recharge, while also expanding your knitting knowledge.

What's Included

Retreat at the Compass Centre

Thursday night through Sunday morning, knitters will experience the peace and tranquility of Mt Calm, Texas, at the Compass Centre. This retreat gives you the opportunity to socialize and meet other knitters, take classes with fantastic instructors, and the opportunity to make progress on your active projects without the interruptions of daily life.

The retreat includes fabulous swag, dinner Thursday evening, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday, and brunch Sunday morning. Light breakfast options like toast and yogurt are available, but you are welcome to bring your own breakfasts, as refrigerator and freezer space is available for your use.

The Compass Centre is a lovely building that hosts retreats for crafters of all stripes. Staff keeps the property in great shape, and provides high quality meals for attendees, but it is not a hotel. Attendees will need to bring their own personal pillow and pillowcase, and will share a room with up to 3 other attendees. Each person will have their own bed that has comfortable sheets and a cozy quilt.

Your crafting space is comprised of three 3-foot tables, a cushioned office chair, and a full set of outlets to power or charge any devices that you'd like to use during your weekend. There will be ample time between classes to enjoy socializing and working on projects independently.

Dawn Barker

Dawn Barker is a wool dyer, knitwear designer, and knitting instructor known for her innovative work in assigned pooling, rhythmic slipped stitch colorwork, texture knitting, and color theory for knitters.

Her designs are characterized by clean, modern shapes, featuring classic, deeply saturated colors. Her lifelong love of fiber and her background as a fine artist led her to establish Barker Wool in 2017, a platform where she shares her hand-dyed fine yarns and innovative knitting designs with the world.

Dawn is happiest existing somewhere between the extreme freedom of dyeing and the structured discipline required to create practical, wearable designs from her yarns. Residing in Amarillo, Texas with her husband and two sons, she continues to push the boundaries of knitting, leaving an indelible mark on the worldwide fiber community.

Color Camp With Dawn Barker

Are you ready to revolutionize your knitting through a deeper understanding of color? Color Camp offers an immersive journey designed to demystify color theory and equip you with the confidence to make creative color choices.

Choosing the right colors isn't just about matching; it's about understanding why certain combinations work. In Color Camp, we will explore common color harmonies and learn how to apply them effectively. You’ll also see how subtle shifts in saturation and value can impact the mood of a palette and help tell your story.

Color Camp will equip you with the practical skills needed to confidently speak in your own color voice. We’ll not only guide you to discover your own personal color comfort zone, we’ll also explore ways to embrace unexpected combinations that elevate your projects beyond the expected.

Learn how fiber content, yarn construction, and project type influence color choices from process to finished piece, and discover new ways to incorporate your hand-knit works of art into your wardrobe. Whether you’re knitting garments or accessories, we’ll show you styling tips to harmoniously integrate your work into your own signature style.

If you'd like to put your new color knowledge into practice during camp, you can choose from one of three projects! Choose from a lace wrap, a cocoon cardigan, or a round yoke sweater.

Join us this November for an unforgettable color adventure and get ready to master your next color choice!

Save The Date

Camp Knit ATX with Dawn Barker will be held November 13 through November 16.

The retreat fee of $575 includes your room, meals, and classes. Attendees will receive limited edition swag, and have special shopping opportunities at the retreat.

The Compass Centre is located at: 1030 FM 339, Mt Calm, Texas

Frequently Asked Questions

When is registration open?

Registration will open on August 15th, at 10am central. Keep an eye on the newsletter!

Is this knitting retreat open to men?

Due to the shared accommodations of the center, this retreat is only open to women.

Can someone register on my behalf?

That is no problem.

We have no issue with someone asking to transfer their registration to another person.

Can I bring my own snacks or drinks?

Of course! You are welcome to bring your favorite snacks and beverages. There are hot water kettles, and a keurig coffee pot if you'd like to bring your own tea or coffee. You are also welcome to bring alcoholic beverages of your choice.

How many people will be in a room, can I choose my roomate?

We will assign three to four people per room.

If you have preferred roommates, please let us know after registration. We are happy to accommodate friends rooming together! Some rooms can hold up to four people if you have a larger group that wants to stay together.

Okay, I know about roomates, but what about the bathrooms?

There are five shared bathrooms. Each attendee gets their own large drawer to store things in. You will have a nice bath towel, hand towel designated for your own use with a clothespin and unlimited number of face cloths. You are welcome to bring your preferred towel from home if you'd like.

What should I bring?

You will need to bring your own pillow and pillow case, and if you'd like a warmer blanket to supplement the sheets and quilt on the bed, please bring that.

Lunch is not served on Thursday, so if you arrive early you should bring something to tide you over until dinner.

What else should I bring?

In addition to your desired toiletries, you may find a light sweater and headphones desirable.

The main room can be chilly at times, so you might enjoy having a jacket or cozy blanket if you feel chilled.

Headphones or earbuds may also be handy if you find the background sounds of other people an unwelcome distraction, or if you'd like to listen to music or watch videos during your free time.

Each attendee will have three 3-foot tables available, so you will have plenty of space for all your creature comforts.

I'm Vegan / Gluten Free / Etc, what should I do?

Please reach out to us as soon as possible. If you have a life threatening allergy, it may not be possible to avoid cross-contamination. For any other dietary restrictions we will work with the kitchen staff.