At The Fibre Co., we've always believed in the power of community, and there's no better example of this than the world of knitting retreats. Having attended many retreats myself over the years, I've seen firsthand how these gatherings bring knitters together in meaningful ways.
Today, I'm delighted to share the story of Christine Walker, whose journey from retreat attendee to owner of PeaceTree Fiber Adventures is truly inspiring. I asked Christine to tell us about her foray into the knitting retreat world, and her story beautifully captures the passion, resilience, and dedication that makes our fibre community so special.
— Daphne Marinopoulos, The Fibre Co. Founder
Written by Christine Walker, President of PeaceTree Fiber Adventures:
Picture it, November 2019, in Quechee, Vermont, I am closing the deal to buy Knitting & Yoga Adventures, an established knitting retreat business. I am finally realizing my dream of working within the fiber community! Everything is amazing! Who knew what was right around the corner…..
I learned to knit in 2003 from my grandmother, my Memérè. She was an extraordinary crafter! I figured I had better pick up some knowledge while I had the chance. I was pregnant with my 3rd child at the time. As you can imagine, knitting took a back seat while my kids were small, but I would dabble in scarves and fingerless mitts for a good long while.
In 2016, I was a bit heavier into dabbling and learning a few new things with knitting and I stumbled across a retreat in Vermont that included knitting and yoga. I called my friend Ann and we could not sign up fast enough. I could not wait! When the time came, I fell in love with everything about this experience - the people, the instructor, the community, all of it. I became a loyal attendee of this retreat and counted the days every year to go back.
In 2019, the owner was ready to move on to focus on her own passions, and the business was available. This was it! This was my chance! Up until that point, my entire career had been customer facing. I knew hosting retreats was my wheelhouse and certainly knew how to organize and take care of people. My husband was very supportive and encouraged me to go for it. I did just that.
Back to November 2019, the last retreat in Vermont was happening as the previous owner transitioned to me. It was lovely. You all know what happened next. The world shut down right as I bought a business that relied on travel. Chaos ensues.
As the Covid pandemic swept the world, venues and students were cancelling. Everything was cancelled in this uncertain new world we were living in. I was losing my business before I even had a chance to begin.
There was no way I was letting that happen! Pivot! I quickly began virtual retreats. I am so thankful for the friends who supported me during that incredibly difficult time. It turned out to be a lesson in gratitude. To be able to keep my name out there and get my reputation built in a very different way than what I had expected was a sink or swim situation. I swam.
Fast forward to 2021, when I was able to have a retreat in Cape Ann MA. It felt fantastic! I stood by the rocky shore, looking at the ocean and did a little happy dance. I had done it.
People often ask why PeaceTree retreats are different. I truly believe that it is due to my lifelong experience in service related roles. My mother was a business woman, and from the time I was little, my brother and I were helping her and learning the importance of paying attention to details and providing an excellent experience for clients. My own career has consisted of the same, from the time I was out of college up to and including my full time job in the software industry today.
It has been a long road since November 2019. I have achieved my initial expansion goals to have retreats in the West, South and abroad. I strive to create spaces that are safe and welcoming for all. Every trip and every person teaches me a bit more. I am constantly amazed by the people whom I am lucky enough to spend time with on these trips. People who walk around like they are regular humans when really they are quite extraordinary. Everyone has a story to tell.
Isn’t that really what it’s all about anyways? Initially being connected by our craft, but really to learn and grow from having had the opportunity to know each other. It is truly a privilege to be a part of it all.
I would love to meet you! Our next trips are Knit Maine (Sept. 2025), Knit Vermont (Nov. 2025), Knit Buffalo (March 2026), and Knit the World - Iceland edition with Shaina Bilow (April 2026).
— Christine Walker, PeaceTree Fiber Adventures President
