Thank you for registering to attend the 2026 Southeast Men's Knitting Retreat!

Dates: November 18 (early) or 19 (standard) - 22, 2026

We want to make the process as easy as possible.

Please complete a separate registration form for each individual attending. 

If you have any questions about registration, please e-mail us ! 

NOTE: You will be directed to a PayPal purchase option at the end of this registration form. Your registration is not complete until you have made your payment through PayPal.  You do not need a PayPal account to pay.

* SEMKR will need a minimum 14 attendees this year, if we should fail to hit that threshold, the event will be canceled and all registration fees and deposits will be refunded. *

Attendee Information

Emergency Information

Please choose an attendance option.  You may register for double or single room occupancy.

Double rooms will have two attendees in them.  Single rooms are available at additional cost ($125).

*Note: The number of single rooms are limited.  Although every attempt will be made to accommodate your request, we will contact you to discuss further options if necessary.

**Extra Day: The retreat runs Thurs-Sun.  The extra day is an unstructured day allowing for an early Wednesday arrival.

A roommate questionnaire may be e-mailed to you after registration is complete for the double occupancy option.

However, if you have arranged to share a double room with someone, please specify them below. Every attempt will be made to accommodate the match.

The 2026 retreat will offer your choice of 4 classes -- geared towards beginners and more advanced crafters.  Each class is roughly 90-150 minutes long and will allow you to leave with a new technique or a better understanding of a skill!

Friday, November 20th:

• Crochet Stitches (AM) -- Rusty Boyd: Ready to move beyond the basics? If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, Rusty will show you how to combine those stitches into eye-catching patterns, shells, chevrons, and more.
• Hugs & Kisses Scarf/Shawl (AM) -- Tom Bloom: Hold two yarns together and create a lovely scarf or shawl featuring the charming Hugs & Kisses crochet pattern. Tom will guide you through the techniques that give this project its distinctive look and texture.

Saturday, November 16th:

• Yarn Dyeing (AM) -- Andrew Vogl: Explore new ways to bring color to your fiber! Andrew Vogl, owner and dyer at Briar Patch Fiber, will share yarn-dyeing techniques you can use to create your own unique colorways.

• Double Knitting (PM) -- Lance Hopenwasser: Discover the magic of creating a two-sided fabric with double knitting. Lance will introduce the technique and help you make a project that looks great from either side.

Information about each class is available on our '2026 Event' page.

Some classes may have a cap.  Indicate your preferences below in order of priority and we'll do our best to match you to your top choices!

Every effort will be made to register you in your preferred classes -- although course availability is available on a first come first serve basis.

Your registration fee includes the following meals: 

• Wednesday: Dinner*
• Thursday:  Breakfast*, Dinner
• Friday:       Breakfast
• Saturday:  Breakfast, Lunch
• Sunday:     Breakfast

*Note: Breakfasts will be continental and catered by Panera, Lunch will be Panera catered sandwich boxes, Dinners will be brought in from a local Pizza restaurant. Wednesday Dinner and Thursday Breakfast are included if you register for the extra day.

Tentatively, the menu will feature:

• All Breakfasts (Thurs-Sun) are Continental (Pastries, fruit, yogurt, juice, tea, coffee)
• Wednesday: Dinner: Chili/Veggie Chili
• Thursday: Lunch: Out
  Thursday: Dinner: Pizza from MOD, Salads, Iced Teas
• Friday: Lunch: Out
  Friday: Dinner: Out
• Saturday: Lunch: Boxed Lunch (Sandwich, Chips, Cookie/Fruit Cup)
  Saturday: Dinner: Out
  

AGREEMENT OF RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

In consideration of my participation in the Southeast Men's Knitting Retreat (SEMKR) organized by Russell Boyd and Joseph Elliott, and held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, North Carolina, from November 18/19, 2026 through November 22, 2026, I agree to the following terms:

1. Compliance: I will observe and follow all posted rules, warnings, and oral instructions provided by SEMKR organizers, employees, representatives, or agents.
2. Assumption of Risk: I acknowledge that participating in SEMKR involves inherent risks. I assume full responsibility for any personal injury, property damage, or loss that may occur as a result of my participation, and I release SEMKR from any claims related to such injuries or damages.
3. Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and defend SEMKR against any claims, damages, costs, or expenses, including attorney fees, arising from my or my party’s use of the facilities or participation in the retreat.
4. Damage Costs: I agree to cover any damages to SEMKR facilities caused by my or my party’s negligent, reckless, or willful actions.
5. Governing Law: Any legal claims arising from my participation shall be governed by North Carolina law.
6. Review and Acknowledgment: I confirm that I am signing this Agreement voluntarily, without pressure or duress, and I have had the opportunity to review its contents.
7. Interpretation: This Agreement is the result of negotiation between the parties. Any ambiguities will not be interpreted against any party based on their drafting of the Agreement.
8. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will still apply and remain valid.
9. Arbitration: Any disputes or claims related to this Agreement will be resolved through arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitrator's award may be entered in any court with proper jurisdiction.
10. Liability Limitation: I understand that neither the instructors nor the hosting facility are liable for any injuries or damages to person or property resulting from my participation in the retreat.
11. Refund/Cancellation Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required. The remaining balance is refundable until October 15, 2026. Cancellations made before this date will receive a refund minus the $100 deposit and any PayPal fees. Spot transfers are allowed between October 15 and November 4, 2026. After November 4, 2026, retreat attendance numbers are locked with the venue and catering service.
12. Minimum Attendance: A minimum of 14 registered attendees is required for SEMKR to proceed. If the minimum attendance requirement is not met, the retreat may be canceled and all registration payments, including deposits, will be refunded.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Agreement, including the Refund/Cancellation Policies.