The Magpies first met Julie in Cologne Germany many years ago and became fan girls immediately! Her designs are so modern and wearable and can be knit in so many different fibers. We are excited to learn so much from her!
Date: Sunday, February 21th - Tuesday February 23rd
Retreat Fee: $800.00/per knitter (guest/spouse fee $300.00) + Hotel (if needed)
Location: Omni Hotel Downtown Charlottesville @ (link coming soon)
Locals do not need to book hotel unless they want to :)
We are so pleased to announce that our knitting retreat for February 21-23, 2027.
Julie Weisenberger, founder of Cocoknits, learned to knit and completed her first sweater while studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria, during college. She has been knitting and designing ever since.
In the 1980s, Julie ran her own knitwear company. During the 1990s, she designed sweaters for yarn companies and knitting magazines. In 2007, she founded Cocoknits, where she combines her passion for thoughtful design with innovative knitting techniques and tools.
Over the years, Julie developed and refined the Cocoknits Method—a unique top-down, seamless approach to sweater knitting that emphasizes fit, simplicity, and customization. She has also created a collection of thoughtfully designed knitting and making tools that enhance both the process and the finished result.
The format of this year's retreat will be similar to last year with the following schedule:
Retreat Schedule -
Sunday afternoon - arrive in Cville
Sunday Night - Dinner at the Omni with Icebreaker fun
Monday Class - Julie -Day One of COCOKNITS workshop. Learn the secrets behind Julie's genius methodology to knit sweaters that fit!
Monday Night- Shopping party at Magpie Knits and Wine & Heavy Apps at Crush Pad
Tuesday Class -Julie - Day Two of COCOKNITS workshop
Continental Breakfasts + lunches and dinners included in retreat fee.
Hotel Link :
For first timers, the retreat is held at the Downtown Omni Hotel which is located at the end of a Historic Pedestrian mall with lots of shops and restaurants. Our shop is a block and a half from the hotel and all of the events are within walking distance of the hotel. The lobby of the recently renovated hotel has lots of open seating for cozy knitting groups. Charlottesville also offers lots of historic places to visit if you want to extend your stay. Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is within 10 minutes.. Montpelier, the home of James Madison is in the town of Orange about 30 minutes north. There are also a plethora of vineyards to check out if you enjoy sampling local wines.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the shop (434-296-4625) and ask for Susan!
Email us [email protected]
