How would it feel to take a deep pause?

Just picture it: A full week dedicated to doing what you love, with other passionnate knitters like you.

Sharing a space of deep understanding, where you can be yourself fully, be seen and supported as a creative.

Feeling at home in the beautiful french countryside, eating delicious local food, meeting amazing yarn artists.

Reconnecting to the cycles of nature, and to your own slow rhythm with meditations and inspiring reflection prompts.

Feeling the transformative power of this experience months and months after.

Doesn’t that sound good? Don’t you deserve that space to grow and be your most creative self?

I can’t wait to meet you there!

I loved our little group, the company, the kindness I felt every day. We were such a diverse collection, but as I have found throughout my life, that 100% does not matter, it only enriches us. It is kindness, humour, shared enjoyment that matter. 

To anyone thinking about it I’d say, whatever you’re expecting, it will be full of surprises, but I think they’ll all be good ones. It can broaden your mind in so many ways, stimulate you, give you a bit more faith in your own abilities and creativity, and you’ll share it with the loveliest people in beautiful surroundings. 

— Maggie from Scotland

I loved spending time with other knitters in a safe space, in gorgeous surroundings and with my partner who also found what he was looking for. It’s a real pause dedicated to your self-care that you can live at your own rhythm.

— Érika from France

Relaxing knitting moments, interesting visits, friendly meals and everything we needed with the accomodation, it all resulted in a beautiful week away from our daily lives.

— Claire from Switzerland

I have very good memories of this week of knitting retreat. Everything was well organised, the cottage was spacious and comfortable, I loved the visits at Bouclelaine and the Kerguillé farm, it was really nice to meet people who are so passionnate about their work. The group was lovely and I’m really happy to have met these knitters. We can’t say that knitting is a solitary activity anymore!

— Colette from France

What’s the schedule like?

We never have a too strict schedule because it’s a space for you to pause and relax and we respect everyone’s rhythm.

Usually every morning is knitting time. We take our lunch and dinners together (while breakfasts are usually more flexible), and you will have free time in the afternoon and evening to go explore, relax, or keep knitting with the group. There are also two afternoon dedicated to guest workshops.

Everything is always and invitation, not an obligation so you can always leave the group if you don’t feel like doing the proposed activity. This is your time and your space to relax and enjoy.

I’m a beginner knitter, is this for me?

Yes! All levels are welcome. It’s a judgement-free space. I offer patterns of all levels of difficulties that we can always simplify, tweak or modify together so you can create what you want during the retreat and improve your skills along the way if you wish to.

I’ll be here to help you, so as long as you love knitting, we will welcome you at whatever level you are so you can enjoy yourself and have an amazing experience at the retreat!

I’m an introvert / I don’t usually do groups / I don’t fit in, is this for me?

Yes! I know what it’s like to need our space and our pace to be respected in order to feel good with other people.

I’m super careful to create a safe space for everyone and an experience where everyone has their place to express themselves and never feel pressured to do anything. For example, you are always free to skip a knitting time or a group activity to go spend some time by yourself, no question asked!

The retreats are open to a small groupe of people (max 10 knitters) in order to create an intimate experience that leaves space for deeper connection. The Knit Pauses are hosted and facilitated by queer people and we are very attentive to make the space as safe as possible for marginalized folx and people who don’t fit in.

I’m attentive to every person’s specific needs, so if you have any, please let me know and I’ll be happy to accomodate you.

What language do we speak at the retreat?

We gather knitters from all over the world so the retreats are in both English and French. I speak in both languages and translate to make sure that we all understand each other. You can be prepared to leave with a few new words of French in your vocabulary to impress your friends!

Is it accessible?

We have one accessible room with its adjacent accessible bathroom reserved in priority for people who need it, please let us know when you book. It’s available as either a single room or shared room. If you have any need or request, don’t hesitate to get in touch, we will do our best to accomodate you.

I have food allergies / I’m on a vegetarian, pork-free… diet, can you accomodate me?

Yes, I ask all of your food requirements when you book so I can pass down that information to the people who will cook for us. We will make sure to create a menu of things that you can eat.

How much does a retreat cost?

2500 € for the week in a shared bedroom

2950 € for the week in a single room

The price includes accomodation for the week at the Château de Parançay, all meals, local transfer from the nearest train station, guest workshops and all materials to make your project, and of course knitting coaching, meditations, sound-baths, relfection prompts and support from Sol and Tom!

The price doesn’t include travel fares.

What if I can’t afford this?

For queer and/or BIPOC folx only, if you are financially stretched, please get in touch. I’m happy to organise a different payment plan that works for your budget and at this time I am able to offer reduced price on a few spots per retreat.

Can I do several payments?

Yes, you can pay in three installments. A deposit of 1/3 of the price is required to book your spot. Another third is due 3 months prior to the retreat. Balance is due 1 month prior to the retreat.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your trip:

• The initial deposit (1/3 of the price) is non-refundable

• 2/3 of the price is non-refundable if cancelled less than 60 days before the beginning of the retreat

• 100% is non-refundable if cancelled less than 30 days

If you need to report your trip to a future retreat:

• Free if you report over 60 days before the beginning of the retreat

• 1/3 of the price is non-refundable if you report less than 60 days before the beginning of the retreat

Can I offer the retreat to someone?

Yes! It’s a great gift for a passionate knitter! When you place the order, simply mention that it is not for you but for someone else and give me their name and email so I can send them all the informations that they need. If you’re a knitter too, you can also come with them and book two tickets!

Hi! I’m Sol (they)! I’ve been a knitwear designer since 2014 and a knitting retreats host since 2018.

I started Knit Pause because to me knitting has this magic power of connection with others, with nature, and with ourselves.

I’m really passionnate about gathering knitters from all over the world in beautiful locations for peaceful creative experiences to connect, pause, and find our creative expression together.

Along with my partner, Tom (he/they), we’ve been hosting retreats together from our home and retreat centre Le Château de Parançay, in the South-West of France, merging our experiences of knitting, meditation, sound healing and our love of creating inclusive spaces of connection.