So, you might be asking yourself, what exactly is the Geeky Puffin Knit Palooza (GPKP)? Simply, it's a knitting retreat being held in Edinburgh, Scotland, at The Gillis Centre, starting on Thursday, 29-October-2015, and running through, Sunday, 1-November-2015.
Want to know more? Then keep reading.
Who are the hosts of the GPKP?
There are three hosts of the GPKP. C.C. and Damaris Almon are a Mamma/daughter duo based in Edinburgh, Scotland, who co-host the weekly video podcast
Geeky Girls Knit. C.C. is also a knitwear designer (her company is
JavaPurl Designs). Damaris is a sophomore in high school (we're from Texas and since she's homeschooled, for various reasons, we chose to stay with the US school system set-up). Sam Boggia is based in London, England, and is the host for the video podcast
KnitRunDig. She is also the owner and maker of
KnitRunDig knitting project bags.
How did the GPKP get it's name?
When the 3 of us decided we wanted to host a knitting retreat, we thought it would be fun to try to combine our podcast names to come up with a name. However, Geeky and KnitRunDig just didn't work for us. Inspiration struck when we thought about Sam's love for puffins. And with that, the Geeky Puffin Knit Palooza got it's name.
What are the main event components of the GPKP?
There are so many things we have planned, but the big events will be: classes (every attendee gets 1 class included with their fee + a bonus class that will be open to every attendee), a 3 shop yarn crawl, a Vendor Market on site at the retreat centre, opening and closing ceremonies (with loads of door prizes), a try - show - tell - and swap event, a Podcaster Panel / Q&A session, a Designer Panel / Q&A session, an Instagram scavenger hunt, and much, much, much, much more.
Who are the teachers and what classes will they be teaching?
We have 4 amazing teachers and 7 wonderfully unique classes. All the details about the teachers and classes can be found by
clicking here.
How much does it cost to attend the GPKP?
Prices vary based on whether you will be staying on-site (and which type of room you want) or if you want a non-residential pass. All the details about the cost for the retreat can be found by
clicking here.
When is payment due for the retreat?
Upon confirmation of your spot at the retreat, payment in full is due within 48 hours. No refund will be offered if you cancel since the retreat date is so close.
What does the fee I'm paying for the GPKP include?
All meals starting with Thursday night dinner and ending with Sunday morning breakfast, your lodging at a gorgeous retreat centre in Edinburgh, Scotland (unless you are a non-residential attendee), a goodie bag (sewn by Sam!!!!) filled with a multitude of items, a notions pouch (sewn by Sam!), a skein of yarn in an exclusive colourway (dyed by Jess of Ginger Twist Studio), 1 class (you'll have your choice of 1 of 6 available classes) + a bonus class that is open to every retreat attendee, an exclusive set of stitch markers (made by Zena of Little Yellow Uke), 3 patterns (a sock pattern by C.C., a shawl pattern by Sam, and a fair isle mitten pattern by Kirsten), all the events mentioned in the question above, and loads more!
What if I want to take more than 1 class?
There is a spot on your Retreat Application to note if you are interested in extra classes. We will need to make sure each attendee has a spot in their 1 class first and then we will notify you if there is room for you in extra classes. The cost for each extra class is £25.
How do I sign up?
Go to the
2015 Retreat Application to sign up.
What if I or someone I know is interested in vending at the retreat?
While the vendor application for the 2015 retreat is technically closed, we could possibly add another vendor or two to the market. If you're interested in vending, please email us at
GeekyPuffinKnitPalooza AT gmail DOT com and we'll see if we can make things work for both your business and our retreat. Thanks!
I have food allergies, dietary concerns, and/or health requirements. Can they be accommodated?
Dietary concerns can be dealt with by the catering staff, but we MUST know in advance so we can advise them of the need. There are some rooms that are accessible, but the classroom for the Saturday classes does not have lift/elevator access (you'll need to make sure to take one of the Friday classes - Short Rows or Intro to Fair Isle if stairs are a problem for you). At least one flight of stairs will need to be climbed to participate in the Saturday classes as well as to get to the bedrooms other than the 1 accessible bedroom. There is a place on the Retreat Application for you to let us know about these things.
I'd like to come early and/or stay longer in Edinburgh. Can I stay at the retreat centre longer?
The retreat centre is happy to accommodate your extended stay as long as they have space available. Please contact us either on your Retreat Application in the Other Information box or via email at
GeekyPuffinKnitPalooza AT gmail DOT com so we can get you the information you'll need to deal with this.
I love the GPKP logo. Can I buy merchandise with the logo on it?
Yes! We have set up a Cafe Press shop where you can buy merchandise by
clicking here. There will be some GPKP items included in your goodie bag. We also will be contacting retreat attendees in late spring 2015 about other GPKP items that can be ordered for delivery at the retreat.
I have other questions. How can I contact you?
You can send us an email at
GeekyPuffinKnitPalooza AT gmail DOT com
