Spirit Spin

Fourth Annual

Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Ralph A. MacMullan Center

Roscommon, Michigan

Connect with Fiber, Nature, Others, and Your Self

Enjoy a weekend of unique natural fiber workshops, creativity and mindfulness sessions, and outdoor experiences to deepen your connection to the fiber arts.

 
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Our Heart-centered Offerings*

Thursday Evening

  • Centering & Introductions

  • Spinning Together

  • Gentle Yoga for Sleep

 

Friday

  • Plenty of Free Time to Spin, Relax, and Enjoy the Peaceful Outdoors

  • Small Weaving in Nature w/Rita (no previous weaving experience required)

  • Sacred Geometry w/Michele

  • Michigan-Grown Cider, Wine, Beer, and Cheese Evening Reception

  • Gentle Yoga and Meditation

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Saturday

  • Plenty of Free Time to Spin, Relax, and Enjoy the Peaceful Outdoors

  • Gentle Yoga

  • Natural Fiber Sandwich Carding w/Rita

  • Indigo Dye Vat (in nature)

  • Shamanic Journey Walk w/Michele

  • Foraging for Dyeables w/Rebecca

  • Eco-Prints w/Rita and Diane

  • BreathWork Meditation w/Michele

  • Bonfire and S'mores

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Sunday

  • Plenty of Free Time to Spin, Relax, and Enjoy the Peaceful Outdoors

  • Birding with DNR Birdwatching Specialist

  • Retreat Concludes at 11am (but you may stay on until 8pm with your new friends).

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*All activities at Spirit Spin are optional; you create your retreat in a way that restores you, enlightens you, relaxes you and "fills your cup".  And, please know that we are inclusive to all people; you will be welcome here exactly as you are! 

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NOTE: Registration includes meals, snacks, accomodations, goody bag, and programming. Daytripper passes available for Friday and Saturday (these include meals, goody bag, and programming from 8am-12midnight).

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Your Hosts

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Rita Petteys

is the owner of Yarn Hollow, a hand-dyed fiber, yarn, and fabric company based in Grandville, Michigan. Operating since 2005, Yarn Hollow was born of a life-long love of fiber arts and color. Rita was a young knitter and crocheter who returned to knitting after college, starting with the mythic boyfriend sweater. Then came spinning--and dyeing soon followed. Rita has taught dyeing and other aspects of the fiber arts since 2007 at yarn shops, fiber retreats, and fiber festivals throughout the Midwest--including Oxbow, the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, Interlochen Fine Arts, and the Michigan League of Handweavers annual conferences.

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Michele DeVoe Lussky

is a Creativity Coach, Writer, Breathwork Facilitator, Intuitive, and Owner of Shamama--a business devoted to helping people tap into their creative energy, hidden power, life's purpose, and authentic voice.  Michele has taught Writing and Literature for over 16 year--most recently at Grand Valley State University. She has published several books, articles and poems and enjoys leading "Journey Walks"and as well as sessions in mindfulness, yoga, mandala-making, intuitive collaging, and her very own style of the "Shamanic Journey Writing" process.

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Rebecca Marquardt

is Naturalist and Landscape Architect at her own firm, Revery. She is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast who specializes in place-based education and sustainable and native-species design. She holds certifications as a: Native Plant Master program through Colorado State University; Master Gardener from the University of Wisconsin Extension, CSU, and Michigan State University, Master Naturalist program through MSU; and Land Ethic Leader from the Aldo Leopold Foundation. She also serves as a naturalist at the Wittenbach Wege Nature Center in Lowell, Michigan.

This Retreat is for you if you are

a fiber enthusiast, and...

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You are craving time and space to spin, weave, hook, crochet, or knit in peace

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Desire connection with nature and new friends in a peaceful setting

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Want to learn more about syncing up with the inherent wisdom and rhythm of nature as a way to connect to your highest self

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Would like to acquire new techniques and knowledge about fiber, creativity, and nature 

 

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Spirit Spin 2020 at the Kettunen Center?

We canceled the 2020 retreat due to the pandemic--and because our venue, the Kettunen Center closed for good. We are hoping that the pandemic will be long-gone by fall of 2021 when we host it at the Ralph A. MacMullen Center! If we must reschedule, we will.



I can't remember how much I owe; how do I find out my balance?

Please email event organizer, Michele Lussky, at mlussky@shamamagroup.com.



I'm confused, does the retreat start Thursday, September 30 or Friday, October 1?

Both! Due to popular demand, we added an extra day this year! You have the option to attend from Thursday 3pm to Sunday 11am OR Friday 3pm to Sunday 11 am. On Sunday, check out is 10am, but RAM graciously allows us to hang out in our large spinning room until 1pm (and sometimes until 8pm if another group isn't coming in)--and we can roam around the grounds and hang out in the lobby (spinning by the fireplace) until 8pm at no extra charge!



Can I come for just one day?

Yes! We have room for "day trippers" for both Friday and Saturday. This includes all programming, a free goodie bag, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks (and Friday's reception--if that's the day you choose!)



How much does it cost--and what is included?

The cost depends on whether you are staying alone in your room or sharing a room. All rooms are suite-style with a shared bathroom. Included in the price: accomodations, all meals, snacks, optional workshops, special gift, Michigan wine/beer/apple cider/cheese Friday evening reception, guided nature walks, boating, bonfire, yoga, and more! The energy worker and massage therapist are "ala carte" and require separate booking and payment.



What are the rooms like?

Newly renovated in 2017, the Straits Lodge is the most modern lodge on the RAM Center grounds. This coed lodge sleeps a total of 40 people. 10 suites, each with two bedrooms and a shared en suite bathroom. Four of the suites meet ADA requirements for accessibility. Each bedroom has two single beds, vanity counter, dresser and clothes rack. There is a large meeting room and lounge area connected to the lodge equipped with flat screen TV, microwave and mini refrigerator. For more information about the lodge click here.



Will you find a roommate for me?

We will do our best to find a roommate for you, however, if there are no other singles looking to share, we must charge you for a single occupancy.



What should I bring?

Please bring what you would normally bring to a retreat of this nature (fiber, spinning wheels, spindles, hooks, small looms, etc.). We will provide fiber for the workshops and there will be fiber for sale as well; bring all the fiber from home that you want! You may want to bring some good sticks for the weaving in nature and a yoga mat. Last year Rita set up an indigo dye vat, so you will want to bring some fabric or yarn to dye as well. You will want to bring your new Spirit Spin clothing and gear as well! Here is a link to our online store. We also recommend you bring insect repellant, swimsuit, jacket, and hiking shoes for outdoor excursions. Michigan in early October can be anywhere from highs in the 80s (F) to lows in the 30s (F), so please pack for all conditions.



What should I NOT bring?

Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome; please check your animal in with the center first. Also, this is an adults only retreat, but you are welcome to bring adult partners and friends who want to enjoy the beautiful retreat space. The price is the same whether they participate in our events or not, however.



Should I be at a certain skill level?

We welcome all fiber enthusiasts of all skill-levels! We will not be offering beginner's instruction; rather, we are offering opportunities to connect to fiber in new ways (and literally connect fiber in new ways). Many people come to knit and crochet with their spinning friends. We are an inclusive bunch!



Is this a women-only retreat?

Nope! We are inclusive of all genders and gender identities!



What is the food like?

The RAM Center offers buffet or family-style dining service in the relaxed, rustic setting of their dining hall. They have moved away from more "institutional" food and are offering fresher, local and tastier food! You will not go hungry! Special requests and dietary needs can be accommodated by request; please note this on your registration form.



How do I get there?

There is no public transportation to the center, so driving is your best bet. If you are coming from afar, the nearest major airport is MBS located 1 1/2 hours southeast of Roscommon in Saginaw, MI. Because of the remote location, you would need to rent a car from the airport. Please let us know if you want to share a ride and we may be able to pair you up with a fellow retreat-goer who can either share expenses or provide ground transportation. The address of RAM Center is: 104 Conservation Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653. Phone: (989) 821-6200



Will there be vendors?

Yes! Typically we have roving for sale from our local co-op "Dances with Wool", but we have other vendors from time to time as well.



What are your refund, cancellation and general policies?

We only have a few terms for a refund policy: 1) Deposits of $75.00 are required to reserve your space at the Spirit Spin Fiber Arts Retreat. To register, click button in menu above. ​ If you you would prefer to reserve your space by check, please contact Michele Lussky at spiritspinretreat@gmail.com or (616) 901-0579. Once your deposit is received, we will reserve your space. ​ 2) Balances for the retreat fees are due by September 1, 2021 if you had chosen to reserve your space with the 75.00 deposit. We will send you an invoice for the remainder of your retreat. ​ 3) If you had paid for your retreat space in full when you signed up - you are all set to go! ​ 4) If for some reason you need to cancel your reservation for the retreat, the following is the schedule for refunds: ​ Cancel before September 1: full refund minus transaction 3% transaction fee Cancel between September 2 and September 14: full refund minus a $78.00 cancellation fee Cancel September 15 or later: no refund ​ If you have any questions about the terms, please feel free to contact us at spiritspinretreat@gmail.com. ​ Thank you!



I don't like paying with credit cards, may I mail you a check instead?

Sure! Make the check out to Shamama and mail to Michele Lussky: 6558 Laguna Vista Dr. NE Rockford, MI 49341



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