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.
Your Tranquil Setting
Our Heart-centered Offerings*
Thursday Evening
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Centering & Introductions
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Spinning Together
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Gentle Yoga for Sleep
Friday
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Plenty of Free Time to Spin, Relax, and Enjoy the Peaceful Outdoors
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Small Weaving in Nature w/Rita (no previous weaving experience required)
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Sacred Geometry w/Michele
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Michigan-Grown Cider, Wine, Beer, and Cheese Evening Reception
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Gentle Yoga and Meditation
Saturday
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Plenty of Free Time to Spin, Relax, and Enjoy the Peaceful Outdoors
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Gentle Yoga
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Natural Fiber Sandwich Carding w/Rita
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Indigo Dye Vat (in nature)
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Shamanic Journey Walk w/Michele
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Foraging for Dyeables w/Rebecca
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Eco-Prints w/Rita and Diane
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BreathWork Meditation w/Michele
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Bonfire and S'mores
Sunday
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Plenty of Free Time to Spin, Relax, and Enjoy the Peaceful Outdoors
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Birding with DNR Birdwatching Specialist
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Retreat Concludes at 11am (but you may stay on until 8pm with your new friends).
*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!
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).
Your Hosts
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.
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.
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.
Praise from Past Retreats
"Thanks to both of you for creating a calm, open, welcoming space--or perhaps it was attracting the right group. It was a rich time away from other pressures and concerns." Kate O'Hare, Grand Rapids, MI
"I came away transformed. I have never felt so rooted to community, connected with my craft, and at peace within. I am not sure if it was the breathwork, easy conversations, or walks in nature, but I know it changed me, and I can't wait to come back next year!" L.W. Troy, MI.
"I loved the retreat. Thinking of suggestions for improvements will be very difficult for me, because I enjoyed it so much…I enjoyed every single person, and every single minute, so thank you again. I would sign up for next year this week if you were ready for registration." Trish Clark, Montague, MI
"With gratitude for the safe container you created (at the Spirit Spin Retreat). I'm already in recruit mode for next year!" From post-retreat survey
"These gals are dynamite! Warm, welcoming, and so caring!" Suzanne Shirey, Saugatuck, MI
"I have left previous retreats and conferences feeling inspired and then get home and crash back into reality. I came home from Spirit Spin feeling grounded and positive and hopeful and creative in a way I never had. It's like I finally knew my authentic self. But here's the thing: it stuck. It's been a month and I'm still inspired. I'm still approaching the world with a new, loving and hopeful perspective." -From post-retreat survey
This Retreat is for you if you are
a fiber enthusiast, and...
You are craving time and space to spin, weave, hook, crochet, or knit in peace
Desire connection with nature and new friends in a peaceful setting
Want to learn more about syncing up with the inherent wisdom and rhythm of nature as a way to connect to your highest self
Would like to acquire new techniques and knowledge about fiber, creativity, and nature
Frequently asked questions
What is your COVID-19 protocol?
We aim to provide a comfortable and safe experience for all retreat-goers. All retreat staff (Rita, Michele, Rebecca and Pam) are fully vaccinated. We are strongly suggesting that all participants be fully vaccinated as well--so that we can relax like old times. If you do not provide proof of vaccination, then we will request that you perform a COVID-19 test in your hometown three days prior and present us with the negative results AND that you also take a COVID rapid test upon your arrival (for a fee of $30). If your results come back positive for COVID-19 three days or fewer and cannot attend, you will forfeit your retreat funds, per our cancelation policy (Cancel before September 1: full refund minus transaction 3% transaction fee; Cancel between September 2 and September 14: full refund minus a $90.00 cancellation fee; Cancel September 15 or later: no refund). This policy is subject to change.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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:
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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