We’re thrilled to share that the Fjord to Fibre Retreat is now fully booked! Thank you for the overwhelming interest in this special experience.

If you’d like to be added to the waitlist, please email us at fjordtofibre@gmail.com, and we’ll be in touch should any spaces become available.

Fjord to Fibre: A Nordic Knitting Immersion with Arne & Carlos from April 19th-22nd

I can hardly contain my excitement as I share the details for our next Fjord to Fibre retreat — a truly special experience with two of the most inspiring people in the world of knitting: Arne & Carlos, who I cannot wait to host again, on the beautiful West Coast of Victoria BC.

About Arne & Carlos: Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrison—known globally as Arne & Carlos—are internationally acclaimed textile artists, bestselling authors, and visionary knitting designers based in the mountains of Valdres, Norway. Since establishing their brand in 2002, they have become celebrated worldwide for elevating traditional Scandinavian craft into a modern, sophisticated art form.

With backgrounds in fashion design, the pair have authored a collection of beloved books—including 55 Christmas Balls to Knit, Easter Knits, Knitted Dolls, and Field Guide to Knitted Birds. Their titles have been translated into multiple languages and sold in the millions, inspiring makers with their distinctive use of colour, technique, and whimsical Nordic storytelling.

Arne & Carlos have collaborated with prestigious global brands, designed for international fashion houses, and teach to sold-out audiences across Europe, North America, and beyond. Their popular YouTube channel and global workshops continue to bring their artistry to knitters around the world.

Arne & Carlos are dedicated to preserving Scandinavian knitting heritage while continually pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. Their presence elevates every creative experience, making time spent with them both enriching and truly inspirational.

This April, we’ll be gathering at the award-winning Magnolia Hotel & Spa, tucked into the heart of Victoria’s charming Inner Harbour. It’s a boutique hotel known for its warmth, elegance, and thoughtful touches — the perfect setting for a few beautiful days of creativity, connection, and calm.

From the moment you arrive, I want you to feel taken care of. We’ll begin with bubbles and nibbles in the lounge, reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new friends who share a love for craft and community, followed by dinner at The Courtney room. Over the following days, you’ll experience workshops and lectures with Arne & Carlos — including their brand-new classes “Designing and Tailoring a Sweater That Will Fit You”, which has only been taught in a handful of places around the world this year and their second class"Traditional Norwegian Stockings with Cables from Bunads".

We’ll gather for meals that celebrate local food and drink, with breakfasts and lunches in the sunshine-filled dining room, two memorable dinners (one with beverage pairings!), and coffee breaks with fresh baking between classes.

To round out the experience, we have also been very intentional in shaping a schedule that allows for rest, exploration, and personal time. The retreat has been carefully curated so you never feel rushed and always have space to recharge or discover Victoria at your own pace. On the first day, after the afternoon lecture on 'The History of Nordic Colour-work Knitting' concludes at 2 pm, guests will be free to wander and enjoy some of the city’s most beloved spots on their own.

You may choose to visit the Royal BC Museum, Miniature World, Fan Tan Alley, or the Empress Hotel. The colourful floating homes at Fisherman’s Wharf are always a joy to stroll through, and for those with a passion for gardens, Abkhazi Garden is a peaceful oasis. Dinner this evening is entirely your own, with countless wonderful restaurants just steps away. Some personal favourites include Janevca , Pagliacci’s, Marilena, Rudi, Il Terrazzo, and Finn’s , and we are always happy to help you choose the perfect spot. We want this retreat to feel abundant and inspiring while still giving you the space to rest, explore, and enjoy the beauty of Vancouver Island in your own way.

On our second afternoon, we’ll set out on a private tour bus to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse for a tasting, tour and lunch overlooking the ocean — followed by a visit to the magical Butchart Gardens, which will be in full bloom with tulips, daffodils, cherry blossoms, and dogwoods. I picture us wandering through the gardens together, soaking in the colours of spring and the feeling of inspiration that comes with it.

Our final evening will be one to remember — a celebration dinner at Wind Cries Mary, paired with the award-winning Sheringham Distillery. It’s the perfect ending to a retreat filled with creativity, laughter, and friendship.

Our final morning will be spent together over a beautiful included breakfast at the Magnolia Hotel, sharing our goodbyes as Arne & Carlos depart for Vancouver to continue inspiring other passionate makers on the next leg of their journey.

I’ve thought through every detail of this experience with love and care, from the moment you check in to the Magnolia to the last shared breakfast before we say our goodbyes. My goal is always the same: that you leave feeling rested, inspired, and connected — with new skills, new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Please note: Room categories and availability are limited. Our booking system does not allow us to assign individual capacities to each ticket type, so our team is monitoring registrations live and managing room assignments manually to ensure accuracy. If a room category you’ve selected fills before your booking is processed, we will reach out right away to offer the closest available alternative and ensure a smooth and thoughtful experience for you.

Retreat Pricing & Room Options

'Superior Room' | Base Price = $3,850 CAD SOLD OUT!!

Beautifully appointed Superior Rooms located on floors two through five, approximately 300 sq ft.
Availability includes:
• Up to seven rooms with two queen beds
• Eleven rooms with one king + one queen

All rooms at the Magnolia combine modern elegance with warm West Coast charm, offering the perfect restorative sanctuary after a day of creativity and exploration.

Premium Room Enhancements

Elevate your stay with one of our luxury room categories, each selected for comfort, light, and thoughtful design.

'Diamond City Room' | Base price + $400 = $4,250 CAD SOLD OUT!!

Located on the coveted sixth and seventh floors, these serene retreat spaces feature cozy gas fireplaces and refined finishes.
• Eleven rooms with one king bed
• One room with two queens

Deluxe Corner Room' | Base price + $425 = $4,275 CAD SOLD OUT!!

Approximately 350 sq ft of sunlit space with two walls of windows and charming city views.
• Rooms available with one king bed or two queens

Signature Corner Room | Base price + $550 = $4,400 CAD SOLD OUT!!

Our most luxurious offering. At 395 sq ft, these spacious corner rooms boast two full walls of windows and sweeping city vistas, creating an atmosphere of calm sophistication.
• One room available with a king bed

Dual Knitter Shared Room | $3,350 CAD SOLD OUT!!

For couples or companions who both wish to enjoy the full retreat experience while sharing one beautifully appointed room. This option welcomes a second knitter to participate in all workshops, meals, and group excursions alongside the primary registrant. Perfect for partners who love to learn, create, and unwind together, while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a shared space. ** Must already have a knitter with a room booked**

Spousal Supplement | $1,200 CAD

For guests wishing to share accommodations with a partner.
Includes the hotel stay, all included meals, and participation in group excursions to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse and Butchart Gardens (workshops not included). ** Must already have a knitter with a room booked**

Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

What’s Included:

Your retreat package has been curated to offer a seamless blend of luxury, learning, and inspiration:

Accommodations

Three nights at the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, one of Canada’s most celebrated boutique properties:
• Michelin Key 2024 & 2025
• #1 Hotel in Canada 2025 – Conde Nast Traveller UK, Readers’ Choice Awards
• Top Hotel in Canada 2025 – TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards
• AAA/CAA Diamond Property

Dining

• Chef-crafted breakfasts and lunches each day
• Two beautifully curated culinary evenings shared with the retreat group

Workshops & Learning

• Two exclusive workshops with Arne & Carlos
• All workshop materials provided
• A Nordic Colourwork History Lecture, paired with lunch for a rich cultural experience

Excursions

Private chartered outings to:
• Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
• The world-renowned Butchart Gardens

Every element is created with intention, ensuring a retreat that balances creativity, community, relaxation, and discovery.

Detailed Agenda Timeline:

April 19, 2026 – Arrival Day

3:00 PM: Check-in at the award-winning Magnolia Hotel & Spa.

5:00 PM: Gather for bubbles and nibbles in the Lounge at The Courtney Room

6:00–9:00 PM: Welcome Dinner at the award-winning Courtney Room

April 20, 2026 – Classes & Exploration

7:00–8:00 AM: Buffet-style breakfast served in The Courtney Room at the Magnolia Hotel.

Short walk next door to the Union Club

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Morning Class at the Union Club. 'Designing and Tailoring a Sweater That Will Fit You'. A brand-new offering and an absolute highlight of the retreat, taught only four times this year.
A mid-morning coffee break with locally baked goods is included.

12:00–2:00 PM: Lunch at the Union Club followed by a bonus lecture: 'The History of Nordic Colourwork Knitting'

Afternoon – Free Time to Enjoy Victoria’s stunning Inner Harbour at your own pace.
Recommended sights include:

Royal BC Museum
Houseboats at Fisherman’s Wharf
Fan Tan Alley
The Empress Hotel
Miniature World
Abkhazi Garden (for passionate gardeners)

Victoria is full of exceptional dining. April is a busy season, so we recommend booking in advance.
Some local favourites include: JagaSilk, Pagliacci’s, Marilena, Rudi’s, Il Terrazzo, Finn’s.
We are happy to help with reservations.

Rest up for another full day of beauty and inspiration tomorrow.

April 21, 2026 – Knitting, Gardens & Local Flavours

7:30–8:30 AM: Breakfast at the Union Club.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Morning Class at the Union Club: 'Traditional Norwegian Stockings with Cables' Includes an engaging history lesson on the tradition of bunads.
Coffee break with fresh baked goods provided.

Break: Return to your rooms and gather what you need for the afternoon adventure.

12:45 PM: Private Tour Bus Departs. Meet in front of the Magnolia Hotel.

1:15 PM: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. Enjoy a generous cider tasting and a lunch of local cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal bites. Followed by a guided tour of the cidery and the orchard.

2:45 PM: Bus departs Sea Cider for Butchart Gardens.

3:00–5:00 PM: Butchart Gardens – Spring Bloom Experience. April is peak bloom season with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, cherry blossoms, and dogwoods. Explore 55 acres of world-renowned gardens in beautiful Brentwood Bay.
5:00 PM: Meet back at the bus

5:15 PM: Return to the Magnolia Hotel. Time to freshen up for the evening.

6:30–9:30 PM: Final Night Dinner at Wind Cries Mary. A celebration of exceptional farm-to-table cuisine paired with award-winning spirits from Sheringham Distillery. A memorable closing evening of food, drink, and great company.

9:30PM: Off to dreamland after a remarkable day.

April 22, 2026 – Departure Day

7:00–8:00 AM: Breakfast available in The Courtney Room at the Magnolia Hotel.

11:00 AM: Checkout. Hugs, goodbyes, and a heart full of memories.

Payment Schedule

To secure your space at this boutique retreat, the following payment structure applies:

• Deposit: $1,000 CAD due December 20, 2025
• Final Balance: Due February 18, 2026

Your reservation is considered confirmed once the deposit has been received.

Payment Details:
Please include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the time of booking.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

To maintain the quality, intimacy, and exclusivity of this experience, the following terms apply:

• The $1,000 deposit is non-refundable.
• Before January 15, 2026: All payments beyond the deposit are fully refundable.
• After February 18, 2026: All payments become non-refundable due to confirmed hotel and workshop commitments.
• Complimentary Transfer: You may transfer your reservation to another guest at no cost.

If the host must cancel the retreat, all fees—including deposits—will be fully refunded.

Who This Retreat Is Perfect For

This intimate experience is ideal for knitters who:
• Desire a luxurious and pampered creative escape
• Love learning in a small, inspiring environment
• Appreciate boutique accommodations and curated dining
• Seek connection with a warm and creative community
• Are admirers of Arne & Carlos or wish to explore Nordic knitting traditions

Whether you’re coming with a friend, with a spouse, or traveling solo, you’ll be welcomed into a community that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and curiosity.

Reserve Your Spot Below!

Spaces are intentionally limited to preserve the personalized, boutique nature of this retreat.

Every retreat we host is built around a simple belief: that beauty, craft, and connection elevate life. Whether this is your first creative getaway or a treasured tradition, we can’t wait to share this special experience with you.

Every retreat we create is built around a simple belief: that beauty, craft, and connection go hand in hand. Whether you come alone or with a loved one, I can’t wait to share this special experience with you.

With love and excitement,
Anina Hansen
Host, Fjord to Fibre