The barber shop is one of my happy places and it’s always one of the appointments I have in the week before a retreat. So I can be retreat-ready.

Retreat-Ready and Raring to Go!

If you know me, you know how excited I am before every Men’s Knitting Retreat. For some reason, I am totally stoked about the group of guys scheduled to be there next week.

In addition, I’m surprisingly well organized this time around. All of the items I need to bring with me are in a neat pile. All my correspondence is up-to-date and I’ve even got my appointment booked for a mani-pedi on Monday.

For those in the SouthEast (or wanting to travel there), the 2026 Southeast Men’s Knitting Retreat just opened for registration and it’s filling up fast.

Readers’ Comments/Questions

Regarding fixing garter stitch, Pattie writes:

“To fix garter stitch I use a short needle with a hook on each end. Easier to alternate the knit/purl as you work it back up.”

Also, Leslie writes:

“I’ve tried using the short pink needle with two hooks and it frustrates me every time. I shall try your method, Joe, but I have changed “…pulling…the backwards strands…” to “pulling… the backside strands…” in my instructions. If I can remember your method maybe it’ll save me a few hours too.”

I have a double-ended crochet hook and I also have a double-ended latch hook.

I have to agree with Leslie, I find a simple crochet hook works best even though I have to re-position it every row.

Current Knitting

I finished the latest Activity Cap and it’s ready to travel up to Easton Mountain with me on Monday!

Yes, this is one hat. The ear-band section is reversible, so if you don’t mind reverse stockinette on the crown section, it’s fully reversible.

I am like most knitters I know and find reverse stockinette makes a garment look inside-out.