There are some trips that are simply vacations...and then there are the ones that stay with you long after you've unpacked your suitcase.
This knitting cruise from Iceland to Amsterdam was one of those unforgettable adventures. It combined so many of the things I love most, beautiful places, wonderful people, lifelong friendships, inspiring teachers, and of course., lots and lots of knitting!
A Midnight Sun Welcome
Sergio and I arrived in Reykjavik, Iceland, the day before the cruise so we could spend a little time exploring this fascinating city. Iceland has a magic all its own. One of the most surreal experiences was sitting outside at 11:30 p.m., sipping espresso martinis while the sun was still shining brightly overhead. My body insisted it was bedtime while the sky was convinced it was mid-afternoon! It was the perfect beginning to an incredible journey.
Learning at Sea
One of the things that made this cruise so special was the opportunity to learn from two incredibly talented designers and teachers, Laura Nelkin and Mary Annarella.
Both were absolutely spectacular, not only because of their beautiful designs, but because they have that rare gift of making new techniques approachable, exciting, and fun. They each created exclusive patterns just for the cruise participants, making the experience even more memorable.
Laura completely blew my mind with the many uses for 2 mm hollow silicone Stitch Saver tubing. Before the cruise, I thought it was simply a clever way to hold live stitches. By the end of her class, I realized it is one of the most versatile little tools a knitter can own! Watching Laura demonstrate technique after technique had all of us wondering how we had ever knit without it.
Mary introduced many of us to the wonderful world of double knitting, and I have to say, I am officially hooked. We knitted the sweetest reversible heart-shaped coaster, and seeing both sides emerge at the same time felt almost magical. Double knitting opens up so many creative possibilities, and I can't wait to incorporate it into future projects.
One of my favorite parts of the classes was watching everyone experience those "aha!" moments together. There is something so energizing about learning alongside fellow knitters who are just as excited as you are.
Friends Make Every Journey Better
This cruise was made even more meaningful because my dear knitting friend, Carolyn, and her husband, Andrew, joined us. Carolyn lives in Key West, Florida, so we don't get nearly enough opportunities to knit together in person.
Sharing the classes, comparing notes on new techniques, laughing over our projects, and simply spending time together made an already amazing trip even more special. Knitting has introduced me to some truly wonderful friendships over the years, and this adventure was another beautiful reminder of how this craft brings people together.
From the Faroe Islands to Scotland
Once aboard the ship, our first stop was the breathtaking Faroe Islands. The dramatic landscapes were unlike anything I had ever seen and set the tone for the spectacular scenery that would follow throughout the voyage.
One of my favorite excursions was in Edinburgh, Scotland, where we took an Outlander tour through the Scottish Highlands. As fans of the series, seeing these iconic filming locations in person was an absolute thrill.
We visited the castle used as Lallybroch, the fortress that became Ardsmuir Prison, and the charming village where Geillis Duncan lived and where she and Claire nearly met their fate at the stake.
Driving through the Highlands was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined, rolling green hills, ancient stone buildings, and scenery that seemed to belong in another century.
And then there was lunch. We stopped at a cozy local Scottish pub where Sergio and I enjoyed what may very well have been the best fish and chips we've ever tasted. Crispy, fresh, perfectly cooked...it was worth every calorie!
Norway's Incredible Beauty
Our next four ports took us through Norway, where every stop seemed more beautiful than the last.
Towering fjords, picturesque villages, waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, and the peaceful rhythm of life along the coast made Norway feel almost storybook-like. It was impossible not to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply soak it all in. In Bergen we visited the iconic Magic Bar which is completely made of ice, even the glasses!
A Perfect Ending in Amsterdam
After disembarking in Belgium, we spent our final day and a half in Amsterdam, a city that completely captured my heart.
The winding canals, centuries-old architecture, bicycles everywhere, flower-filled streets, and warm, welcoming people made it one of my favorite cities I've ever visited.
But for this knitter...there was one destination that stood above all the rest.
A Pilgrimage to Stephen & Penelope
If you've been knitting for any length of time, you probably know Stephen West. His innovative designs, fearless use of color, and unmistakable creativity have inspired knitters all over the world, including me.
So visiting Stephen & Penelope, the beautiful Amsterdam yarn shop he owns with his business partner, Malia Mae Joseph, was at the very top of my must-see list.
Carolyn and I arrived just before opening, eager to be first in line. What we didn't expect was for Stephen himself to unlock the door and welcome us inside! I think it's safe to say we were both just a little star-struck. I was so honored to take a picture with him!
Stephen couldn't have been kinder. He spent time showing us around the shop, chatting with us, and helping us choose yarn for the projects we wanted to knit.
The shop itself was absolutely breathtaking. Imagine walls stretching from floor to ceiling, overflowing with gorgeous yarn arranged by weight in every imaginable color. Everywhere you looked were beautifully knitted samples of Stephen's incredible designs. It was impossible not to be inspired.
The hardest part wasn't choosing yarn, it was resisting the urge to cast on every single pattern in the shop. As Carolyn and I walked out the door, we looked at each other and laughed "Our lives are now complete." And honestly...it wasn't far from the truth.
Until the Next Adventure...
When I think back on this journey, it wasn't just about the spectacular destinations, although they certainly were unforgettable.
It was about learning new skills that will stay with me for years to come.
It was about spending time with dear friends.
It was about meeting people whose creativity has inspired countless knitters around the world.
Most of all, it was a reminder of something I love so much about knitting.
A simple ball of yarn and two needles have an extraordinary way of connecting us, not only to one another, but to places, stories, traditions, and memories that become part of our own.
This adventure gave me all of those things. And I have a feeling I'll be smiling every time I reach for that little piece of Stitch Saver tubing or cast on another double knitting project.
Here's to many more stitches at sea and wherever the next adventure may lead.