10-Day ~ Canada and New England Knitting Cruise

Set sail with Joan Schrouder and Joan McGowan-Michael to discover North America and Canada's most scenic, historic and culturally rich seaports. Trace the path of American independence; eat lobster on Prince Edward Island; visit Lucy Neatby and the Fleece Artist in Nova Scotia, visit an angora goat farm in Saguenay where you'll see raw wool processed from goat to sweater, and sample the delights of French-flavored Quebec. With so many compelling reasons we invite you to join the Knautical knitters as we celebrate the stunning beauty of autumn onboard Holland America's newest and most stunning ship, the Eurodam, in her inaugural season.

Le Chevrier du Nord (Saguenay)
Join the group for a visit to a local angora goat farm.  Le Chevrier du Nord is a family farm that breeds angora goats and creates clothing made from mohair. Come and appreciate the designer creations first hand and learn about the artisans' work by visiting the museum.

A silken, lustrous, resistant, natural fiber three times warmer than wool, mohair steals the show at the Chevrier du Nord. This soft, raw material is used to make woven, felt or knitted clothing and accessories. Follow the steps in the production of these uniquely styled pieces.  Become familiar with traditional techniques such as spinning and felting. From scarves to kimonos to hats, uncover something to keep you warm both in winter and on cold summer nights!

Lucy Neatby (Halifax)
A visit to Halifax just wouldn't be complete without a visit to Lucy Neatby's home studio. Lucy is the original Nautical Knitter who is an internationally recognized teacher, designer and writer who has thrilled knitters around the world with her inimitable charm, knowledge and uniquely colourful designs. Her passion for nurturing and empowering knitters and putting them in control of their art is becoming legendary! Lucy’s book Cool Socks Warm Feet, Knitter’s Companion DVD series and line of detailed, technique-rich patterns has successfully encouraged knitters to try new and daring knitting feats, which has gained her a devoted following.

Fleece Artist (Halifax)
While in Halifax you will have the opportunity to visit the Fleece Artist.  Fleece Artist was established in 1979 to supply fellow textile artists with natural fibres. Known for providing better colours than were commercially available and our dream was to be able to offer any colour in any natural fibre.

The Fleece Artist hand dyes many colourways in silks, wools, kid mohairs, alpacas and angoras in yarns and slivers.