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 "Shaman 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.
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 should I bring?
Please bring what you would normally bring to a retreat of this nature (fiber, spinning wheels, spindles, hooks, small looms, etc.). We will provide fiber for the workshops and there will be fiber for sale as well; bring all the fiber from home that you want!
You may want to bring some good sticks for the weaving in nature and a yoga mat.
Last year Rita set up an indigo dye vat, so you will want to bring some fabric or yarn to dye as well.
You will want to bring your new Spirit Spin clothing and gear as well! Here is a link to our online store.
We also recommend you bring insect repellant, swimsuit, jacket, and hiking shoes for outdoor excursions. Michigan in early October can be anywhere from highs in the 80s (F) to lows in the 30s (F), so please pack for all conditions.
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.
What is the food like?
The RAM Center offers buffet or family-style dining service in the relaxed, rustic setting of their dining hall. They have moved away from more "institutional" food and are offering fresher, local and tastier food! You will not go hungry! Special requests and dietary needs can be accommodated by request; please note this on your registration form.
Are there special accommodations?
Yes, the RAM has several accessible rooms and can make accommodations for special diets, allergies, physical abilities, and other issues (such as noise, light, etc.). Please let us know on your registration form what accommodations you may need and we will do our best!
How do I get there?
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!)
What are the rooms like?
Newly renovated in 2017, the Straits Lodge is the most modern lodge on the RAM Center grounds. This coed lodge sleeps a total of 40 people. 10 suites, each with two bedrooms and a shared bathroomFour of the suites meet ADA requirements for accessibility. Each bedroom has two single beds, vanity counter, dresser and clothes rack. All rooms have a shared en suite bathroom.
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.
Should I be at a certain skill-level?
We welcome all types of 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!
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.
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 are your refund, cancellation and general policies?
We have a few terms for a refund policy:
I'm confused, does the retreat start Thursday, September 30 or Friday, October 1?
Is this a women-only retreat?
Nope! We are inclusive of all genders and gender identities!
I don't like paying with credit cards, can I mail you a check instead?
Sure! Make the check out to: Michele Lussky 6558 Laguna Vista Dr. NE Rockford MI 49341.
What happened to Spirit Spin 2020 at the Kettunen Center?
We canceled the 2020 retreat due to the pandemic--and because our venue, the Kettunen Center closed for good. We are hoping that the pandemic will be long-gone by fall of 2021 when we host it at the Ralph A. MacMullen Center! If we must reschedule, we will.
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.