Explore The Ocean with Ali & Vanessa

 

Labor Day Weekend is just two months away, and we are thrilled to announce our September trunk show featuring Explorer Knits & Fibers, along with an exciting weekend itinerary with Ali and I!

When we first contacted Explorer Knits & Fibers regarding openings for trunk shows, neither Ali or I expected to plan such an event. Initially, it was just meant to be a casual meet-and-greet at the shop, along with a possible fishing trip together.

Then, it evolved!!!!! Let's do a yarn and design collaboration, too!!!

But Ali and I share a passion for big ideas (we have no chill), so the event quickly transformed into a fun-filled Astoria Fiber Retreat. The possibilities for connecting with our fiber community were endless, and with the support of Becca, our amazing shop manager at oSHen Knits & Fibres, we have crafted an incredible weekend that celebrates the shared vision behind our brands - Exploration and our love for the ocean.

 

SOOOOO WHAT DO WE HAVE PLANNED?!

 

Friday Evening: Kick off the weekend with a chill PNW beach bonfire, enjoying views of the stunning Peter Iredale shipwreck. We will provide the endless firewood and s'mores, y'all just bring yourselves, a chair or blanket and of course, don't forget a project! Maybe cast on a new one to work on during this entire weekend??? I know... I am a terrible influence for castonitist. 

Did you know the Columbia River Mouth is considered the most dangerous in the world? I've crossed it about 200 times - no big deal! 😊 Will I be taking Lucy Purl over it? Absolutely not.

Peter Iredale at Fort Stevens State Park in Hammond, Oregon

 

Saturday: A relaxed day for guests to explore Astoria (grab our local's guide at oSHen Knits & Fibres) or check into their hotel for those coming in on Saturday. We recommend the Commodore Hotel for a budget friendly option that sits above a delicious Nordic cafe, the Bowline Hotel for a breath taking river front view (saunas anyone?) or the Hotel Elliot which is right across the street from the shop and haunted with ghosts! 

At 5:30 p.m., we will take a private ride on Astoria's famous trolley, where we can craft while learning about the rich history of our little town and soaking in the breathtaking riverfront scenery. Funny enough, I've never actually ridden the trolley, despite living in Astoria for almost 14 years so this will be extra special to share it with y'all! Purchase tickets here!

Astoria's adorable Trolley that runs along the infamous Riverfront!

Think of the adorable crafting memories we will make in this space!?

 

Our journey will conclude at the vintage Columbian Theatre for a screening of 'The Goonies', complete with a Goonies swag table! Door's open at 6:30 p.m. and film starts at 7 p.m.! The Columbian Theatre has a full bar, yummy pizza and of course the typical concession stand. Our favorite is the 21 and over upstairs sofa lounge which we will have reserved for this event! Lights will be dimmed at the perfect setting for crafting. Book your tickets here!

Come join us at this 101 year old cinema for a crafting movie party!

I mean, who doesn't LOVE The Goonies!!! Filmed in Astoria!

 

Sunday: The day begins with our weekly Coffee & Crafts at the shop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., where Ali and I will unveil our secret design collaboration kits (one lucky winner will receive a kit in person, and another from our online community). Make sure to enter the giveaway on Instagram!

Coffee & Crafts has been a tradition since we opened the shop in 2024!

 

The shop sits right in the middle of the bustling Astoria Sunday Market (running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - a fantastic opportunity for people-watching while crafting in our cozy living room). We have free coffee in our pink room kitchen and yummy homemade baked goods always show up to the party from one of our locals!

Trust me when I say this isn't your typical Farmer's Market!

 

Afterward, join Ali and I as we explore the Sunday Market and Astoria, perhaps taking a riverfront walk to Coffee Girl, between 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.! Coffee Girl is a must during your stay with epic views of the Columbia River. And yes, you can also get to it by boat and climb up the ladder!

As the sun sets at 7:41 p.m., we’ll gather at the Astoria Column for 7 p.m. to craft and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view from one of my favorite spots! Parking is $10 per car so be sure to carpool!

One of my favorite spots in Astoria and the climb up is totally worth it! I promise!

Monday: A day for further exploration of Astoria, including iconic sites like the Goonies house, the Oregon Film Museum, and the Flavel House, or learning about our town's rich history at the Heritage Museum. I highly recommend grabbing lunch or dinner at South Bay Wild Fish House (owned by the Commercial Fishing Vessel South Bay that I had the pleasure to work on several years ago). There is so much to do in Astoria, a weekend is not nearly enough!

Petrale is my favorite (it is better than Pacific Halibut and any fisherman will agree) and no one cooks it better than South Bay Wild!

 

NOW FOR THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND!!

 

One lucky winner, along with a guest, will join Ali and I for a Fiber & Fishing Charter on the Lucy Purl, complete with a fun-filled goodie bag! We will start taking giveaway entries at the shop on Thursday when we open at 10 a.m. and will announce winner Sunday at 3 p.m.! Charter will be in the morning (not too early) with hopefully a stop at Coffee Girl if weather permits and lunch is included.

We are beyond EXCITED for this weekend and hope so many of you can join us. All attendees will receive a special curated gift bag from Ali and I as a thank you for coming out on arrival - head to the shop during opening hours. 

Astoria is truly a magical place and I could not think of a better way to explore it than with Ali of THEEE Explorer Knits & Fibers!!!! Come by and say hi at Flock Fiber Festival and let us know if you are going to make it!

Have questions? Send us an email at events@oshenknits.com