Frequently Asked Questions
From cancellation policies and local time zones to cell service availability and campus accommodations, you can find the answers to participants' most frequent questions here. And if what you're looking for isn't here—please don't hesitate to reach out!
Summer Workshop FAQS
General Information
What time zone is Sewanee, TN in?
Sewanee is on Central Daylight Time.
Will i have internet access?
Yes, all places on the St. Andrew's-Sewanee campus have Wi-Fi access.
Will my cell phone work?
Cell phones have somewhat spotty connections on the mountaintop, but most will work on the campus.
What is Sewanee, TN weather like in June?
We have ordered sunny, balmy, excellent weather for June! We also believe that there is, in fact, no bad weather – there is only inappropriate clothing for the weather. Our weather in Sewanee in June is unpredictable; we generally have mild weather then, with evenings in the 60's and 70's and days in the 80’s. However, we occasionally have very cool June days (50’s) as well as very warm weeks (90’s). You should bring layers of clothes to accommodate the unpredictable weather, including shorts, long pants, sweaters, and a rain jacket – and an extra blanket for cool evenings. Be sure to include your bathing suit – our campus lake is a beautiful place for swimming. You might need an umbrella as well. Studios and dorms are air-conditioned, and since air conditioning is often too cool for some (or occasionally not cool enough for others), your studio clothing should be adjustable as well.
Will my class be cancelled if it doesn't fill up?
We do not cancel any classes in which any participants are enrolled, so you need not fear that your class will be cancelled because of low enrollment.
Does Shakerag Workshops offer continuing education units?
For those wanting Continuing Education Units, Shakerag Workshops will provide an individual statement of enrollment and hours in classes for the participant to present to their school.
Arrival, Departure, & Accommodations
What do I do when I arrive for my summer workshop?
You should plan to arrive between 2:00 and 5:00 pm Central Daylight Time in order to register. Follow signs to the registration table, and, for those of you who are staying on campus, a staff member will help you to get settled into your room. After registration, if you have driven you should unload your car at your residence and then move your car to the parking area near the gymnasium unless you need your car nearby for a particular reason. Parking directly beside the residences is very limited.
Click here to view daily workshop schedules.
What should i know if i am staying for two weeks?
We welcome “stay-over” participants between sessions. Upon registration of two consecutive sessions, you will receive a short questionnaire about your weekend. You will have breakfast and lunch provided; Saturday night dinner is on your own. We will have a brief meeting on Thursday of your first session to plan for your weekend.
What do i need to do before departing on the final day of the workshops?
Knitting Getaway
The airport shuttle leaves at 7:30 a.m. and all participants should plan to be out of their rooms by 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
Week-Long Summer Workshops
Bills are payable Friday afternoon at scheduled times. There are no classes on Saturday. The airport shuttle leaves at 7:30 a.m. Saturday; all participants should plan to check out by 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
Tuition & Fees
What is the cancellation policy for summer workshops?
Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to your workshop's start date will incur a $200 fee. Within 30 days of the workshop, the cancellation fee increases to $500.
Will there be any additional materials fees?
There are no additional fees for materials used at the Knitting Getaway. Additional fees for Summer Workshops will be charged on Friday at scheduled times; the range of fees is usually $0-$100, but most are in the $0-$75 range. These fees cover materials which you are provided, in addition to costs incurred by the group in the class.
What To Bring
Can I ship items to myself before my arrival at Shakerag Workshops?
If you wish to mail something or ship a box to Shakerag prior to the workshop, please address the letter or box to the following:
Your Name
Shakerag Workshops
290 Quintard Road
Sewanee, TN 37375
Your letter or package will be held until your arrival.
What should I bring for my room?
- Your own towels and bedding (sheets, blanket, and pillow, and mattress pad if you want one between your sheet and the mattress) unless renting bedding and towels from us (all beds are standard length twin beds)
- A lamp if you would like light beside your bed (bedrooms have overhead lights only)
- A fan if you would like (all windows open and the dorms are air conditioned)
- Flip-flops or shower shoes if you like that sort of thing (bathrooms are shared)
- A shower caddy if you would like
NOTE: You may rent some of these items: each $35 rental bundle includes 1 pillow, 1 blanket, 1 mattress pad, sheets, pillowcase, bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. You may also rent a small lamp and fan for $15. You need to let us know before June 1 (preferably by email) if you want to rent any of these items.
Do you have suggestions on what kinds of clothes to pack?
We want all of our participants to feel comfortable working in their studios, and generally people here dress in a very relaxed manner. Therefore you should bring:
- Comfortable clothes for working in the studios; layers of clothing are important because of the range of weather conditions and the vagaries of air conditioning systems (washers and dryers are available)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A raincoat and/or umbrella
- A bathing suit if you would like to swim in our wonderful lake
- A flashlight to use when walking around campus after dark
- Bugspray & sunscreen, if you like to use that when outdoors in the summer
What is the "swap table"?
We have a "Swap Table" where people can bring things that they no longer want, and leave them for others who want them. All are welcome to participate - so look around to see if you have items that you don't want to throw away but others might enjoy and use, and bring them along for the Swap Table.
Can I bring and sell my crafts at the pop-up shop?
On Wednesday afternoon we will offer an option for any Shakeraggian to participate in a pop-up shop in Wade Hall. If you would like to offer goods for sale then, you are welcome to bring work and put it out on Wednesday afternoon (4:00-5:30) for others to see and purchase. Space is limited, but all who would like to are encouraged to participate.
What should I not bring?
Please leave your pets at home. You will not need a car at Shakerag - all buildings are near one another.
Still have questions about summer workshops?
Spring & Fall FAQS
General Information
How many classes are offered each session?
There are usually two classes offered each session.
How large are the classes?
We generally cap classes at 12-14 participants to provide personal instruction and an exciting group dynamic.
Are beginners welcome?
Yes, participants at all levels of their creativity journey are welcome to take Shakerag classes.
What time zone is Sewanee, TN in?
Sewanee is on Central Daylight Time.
Will my cell phone work?
Cell phones have somewhat spotty connections on the mountaintop, but most will work on the campus.
Arrival, Departure, & Accommodations
Are there steps to the bedrooms or studios on the St. Mary’s campus?
The dormitory has a second floor, but there are plenty of accommodations on the first floor, and there are no steps otherwise.
Tuition & Fees
What is the cancellation policy for spring & fall workshops?
Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to your workshop's start date will incur a $200 fee. Within 30 days of the workshop, the cancellation fee increases to $500.
Are there class fees?
No, tuition for spring and fall classes are all inclusive.