STITCH RETREAT
Paris & South West France
19-29 April 2024
Join me for a soul-lifting 10-day sojourn through France, crafted to deepen your connection to creativity. Begin with three magical days in Paris (19-21 April), drawing inspiration from its world-class museums, lively markets and iconic haberdasheries. Then, allow yourself to take a deep dive into creative stitch during a tranquil week long stay at the picturesque Amassa near Toulouse (22-29 April). Come, join me on this 10 -day journey of creative discovery and nourishing your inner artist.
Stitch Retreat
19-29 April 2024
Embark on this nourishing 10-day textile retreat that weaves the elegance of Paris with the pastoral beauty of South West France. We will begin the journey in the heart of Paris, soaking up inspiration from the city's world class museums, gathering materials from quaint haberdasheries and flea markets, learning from Parisian insiders over 3 exciting days before heading down to the tranquility of rural South West France.
About an hour from Toulouse, Amassa awaits us—a picturesque ensemble of ancient stone cottages surrounded by gentle rolling hills. Here, against the backdrop of verdant vistas and the hum of birdsong you'll find the perfect sanctuary for a week of blissful stitching.
This retreat is designed to awaken your inner artist irrespective of your level of experience, open to all from seasoned stitchers to those embarking on their first thread-and-needle adventure. Each day will be an adventure of learning and making. You will learn stitch techniques, how to turn your ideas into designs, how to finish, display. I will share insights into processes and methods that I have spent years developing and refining.
THE PARIS EXPERIENCE 19,20,21 April 2024
Soaking up insipiration over 3 magical days in Paris. Discover the celebrated haberdasheries of Paris, boutiques brimmingwith the highest quality French ribbons, yarns, threads, beads,sequins, gems and buttons, guided by Rebecca Devaney, an expert couture embroiderer. We will visit art museums, explore the labyrinth alleys of Paris’ oldest flea-market which are treasure troves of vintage lace, linen, passementerie, goldenthreads and gossamer lingerie and learn Bojagi from Parisian artist Maryse Allard.
Parisian Highlights at a Glance:
- Delve into a Haberdashery Tour led by the our talented guest artist haute couture embroiderer, Rebecca Devaney.
- Be captivated by the heritage of the Au Ver A Soie store, with its 200-year legacy of exquisite threads.
- Draw inspiration from select fashion and textile collections at two world-class museums I've handpicked for us.
- Uncover antique textile gems at the Parisian Flea Market, guided by Rebecca's expert eye.
- Engage in a tactile Korean Patchwork workshop guided by our guest artist the amazing Maryse Allard, including a bespoke kit for your creations.
- Savour the essence of Paris with three curated lunches and a dinner.
- Drift along the River Seine, reflecting on the inspiration of Paris as we prepare for the countryside's calm.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN PARIS
Hotels, airfares to Paris and to Toulouse, airport transfers in Paris, transport within Paris, insurance cover, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR PARIS STAY
I've handpicked a selection of hotels that I believe will beautifully complement your Parisian experience. Once you register, I'll share my recommendations to help you find the perfect place to stay and make planning your trip as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE 22-29 APRIL
The workshop is an invitation to slow down, creative expression through stitch, taking inspiration from a sensorial experience of place. You will learn to develop a design, explore expressive stitches to evoke emotions and create a narrative on cloth. This is an opportunity to deepen your creative practice at a gentle pace. I will be not only teach you different techniques but also provide one-to-one feedback, support and direction. The intimacy of our small group will be an incredible learning environment to give and receive encouragement and support.
To get a flavour of this beautiful part of France, we will go on a group excursion to explore the delightful town Lectoure, known for its characterful cafes, food market, antique stores and vintage shops. We will also visit the local Woad Museum in Lectoure to delve deeper into the textile history of the region.
Students will receive a beautifully curated material kit including fabric, needles, embroidery threads.
No prior embroidery or textile experience is necessary for this course.
French Countryside Highlights:
- Spend 7 days nurturing your creative practice through foraging, sketching, and stitching in an idyllic setting in South of France.
- Discover the unique art of woad dyeing with a tour of a local museum.
- Indulge in bespoke wholesome meals prepared by our chef, crafted to fuel both body and soul.
- Revel in the inspiring vistas that only the French countryside can offer.
- Wander through the countryside on foraging walks, connecting with the land and its gifts.
- Peruse a local antiques market for unique finds and inspiration.
NOURISHING EATS
In addition to the creative workshop, you'll enjoy nourishing meals prepared by our talented chef, Woody, who sources the freshest local ingredients to create seasonal dishes that cater to a variety of dietary needs. We will also have a selection of tea, coffee and treats thoughts the day. There will also be plenty of time to develop your creative expression, connect with nature, draw by the outdoor pools or continue stitching by the cosy fire.
OUR RURAL HAVEN AMASSA
Amassa is an elegant collection of stone houses, each with characterful rooms. The interiors have been carefully curated and decorated with locally sourced antiques and materials, and all rooms feature en-suite bathrooms fitted with showers. There are lounge areas in addition to the various communal areas for workshops, relaxation, eating, and gathering.
We can accommodate people with disabilities including wheelchair users. However, please note that the ground is uneven.
TRAVEL
Amassa is in South West France, 1 hour west of Toulouse which has an International airport and intercity train station.
Please note that we will arrange a group collection from Toulouse train station & airport in a minibus at 4 pm on Monday 22 April, and similarly arrange a group drop off to Toulouse train station and airport departing from Amassa at 10am on 29 April.
Please organise your travel plans accordingly. If for any reason you need to travel earlier or later, we would be happy to assist you in arranging taxis to or from the venue to be paid at your own expense.
WHAT'S INCLUDED AT AMASSA
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 Breakfasts, 6 lunches (1 lunch at guest’s own expense on market day), 7 dinners
- Transport to and from excursion
- 6 day tuition with Ekta Kaul
- Materials for the workshop
- Group pick up and return to the airport/train station at a specific time.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Airfares and 1 lunch during the excursion are not included.
"My experience in Amassa has exceeded everything I had hoped for. Our days were filled with a balance of lessons and lots of time to be creative, and Ekta was always available to offer advice and instruction. Ekta facilitated a positive and supportive energy in our workshops and honored our individual artistic expression. I didn't want our week to end!"
Kay LindbloomUSA"From the welcome hug upon arrival to the incredible instruction, the wonderful fellowship at mealtime, to the peaceful surroundings, and the chatting, sharing, and laughter during our stitching sessions, this was an all-round fantastic experience."
Linda BahrUSA
RETREAT SCHEDULE
Friday 19, 20,21 April- Museum Visits, Haberdashery tour, Flea Market Tour, River Cruise, embroidery workshop in Paris.
Monday 22 April - Travel to Toulose. Arrive at Amassa, settle in, dinner.
(Group collection at 4 pm from Toulouse airport and train station to bring you to Amassa)
Tuesday 23 April - Stitch Workshop
Wednesday 24 April - Stitch Workshop
Thursday 25 April - Stitch Workshop.
Friday 26 April - Visit to vintage shops in nearby historic town Lectoure & visit to Woad Museum.
Saturday 27 April - Stitch Workshop
Sunday 28 April - Stitch Workshop, Informal show & tell with the group.
Monday 29 April - Group Departure after breakfast to airport/trainstation at 10 am
AIRPORT/TRAIN STATION TRANSFERS on 22 & 29 April
You can take either the train or the flight from Paris to Toulouse on 22 April. We will arrange a group collection from Toulouse train station and airport in minibuses at 4 pm on Monday 22 April, and similarly arrange a group drop off to Toulouse train station and airport departing at 10am from Amassa on 29 April. Please organise your travel plans accordingly. If for any reason you need to travel earlier or later, we would be happy to assist you in arranging taxis to be paid at your own expense.
ITERNERARY at AMASSA
8.30 am-9.30am Breakfast
9.30-1 pm Workshop
1 pm-2.30 pm Lunch
2.30-5.30 pm Workshop
7-8.30 pm Dinner
9 pm onwards self led studio time
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR RETREAT PARTICIPANTS
"Such a wonderful, supportive, creative environment was created by Ekta, where ideas were given space to emerge and encouraged to flourish, in their own time. Delicieux all round!"
Kate PetersonNew Zealand"Absolute joy in joining Ekta's group at Amassa. The stitching, learning, meeting a wonderful group of like minded friends and the experience of Amassa, with its location, food, character and hospitality was wonderful."
Rhondda MockettAustralia"Ekta is a wonderfully generous and encouraging educator. This week away in the south of France has been very inspiring and restful all at the same time. Lovely to meet people with a similar passion for textiles from all corners of the globe, share stories and stitch together."
Julie HowellsUK
PARIS & SW FRANCE RETREAT OPTIONS
Tailored Experience for 3 Days in Paris and 8 days/7-Nights stay at Amassa
Single Occupancy with Ensuite
£4900 . 00
Paris Accommodation Not Included
EUR 5695 approx
Double Occupancy with Ensuite
£4500 . 00
Paris accomodation not included
EUR 5235 approx
PARIS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- Haberdashery Tour with Haute Couture expert
- Flea Market Tour
- 3 Lunches
- 1 Dinner
- River Cruise
- 2 Museum Entry Tickets
- Embroidery Workshop with Guest artist
- Exclusive Studio Visit
- Material Kit
- Exclusive Au Vera Soi visit
NOT INCLUDED Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation in Paris. Airfares to and from Paris and to Toulouse, airport transfers in Paris, transport within Paris, insurance cover.
AMASSA EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches (1 lunch at guest’s expense on market day), 7 Dinners
- Transport to and from excursion at Lectoure
- 6 days of tuition with Ekta Kaul
- Workshop materials
- Group pick up and return to the airport/train station at a specified time.
-
1 Museum Ticket
NOT INCLUDED Airfares to Toulouse and 1 lunch during the excursion.
BOOK YOUR PLACE
DEPOSIT
To book your place, please fill out the form below with your preferred accomodation.
25% of the workshop fee is required to register. We will send you a payment link for this.
The remaining amount is due by 1 Feb 2024
Please note all bookings are first come first serve basis. SPOTS ARE LIMITED
REFUND POLICY
All payments including the deposit are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your spot or we cancel the workshop. We highly recommend travel insurance for your airfare and workshop fees in case you are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS
25% of the fee is due on registration. This is non-refundable, unless we are able to fill your spot or we cancel the workshop. Remaining payment is due on 1 Feb 2024.
PAYMENT
Payment can be made by debit or credit card. We will send you a payment link upon receiving your booking form.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions about anything not covered here, please contact us by emailing at info@ektakaul.com and we will do our best to help you.
Send Your Booking Request
About Ekta Kaul
Ekta Kaul is an award winning artist known for her narrative maps that explore place, history and belonging through stitch. She works on public and private commissions and her work is held in several permanent collections including at the Museum of London, Crafts Council, Liberty of London, the Gunnersbury Museum, Tatter Blue Library (Brooklyn,USA) and those of private collectors. Ekta loves to inspire creativity and has been invited to teach at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Tatter, TOAST, the Makerie and many more. She has received awards from the Crafts Council and the Arts Council England and was the winner of 2021 Cockpit Arts Textile Prize. Her work has been featured in Financial Times, BBC Radio 4, Vogue, Selvedge and Embroidery Magazine among others. She works from her studio in leafy West London, UK.