Join internationally renowned Sujata Shah with like-minded passionate quilters looking out towards the entire Atlantic Pyrenean mountain range. This perfect soothing setting combined with focused expert instruction will give you long lasting joy and motivate you to undertake more ambitious quilted art works.
About this course:
Architectural Quilting is a hands-on, exploratory workshop for quilters of all levels who want to push beyond traditional design. Inspired by rural and modern architecture, participants will translate structural forms, patterns, and spatial relationships into abstract, improvisational quilts.
Through fast studies and open-ended exploration, you’ll explore geometry, colour, texture, layering, and depth learning how to break, bend, and re-imagine architectural structure in cloth. Emphasis is placed on process, risk-taking, and trusting the eye allowing structure to emerge through improvisation rather than control. Individual guidance will support each maker’s evolving visual language.
We will create multiple sketches in cloth to expand each participant’s creative horizon either leading to a resolved final piece or serving as a springboard for fresh inspiration. Participants will leave with new design tools, a small portfolio of studies, and the confidence to create expressive quilts rooted in architectural abstraction.
Set amidst the serene Béarnais countryside, an unknown part of SW France, with its rolling hills, vineyards and majestic Atlantic Pyrénées, this retreat offers the perfect environment to unwind, connect with nature, and unleash your creativity.
Quilting Retreat – Programme Outline
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards
Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel.
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introduction – morning lecture/slide show – Sujata will share quilts and inspirations behind the structure and design of each quilt – Discussion on how to interpret design elements into textile.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Fabric selection, live demo on cutting layers of fabrics, curved piecing – begin making fabric sketches.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Evaluate the work from day one a look with fresh eye and continue improvising.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Discussions and Demo on Skinny lines and inserts.Continue experimenting and stitching. Participants will reflect on their freeform piecing practice and personal style.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Continue Making small sketches or select one or two design elements to expand into a larger piece.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Q/A Continue working on larger piece
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Wednesday – Free day
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in a local vineyard, exploring Pau or beyond.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning reflection at design wall, and individual assistance on design choices and construction .
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Continue making sketches or working on a larger piece
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Discussion and guidance on piecing larger sections together, or Using small sketches as focal points for future artworks.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Q/A Continue stitching. Studio clean up & preparing for the evening exhibition.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out time 11am)
Non-participating guests: We are more than happy to welcome accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Art Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
All accommodation must be booked directly with Atelier Clos Mirabel see below:
