Join textile artist and instructor Jennifer Candon in South West France for a week of improvisational quilting, combining pattern, colour and scale.
About this course:
Join me for a week of creativity as we explore how pattern, colour and scale enable us to find rhythm and balance in the composition of our improvisational quilts. These themes will guide us as we experiment with new ideas; embrace flexibility and imperfection; and continue to develop our individual artistic voices.
During the workshop, participants will design and construct a large, improvisational quilt top. Independent, hands-on work will be informed by daily presentations and interactive demos about colour, pattern and our artistic intuition. We will also consider the overlapping creative process of artists working across various media. Exercises, tips and techniques to guide colour and compositional decision-making will be provided.
Personalized instruction, frequent one-on-one check-ins and group discussion will enable each of us to consider alternative design viewpoints and frameworks for independently assessing our creative work.
Surrounded by the gorgeous landscape of the French Pyrenees and the comfort of Atelier Clos Mirabel’s art retreat, we will indulge in an unforgettable, creative week as we sew, talk, play, learn and experiment.
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 Introductions and morning presentation. Setting the tone for the week.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning presentation on composition and pattern. Individual sewing time.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning presentation on colour and contrast. Hands-on work continues.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – Free day
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning presentation on my process. Hand-on work continues.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Wrap up, final thoughts and discussion about taking the work forward.
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the art studio of Atelier Clos Mirabel with Aperitifs
7.00 – Farewell 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 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.
