Come, share your passion for quilting with like-minded enthusiasts against the backdrop of France’s serene landscapes, vivacious culture, and historical charm. This idyllic setting combined with heart-centered instruction is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable and rewarding experience you will cherish for a lifetime.
About this course:
Playing with a library of quilt block patterns and gaming tools for randomization, like dice and bingo chips, Libs will guide you through her unique generative process for designing a kaleidoscope quilt that begins with chance and ends with vast possibilities. There is a balance in this workshop between letting go of control and then reigning it in. By using controlled elements in a random way, each participant will draft and sew their own unique mirrored kaleidoscope quilt. All along the way, you will play with design variations, assess visual flow, learn to choose fabrics that create movement and hone your block construction skills.
Images shown are examples and participant results will all be unique.
What will students learn?
+ Quilt design, fabric selection, mirroring methods & composition flow
+ Block construction tutorials for curved piecing, inset circles, foundation piecing
+ Methods for increasing the project quilt size
Outline of Quilting Workshop Programme:
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 – 12.00 An introduction to generative quilt design and kaleidoscope layouts. Explore the quilt block library and begin the Randomization Game to create your unique quilt design.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Sketch and explore multiple layout variations. Experiment with mirrored compositions. A gentle introduction to colour and value.
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 – 12.00 Group critique and guided refinement of your design. Clarify layout, structure, and visual flow—shaping chaos into intention.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Develop your colour palette and begin fabric selection. Explore combinations and repetition. Begin cutting.
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 – 12.00 Finalize fabric choices and continue cutting and piecing with a focus on precision and efficiency.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Block construction demos and sewing session. Continue piecing blocks with hands-on guidance and support.
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.
10.00 – 5.00 We suggest wine tasting in a local vineyard, exploring 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 – 12.00 Continue block construction and begin arranging a single quadrant. Explore layout through flipping and rotation.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Refine composition and test mirrored layouts. Continue sewing and begin joining sections as designs take shape.
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 – 12.00 Complete blocks and begin assembling the quilt top, focusing on alignment and cohesion.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Final sewing session. Share your work, reflect on the process, and close with inspiration for future making.
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the art studio of Clos Mirabel
Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
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.
Non-participating guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-workshop guests, 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.
