Travelling Yarns goes to France
Saturday 2-9 July 2022
Come away to the south France on a knitting adventure with a difference. Learn to tailor hand-knit garments using beautiful local yarns while you tour the French countryside and discover the beauty of the Quercy. We call our retreat "terroir knitting" because it is sheep-to-sweater from the area you are visiting!
This wonderful week is led by knitwear designer Julie Weisenberger and Tracy Russell from Cocoknits. You’ll choose your yarn in advance of the workshop from a range of Poll Dorset yarns produced by Renaissance Dyeing, a family-run artisanal enterprise, based in the Ariege region of France and run by Andie and Adrian Luijk. Following guidance from Julie, you will pre-order the yarn and it will be delivered to the Chateau on Sunday when you will also have the opportunity to purchase other yarns.
Beginners and experienced knitters are equally welcome to join the week. You’ll choose a basic cardigan or pullover pattern from the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book and Julie will show you how to chart your pattern to make customization easy for future projects. You’ll learn English Tailoring and how to achieve a flattering set-in sleeve using Julie’s original top-down, seamless construction techniques.
Among the activities planned for the week are a visit to a nearby Mohair goat farm (more yarn purchasing opportunities!) and take our knitting on the road when we visit the medieval hilltop village of Bruniquel where we’ll picnic and knit in the gardens of two ancient ruined castles. We also plan to visit the atmospheric Sunday morning market in St Antonin-Noble-Val and any local fleamarket we can find, and there is an optional walk to see the 15th century tapestry in the nearby village of Montpezat-de-Quercy.
You will leave at the end of the week with a perfectly-fitted cardigan or pullover as a souvenir of your time at the Chateau Dumas and a whole new skill set that will enhance all your future knitting projects and the sense that you have explored and come to know a little of our corner of France.
Essential information
Single or double occupancy bedrooms available
Minimum 8 participants. Maximum 16 participants
2-9 July 2022
7 night/8 day knitting retreat
Prices
£2600-£3100 per person single occupancy
£2400 per person double occupancy
£1300 per peron for a non-participating partner
USD deposit on booking
First instalment due end February 2022
Balance due end March 2022
Read the full terms and conditions
Included
7 nights full board, (one dinner out at guests' cost). 5.5 days tuition with Julie Weisenberger and Tracy Russell. Trips and local transport
Excluded
Airfares to France. Yarns, patterns and knitting accessories. Airport transfers available at extra cost
More information
Workshop held in English
“I had a wonderful time. Looking forward to hearing about your new adventures. Thank you!!...”
Jane L., United States
YOUR ARTISTs
Julie Weisenberger
Julie is the driving force behind Cocoknits, a source for innovative knitting patterns and tools. Her Cocoknits method applies techniques from Julie’s ready-to-wear industry experience, top-down knitting and seamless sweater design. Simple silhouettes are combined with fine yarns and result in elegant, wearable designs for knitters of all abilities. cocoknits.com
TRACY RUSSELL
Assisting Julie is Tracy Russell. Tracy has a wide ranging career in yarn. she's owned a local yarn shop in Baltimore, MD, was the director of sales at Classic Elite Yarns and is currently working as an independent sales representative bringing lovely yarns to shops throughout New England. she knows the yarn world from all sides and understands what knitters and crocheters want.
Chateau Dumas is a delightful 18th century French estate one hour north of Toulouse airport with charming accommodation, light and airy air conditioned studio spaces, 22 acres of grounds and a large swimming pool. Please see the Chateau Dumas website www.chateaudumas.net for further information.
BOOK YOUR PLACE
Travelling Yarns in France Gallery
For full terms and conditions please click here