Plant dyeing and hand stitching

Retreat led by Elli Beaven.

Our time together begins with two days of immersive, hands-on natural dyeing using both dried and locally foraged dyes. We’ll start with the foundations of the process but our focus will be on exploring the range of rich and luminous colours that each dye plant offers.  You will be given a dye journal to take notes but our approach to dyeing will be that of the creative, rather than the scientist, less about exact measurements and recipes and more about simply enjoying the variety of colour that comes from each dye pot.  Over the course of these sessions you’ll develop a personal colour palette that speaks to your own creative work.  We’ll be dyeing a generous selection of vintage and reclaimed cotton, linen and silk textiles and threads that will bring texture and character to your stitched work, with plenty leftover to incorporate into future works at home.  

On day three we'll head out: first to the local woad museum to discover the story of this ancient blue dye, then through the village market to gather inspiration from the colours and rhythms of Gascony life. That afternoon I'll share my favourite hand stitching techniques, and you'll begin stitching a piece of your own, working with your chosen palette of plant-dyed textiles and threads.

We’ll spend our final day continuing to develop that piece, rich with the colours and memories of our time together.

Alongside our creative work there’ll be time to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, forage for local dye plants, enjoy a pause in the onsite woodland sauna and book an optional massage with our fabulous masseuse.

You'll leave with a sound knowledge of working with natural dyes and plenty of plant dyed textiles to inspire your stitching at home. But, more importantly, I hope you’ll leave feeling creatively and personally rejuvenated and inspired.  

No experience needed, just bring your curiosity and joy.

Maximum participants: 10

• 08.30-9.30: Big breakfast/brunch

• 9:30-12:00: First workshop

• 12:15-13:15: Lunch

• 13:30-16:30: Second workshop

• 16:30: Optional time to continue your work, relax, swing in the hammock, swim, treatments, walk, explore, chat, play

• 18:30: Dinner

Please note the schedule will vary and is subject to change

What's included:

• Accommodation in ensuite rooms: single and double occupancy available

• Three delicious meals a day prepared by our retreat chef (incl. dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day)

• Unlimited teas, coffee & fruit

• Dedicated guided workshop sessions

• Generous pack of vintage textiles and threads for each participant to dye

• All dye and stitching materials & tools

• Visit to the Woad Museum

Not included:

• Travel costs

• Transfers to and from Amassa (we can help arrange this nearer the time) from Toulouse Airport or Toulouse Matabiau train station

• Treatments (massage, reflexology, etc.) available at an additional cost

• Alcohol

• Travel insurance (essential to purchase after booking) 

Facilities:

Amassa sits in sixteen acres of woods, rewilded meadows and flowering gardens, with stunning views over rolling countryside, hilltop villages and distant views to the horizon. Family-style dining tables indoors and out, two sparkling swimming pools and a wood-burning sauna with stunning views over the rolling countryside, sun-loungers, ping pong, bicycles, hammocks, boules, and board games, as well as plenty of nooks and crannies for quiet, secluded moments. Amassa is truly a haven.

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Food:

Throughout the retreat, we will enjoy three delicious and fresh meals each day made by our onsite chef with ingredients purchased from the local farmers markets. The menu is designed to energise, satisfy, and leave you feeling nourished from the inside out. Every meal is crafted to accommodate allergens and dietary preferences, with many a sweet treat to feed the soul.

• €2900 single occupancy

• €2350  shared occupancy (limited availability)

• To secure your place a non-refundable deposit of €555 is required. The remaining balance to be paid Monday 1st of February, 2027.

• Payment plans available upon request.

• Places are limited so secure your place by sending an email through the booking and inquiries button below.