Storytelling Through Stitch: The Art of Sainchi Phulkari

Over our days together, we will explore the history, symbolism, and contemporary relevance of Phulkari, focusing specifically on Sainchi Phulkari, a freehand narrative embroidery style traditionally used by women to document daily life, folklore, personal memories, and the world around them.

What We Will Explore:

Heritage & Context: Discover the history of Phulkari, how women in Punjab historically embroidered their lives into fabric, and how this traditional art form holds profound contemporary relevance today.

Sketching & Symbolism: Learn how to translate your personal experiences into visual icons. I will guide you through sketchbook exercises to distill an event, emotion, or memory from your own life into meaningful stitched symbols for your own story cloth

Hands-on Stitching: Working on a 30x30 cm sampler, you will apply the freehand Sainchi Phulkari method to embroider your personal story, creating a unique heirloom textile that speaks of your journey.

All Materials Included: You don't need to bring a thing!

Beyond the studio, our time together will be balanced with, delicious meals together, peaceful walks through the beautiful peaceful Gascon countryside, a visit to the local Woad Museum to explore the story of Europe's ancient blue dye, and plenty of time to unwind in nature. Of course we will also be able to use all of Amass’s facilities.

Whether you are a seasoned stitcher or picking up a needle for the first time, you will leave with your embroidered narrative sampler, an appreciation for the textile heritage of the Indus, and the inspiration to continue telling your own stories through the idea of Sainchi Phulkari.

No prior embroidery experience needed; just bring your curiosity, personal stories, and joy. Maximum 14 participants.

About Me

I am a textile designer and educator originally from Punjab, Pakistan, currently running my project Wenlin Studio in Lisbon, Portugal. My creative practice focuses on documenting and reinterpreting the historical crafts of the Indus region, translating ancient South Asian textile heritages into accessible contexts for modern makers worldwide. Driven by a commitment to slow, circular design, I also cultivate a community botanical dye garden in Barreiro, Portugal, and lead immersive workshops across Europe and online.

• 08:30 – 09:30: Breakfast/brunch

• 09:30 – 12:00: Morning workshop session (History, sketching & stitch development)

• 12:15 – 13:15: Lunch

• 13:30 – 16:30: Afternoon workshop session (Hands-on Sainchi Phulkari stitching)

• 16:30 onwards: Optional time to continue your work, relax in a hammock, take a walk on the property, swim, enjoy the sauna, or chat

• 18:30: Dinner

(Please note the schedule will vary, including our day trip to the Woad Museum, and is subject to change.)

What's included:

• Accommodation in ensuite rooms (single and double occupancy available).

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

• Unlimited teas, coffee & fruit.

• Dedicated, guided workshop sessions with Gul E Raana

• Complete Phulkari Workshop Material Kit: I will prepare complete participant kits, including sketchbooks, pencils, erasers, frames, needles, carefully selected threads, and high-quality background fabric.

• Visit to the Woad Museum.

• Full access to Amassa's grounds and amenities.

Not included:

• Travel costs to/from the retreat venue.

• Transfers to and from Amassa (help can be provided to arrange this nearer the time).

• Optional wellness treatments (massage, reflexology, etc.).

• Alcohol.

• Travel insurance (essential to purchase upon 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 Gascony countryside. Complete with sun loungers, ping pong, bicycles, hammocks, boules, and board games, as well as plenty of quiet nooks for peaceful reflection, Amassa is truly a haven for creative rejuvenation.

View Accommodation

Food:

Throughout the retreat, we will enjoy three delicious and fresh meals each day made by our onsite chef with ingredients purchased from local farmers' markets. The menu is designed to nourish and energize, thoughtfully accommodating all dietary preferences and allergies, with plenty of sweet treats 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.