Textile Holidays Italy
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          • Garden Maze Cushion Cover
          • Bargello Lap Quilt
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      • Dressmaking Workshops >>>
        • Making your first garment
        • Making your second garment
        • Make a child’s dress
        • Intermediate Dressmaking
      • Bag workshops >>>
        • Leather Tote Bag
        • Small zipped leather bag
        • Jendy Bag
        • Stowaway Tote Bag
        • Zips and Pockets Crossbody
      • General Sewing Workshops >>>
        • Projects with zips
          • Zips (1) – Zipped Pouch or two
          • Zips (2) – Dopp Bag
        • Things for the kitchen
          • Apron with pocket
          • Bread Basket/Bag
          • Mitred corners
        • Including hand sewing
          • Needle case, Scissor Case
          • Sashiko work
          • Boro work
        • Infinity Scarf €20
        • A Piped Cushion Cover
        • Sewing or Toiletry Bag
      • Hand Stitching Workshops >>>
        • Beginner’s Goldwork
        • Hand Embroidery
        • Patchwork for Mindfulness
      • Free Machine Embroidery
      • Sew-it-Yourself
    • Regular workshops
      • Learn to Sew €100
      • Intermediate/Skills Workshops
    • Day Sewing Parties and Short Sewing Retreats
  • My Etsy Shop
    • Kits
      • Kits Introduction
      • Scented Pyramids £14/€14
        • Scented Pyramids Instructions
      • Pincushion £12/€12
        • Pincushion Instructions
      • Small Basket £12/€12
        • Small Basket Instructions
      • Appliqué Tea Towel £15/€15
        • Appliqué Tea Towel Instructions
      • Eternity scarf £22/€22
        • Eternity scarf instructions
      • Kindle case £20/€20
        • Kindle Case Instructions
      • Shoulder Bag £25/€25
        • Shoulder Bag Instructions
      • Zipped pouch £20/€20
        • Zipped pouch instructions
  • About
    • Location
    • Contact me
    • About me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Home
  • Holidays
    • Types of Holidays offered
    • More info on holiday content
      • Sewing holidays for complete beginners
        • Making clothes, for beginners
      • General sewing holidays
      • Dressmaking holidays
      • Patchwork Holidays
      • Textile Art – Free Machine Embroidery
      • Hand Embroidery holidays
      • “Sew-it-Yourself” holidays
    • Dates and prices
    • What is included?
    • How to book and booking terms
  • Accommodation
    • A note on accommodation
    • Relax…
    • Your room – “Sashiko”
    • Your room – “Trapunto”
    • The pool and gardens
    • The Studio
  • Reviews
  • Day Workshops
    • Workshops introduction
    • Taster Course €50
    • Upcoming Workshop DATES
    • Day/ Half Day Workshops
      • Patchwork Workshops >>>
        • Half Square Triangle Projects
          • “Points and Corners” cushion covers
          • Afternoon Tea Quilt
          • Hidden Casing Wallhanging
          • French Star mini wallhanging
        • Jelly Roll Projects
          • Woodland Walk Lap Quilt
          • Garden Maze Cushion Cover
          • Bargello Lap Quilt
          • Bargello Infinity Scarf
          • Log Cabin Patchwork
        • Patchwork for Mindfulness
      • Dressmaking Workshops >>>
        • Making your first garment
        • Making your second garment
        • Make a child’s dress
        • Intermediate Dressmaking
      • Bag workshops >>>
        • Leather Tote Bag
        • Small zipped leather bag
        • Jendy Bag
        • Stowaway Tote Bag
        • Zips and Pockets Crossbody
      • General Sewing Workshops >>>
        • Projects with zips
          • Zips (1) – Zipped Pouch or two
          • Zips (2) – Dopp Bag
        • Things for the kitchen
          • Apron with pocket
          • Bread Basket/Bag
          • Mitred corners
        • Including hand sewing
          • Needle case, Scissor Case
          • Sashiko work
          • Boro work
        • Infinity Scarf €20
        • A Piped Cushion Cover
        • Sewing or Toiletry Bag
      • Hand Stitching Workshops >>>
        • Beginner’s Goldwork
        • Hand Embroidery
        • Patchwork for Mindfulness
      • Free Machine Embroidery
      • Sew-it-Yourself
    • Regular workshops
      • Learn to Sew €100
      • Intermediate/Skills Workshops
    • Day Sewing Parties and Short Sewing Retreats
  • My Etsy Shop
    • Kits
      • Kits Introduction
      • Scented Pyramids £14/€14
        • Scented Pyramids Instructions
      • Pincushion £12/€12
        • Pincushion Instructions
      • Small Basket £12/€12
        • Small Basket Instructions
      • Appliqué Tea Towel £15/€15
        • Appliqué Tea Towel Instructions
      • Eternity scarf £22/€22
        • Eternity scarf instructions
      • Kindle case £20/€20
        • Kindle Case Instructions
      • Shoulder Bag £25/€25
        • Shoulder Bag Instructions
      • Zipped pouch £20/€20
        • Zipped pouch instructions
  • About
    • Location
    • Contact me
    • About me
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  • Blog

Textile Holidays Italy

As seen in The Observer's "10 of the Best Creative Breaks" 20/10/19

Category

Quotations

  • Quotations

    Autumn…

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  • Quotations

    To live a creative life we must lose our fear of being wrong.

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  • Quotations

    Live as you would have wished to live when you are dying

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textileholidaysitaly

textileholidaysitaly

textileholidaysitaly
This has just appeared on my phone, so I thought I This has just appeared on my phone, so I thought I’d share it. Of course, most photos were taken from the old house, but we’ve only moved 5km away and still look out over Umbria and Tuscany to Monte Cetona and Lake Chiusi, just from a different angle!
In contrast with the peaceful photos I shared the In contrast with the peaceful photos I shared the other day, showing the gorgeous views from our new place, here are some “work in progress” photos! Not our guest rooms yet, but our own apartment in the first floor. We’ve made a few changes to make it our own - I’m finally going to be reunited with all my furniture and possessions on 6th December, and there’s quite a lot to finish before then! #sewingretreat #sewingholiday #holidayinitaly #learntosewonholiday #sewingwithfriends #sewistsofinstagram #umbria #ineedwine
Apologies for being so quiet - the new house purch Apologies for being so quiet - the new house purchase took a bit longer than expected! We finally signed on 28th October, which was 9 years to the day since we signed for our French farmhouse!! Since then it’s been incredibly busy, with builders, deliveries…little pieces of graph paper and house plans 😂, plus my little French cat Lexie disappeared…probably the sensible one in the family, retreating from the chaos! Yesterday she returned, hungry, tired, but otherwise perfectly fine 😁 Here are some photos, 3 taken from one of our guest rooms - our own bedroom at the moment - one of the views looking out over Umbria and Tuscany, and the final one of Lexie, in her happy place! #sewingretreat #sewingholiday #textileholidaysitaly #arttextilesretreat #livinginumbria #catsofinstagram #newhome #renovatinginitaly #sunrise #castiglionedellago #umbria #sewistsofinstagram
Since “Textiles” in one way or another has alw Since “Textiles” in one way or another has always been my job as well as my passion, I have every reason to sit and #handembroider at any time of day or night…and yet still, it just feels too self-indulgent to sit and do any form of #handembroidery during the day, let alone outside, under the shade of an #olivetree ! #freemachineembroidery is ok…I think it’s perfectly ok for me to do that, but it’s the #handstitching that’s just too enjoyable for me to not feel guilty about it! #guiltypleasure @seam_collective #textileholidaysitaly #embroideryretreat #septtextilelove24 #septtextilelove #sewingformindfulness #sewingisgoodforthesoul #sewingismysuperpower
Current #workinprogress … Since we’re currentl Current #workinprogress … Since we’re currently “between houses” I haven’t got a #textilesstudio , nor have I got much space to play around with #fabrics or even do any #machineembroidery . So, I’m spending some time #handembroidering little #stitchedlandscapes and trying out different ideas. #sewingformindfulness #slowstitching #textileholidaysitaly #textileretreat #sewingholiday #embroidery
I’ve been working on this little #handembroidere I’ve been working on this little #handembroidered #collage #landscape …It’s so relaxing, #slowstitching the various fabrics in place. This time, not even the simplest #handembroidery stitch, just tiny little #runningstitches and fabric manipulation. It includes some #silkorganza , which I love to use for layers. All the fabrics have been hand painted using silk paint. I’m just wondering how I’ll know when it’s finished? #textileholidaysitaly #embroideryholiday #embroideryretreat #sewingformindfulness #mindfulstitching #needlescape #sewingholiday
Today’s prompt from @seam_collective is “Plann Today’s prompt from @seam_collective is “Planning”… What a treat! This weekend it’s the Lace Festival in Panicale - a lovely hilltop village very close to here. There are displays of #lace and #embroidery in various buildings around the village, a little like I saw in Valtopina last Sunday. One lady - Angela - creates beautiful #ecoprint #silk scarves… While I was admiring them - and choosing which to buy! - she started explaining to me about just how special silk fibre is. I told her I already knew…that silk is my favourite fibre…that I’ve taught about the #propertiesofsilk and #sericulture … “Wait a minute” she said (in Italian), and rummaged under her table. A minute or so later, she produced a box housing #silkworms ! I’ve seen them before, in Macclesfield silk museum, and I’ve got a couple of cocoons packed away with my textiles stuff. However, I’ve never actually seen a silkworm spin a cocoon before! On the 2nd and 3rd photos you can see the web of silk fibres surrounding the worm. There’s a short video clip too - photo 5 - they move slowly, so watch carefully as they move on their bed of Mulberry leaves. Just as I started filming the church bells rang! This has to be one of the greatest examples of planning…fibres secreted from the glands of a Bombyx Mori caterpillar will ultimately become a silk dress, blouse, scarf…! Also, the eco-printing process this lady uses is a slow process involving various stages, all of which need to be carefully planned, to produce a beautiful piece of fabric printed with leaves, which looks as if it’s been created in a very loose and spontaneous way! I still think it’s fascinating…that the fibres silkworms secrete are so highly treasured, have such superb properties…and I wonder at the number of silkworms there are in the world to produce all the silk we want! Obviously, I celebrated seeing the silkworm at work by purchasing a silk eco-printed scarf…..! #septtextilelove24 #septtextilelove #textileretreat #textileholidaysitaly #handmadelace #silkworm #handmade #filiintrama @filintrama
Isn’t this a fantastic quote?! Especially for me Isn’t this a fantastic quote?! Especially for me, a teacher 😁 #learnanewskill #textilesretreat #sewingholiday #textileholidaysitaly #learntosew
Today’s @seam_collective prompt is “Surface/3- Today’s @seam_collective prompt is “Surface/3-d” For 12 years - from 1987 to 1999 - I was self-employed and I designed and made Christening Wear. I was living in #yorkshire and my business name was #spangleschristeningwear and my gowns were embellished with #machineembroidery and #tucking . When I moved to France in 2015, to start my #textileholidays business, one of the first things I stitched to decorate my studio, and for advertising, was this piece of tucked taffeta - I chose such a bright colour as a contrast to all the ivory tucking I’d done on the Christening wear! I love the texture created by this technique…the different effects you can create. #septtextilelove #septtextilelove24 #embellishedtextiles #3dtextiles #textileholidaysitaly
Today’s @seam_collective prompt is “Questions”…which is very appropriate because today I’ve been to say goodbye to my Umbrian holiday home after 17 years - tomorrow morning I’m going to the notary’s office in Siena to sign it over to the new owner. That house quite literally changed my life. My big questions of the day are: If I hadn’t bought that cottage in 2007, where on earth would I be living today and what would I be doing? Also… Will I ever love another house as much as I love that one?! When I bought it, I was the Textiles teacher at Wellington College, and although my days were full of helping others to be creative, there was very little time for my own creativity. I was single, and I used to spend all my holidays here in Umbria - exploring the hilltop towns and villages around the lake, and cramming in as much creativity as possible. Now I live here full-time - just 7 minutes away from the holiday cottage - and I run textile retreats and holidays, and I can spend as much time in my textiles studio as I like - something I could only have dreamed of, back in 2007. I’ve bought a “Happy New Home” card for the new owner which says: “Se puoi sognarlo puoi farlo”, which means “If you can dream it, you can do it” #textileretreat #textileholidaysitaly #livinginumbria #italianholidayhomes #septtextilelove24 #septtextilelove
Here’s a photo of a top I made a couple of years Here’s a photo of a top I made a couple of years ago, #stitched with a #sashiko style design…plus a part-made #leatherbag I designed, trimmed with #tucking on one side and, again Sashiko-style stitching on the other. I can’t find a photo of the finished bag, but I’m posting these photos today because of @seam_collective ‘s day 10 “Lines/grids” theme. #septtextilelove24 #septtextilelove #handmade #textileholidaysitaly #seworiginalclothes
There were some beautiful pieces of textiles at th There were some beautiful pieces of textiles at the exhibition today, but my favourite pieces were by a lady called Fabia Delise…and since I saw her work at the start, I didn’t take any photos because I thought it wouldn’t be allowed…and I’m so annoyed that I didn’t go back at the end and ask if I could take some! These two pictures are from her card and from her website. She has developed EPP (English Paper Piecing) patchwork into the most wonderful contemporary art. Her work shows great skill, imagination, and originality. Each piece is created using 100s of hexagons made out of eco dyed fabric, and many of her pieces are 3D, creating a woven effect. #hexis #epp #contemporarypatchwork #textileretreat #textileholidaysitaly
Two “old” textiles favourites of mine, for man Two “old” textiles favourites of mine, for many years, are #reticello #needlelace and #freemachineembroidery … Many of the displays in the main exhibition hall at #valtopina were exquisitely stitched, very traditional embroidery techniques - fascinating to see. However, just before we left I came across some stunning #machineembroidery by Iduna Foi - the detail she achieved, the depth, the realistic shading is breathtaking! Also, there was a display of Reticello lace by Giuliana Buonpadre… I studied needlelace for my thesis when I did my textiles degree, and I found the development of needle lace to be fascinating… Reticella is pretty much where it all began, as gradually more and more threads were removed from the base fabric, creating ever more lacey results…leading to Punto in Aria. If I understood the lady on the stall correctly, Giuliana was the first person to create coloured Reticella lace, and now creates the most intricate designs of flowers “growing” out of the base structure; they are so clever, so beautiful! #handembroidery #handmadelace #textileholidaysitaly #textileretreat
In the Museo del Ricamo e del Tessile/ Museum of E In the Museo del Ricamo e del Tessile/ Museum of Embroidery and Textiles at Valtopina there was an exhibition of contemporary #textileart , with some fabulous pieces. A couple of my favourites - the first two photos show a piece called Circle of Growth by Raija Jokinen, created using #machineembroidery The second two photos are by Federico Patera and Andrea Sbra Perego, combining literature and art. The 5th photo is an incredibly beautiful pleated piece created out of silk dupion created by Kinga Foldi and called Ginko Cycle. It represents how we are all “the fruit of a continuous transformation that requires what we have been, where we come from, to continue to evolve and project ourselves into the world” (my translation from the Italian… hope it’s ok!). The final photo is by Jacobo Alonso, made out of laser-cut polyester felt and stitched together by hand. The detail…the facial expression..was wonderful! #handstitching #textileholidaysitaly
What a fascinating day! I discovered that there’ What a fascinating day! I discovered that there’s not only an embroidery and textile museum at Valtopina, 1 hour 10 minutes away, but that this weekend the town was hosting a range of textile-related events. These first photos are from a competition, open to anyone (as far as I could ascertain) but with very precise requirements - a 40cm x 40cm piece inspired by the Palazzo Trinci in nearby Foligno. It was such a treat to see a range of different embroidery skills, because one thing I do miss living here, is the inspiring embroidery exhibitions you get in the U.K. #handembroidery #palazzotrinci #embroidery #textileholidaysitaly #embroideryretreat
I like to go for morning walks in the Umbrian coun I like to go for morning walks in the Umbrian countryside, and find this a great way of sparking ideas! Too many ideas, in fact… I return home buzzing with ideas and try to do too many things at once, or start to try out ideas and get distracted with other ideas. I’ve been experimenting with hand and machine embroidery, collage and patchwork, painting on fabrics, stitching on paper. The photos are all taken very close to where we live and at times I find the stunning countryside - and Monte Cetona in particular - just too overwhelming! #septtextilelove #septtextilelove24 @seam_collective #textileholidaysitaly #sewingformindfulness #sewingretreat #textileretreat
#tulips #machineembroidered on #handmade paper, wi #tulips #machineembroidered on #handmade paper, with #watercolours and #collage #septtextilelove #septtextilelove24 #textileholidaysitaly @seam_collective #freemachineembroidery
Day 4 of @seam_collective … “unravelling” …reflecting a challenging time in my life - how it felt and how I began to fix it. #septlovetextiles #septlovetextiles24 #handembroidery #stitching #textileholidaysitaly #sewingformindfulness #mindfulstitching
A beautiful late summer day… First of all a wand A beautiful late summer day… First of all a wander around Montefollonico - everything looking so pristine, so we’ll kept. Then we went on to Pienza for a coffe…and decided to have #prosecco …followed by lunch! Delicious #bruschetta - one tomato, one artichoke and #pecorino - followed by lamb, salad, and fries. Dessert was so refreshing - #lemongelato served in a frozen half-lemon! #livinginitaly #indulgentlunch #sewingretreat #textileholidays #textileholidaysitaly #tuscany
#sustainability #handembroidered using hand and ma #sustainability #handembroidered using hand and machine #embroidery threads on hand painted cotton and silk. Illustrating the ability to create energy from sustainable sources - rain, wind, waves - and trying to demonstrate their power. Day 3 - Sustainability. Linen background, #applique #silkorganza and #cotton fabric with #silverthread and #strandedcotton #septlovetextiles #SeptLoveTextiles24 @seam_collective #textileholidaysitaly #sewinginitaly
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Thoughts…

Why did she make things? Well, she enjoyed it, of course, but it also somehow helped her remember who she was and where she came from. (Amy Rubin Flett)

About me

Discover a new hobby while on holiday in Italy...

Hello... I'm Bronwen Shepherd and I run sewing holidays and workshops in my lovely studio in the beautiful countryside of Umbria, close to Lake Trasimeno. The front of the house looks out into Tuscany - Monte Cetona and Lake Chiusi, and the back of the house - beyond the olive grove - looks out over the rolling countryside of Umbria. I've got a Textiles degree and a PGCE (post graduate teaching qualification) in Textiles, for teaching age 11 to 18 years - I've got 13 years teaching experience in UK schools, as a teacher and latterly as Head of Department, teaching mainly A level Textiles. I've also got 4 years experience of running textile classes and residential holidays/retreats in France. I gave up my teaching career especially to do that - we moved to France, renovated the house, built a textile studio, and started the business there. In 2020, we moved to Umbria, to the Trasimeno area, where I had bought a holiday home in 2007, and I'm re-establishing my creative business here. Apart from teaching, I have 12 years experience as a designer/maker of Christening wear, something which I intend to start doing again, but I also have a few other creative ideas...

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Location

We are in Italy – in Umbria, very close to the border with Tuscany, 45 minutes from Perugia, Assisi and Siena, 1.5 hours from Florence, 2 hours from Rome. Our closest town (approx. 10 minutes drive) is Castiglione del Lago, which is the main town on Lake Trasimeno, the 4th largest lake in Italy. See “About” tab along the top – under “Contact me” you’ll find a map.

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  • Home
  • Holidays
    • Types of Holidays offered
    • More info on holiday content
      • Sewing holidays for complete beginners
        • Making clothes, for beginners
      • General sewing holidays
      • Dressmaking holidays
      • Patchwork Holidays
      • Textile Art – Free Machine Embroidery
      • Hand Embroidery holidays
      • “Sew-it-Yourself” holidays
    • Dates and prices
    • What is included?
    • How to book and booking terms
  • Accommodation
    • A note on accommodation
    • Relax…
    • Your room – “Sashiko”
    • Your room – “Trapunto”
    • The pool and gardens
    • The Studio
  • Reviews
  • Day Workshops
    • Workshops introduction
    • Taster Course €50
    • Upcoming Workshop DATES
    • Day/ Half Day Workshops
      • Patchwork Workshops >>>
        • Half Square Triangle Projects
          • “Points and Corners” cushion covers
          • Afternoon Tea Quilt
          • Hidden Casing Wallhanging
          • French Star mini wallhanging
        • Jelly Roll Projects
          • Woodland Walk Lap Quilt
          • Garden Maze Cushion Cover
          • Bargello Lap Quilt
          • Bargello Infinity Scarf
          • Log Cabin Patchwork
        • Patchwork for Mindfulness
      • Dressmaking Workshops >>>
        • Making your first garment
        • Making your second garment
        • Make a child’s dress
        • Intermediate Dressmaking
      • Bag workshops >>>
        • Leather Tote Bag
        • Small zipped leather bag
        • Jendy Bag
        • Stowaway Tote Bag
        • Zips and Pockets Crossbody
      • General Sewing Workshops >>>
        • Projects with zips
          • Zips (1) – Zipped Pouch or two
          • Zips (2) – Dopp Bag
        • Things for the kitchen
          • Apron with pocket
          • Bread Basket/Bag
          • Mitred corners
        • Including hand sewing
          • Needle case, Scissor Case
          • Sashiko work
          • Boro work
        • Infinity Scarf €20
        • A Piped Cushion Cover
        • Sewing or Toiletry Bag
      • Hand Stitching Workshops >>>
        • Beginner’s Goldwork
        • Hand Embroidery
        • Patchwork for Mindfulness
      • Free Machine Embroidery
      • Sew-it-Yourself
    • Regular workshops
      • Learn to Sew €100
      • Intermediate/Skills Workshops
    • Day Sewing Parties and Short Sewing Retreats
  • My Etsy Shop
    • Kits
      • Kits Introduction
      • Scented Pyramids £14/€14
        • Scented Pyramids Instructions
      • Pincushion £12/€12
        • Pincushion Instructions
      • Small Basket £12/€12
        • Small Basket Instructions
      • Appliqué Tea Towel £15/€15
        • Appliqué Tea Towel Instructions
      • Eternity scarf £22/€22
        • Eternity scarf instructions
      • Kindle case £20/€20
        • Kindle Case Instructions
      • Shoulder Bag £25/€25
        • Shoulder Bag Instructions
      • Zipped pouch £20/€20
        • Zipped pouch instructions
  • About
    • Location
    • Contact me
    • About me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog

Textile Holidays Italy is located at: Vaiano, Castiglione del Lago, 06061, Perugia, ITALY info@textileholiday.com