For those of you who like to combine needlework and travel, and whose travel dreams might be turned towards Europe this year, there are a couple nice events coming up worth taking a look at. And, of course, if you live in the general area where these events are taking place, you don’t even have to travel to get there!
This happens to me once a year, by the way. In January, when my warped notion of what the seasons of the year should be overrides the reality of Kansas winter, I start getting the itch to travel. I think it’s because, now that the year is underway, I expect it to be spring. (Shouldn’t it be spring?!)
In any case, I’m not going anywhere! But if you are traveling this year and these would be a good fit for you, you might check out these needlework-related events.
February 9th through 12th in Paris, you’ll find L’aiguille en fête, a great needlework festival in Paris devoted to embroidery, quilting, knitting, lace – well, all things needlework! I’ve never been, but every year, I daydream about going! If you can make it, you should! I hear it’s a fantastic event – full of needlework vendors, classes, workshops. And in Paris! Ahhhh. What more could you want? Real croissants, good coffee, and some needlework. The ideal vacation! You can find out all about L’aiguille en fête on their website. If you need to read it in English, drop it in Google’s translator.
While you’re at L’aiguille en fête, you might want to sign up for one of Susan O’Connor’s masterclasses. She’ll be teaching smocking, stumpwork, and embroidery classes from January 31st to February 3rd. The classes are hosted by Au Ver a Soie, which means you’ll be exposed to some Really Nice threads. You can read the details about that on Country Bumpkin’s website, where I think there are some links for bookings and so forth. The projects that are being taught are quite beautiful – you can find an English version of the flier describing the needlework classes available here. If you live in the general area (or close enough to make the trip), go – and then tell the rest of us all about it! (See, if I can’t travel in person, I at least want to live it vicariously through someone else!) The classes are also available in Eton, in England, from February 16th – 18th.
Now, I realize that’s a little last minute. Here’s something that’s almost last minute, too, considering the size and scope of this one, but if it’s in your realm of affordability, it looks positively dreamy!
Marie Yolande is conducting a beautiful tour of Paris and Normandy this year, in July. It includes attendance at the International OIDFA lace conference in Caen, as well as an opportunity to participate in an all-day embroidery workshop at Maison Malbranche. Of course, everything on the tour is top notch and specially chosen by Marie Yolande for its excellence – hotels, cuisine, specialty tours, museums, and so forth. Doesn’t it sound fantastic? If you go, can I hide in your luggage?
Do you have any needlework travel dreams? I have to admit, I do. They won’t be realized this year, but I sure do like to daydream about them now and then! Still, as much as I would like to while away the hours daydreaming about travel, I suppose it’s time to get the Saturday chores done. Funny. Doing laundry just doesn’t have the same appeal, does it?
On Monday, I’ll share my weekend accomplishments with you! (Not the laundry.) I’m doing something Big in the workroom this weekend. I can’t wait to tell you about it!
