12th - 18th May 2027

KATIE ELLIOTT ARMITAGE

Stitch, Paper & Stories

This is Les Soeurs Anglaises' invitation to step away from the everyday for a few days and spend time making, looking and thinking alongside its directrice, Katie Elliott Armitage.

The studio will be stocked with vintage textiles, a sewing machine, timeworn papers and an eclectic collection of mixed-media materials, all waiting to be combined in unexpected ways. Rather than following a set project, you'll be free to explore layering, composition, colour and texture at your own pace, creating work that reflects your own ideas and curiosity.

There will be no rules and no formal teaching. Instead, Katie will be in the studio throughout the week, sharing techniques, demonstrating processes, encouraging experimentation and helping ideas take shape as they emerge. Sometimes all that's needed is another pair of eyes, or someone to suggest, "What if...?"

Whether this is your first creative break, or you have been making art for years, this is a chance to slow down, discover fresh inspiration and enjoy the company of people who understand the pleasure of creating with their hands. There'll be time to rummage through a local brocante, gather treasures, exchange ideas over long meals, listen to some live music and return to the studio with pockets full of possibilities.

About the CREATIVE BREAK

About KATIE ELLIOTT ARMITAGE

For almost twenty years, Katie has curated unique creative retreats at Les Soeurs Anglaises, welcoming many of the world's most inspiring textile artists, musicians, makers and designers to rural France. Through these collaborations, she has developed an instinctive understanding of colour, composition and creativity, gathering ideas and inspiration that continue to shape her own work.

A life immersed in arts and crafts, colours, textures and the quiet rhythms of the Dordogne countryside, and the restoration of her French home, have profoundly influenced her creative practice. This retreat will allow her to share these experiences, offering a thoughtful, supportive space in which to experiment, discover and enjoy the simple pleasure of making whilst immersed in Les Soeurs Anglaises’ uniquely welcoming ambience.

Have you been to one of our workshops previously? Let us know and we’d be happy to offer you as a discount!

About the retreat and what’s included

5 days Creative Retreat

6 nights accommodation at our farmhouse

3 meals a day: continental breakfast, salad lunch, three-course dinner

Welcome drinks on arrival

Plentiful tea, coffee and refreshments in the studio

Use of studio and all materials

Optional visit to traditional Marché or Brocante

Freedom to wander the gardens or take walks in the surrounding countryside

Check-in is from 15:00 on the first day. There will be a meet and greet with your fellow participants and tutors at around 18:00.

NOT INCLUDED:

Travel · travel insurance · personal purchases

Transport to and from the venue from local train station (40mins) or airport (80mins)

Suitable for enthusiastic beginners through to experienced makers.