PANAMA
sailing + embroidery in guna yala
April 17 - 21, 2024 SOLD OUT
August 30 - September 3, 2024
During this experience we will visit the Guna Yala islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama. The islands are home to the Guna people, a sovereign indigenous group that retains much of their heritage and traditions.
We'll start the trip in Panama City's historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, recognized as one of the Caribbean's most beautiful coastal neighborhoods. After resting in a boutique hotel, fueling with fresh local food and exploring the local scene in Casco Viejo, we'll take an 8 seater plane to the remote Guna Yala coastal region in the Caribbean. We'll spend the next 4 days and nights living on a sailboat and island-hopping, connecting with the local community to share stories and learn about their culture and textile traditions.
When we're not immersed in the culture, we'll have downtime for sailing, snorkeling and relaxing on the small tropical islands.
OAXACA
textiles + ceramics
May 8 - 12, 2024 | 1 space left
August 11 - 16, 2024
November 16 - 20, 2024
December 11 - 16, 2024
An immersive introduction to the craft culture of Oaxaca, this experience will ground you in the textile and ceramic traditions of the Valles Centrales region of Oaxaca, before introducing you to contemporary artists innovating these areas of interest.
This all-inclusive experience gracefully guides guests on a sensory journey incorporating culinary, craft, and cultural inspiration.
MOROCCO
wool weaving workshop
June 11 - 15, 2024
Join Thread Caravan in southern Morocco as we work alongside the team of Atelier Talasin and cooperatives of Amazigh textile artists working to preserve heritage textile traditions in the region.
This textile retreat includes immersive workshops in traditional wool washing techniques, spinning, natural dyes with henna, and weaving using the traditional Berber knot.
Accommodation will be in a rural and charming country home, situated about 45 minutes outside of Marrakech, with farm-to-table meals and the opportunity to slow down and connect to the surroundings.
MOROCCO
ceramics + textiles in the rif mountains
June 17 - 23, 2024 | SOLD OUT
June 24 - 30, 2024
Join Thread Caravan in northern Morocco as we connect with local families practicing age-old regional crafts.
This experience will start by exploring the 1000+ year old Fez medina, then take guests into the Rif mountain region, where we will stay with a local family in their home, building, painting and firing earthen ceramics pieces. The trip ends visiting local weavers, whom we will take a one-day weaving workshop with.
This unique experience also includes immersion in picturesque landscapes, a visit with basket weavers, visit to a rural market, boutique accommodation in Fez, homecooked and fine dining meals, opportunity for a traditional hammam bath and more.
PERU
sacred valley textiles
July 2 - 8, 2024 | 3 spaces left
Join Thread Caravan in the Sacred Valley of Peru, as we learn alongside indigenous Quechua textile artisans.This week-long immersive retreats introduces guests to the craft, cuisine and culture of Peru, weaving together traditions of generations past with present-day textile art practices.
Guests will participate in all-levels natural dyes and backstrap weaving workshops led by local artists while still having time to enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding us.
COLOMBIA
crafts of barichara
September 1 - 6, 2024
Join us this spring in the mountain town of Barichara, Colombia, as we learn about the diverse and profound craftsmanship of the region. We will learn about indigo, weave with the local agave fique fiber, participate in a natural dyes workshop, and learn to make paper.
When we’re not exploring regional crafts, guests will have the option of hiking in the surrounding mountains, relaxing in the pool + garden of our boutique hotel, and walking around the charming town.
OAXACA
weaving workshop
October 25 - 31, 2024
This weeklong experience immerses guests in the Valles Centrales region of Oaxaca to meet and practice alongside two distinct textile artists.
Starting with visit to historic caves and a 2,000 year old Zapotec archaeological site, this experience allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of the textile traditions and context in the area.
Hands-on workshops led by artisan instructors include an all day natural dyes workshop and 2.5 days weaving on a heddle loom. We will also visit a traditional beeswax candle studio, and other notable sites. These workshops facilitate learning for all levels of student’s past experience.
Accommodation is in a rural home in historic Mitla town, approximately one hour outside of Oaxaca City. This more rural experience will allow guests to engage with local communities and craft practices at a slow, intentional pace. Space is limited to 8 guests.
OAXACA with NAIANA NAMI
Join Thread Caravan and Naiana Nami in the picturesque landscape of the valles centrales region of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Here we will connect with local families practicing generations-old crafts, which have evolved over time in congruence with the landscape and culture: ceramics, natural dyes and candle-making.
This curated group experience also includes visits to mountainside mineral springs, boutique hotel accommodation, and dinners at some of the best restaurants in the city.
November 8 - 13, 2024 | 1 space left
INDIA
blockprinting in jaipur
Join Thread Caravan as we explore the textile traditions of Rajasthan in northwestern India.
This immersive 8-day experience offers the Thread Caravan textile touch, as well as local guide’s knowledge of the country and textile traditions.
We’ll begin the trip with sightseeing in Jaipur and nearby Amer, giving guests the opportunity to acclimate to the scenery and source inspiration for the following multi-day block printing textile workshop - complete with block carving, dye vat preparations and printing. We will also visit an indigo studio, a paper making studio, and rug weavers. We will have a Bollywood movie night, optional astrology readings and more.
This trip is conveniently scheduled just after our trip in Kutch, India, should guests choose to opt for a longer adventure.
November 21 - 28, 2024
INDIA
crafts of kutch
Join Thread Caravan as we learn about generational craft practices in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. With its proximity to the Rann desert, connecting the region to western Pakistan and northern Rajasthan, Kutch has long been a place of nomadic peoples, moving in relation to the seasons and trade.
Kutch remains to this day, a rural and agrarian area, where craftspeople continue to practice the same heritage arts their families have practiced for generations.
During this trip we will visit studios and participate in workshops including spinning and weaving with heirloom kala cotton and local sheep’s wool, bandhani (advanced tie and dye), ajrakh blockprint, copper bell forging, and elaborate, traditional embroidery techniques. We will visit a cultural art museum, an embroidery school and the Rann desert, to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural context and diversity.
This intimate experience is limited to 10 guests maximum. We will stay in a charming and historical bed and breakfast in the heart of Bhuj.
December 1 - 7, 2024
workshops
coming soon
Mallorcan Wool
Icelandic Wool
India | Kerala + Ladakh trip add-ons
Textiles of Laos