Sketching with Textiles-Clos Mirabel

Join me for a retreat in France!

Get ready to dive into a world of colours, techniques, and beautiful quilt studies in this 5 day class. Explore vibrant colours, learn new techniques, and let your imagination run wild as you create beautiful small quilt studies.

Small studies are not just about creating beautiful pieces, they are about tapping into your own brand of creativity and developing ideas that can become the foundation for larger quilts. Tara will lead students in an inspirational workshop of sketching with textiles. In this class you will delve into colour interaction, the importance of value in creating movement, and how the use of shape can tell a story.
Students will work through a variety of exercises to create several small design studies, and can work any of these into a full size quilt afterwards.

Once you place the deposit with me, you will receive an email with info, next steps and the supply list. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions!

DETAILS

DATES: March 28th-April 4th 2026

WHERE: Clos Mirabel in Pau, France

COST: The Tuition for the retreat is separate from the Room and Board. 

• Tuition is $950 top be paid directly to me.
• A deposit of $100 is due now, the remainder to be paid in February 2026. An email will be sent at that time to complete payment (deposit is refundable minus any payment provider fees until 60 days before retreat).
• Room and board is $1650-$3000 depending on room options and is to be paid directly to Clos Mirabel. 

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Many of the large supplies needed will be provided by Clos Mirabel (like sewing machines, irons etc.).

You can download the supply list HERE.

NEXT STEPS: You must also place a deposit with CLOS MIRABEL to hold your spot.

SCHEDULE:

Saturday March 28th, 2026
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner

Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Introductions and morning presentation. Setting the tone for the week.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Live demos and diving into color!
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Morning presentation and demos on shape and line.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Exploring shape, line and putting colors use. Individual check ins.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Morning presentation on more advanced piecing techniques and demos.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Exploring shape, line and putting colors use. Individual check ins continue.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Continuing study and midweek check ins. Sharing our work/feedback.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00  Continuing study. Individual check ins continue.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Continuing study and checking in.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Wrap up, final thoughts and questions for taking the work forward.
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the double living room of Clos Mirabel
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Saturday 

8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)