The Felt and Culture Retreat will run from the 4th to the 16th of July 2026, and combines felt making, cultural immersion, and travel in Kyrgyzstan.
It is organised by three textile artists, sisters Asel and Kamala Abdykadyrova (local felt masters in Kyrgyzstan), and Nadia Rein, originally from Kazakhstan but based in the UK.
It includes the following – from the website:
- Eight hands-on workshops with master artisans in felting, natural dyeing, embroidery, and traditional stitching
- Shared meals in artists’ homes, where laughter blends with the aroma of home-cooked Kyrgyz dishes
- Visits to small studios, bustling bazaars, and serene museums, where ancient designs whisper their meaning
- Deep dives into the language of pattern — learning how Central Asian motifs carry stories across generations
- Encounters with people whose lives are woven with creativity, resilience, and warmth
- The ever-present embrace of nature — from sun-drenched valleys to the clear blue expanse of Lake Issyk Kul.
For further information, visit Nadia’s website, which has many photographs, the daily itinerary for the 13 days, and additional details – https://www.nadiareindesign.com/felt_and_culture_retreats
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