Tag: Textile Travels

Of Interest: Felt and Culture Retreat Kyrgyzstan – 2026

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

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


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Guild Members Create News

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Many of our Feltmakers Ireland’s members use wool to create beautiful felted creations, while some express their creativity through additional mediums. The talent within our community continues to shine, as evidenced by two of our members who recently authored articles that were successfully published.

Guild member Jane Fox went on a trip of a lifetime – a Felt and Culture Retreat in Kyrgyzstan for thirteen days. Included in her trip were eight feltmaking and textile workshops, along with cultural and natural highlights.

This photo of Jane comes from the IFA’s Instagram page – https://www.instagram.com/internationalfeltmakers/

To read about Jane’s incredible adventure, visit the International Feltmakers Association blog – https://www.feltmakers.com/felt-and-culture-retreat-in-kyrgyzstan/

Over the summer, guild member Hélène Dooley had two articles published.

Her first article concerns her thought-provoking experience of using treasured textile materials to create new artworks. If you have a ‘stash’ of fibres and fabrics that you are ‘saving’, this article may inspire you! The article is published on the ‘Felting and Fiber Studio Blog’. – https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2024/08/17/rethinking-old-sayings/

This photo comes from the Felting and Fiber Studio website.

Hélène’s second article, featured on the Ashford Handicrafts’ blog, is a valuable resource for anyone interested in feltmaking. It’s a detailed, step-by-step tutorial that shares her experiences as a feltmaking tutor and guides readers through the process of creating a wet felted, Frilled Vessel. https://www.ashford.co.nz/felted-frilled-vessel/

This photo comes from Hélène’s Instagram account – https://www.instagram.com/feltzen/

Additionally, Hélène made a thorough video demonstrating how to create the Felted Frilled Vessel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHKXsQceuXg

Let’s give these two members, Jane and Hélène, a round of applause for learning, creating, and sharing their unique experiences with the world. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements!

If you, as a member of Feltmakers Ireland, have a textile-related award, exhibition, or experience that you’re proud of and want to share, we encourage you to do so. Your unique experiences and achievements make our community so vibrant and inspiring.

Please email us at feltmakersIE@gmail.com to share your story!

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Felt and Culture Retreat in Kyrgyzstan

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Nadia Rein (who happens to be the IFA’s Publicity Officer) has organised a Felting Retreat to Kyrgyzstan this summer. The retreat includes eight workshops over 13 days with local Kyrgyz artists in Bishkek. There will also be an overnight trip to Lake Issyk-Kul with a stay in a traditional yurt. The retreat’s dates coincide with a large textile festival called Oimo in Bishkek, which features textile artists from all over Western Asia.

Participants on the trip will experience traditional felting techniques (including Shyrdak and Kyrgyz embroidery) and contemporary felting techniques. Additionally, attendees will experience the region’s culture.

When: 20th July – 2nd August 2024.

For more information, visit the website – https://www.nadiareindesign.com/felt_and_culture_retreats

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.