Yarn /jɑː(r)n/: may be defined as a long, continuous length of interlocked fibres which are suitable for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crochet, knitting, weaving, embroidery and rope-making.  

Working with yarn has enriched my life for many years and recently, mastering the madness that is knitting traditional cuff down socks using 4 x DPN has served as a gentle distraction from an increasingly harried world.

Its meditation and pursuit has also led to my joining several local NSW/ACT based craft groups and meeting other kindred spirits — many of whom I am proud to now call friends.  

 Social media has also offered a glimpse into the different creative cultures around the world who are producing beautiful and at times, spectacularly different handcrafts. This, coupled with the advent of websites such as Ravelry and Etsy and the return of country fairs and fetes, handcrafts have returned to centre-stage and I couldn’t be more delighted that EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!

THE YARN CRAFT TOURS CONCEPT 

Following on from my interest in this gentle handcraft hobby, pre-covid I commenced incorporating visits to some of my favourite Kiwi yarn stores and specialist suppliers into lunchtime stops on my Gourmet Journey’s food and wine tours.

What took me completely by surprise, was the level of engagement by tour guests at these stops. Frequently, we had to rearrange other elements on the day because of their popularity, which eventually led to the lightbulb moment where the concept for delicious YARN & FIBRE based stand-alone tours was born.

YARN CRAFT TOUR JOURNEYS WEAVE TOGETHER THE VERY BEST OF NEW ZEALAND’S GLORIOUS YARNS DELICIOUS FOOD & INCREDIBLE WINES

LEAD IMAGE courtesy of Terra Sancta Vineyard, Bannockburn, Central Otago

• A leisurely paced, fully escorted  journey discovering the sensational yarns, food and wines of Central Otago and Canterbury

• Evening cruise aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw on stunning Lake Wakatipu transporting us in style to our WELCOME DINNER at Walter Peak High Country Farm

• An exclusive guided tasting at a Central Otago cellar door sampling several premium regional winemakers including the outstanding Valli, Domaine-Thomson, Coal Pit, Hawkshead and Wild Irishman wines

• Stops at lots of glorious squishy yarn stops to replenish thy stash including Touch Yarns, Clyde | TOTE Emporium, Oamaru | Vintage Purl Yarns, Dunedin | the Ashford Craft Shop, Ashburton | The Tin Shed

• Demonstration on Natural Fibre Dyeing with Extracts (mordants) with Doe Arnott at TOTE

• Visit the Ashford Handicraft store jammed packed with yarns and notions from all over NZ and around the world + a guided factory tour with an Ashford Family member

• Option of two half day workshops lead by Morag McKenzie of Vintage Purls & the founder of the well-known UNWIND yarn retreats - Fearless Steeking and/or Managing Fair Isle Simply (additional cost and max of 10 particpants per workshop)

• A unique pre-tour KAL - dear wee garmets to support new mums and bubs at the Queen Mary Maternity NICU and special care units at Dunedin hospital

• An extended visit allowing time to explore the 200+ market stalls at the fabulous HANMER SPRINGS FETE. The event is now in its 4th year and offers a wide variety of high quality home, garden and lifestyle products (including yarn!) and lots of yummy tastes to sample - oh! and did I mention the PIMMS TENT…?! (surely every good fete should have one, along with a visit by every good fete goer…?!)

• 4 star* deluxe hotel accommodation & coach +  professional tour driver

• Meals as indicated on the tour flyer including all breakfasts  

• All prices quoted in AUD | Australian dollars

  PLEASE NOTE - FORCE MAJEURE: There MAY be unforeseen disruption/s to a featured tour experience due to the sudden implementation of a local COVID-19 restriction. Should this type of thing occur, our tour guests will need to be flexible and to “go with the flow” during this unprecedented health pandemic — your health & safety are our primary concern. For full Force Majeure detail refer to the T&C page on this website. NOTE: At this time and to the best of our knowledge, the itinerary as outlined is confirmed.

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THE RETREAT 

Rescheduled due to COVID-19

Our sensational Retreat venue will be the exclusive use of a luxury lodge in the glorious Marlborough Sounds region.

To register your interest please do so via the CONTACT US page!

Initially, it is our intention to offer yarn craft based journeys and retreats liberally sprinkled with sensational dining experiences and wines, exclusively to New Zealand. However, ideas and a curiosity for crafts beyond these shores is very definitely percolating…

Exciting times ahead - watch this space.