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

Highlights

• Stay in a very comfortable, centrally located 4* deluxe hotel for the duration of the retreat

• Leisurely paced, fully escorted + private group transfers (Day 2 until hotel check-out)

• Grand finale - evening performance of THE Absolutely Fabulous World of Wearable Art extravaganza

• Visits to several gloriously squishy yarn stops to replenish thy stash (including an exclusive pop-up by several local indie makers) a #wip

• A unique pre-tour KAL - (thinking bosom related, suggestions welcome - previously charity teddies & premmies)

• Perhaps a visit to a genuine (not touristy) Maori cultural something (Marae?) + flax workshop - a #wip

• Visit to a working weaving mill - a #wip

• An exclusive Behind the Seams WETA workshop - a #wip

• An exclusive scent related workshop another #wip

• Wellie has some very good dining options - perhaps sprinkle in a couple of these too

• Meals as indicated on the eventual tour flyer

• All prices quoted in AUD | Australian dollars

  PLEASE NOTE - FORCE MAJEURE: There MAY be unforeseen disruption/s to a featured tour experiences 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, to the best of our knowledge, the itinerary as outlined is confirmed.

  To register an expression of interest for this retreat or any future roadtrips, please contact us via the button below

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.