By occasion
Explore the secrets of wool processing and knit your headband
A half-day of discovery with Fanny
Knowledge of processing Pyrenees wool
Your knitted headband
€95
per person
The workshop in detail
Disconnect from your daily routine and immerse yourself in the world of Pyrenean wool!
Join this workshop where wool becomes a canvas and your hands become creative brushes.
As soon as you arrive, you'll be welcomed into a warm and inspiring environment. Colourful skeins of wool will be laid out before you, igniting your curiosity and igniting your desire to create. You'll sense the creative energy in the air, eager to embark on this adventure.
Fanny will kick off the workshop by sharing her knowledge and delving into the captivating history of wool, from its origins in the Pyrenean pastures to its transformation into soft, silky yarn.
Then, it's time to get hands-on! With careful guidance, you'll sit at the spinning wheel or use a spindle to spin the wool yourself, having first discovered the carding technique to prepare the fibres. While dyeing won't be done during the workshop, you'll receive all the relevant theory and information.
In the next phase, you'll receive guidance in selecting your wool yarn. You'll feel the different textures between your fingers, admire the subtle colour variations, and let your intuition guide you to the perfect yarn for your introduction to knitting. Once you've made your choice, the workshop will transform into a graceful ballet of skillful gestures. The artisan will teach you the basic knitting techniques, step by step.
As the workshop draws to a close, you'll slowly detach from this creative bubble. You'll leave with newfound knowledge and a work-in-progress that you can continue at home—a tangible reminder of your journey into the world of wool.
Workshop location
The workshop is easily accessible by public transport.
Additional information
Languages of the workshop
Français
English
Practical information
Refreshments and snacks are available to quench your thirst and enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Meet Fanny
Weaver
Fanny grew up in the Hautes-Pyrénées, surrounded by rural culture and sheep farming from a young age. The idyllic landscapes of gentle hills, green pastures, and the soothing sound of bleating herds deeply influenced her love for nature and fibre arts. However, in 2020, life led her to Antwerp, where she embarked on a promising career as a research chemist.
As a trained scientist, Fanny fell in love with the vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness of this Flemish city. Determined to establish roots in her new home, she took it upon herself to learn Flemish, showcasing her commitment to integration and building connections within her community.
Yet, her true passion had always been for fibre arts. Coming from a lineage of weavers, Fanny soaked up her grandmother's tales, which revealed the ancestral secrets of knitting. Through self-teaching and personal exploration, she honed her talent in this expressive art form.
A profound longing to reconnect with her Pyrenean heritage and preserve local traditions emerged within her. Her father raised Lourdaise sheep, a breed on the verge of extinction, and their wool had been overlooked in the face of foreign competition. Fanny's mission became revitalising this neglected wool and paying homage to the ancient craftsmanship of her region.
Driven by her passion, the devoted artist ventured through windswept mountains to visit farms in her valley, collecting precious wool. With unwavering patience and determination, she carefully hand-selected each strand, ensuring the utmost quality. The treasure was then entrusted to an artisanal spinning mill nestled in the heart of the majestic Pyrenees, where the wool underwent traditional washing methods.
Through techniques such as carding, spinning, and dyeing, Fanny breathed life into her unique creations. Each piece became a vibrant celebration of colours and a testament to the rich local heritage.
But Fanny's ambitions didn't stop there. Collaborating with professionals, the designer aspired to develop a range of colourful yarns, placing emphasis on plant-based dyes to offer customers exceptional and eco-friendly products.
Today, this artisan aims to share her passion for fibre arts, providing everyone with an opportunity to connect with a storied history while supporting a local and sustainable economy.
3 comments
Pauline J
2/4/2024
Merci Fanny pour la matinée enrichissante. Découvrir l'art du filage de la laine et ton savoir-faire était passionnant !
Fanny R
10/15/2023
Atelier très complet, Fanny communique généreusement sa passion pour l'artisanat. La laine est sujet vaste et intéressant, j'ai beaucoup appris et mis en pratique. L'atelier peut se poursuivre chez-soi grâce au matériel et conseils fournis par Fanny. Super expérience, bonne continuation avec ton travail de la laine et merci pour le partage !
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Hristina S
2/26/2024
What a great workshop! We carded and spun wool, I worked on the wheel and hey, Fanny did something no one has done before - she managed to teach me how to knit. I am a lefty, so this was quite a challenge. I also got a nice bag of goodies! Highly recommend!