2016 Retreat is coming along!

Our next retreat is scheduled, registration is open, and you can submit a class proposal – now it’s time for more big news!

10231560561191CDPI’m happy to announce that Esther Benedict of Belle Estoile will be joining us as a featured teacher! She’s been coming to our events for years, teaching spinning, fleece cleaning, embroidery, and weaving.

A crafter since she was a child, in 2013 Esther founded Belle Estoile, and began selling her one-of-a-kind handwoven scarves and shawls on-line and at craft shows. She is now branching into a line of handwoven liturgical items.

Esther enjoys most fiber arts, including spinning, dyeing, sewing, and embroidery, as well as weaving.  A frequent teacher, Esther gets great enjoyment and fulfillment from organizing group textile activities, including captaining a Spinzilla team, numerous Sheep-to-Shawl charity fundraisers, and group embroidery projects such as the “Bjo Tapestry.”

The Bjo Tapestry
The Bjo Tapestry

“I love the energy that happens when everyone gets together, and works together, to create something together, and challenges themselves to learn, and grow, and do something new along the way – it’s so much fun!”

Esther lives in Oxnard, California with her husband Bruce, a dachshund named Rosie and a tabby cat called KiKi. She hasn’t (yet) given up her day job as a law firm administrator for an estate planning firm in Ventura, California.

Esther will be teaching a practical weaving class as well as classes on inspiration and color theory, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy!