Join me for my upcoming learning events!
A Slow Stitching Retreat in Bad Gastein
Next autumn we’ll gather in the Austrian mountains to create an improvised patchwork, using simple naturally dyed and remnant fabrics, simple running stitches and hand-sewing techniques to bring fragments together into something new. We'll explore composition and colour, the quiet rhythm of stitching by hand, and ways of letting the fabric itself guide the process. The finished piece can be used as a wall hanging or integrated into a greater textile object (i.e. curtain, pillow, bag, table cloth).
Dörte will bring a selection of naturally dyed cotton, linen and silk fabrics and remnant fabrics from her studio. Participants are invited to bring personal fabrics that they would like to integrate into their piece.
Between creative sessions, we share meals and enjoy the surroundings: a refreshing swim in the iconic hotel pool, relaxing hours in the sauna or sun terrasse, yoga, or quiet walks through the autumn forest or historic village.
>> Find the detailed retreat programme here! <<
At a glance:
Date: Thu, 14 Oct – Sun, 17 Oct 2027
Location: The Cōmodo, Bad Gastein, Austria
Group size: max. 10
Focus: Color Composition, Handstiching, Patchwork
Includes: 4 days, 3 nights' accommodation, 8 meals, workshops (tool & materials included), yoga & nature
Language: German, English
Cost:
Single Room: EUR 1049 per person | Earlybird EUR 996 per person
Double Room: EUR 887 per person | Earlybird EUR 843 per person
Earlybird: Save 5% with code SSBG2027 until 31 January 2027
*****************
Rooms:
You can choose between a single room or a shared double room. The double room has a shared double bed, so please only select this option if you book together with a person you know. You can mention your room partner in the registration form.
Those traveling with a person who does not participate in the retreat: The upgrade to a double room costs EUR 30 per person per night incl. breakfast, excluding EUR 4,50 tourist tax per person per day. Please book a single room here, followed by an email to the hotel reception to upgrade to a double or family room: info@thecomodo.com
Booking and Payment:
Make booking through this page.
Fill out the application popup form when making payment. We use this information only for our room allocation and meal preparation purposes.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
>> Find the detailed retreat programme here! <<
A bojagi is a traditional Korean textile cloth in which scraps of fabric are sewn together to create fine, often transparent surfaces. The best-known form is jogakbo - a geometric patchwork in which precisely executed, visible seams are deliberately used as a design element. Traditionally, a bojagi is used as a wrapping and gift cloth and symbolises care, appreciation and sustainability.
In this course we will learn the Jogakbo technique and apply it in practice by designing and realising our own Bojagi cloth. We will work with transparent and opaque fabrics such as silk, ramie, cotton or linen and will focus on stitching techniques, colour effects, composition and surface division. Sewing is done both by hand and with the sewing machines available, whereby the special features and qualities of both working methods are taught. The course combines traditional knowledge with contemporary design approaches and accompanies the entire process from the first exercises to the finished work.
Group of participants: all interested parties
Requirements: Basic sewing skills
Number of participants: max. 12 people
Course language: German, English if required
Course times: Mon - Thu 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30, Fri 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-16:00
Course fee: 420 euros, for students 380 euros (excluding material costs)
→ More details and booking via the website of Textile Kultur Haslach
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of natural dyes, nestled in the peaceful countryside of the Grünheide nature reserve around a historic estate - where flowers, leaves, and bark are transformed into vibrant, healing hues.
From 11–13 September, we gather in the wild surroundings of Bauernschloss to experiment with foraged plants - creating vibrant natural colours and exploring diverse ways of working with them. We look at mordanting techniques for both plant and animal fibres, experiment with iron and vinegar modifications, and enjoy more playful applications through wax resist and bundle dyeing.
The retreat offers ample time to relax, swim, do yoga in the beautiful Teehaus, and take walks in nature.
>> Find the detailed retreat programme here! <<
At a glance:
Date: Fri, Sept. 11 – Sun, Sept. 13, 2026
Location: Bauernschloss e.V., Kagel, Grünheide
Group size: max. 10
Focus: Dye plants and experimental dyeing methods
Includes: 2 nights' accommodation, 6 vegetarian meals, 3 workshops (materials included), yoga & nature
Language: German, English
Cost: 595 EUR incl. 19% VAT all inclusive
Booking and Payment:
Make booking through this page (you can choose to pay a deposit now and the remainder by 31. July, or the full amount)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
We understand that plans can change. The following terms apply:
More than 60 days before the retreat: full refund, minus a €25 processing fee
60–30 days before the retreat: 50% refund
Less than 30 days before the retreat: no refund
If your spot can be filled by another participant, cancellation fees will be waived - you will only be charged the €25 processing fee. You are welcome to suggest someone to take your place.
We strongly recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance to cover potential costs in case of illness.
By booking the retreat, you agree to these terms and conditions.