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 classic socks (worked on 4 x DPN with gusset heels) has served me as a gentle distraction from an increasingly harried world.

Its meditation and pursuit has led me, when time permits, to join local craft groups and a meeting with other kindred people — many of whom I am proud to now call my 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, I recently commenced incorporating visits to local yarn stores and specialist suppliers into lunch or other stops during our usual Gourmet Journey’s food and wine tours.

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

YARN CRAFT JOURNEYS WEAVE TOGETHER THE VERY BEST OF NEW ZEALAND FOOD, WINE & YARNS 

New Zealand or Aotearoa: “The Land of the Long White Cloud” a jade coloured paradise; internationally renowned for its stunning scenery, award-winning food and wine, friendly, welcoming locals and Fabulous yarns! 

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

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

• Overnight crafty Homestay in regional Ashburton 

• Most meals including -- all breakfasts, 4 lunches + 5 dinners 

• Tour Highlight specialty dining experience at Fleurs Place, in remote Moeraki - chef Rick Steins NZ favourite NZ

• Morning cruise aboard The Spirit of Queenstown on stunning Lake Wakatipu  

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

• A private visit to the "The World's Top Doll Maker" Jan Mclean at her workshop.  Jan is an awe-inspiring collector of vintage fabrics, buttons, feathers and lace which feature on her gorgeous porcelain dolls, much sort after by celebrities around the world.  Browse her workshop, ask squillons of questions --  followed by her legendary High Tea luncheon!

• An extended visit allowing time to leisurely explore the 200+ market stalls at the fabulous GERALDINE SUMMER FETE. The event is now in its 11th year and offers a wide variety of high quality home, garden and lifestyle products (including yarn!) including lots of yummy tastes to sample - oh! and did I mention the PIMMS TENT…?! (every good fete should have one of these … or two or… )

• Tour of the iconic Ashford Handicraft factory the world's leading manufacturer of Spinning Wheels, Weaving Looms and other textile equipment and dyes + a half day exclusive workshop hosted by Ashford

•  A very rare and extraordinary visit to a traditional Māori marae followed by lunch and a unique opportunity to learn to work the harakeke (flax) fibre to weave a simple item. Workshop led by a Master Weaver in a truly stunning seaside location near the picturesque village of Akaroa

• Stops at lots of glorious squishy yarn stops to replenish thy stash including Stitching Post, Arrowtown; Touch Yarns, Clyde; TOTE Emporium, Oamaru; Vintage Purl Yarns, Dunedin, and the Ashford Craft Shop in Ashburton (along with others which we may just happen to stumble across… accidently/on purpose — time permitting of course)

• 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”on the day during this unprecedented health event. Your health & safety is our primary concern. At this time, the tour itinerary as outlined on the flyer is confirmed.

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THE RETREAT 

Rescheduled to 2022 due to COVID-19

Our sensational Retreat venue will be an exclusive use 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.