Go Handmade To Sicily

What to Expect

The Creative Crochet Retreat is an intimate five-day gathering in Sicily where crocheters refine their craft through expert guidance, collaborative making, and creative exchange.

❋ Intentional Structure

We blend guided workshops, shared moments, and open creative time to create a rhythm that feels both focused and fluid.
Each day is thoughtfully structured to support learning, making, and reflection; without rushing the process or overfilling the schedule.

❋ Collaborative Energy

Connection is a core part of the experience.
You’ll learn not only through workshops, but through shared making, conversation, feedback, and exchange. The group becomes part of the process, supportive, inspiring, and creatively enriching.

❋ Travel, Place & Food as Inspiration

Set in Sicily, the retreat is shaped by its surroundings.
Thoughtfully curated outings, local cuisine, and slow shared meals are woven into the experience, offering nourishment, inspiration, and a deeper connection to place, supporting creativity beyond the worktable.

❋ A Creative Space

This retreat is a structured creative platform designed to help you refine and elevate your crochet practice.
From technique and construction to creative direction and presentation, you’ll have the space, tools, and guidance to deepen your process and evolve your work.

Untitled design-9.png

Marina Shawl

Marina Shawl

Crochet Along -

Join us From Anywhere

CAL!

Can’t join us in person for the retreat? You can still crochet along with us from home! 🧶

This special CAL gives everyone the opportunity to work on the same beautiful project together, whether you’re attending the retreat in person or joining us virtually through our live sessions from anywhere in the world.

Participants will receive:

  • The official crochet pattern on the day that the retreat begins

  • Information and links for purchasing the exact yarn used for the projects

  • The chance to crochet alongside the retreat participants in real time and share the experience together

We’ve created three different levels so everyone can participate comfortably depending on their preferred yarn and experience level.

Materials

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Important Dates: Starts: June 16th,

Ends: July 16th

Whether you’re joining us from the retreat villa or from your cozy crochet corner at home, we can’t wait to create together 🤍

Creative Crochet Retreat is a fully all-inclusive retreat, designed so that once you land in Sicily (Italy), you don’t have to think about anything else. All meals, local transportation, curated outings, and creative sessions are taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Your only focus is to create and enjoy the journey.

 

• 4 nights and 5 days at a private luxury villa, designed for slow living, deep focus, and creative flow

• 4 expert-led workshops with established crochet designers and local artisans

• 3 curated Sicilian experiences, including Taormina, Mt. Etna and Cottanera Vinery

• 5 exclusive crochet projects, created especially for this retreat, with all yarn provided by our partners GoHandmade, Lana Gatto, and Durable

• A curated Crochet Tool Kit by our partner KnitPro

• A project bag by MUUD

• A collaborative, retreat-exclusive pattern test using GoHandmade yarn

• A professional photography session capturing your finished pieces and creative process

• Thoughtfully planned meals, including 4 Sicilian breakfasts, a welcome dinner, 3 villa lunches prepared by our personal chef, 2 apericenas at the villa, a lunch outing in Taormina, a welcome aperitivo at the villa, and an aperitivo in Taormina

• All transportation included, from airport transfers to travel to and from every scheduled outing

• Limited to just 12 participants, intentionally small to encourage meaningful connection, collaboration, and shared growth

Step into an intentional platform designed to elevate your crochet practice through design, making and growth.

Accommodation

A home designed for slow living and focused creativity

Set within Villa Marina Dei Greci, a private luxury villa in Sicily, our retreat unfolds in a space created for calm, beauty, and meaningful making. This is not a hotel, but a shared home, where mornings are unhurried, creativity flows naturally, and every corner invites rest, connection, or quiet focus.

Surrounded by Sicilian nature, Villa Marina offers expansive sun-filled interiors, generous communal spaces, outdoor terraces, and peaceful areas to crochet, reflect, or simply be. A private pool, gym, sauna, and access to a private beach create a gentle rhythm of movement, rest, and renewal throughout the day.

To preserve an intimate atmosphere, rooms are intentionally limited. Each room features a private bathroom, combining personal comfort with the warmth of shared living.

This is a place to slow down, go deeper into your practice, and create - supported, inspired, and fully present.

Tester call to Sicily

A pattern test, reimagined

Have you ever thought about how magical it would be to test a project in person?

So much can get lost in messages, emails, and comments. The nuances, the small doubts, the “ahh, now I get it” moments. What happens when you add a personal touch’ sitting together, crocheting side by side, exchanging opinions with fellow testers, and receiving first-hand explanations directly from the designer?
That question is exactly where this idea was born.

This retreat is an in-person pattern test, a living, breathing version of what we already love doing online, only deeper, slower, and shared.

  • By the end of the retreat, you will have:

    • 3 finished projects

    • 1 additional project to test after the retreat

    All yarn is fully covered for every project, so you can focus entirely on making, testing, and enjoying the process together.

  • One of the projects will begin before the retreat, so we arrive already warmed up and connected to the process.

    • You’ll receive your yarn in advance, and we’ll start by warming up with a project by Agnes.
      This piece will be started before the retreat and finished together during her workshop, allowing space for feedback, adjustments, and shared insights.

    During the retreat, you’ll also start and complete one mini project in the workshop led by Cicka Design, from first stitch to final finish, all together.

    One main project will be tested and made entirely during the retreat, following the same collaborative, hands-on approach.

    One extra mini project as a backup, perfect for fast crocheters or anyone who wants an additional make

    All patterns are thoughtfully paired with their yarns and are designed as simple, easy, summery pieces - relaxed, wearable, and perfect for mindful making.

  • As a final touch, you’ll receive a gift bag containing:

    • The yarn

    • The pattern for a project to test after the retreat

    So the connection, the making, and the shared experience continue, long after we’ve said goodbye.

    This is not just a retreat.
    It’s a test, a collaboration, a conversation, and a chance to experience crochet the way it was always meant to be: together.

Our Partners

  • Go Handmade

    Main Project Yarn Partner

    Go Handmade represents a Scandinavian approach to yarn design, where modern fibers and refined color palettes take center stage. Their yarns are developed with a strong focus on texture, drape, and contemporary aesthetics, making them particularly suited for garment design. Bamboo, one of their signature yarns, is celebrated for its softness, fluid movement, and elegant stitch definition and is central to the retreat’s design-led work.

  • Durable

    Yarn Partner

    Durable brings a Northern European perspective focused on reliability, versatility, and technical performance. Known for consistent quality, wide color ranges, and accessible yet well-performing yarns, their collections are designed to work across techniques and skill levels. This makes Durable yarns particularly suited for testing, pattern development, and technical exploration, while offering insight into materials widely used by a broad community of designers and makers.

  • Lana Gatto

    Yarn Partner

    Lana Gatto is a historic Italian yarn brand recognized for premium fibers and carefully curated collections rooted in textile tradition. Their yarns reflect a refined approach to material selection, where quality, heritage, and craftsmanship are central. Working with these fibers encourages a deeper appreciation of classic materials and the role of textile excellence in contemporary crochet design.

  • KnitPro

    Tools Partner

    KnitPro is an internationally recognized tools brand known for precision, functionality, and thoughtful design. Each participant will receive a complete professional tool kit, including crochet hooks, scissors, measuring tape, stitch markers, and tapestry needles. Working with a unified, high-quality tool set supports technical accuracy and a consistent workflow throughout testing, learning, and creation.

  • MUUD

    Accessories Partner

    Muud is a Danish brand known for high-quality leather project bags and thoughtfully designed craft accessories. Each participant will receive one Muud leather project bag along with a coordinating accessory, designed to support organization, portability, and long-term use. Muud pieces support a considered and intentional workflow, where organization and material care are treated as part of the creative process.

Creative Sessions

Design in Practice: Introducing the Collective Test Project
Workshop with ACCrochets
Workshop with yarnS
Refined Simplicity: Building Well-Fitting Crochet Garments
From Piece to Image: Styling and Photographing Crochet Work
Color from Nature: An Introduction to Natural Yarn Dyeing

In this workshop, we will work with Durable and Lana Gatto yarns while focusing on how to style, present, and photograph finished crochet pieces in a professional and intentional way. Participants will learn how to translate handmade work into strong visual narratives suited for portfolios, websites, and social media. The session will also cover practical tips on composition, lighting, and visual consistency to elevate the overall presentation of handmade work.

This hands-on workshop introduces natural yarn dyeing using plant-based sources and traditional processes. Participants will work with Lana Gatto yarn for dyeing, exploring how colour, fiber, and material origin influence design choices and creative outcomes. The session emphasises experimentation and mindful colour development as part of a sustainable and expressive design practice.

This workshop explores how simple crochet stitches and techniques can be used intentionally to create garments with excellent fit and drape. Participants will work using Durable yarn, focusing on stitch choice, structure, and construction as tools for refined, wearable design. The session emphasises thoughtful decision-making and hands-on experimentation to achieve professional, well-balanced results.

This workshop introduces the collective project that participants will develop and test together throughout the retreat. It defines the design direction, construction logic, and testing framework, establishing a shared foundation for collaboration and learning. Throughout the workshop, participants will work using Go Handmade yarn and KnitPro toolkit.

Workshop with Penelope
Workshop with Cicka Design

A moment to be seen

Personal photo session with Chelsea

Each day of the retreat, we will gently set aside one hour for photography at the villa, led by our professional photographer Chelsea. These sessions are woven naturally into the rhythm of the retreat, unhurried, intentional, and calm.

Chelsea will work one-on-one with each participant, creating a private and supportive space where you can choose how you wish to be captured. Your session may focus on:

  • you working on your project, documenting your process and hands at work

  • wearing or styling your finished crochet piece

  • clean, timeless headshots for your website, profile photos, press, or future use

From this session, you will receive 5 professionally edited images, carefully selected and refined to reflect both your work and your presence as a maker.

This is more than a photo shoot, it is an opportunity to be seen in your practice, to gather images that feel true to you, and to leave Sicily with visual memories you can carry forward into your creative journey.

Curated Outings

Taormina

A full day in one of Sicily’s most iconic towns, known for its historic streets, dramatic views, and Mediterranean atmosphere. The day includes a lunch, free time to explore, and an evening aperitivo at a panoramic sky bar.

Walk with Alpacas on Mount Etna

A guided walk with alpacas along the slopes of Mount Etna, followed by an introduction to the production of alpaca yarn. The experience ends with an aperitivo, weaving together fiber, landscape, and material origin. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase yarn produced on site.

Wine Tasting at Cottanera

A guided wine tasting at Cottanera, a prestigious winery located on Mount Etna. This experience offers insight into Etna’s unique terroir and concludes the retreat with a moment of shared reflection and celebration.

A Day in Taormina

Kuttiggiu

For lunch, we’ll gather at Kuttigghiu, a colorful and deeply traditional Sicilian restaurant tucked into the charming streets of town. Expect authentic local dishes, vibrant flavors, and that unmistakable Southern Italian warmth. This is the kind of place where recipes are rooted in heritage, plates are generous, and every bite tells a story of Sicily.

Our day in Taormina is about savoring Sicily slowly, through beauty, flavor, and atmosphere.

After wandering through Taormina’s sunlit streets, we’ll head up for aperitivo at Blue Sky Bar Taormina, a rooftop bar overlooking the shimmering Ionian Sea. With panoramic views, refreshing cocktails, and elegant finger food, it’s the perfect golden-hour pause before we return to our villa.

Blue Sky Bar

 

What's Included

  • A five-day stay at a modern Sicilian Villa Marina featuring a private pool and direct access to a private volcanic rock beach, with the option to choose between a single or shared room.

  • The program includes three group outings: a full day in Taormina, a Mount Etna experience with Alpaca Trekking and insight into alpaca yarn production, and a guided Wine Tasting at Cottanera.

  • The Creative Crochet Retreat includes a carefully curated food and beverage experience rooted in Sicilian tradition and shared moments around the table. Meals are designed to support the rhythm of the residency, balancing nourishment, connection, and time to slow down.

    Included:

    • 4 traditional Sicilian breakfasts at the villa

    • 3 lunches prepared at the villa by a personal chef

    • 1 dinner at the villa prepared by a personal chef

    • 1 lunch in Taormina at a curated local restaurant

    • 1 welcome aperitivo at the villa

    • 1 aperitivo in Taormina

    • 1 aperitivo on Mount Etna

    • 1 guided wine tasting at Cottanera

    • 2 apericena evenings at the villa

    *Dietary requirements and allergies will be collected prior to arrival. Vegetarian options are available, and meals are prepared with care using seasonal, locally inspired ingredients.

  • The Creative Crochet Retreat includes three crochet oriented workshops led by established designers and artists, each designed to support a different yet complementary aspect of professional crochet practice. Together, these sessions offer a balanced approach to design thinking, construction, material understanding, and presentation, ensuring participants leave with both practical skills and a deeper creative perspective.

    The workshops focus on:

    • Design and construction, exploring how thoughtful choices in structure and technique lead to well-fitting, wearable crochet garments

    • Refined simplicity, demonstrating how simple stitches and methods can be used intentionally to achieve strong form, drape, and versatility

    • Presentation and visual storytelling, guiding participants in how to style, photograph, and communicate their finished work professionally

    In addition, a dedicated workshop on natural yarn dyeing introduces participants to plant-based color processes, fiber preparation, and material origin. This hands-on experience deepens material awareness and connects color, sustainability, and design as integral parts of the creative process.

    Together, these workshops form a cohesive learning experience that supports both skill development and creative growth, while providing tools that are immediately applicable to each participant’s own crochet practice.

  • As part of the retreat, each participant will receive an individual professional photo session with our photographer, Chelsea.

    You’ll receive 5 professionally edited images, intentionally created to support your creative and professional presence. The shoot can be tailored to your needs and may include a mix of:

    • You working on your project (process-focused, natural, behind-the-scenes)

    • Styling and showcasing the finished piece

    • Wearing your crochet design

    • Clean, natural headshots for profile photos, websites, or press use

    This session is designed to give you versatile, high-quality content you can confidently use across your portfolio, website, social media, or future applications, capturing both your work and your identity as a maker.

  • All materials required for the workshops and collective projects are fully included in the Creative Crochet Retreat. Each yarn, tool, and accessory is intentionally selected to support learning, comparison, and a professional creative workflow, allowing participants to focus entirely on process and practice.

    Participants will work on one main collective project using yarn from Go Handmade, serving as the design anchor of the retreat. Additional workshop projects are supported by carefully chosen materials, including yarn by Durable for Agnes’s construction-focused workshop and yarn by Lana Gatto for Mahira’s presentation and photography workshop, offering distinct material perspectives across sessions.

    Each participant will also receive a complete crochet tool kit provided by KnitPro, including hooks and essential tools, ensuring consistency and precision throughout the retreat. To support organization and workflow, every participant receives one leather project bag from Muud, designed for long-term use beyond the retreat.

    The experience begins with a welcome gift bag curated with retreat essentials and concludes with a goodbye bag containing yarn and a follow-up project to continue the work after returning home. Together, these materials form a cohesive framework that supports learning during the retreat and sustained creative practice afterward.

  • All transportation during the Creative Crochet Retreat is fully included, allowing participants to arrive and move throughout the program with ease and clarity. Airport transfers are provided from Catania Airport, with two scheduled pick-up times on arrival day at 14:00 and 17:00, and a group drop-off at 16:00 on the final day; timings can be adjusted in advance to align with individual flight schedules where possible.

    Group transportation is also included for all curated outings, with transfers provided to and from Taormina, Mount Etna, and Cottanera. This coordinated approach ensures a smooth, shared experience throughout the residency, allowing participants to remain fully present and focused on the creative program.

What’s Not Included

  • Flights to and from Sicily are not included in the retreat package. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the provided transfer schedule.

  • Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Participants are responsible for securing appropriate coverage for travel, health, personal belongings, and any unforeseen circumstances during the retreat.

  • Only meals and food experiences expressly listed as included in the program are provided. Any additional meals, snacks, or beverages outside the scheduled offerings are not included.

  • Only outings, activities, and services specifically stated as part of the Creative Crochet Retreat program are included. Any optional, personal, or unscheduled activities are not covered.

Creative Crochet Retreat is a shared experience shaped by learning, collaboration, and creative exchange.

Room Options

  • 🛏️ TWIN ROOM - €2200 pp

    2 single beds – Shared *The bed in the photo can be separated into two individual beds.

    For connection and shared experience

    A shared room with two single beds, perfect for friends or participants who enjoy a community-focused atmosphere. This option balances comfort with connection and is ideal for those who value shared creative energy.

    ✔ Two single beds
    ✔ Shared room
    ✔ Great for friends or open sharers
    ✔ Best balance of comfort and value ✔ Shared bathroom for 2

  • 🛏️ DOUBLE ROOM - €1900 pp

    1 double bed – Shared

    For close connections

    A shared room with one double bed, suitable for couples or close friends attending together. This is the most intimate shared option, offering a slightly lower rate while maintaining the same level of comfort and access to all villa spaces.

    ✔ One double bed
    ✔ Shared room
    ✔ Ideal for couples or close friends
    ✔ Cozy and comfortable ✔ Shared bathroom for 2

  • 🛏️ SINGLE ROOM - €2400 pp

    Single Bed - Private

    For those who value solitude and quiet

    A private room with a single bed, ideal for solo travelers who want maximum privacy and personal space. This option offers the most independence and comfort, allowing you to fully recharge between workshops.

    ✔ Private room
    ✔ Single bed
    ✔ Ideal for solo travelers
    ✔ Highest level of privacy ✔ Private Bathroom

  • 🛏️ DOUBLE ROOM - €3000 pp

    Double Bed – Private

    For those who want space and comfort, just for themselves

    A private room with a double bed, ideal for guests who prefer more space while enjoying complete privacy. This option offers the comfort of a larger bed and a calm personal retreat, perfect for unwinding, resting, and recharging after full creative days.

    ✔ Private room
    ✔ Double bed
    ✔ Ideal for solo travelers who prefer extra space
    ✔ Comfortable and spacious
    ✔ Private bathroom

Supported Maker Place

The supported maker place is offered to one crochet designer, tester, or content creator who feels aligned with the spirit of the retreat and would benefit meaningfully from this experience, but may not be able to attend at the full price.

This place is available at a reduced rate of €1,500 and includes the full retreat experience: all workshops, materials, meals, excursions, and activities, as well as accommodation in a shared room at the villa.

In return, the selected maker is asked to support the retreat through content creation during the week. This includes sharing their experience through photos, short videos, or reflections that document the process, the projects, and the atmosphere of the retreat, in a way that feels natural, authentic, and aligned with their personal voice. This content helps us tell the story of the retreat from within the making process.

This place exists to keep the retreat accessible to a wider range of voices within our community. We believe creative spaces are strongest when they bring together designers and makers at different stages of their journey, learning from one another and contributing in meaningful, generous ways.

If this retreat resonates with you and this support would make participation possible, you are warmly invited to apply. In the application form, you’ll be able to select the supported maker place if you wish to be considered. All applications are reviewed with care, intention, and discretion.

Meet the Team

  • Enida Avdic | yarnS

    HOST DESIGNER

    Enida is the founder and host of the Creative Crochet Retreat. As a crochet designer behind yarnS, her work focuses on crochet garments and modern construction. She created this retreat as a space where designer, testers and crochet creators can slow down, deepen their skills, and work alongside one another - experiencing crochet as a living, professional, and evolving practice, while naturally fostering connection between makers and the brands that support their work, and opening space for future collaborations grounded in shared values.

    Throughout the retreat, Enida will be present as both host and point of support for participants throughout the experience. She will also lead the main workshop project that the group will be working on together, creating space for shared making, discussion, and learning along the way.

  • Mahira Duran | Cicka Design

    DESIGNER, WORKSHOP HOST & CO-HOST

    Mahira is the designer behind CickaDesign and co-host of the Creative Crochet Retreat. Her work is rooted in visual storytelling and thoughtful presentation, with a strong focus on how crochet can be communicated beyond the making process itself. During the retreat, she will lead a workshop dedicated to crochet photography and visual narrative, exploring how handmade pieces can be translated into compelling images and cohesive stories.

    Through practical guidance, hands-on exercises, and real examples from her own process, Mahira will support participants in refining how their work is seen, shared, and understood, helping designers present their crochet with clarity, intention, and confidence across platforms, portfolios, and professional spaces.

  • Agnes Koch | ACCrochets

    DESIGNER & WORKSHOP HOST

    Agnes is the designer behind AC Crochets, known for her thoughtful approach to construction and her refined, understated aesthetic. Her work centers on simplicity with intention, focusing on how structure, proportion, and stitch choice come together to create garments that feel both effortless and considered.

    During the retreat, Agnes will host a workshop exploring how simple crochet stitches can be used deliberately to achieve beautiful drape and strong, wearable forms. Through guided making and shared discussion, she will invite participants to slow down and look closely at their design decisions, showing how restraint, clarity, and quiet choices can elevate even the most minimal stitches into timeless, well-balanced pieces.

  • Chelsea Johnson

    RETREAT PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER

    Chelsea is the retreat’s photographer and videographer, and the creative eye behind Prone to Wander Photography. With a calm, editorial approach, she will document the retreat as it unfolds, capturing both the quiet, in-between moments of the creative process and the finished work as it takes shape.

    Present throughout the retreat, Chelsea’s work supports storytelling, content creation, and portfolio building. She will also offer dedicated one-to-one photo sessions with each participant, allowing space for more personal, intentional imagery. Each participant will leave with a considered selection of high-quality images and video that reflect not only their finished pieces, but also their process, presence, and the atmosphere of the retreat itself.

  • Barbara Calabresi | Penelope

    NATURAL DYE ARTIST & WORKSHOP HOST

    Barbara is the artist behind Penelope and specializes in textile and yarn dyeing, natural color processes, and bio stamping. Based in Panarea, she runs her own shop and leads courses focused on natural dyeing and bio stamping, sharing hands-on approaches to sustainable, material-led practices. Her work is deeply rooted in an intimate relationship with fiber, color, and place.

    During the retreat, Barbara will lead a hands-on workshop introducing participants to natural dye techniques, color development, and fiber preparation. Through hands-on experimentation, her session brings together material origin, sustainability, and color, inviting participants to explore how natural dyes can shape design decisions and deepen the connection between fiber, maker, and the finished garment.

  • Catherine Sypert

    CREATIVE CONTENT STRATEGY ADVISOR

    Catherine is an avid crocheter who enjoys bringing handmade pieces to life through imagery and social media storytelling. Throughout the retreat, she'll be available as a resource for participants interested in exploring visual content creation and developing an online presence for their work. Whether discussing platform strategy or offering tips on capturing your pieces in a compelling way, Catherine provides practical insights for anyone looking to share their creative work more intentionally.

    Catherine will be joining the retreat as both a participant and team member. Having collaborated closely with Enida in bringing this retreat to life, she'll support operations behind the scenes to ensure a seamless, thoughtful experience for all.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Creative Crochet Retreat?
    This Creative Crochet Retreat is about growing your crochet skills and your content creation skills in a supportive, inspiring environment.
    It’s a space to connect with like-minded creatives who share the same passion, to build meaningful relationships with yarn brands and other creative businesses, and to expand your vision of what crochet can become.
    Along the way, you’ll learn, eat great food, explore Sicily, and experience creativity beyond the hook.

    Where does the retreat take place?
    The retreat takes place in Giardini Naxos, a seaside town on the east coast of Sicily (Italy), just 15 minutes from Taormina.

    What are the dates and duration?
    The retreat runs from the 15th to the 19th, for a total of 4 nights and 5 days, check-in starts from 15:00 on the 15th and the checkout is by 15:00 on the 19th.

    Who is this retreat for?
    For confident beginners, intermediate, and advanced crocheters who want to deepen their skills, grow creatively, and connect with others who share the same passion.

    How many people will attend?
    The retreat is limited to a maximum of 12 people, team included, to ensure an intimate, personal, and high-quality experience.

  • Are materials included?
    Yes. All yarn, hooks, tools, and curated crochet kits are included.

    Which yarns will we use?
    Projects feature Go Handmade, Durable, and Lana Gatto yarns.

    Do I need to bring anything?
    Everything essential is provided. You’re welcome to bring personal hooks or tools if you prefer.

    What’s Included, Materials & Projects?

    All materials for the retreat are fully provided, thoughtfully selected and paired with each project. Each participant will receive:

    • Main retreat project
      Pattern for Swimwear cover-up / shawl
      A versatile summer piece that can be worn as both a cover-up and a shawl, developed specifically for the retreat using yarn by Go Handmade,

    • Agnes’ workshop project
      A summer top pattern by Agnes, with Durable yarn to complete the garment.

    • Bag project with Mahira
      Bag accessories including base and shoulder strap by Muud, paired with yarn by Durable.

    • Backup project
      Pattern by Mahira and yarn for a head bandana by Lana Gatto, for anyone who finishes early or wants an additional project.

    • Goodbye project
      Pattern and yarn to complete a lightweight summer cardigan, also by Lana Gatto, to take home and finish after the retreat.

    • Natural dye workshop sample
      A sample of naturally dyed yarn created during Barbara’s natural dyeing workshop, using Lana Gatto yarn.

    Retreat Swag & Tools

    Each participant will also receive a curated selection of tools and keepsakes:

    • A retreat notebook and pen, with a branded pouch

    • A complete crochet kit including hooks, scissors, measuring tape, stitch markers, and tapestry needles by KnitPro

    • A project bag by Muud

    • A goodbye bag with additional handmade goodies and small surprises

  • Which airport should I fly into?
    Catania Airport is the closest airport to the retreat location and is where all group pick-ups and drop-offs will take place.

    Is airport transfer included?
    Yes. Group transfers from and to Catania Airport are included at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.

    What if I arrive earlier, use another airport, or travel independently?
    If you choose to arrive earlier, travel by train or car, or are already local, you’re welcome to organize your own transportation to the villa.
    You may also fly into Reggio Calabria or Palermo airports; however, these involve longer travel times and transfers.

    How far is the villa from the airport?
    The drive from Catania Airport to the villa takes approximately 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

    Is transportation during the retreat included?
    Yes. Group transportation for all scheduled outings and activities is included.

    Can you help me plan my arrival?
    We’re happy to offer general guidance once your spot is confirmed, but travel arrangements outside the scheduled group transfers are the participant’s responsibility.

  • To keep things easy and light, most materials and tools are already taken care of. You’ll just need to bring a few personal essentials:

    • Swimwear for beach time and relaxed moments by the water

    • Light, breathable clothing suitable for warm Sicilian weather

    • Comfortable trekking or walking shoes for the countryside walk with the alpacas

    • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection

    • Any personal items you need for daily comfort

    Everything related to projects, yarn, tools, and workshops will be provided, so you can travel lighter and focus on making, resting, and enjoying the experience.

    We also recommend leaving some extra space in your luggage, you’ll be heading home with yarn, projects, tools, and a few special pieces collected during the retreat.

  • What is the accommodation like?
    We’ll be staying at Villa Marina in Giardini Naxos. All rooms have a private bathroom and are designed for comfort and rest.
    Room options include single-bed bedrooms, two-bed bedrooms for sharing, and one queen-bed bedroom.
    The villa features a pool, private beach access, and shared spaces for relaxing and creating.

    Are all meals included?
    Yes. All meals listed are included for the entire duration of the retreat, from arrival to departure.
    Meals are inspired by traditional Sicilian cuisine, prepared to be nourishing, seasonal, and shared together.

    What drinks are included?
    During breakfast, coffee, tea, and orange juice will be available. The villa is also equipped with a coffee machine for shared use.
    During meals, alcoholic beverages will be provided, including red or white wine, Prosecco, and Aperol Spritz.
    Any additional drinks outside of these offerings are not included.

  • How does the booking process work?
    The retreat follows an application-based concept, inspired by a crochet pattern test - only this time, you’ll be testing the project in person, in Sicily.
    To apply, you’ll first fill out the application form. Submitting the form does not reserve your spot.

    When will I know if I’ve been selected?
    Applicants will be contacted by email at the end of March, or earlier if spots fill quickly, to confirm whether they have been selected to test the pattern and attend the retreat in Sicily.

    How do I secure my spot if selected?
    Once selected, you’ll be invited to secure your spot by placing a 50% deposit.
    The remaining 50% balance is due two months prior to the retreat. Payment details will be shared in your confirmation email.

    Can the cost be split into payments?
    Yes. The retreat cost is split into two payments:
    – 50% deposit upon confirmation
    – 50% balance due two months before the retreat

    What is the cancellation policy?
    The full cancellation policy can be found at the end of this page and applies to all bookings.

    Is travel insurance required?
    Travel insurance is not required, but it is highly advised to protect against unexpected travel disruptions.

  • Participation in outings and excursions is optional. If you prefer to skip an activity, you’re welcome to stay at the villa, relax, work on your projects, or spend the time in your own way.

    We do ask that you let us know in advance if you won’t be joining a specific outing, so we can organize logistics accordingly. For each outing you choose not to participate in, €100 will be deducted from the total retreat price.

    That said, we do warmly encourage participation whenever possible. Each outing is thoughtfully planned and curated to offer a deeper experience of Sicily, as well as shared moments that build connection and community within the group.

  • You’re always welcome to contact us by filling out the form below - we’re happy to help.

Get in Touch

Still have questions or unsure if the retreat is right for you?
Use the form below to get in touch, we’re happy to help and guide you through the process.

We do our best to respond within a few days and look forward to connecting with you.

Terms & Conditions - Creative Crochet Retreat

 

    • Participation in the Retreat is by application only.

    • Submitting the application form does not guarantee or reserve a place.

    • Selected participants will be notified by email once applications have been reviewed.

    • A place is confirmed only once the required deposit has been received.

    • The total retreat fee may be paid in two installments:

      • 50% non-refundable deposit upon confirmation of acceptance to secure your place.

      • Remaining 50% balance due no later than May 15th.

    • Failure to pay the remaining balance by the due date may result in forfeiture of your place, with no refund of amounts already paid.

    • All prices include accommodation, meals, workshops, yarn, patterns, and materials as specified on the retreat page, unless stated otherwise.

    • All payments made for the Retreat are non-refundable.

    • If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to resell or transfer your spot to another participant.

    • We are happy to assist with promoting the available spot to our audience, but cannot guarantee a replacement participant.

    • Any transfer of a spot must be approved by the organisers to ensure suitability and group balance.

    Organiser Cancellation

    1. In the unlikely event that the Retreat is cancelled by us, all payments made will be fully refunded.

    2. We are not responsible for any additional costs incurred by participants (such as flights or travel expenses).

    • Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the retreat location.

    • Travel insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

    • Participants are responsible for ensuring they hold valid travel documents, visas, and health requirements where applicable.

    • Accommodation details (including room type and bed configuration) are outlined on the retreat information page.

    • Room types will be assigned based on the preferences and information provided in the application form, and are subject to availability.

    • While we do our best to accommodate preferences, specific room assignments cannot be guaranteed.

    • Participants agree to respect shared spaces, property, and fellow guests throughout the Retreat.

    • Any damage caused to the accommodation or property due to negligence may be charged to the participant.

    • The Retreat follows a structured program with scheduled workshops and group activities.

    • Participants are expected to be present and engaged for the full duration of the Retreat.

    • Minor schedule adjustments may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

    • Workshops are designed as collaborative, hands-on experiences; outcomes may vary depending on individual skill level.

    • All yarns, patterns, and materials provided are selected by the organisers and designers.

    • Participants are expected to work with the materials provided for the workshop projects.

    • Patterns shared during the Retreat are for personal use only and may not be distributed, sold, or reproduced without permission.

    • Photography and video recording will take place during the Retreat.

    • By attending, participants consent to being photographed or filmed for promotional, editorial, and archival purposes.

    • If you have specific concerns regarding content usage, you must inform us in writing prior to the Retreat.

    • The Retreat is designed as a safe, mindful, and supportive space. Participants take part at their own pace and comfort level.

    • While we do everything we can to create a calm and secure environment, participation in the Retreat is at your own discretion and responsibility.

    • We cannot be held responsible for personal injury, illness, or loss or damage to personal belongings during the Retreat.

    • We kindly ask participants to inform us in advance of any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs that may affect their experience, so we can do our best to support you.

    • We encourage everyone to listen to their bodies, rest when needed, and communicate openly with us at any point during the Retreat.

  • For any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact us via the Get in Touch form on the retreat website.

 
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