Textile Retreat with Miriam Parkman & Sage Reed
Hotel Svala, Åland Islands – September 2025
”An artist is an ordinary person who can take ordinary things and make them special”
Ruth Asawa
Join weaver and textile artist Miriam Parkman and photo stylist Sage Reed for an immersive autumn creative retreat and curated stay at Hotel Svala, located on the serene Åland Islands.
Over the course of this inspiring retreat, you’ll explore the transformation of foraged materials into color compositions, drawing, and personal textile expressions. You’ll learn to translate your surroundings into woven and hand-knotted samples rooted in the traditional rya technique. Miriam Parkman is a Swedish weaver, artist, and vintage collector whose work bridges traditional textile techniques and contemporary expression. With a deep respect for craftsmanship and storytelling through fiber, Miriam’s practice centers around hand-knotting, weaving, and color play—often using natural materials and dyes.
Over several days, you’ll:
Work with Miriam to learn rya techniques and explore the expressive potential of weaving and hand-knotting with frame looms
Take walks and boat rides through the island landscape to gather foraged materials and color inspiration
Explore simple design studies and develop color palettes informed by the island’s rich fall landscape and collect them with a sketchbook practice
Engage in visual and tactile material exploration, led by Sage, through guided composition and styling exercises
We’ll draw inspiration from the archipelago, shared meals, music, cocktails, Svala’s interiors and collections and above all— great company. Working with provided materials including a rare Ålandic wool—sourced from a heritage sheep on Kumlinge—and dyed with local plants. Our time together will be both structured and open, allowing for focused making as well as quiet reflection, all within the unique setting in the islands. Whether it’s a found object, a strand of wool, or a fleeting color in the moss, this retreat is about noticing, responding, and creating with intention.
Whether you're an experienced textile artist or simply drawn to working with your hands, you'll enjoy this unique experience.
Limited spaces available. Come as you are—ready to explore, connect, and create.
€1375 for a single room €1100 for a shared double room (single beds)
€600 deposit is required to reserve your spot and the balance paid at the hotel
INCLUDED
Rooms
Most workshop materials, a few things will be listed for you to bring with you
Wednesday dinner, Thursday-Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast
Sauna will be on by request
Bicycles to borrow
NOT INCLUDED
Travel to and from the hotel
Cocktails, wine, beer and drinks are added to your room
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