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 traditionalrya 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

• 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 spots available. Come as you are—ready to explore, connect, and create.