Handweaving with Ulrike
Hand weave your own pieces on the loom, transforming alpaca fleece and silk into garments under the guidance of Uli. Hike along the Gran Canaria, visit a cochineal farmer and her 85 year old teacher local to the island.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $885
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $300
Meet the Artist
Uli is a handweaver and natural dyer who creates textiles with colour harmonies inspired by the landscape that surrounds her. She is officially recognized as a hand weaver by the Canarian Government and is one of the co-founders of the Association of Craftsmen of Gran Canaria. She uses luxurious natural materials, such as silk and alpaca, locally harvested dyes, including cochineal, which has a special history with the island. Weaving according to her is a creative mindfulness practice that helps you to stay focused on the here and the now. Her studio is located in the picturesque old town of Ingenio, inside a historic building decorated by interior designer Christophe Gollut. When not in the studio, she loves taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking, and soaking in the breathtaking nature of Gran Canaria.
VAWAA Includes:
- Planning your project and choosing the materials.
- Preparing the warp and dressing the loom (either 4 or 8 harness depending on your experience).
- Weaving and finishing.
- Hiking around the island to pick plants for extracting dye.
- Visiting a cochineal farmer and learning about the history of the insect.
- Meeting Uli's master and mentor -- an 85 years old local weaver, and visiting other local craftspeople in their studios.
- Your own scarf or shawl, with option for a blanket (depending on time).
Explore Gran Canaria
Uli's studio graces the charming town of Ingenio in southeast Gran Canaria. For Uli, Ingenio signifies endless blue skies and rustling palm trees. It lies between bustling Las Palmas and popular southern tourist spots, a short drive from the airport. The quaint old town and surrounding nature, notably the striking Barranco de Guyadeque, offer a glimpse into local traditions. Ingenio is renowned for its embroidered fretwork, ethnographic museums, and a bustling ceramic workshop near Uli's atelier. The village's cultural centerpiece is the International Festival of Folklore, drawing participants from all continents. You can take the public transport to Playa del Burrero that provides a year-round opportunity for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic or explore Gran Canaria’s diverse, dramatic landscape — from desert sands, sharply ridged mountains, to lush green forests.
Additional Details
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration, up to 18 days. Please ask when you send your booking request.
The Canary Islands are known as the land of eternal spring, making Gran Canaria marvelous to visit year round. Some events to look out for are the Carnival of Las Palmas in February, one of the most famous Carnivals in Spain, the International Jazz Festival in July, and the World music festival WOMAD early November.
The Canary Islands are known as the land of eternal spring, making Gran Canaria marvelous to visit year round. Some events to look out for are the Carnival of Las Palmas in February, one of the most famous Carnivals in Spain, the International Jazz Festival in July, and the World music festival WOMAD early November.
Guest Reviews
Victoria D., United States
Uli did an amazing job curating this experience for me. Not only did I (re)learn the art and craft of pattern weaving with Uli's talented teaching and textile skill, but I also got a behind the scenes look at Uli's passion for weaving, inspired by the colors and people of Gran Canaria. In addition to the structured weaving lessons -- from planning a project, winding the warp, dressing the loom, t Read more
Sonia W., Australia
What a wonderful week!! Uli was so patient and helpful through the process! I created two pieces which I will cherish forever! Thank you for having me and teaching me so well!
Kelsey M., United States
I couldn’t have asked for a better learning experience. Uli’s passion for the trade was contagious. She patiently helped me understand each step and how to fix common mistakes. Knowing I wanted to learn how to naturally dye but didn’t have the time to dye the yarn for my project, she made sure to still teach me using silk scarves she graciously gave me to take home. She kindly shifted classroom ti Read more
