Morocco Textile Tour w/ Amazhig Cultural Tours
2026-09-07 - 2026-09-21 | NSW
MOROCCO TEXTILES TOUR
with LORENA URIARTE
7 – 21 September 2026 – SOLD OUT!
1 – 15 May 2027 – Bookings open
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Sahara, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat
Travel with artist Lorena Uriarte and explore the traditional Amazigh (Berber) crafts of Morocco at a grassroots level where women’s cooperative ventures present a range of textile creations melding age-old skills with new innovations.
In Marrakech we visit the exquisite new Yves Saint Laurent Museum featuring his fashion design as well as the Berber Museum that houses the Moroccan textiles and jewellery that inspired his work.
We then venture into the High Atlas Mountains and follow the ancient trade routes across the Tizi’n’Tichka Pass from Marrakech to the Sahara. Weavers of carpets and cloth, embroiderers and basket weavers are found in remote locations where they still employ their skills and maintain their traditional life style.
Next we make our way north to Fes and the blue city of Chefchaouen for a feast of colour and Islamic culture, finishing in the capital city of Rabat.
The tour includes hands-on experiences and demonstrations with local artisans. On the road in the mountains and Sahara we learn some exquisite traditional Moroccan embroidery techniques, tie knots to make rugs, explore some eco-dyeing using Rose Madder and more.
Guest artist Lorena Uriarte will share her skills and experience to allow participants to develop their ideas for textile design, drawing inspiration from the sublime landscape and rich cultural environment provided by the art and architecture of Morocco. The tour is not an intensive workshop as there is too much to see and experience in Morocco, but time will be devoted to sharing ideas and to creating a special hand stitched project as we travel. You will be encouraged to develop a visual diary to create studies incorporating your ideas for the future.
ABOUT LORENA URIARTE
Lorena Uriarte is a Sydney based, internationally recognised modern quilter known for her bold use of colour, inventive techniques and original designs.
Her award winning quilts have been exhibited at prestigious events such as QuiltCon, AQC, the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair and will be featured at the Carrefour European Patchwork Meeting in September 2025. Lorena’s quilts are celebrated for their vibrant palettes and creative construction.
With a background in education and hospitality, Lorena is an experienced and passionate teacher, regularly leading workshops across Australia and internationally. She inspires students to explore their creativity and develop their own artistic voices through textile art.
Active on social media as @lorena_in_syd, Lorena shares her mindful, creative approach to quilting, encouraging others to embrace the beauty of handmade textiles.
Beyond quilting, Lorena enjoys exploring other cultures, architecture and cuisine. She’s an enthusiastic cook, gardener and ocean pool swimmer.

Lorena Uriarte, Winding Ways

WORKSHOP with Lorena
Lorena has designed a special project for this tour – a stitched souvenir that can be sewn into a drawstring bag or small pillow, as a lasting reminder of our adventure together in Morocco.
We’ll be stitching on a digitally printed fabric map of our journey, adding details inspired by the places we visit. Using simple appliqué, embroidery stitches and English Paper Piecing, you’ll personalise your map with colour, texture and little treasures collected along the way.
The project kit includes the printed fabric map, a selection of yarn dyed fabrics, EPP templates, an assortment of threads and an ideas booklet. This gentle, creative stitching is a beautiful way to reflect on our travels – and to share our story with family and friends when we return home.
MORE ABOUT THE TOUR
Accommodation is provided in the most comfortable traditional guesthouses, where we enjoy the extraordinary delights of Amazigh food and hospitality. You will discover the highlights of Morocco and the indigenous Amazigh culture that evolves and continues largely through the extraordinary textile traditions. We also enjoy music and a complete range of traditional cultural experiences and crafts.
Traveling with a small group of like-minded people and an experienced team of co-hosts the program offers an innovative and creative way to explore a new place that is stimulating, supportive and safe.
CONTACT : info@amazighculturaltours.com

This trip is sold out but BOOKINGS ARE OPEN for May 2027!
more info here https://amazighculturaltours.com/textiles-tour-with-lorena-uriarte/

2nd Saturday Class: 60 Stitches (Warriewood)
2026-09-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-10 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-14 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-12-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2027-01-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2027-02-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2027-03-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2027-04-10 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney) and 15 more dates | 60 Stitches, 1301/ 4 Daydream St, Warriewood, NSW, 2101, Australia
Join a friendly group of quilters in this monthly class at 60 Stitches in Warriewood, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Bring your own project or choose from one of my designs. I’ve even been known to create something special for my regular students! With over 20 years of experience, I’ll guide you through any technique, whether you prefer hand or machine quilting.
All cutting and pressing tools are there so all you need to bring is your project, your machine and general sewing supplies.
Plus, you’ll have access to 60 Stitches’ beautiful selection of fabrics and notions to inspire your next creation.
Class fee is $85 per month which includes coffee, tea and my famous home baked treats!
ONLINE BOOKINGS HERE!
2026 DATES
10 JAN
’14 FEB
14 MARCH
NO APRIL CLASS (AQC)
9 MAY
13 JUNE
11 JULY
8 AUG
NO CLASS SEPTEMBER (MOROCCO TRIP)
10 OCT
14 NOV
12 DEC

Thread House Retreat w/ Karen Lewis at Harewood House (UK)
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-25 | Harewood Estate
Harewood House – 22-25 Sept 2026 { SOLD OUT}
I am delighted to be returning to the Harewood Estate in the heart of Yorkshire for 2026.
The retreat will be taking place over three nights and is designed to be a retreat in the real sense of the world – a chance to get away from the outside world, slow down and unwind.
My guest for September is the wonderful Lorena Uriarte all the way from Sydney, Australia! Lorena is an exemplary teacher and will be joining me in providing mindful workshops over the weekend.
Accommodation will be in cottages set within a terraced complex. These Grade II Listed buildings ooze character and have been stylishly, luxuriously and very comfortably renovated.
Harewood Sewing Retreats have an emphasis on mindful slow stitching and exploring your creativity. The demos and guided tutorials will have a relaxed, intimate feel and encompass a range of hand stitching and embroidery techniques. Lorena and Karen have designed a project especially for the retreat.
Includes full board and lodging for a fun and friendly secluded chill out (but does not include the optional lunch at the estate café on the day of arrival).
The retreat starts on Tuesday afternoon on 22nd September to the morning of Friday 25th September 2026.
This retreat is sold out but you can join Karen’s newsletter to hear of any future events.
https://karenlewistextiles.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a7f692f188de2a22c2a4c102a&id=c087a23532

3rd Saturday Class - My Sewing Supplies (Sylvania)
2026-10-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-21 09:30 - 16:00 | My Sewing Supplies, 208 Princess Hwy, Sylvania, NSW, 2224, Australia
Ring Cycles Quilt

Make a modern style quilt with Lorena Uriarte
3rd Saturday of the month
10am – 4pm each day
2026 DATES
7 FEB (This date is an exception and is the 1st Saturday)
21 MAR
18 APR
16 MAY
20 JUNE
18 JULY
15 AUG
NO CLASSES SEPTEMBER (Morroco Trip)
17 OCT
21 NOV
$90 Tuition fee is per class – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!!

Lorena has many of her own quilt options and styles to choose from, Opal Essence, Winding Ways, Kawandi, Court House Steps, Ring Cycles, Sakura Breeze just to name a few.

Or you could learn the basics for patchwork piecing by making one of Lorena’s other quilts including a sampler quilt. It has options to do varying blocks or to make a quilt repeating the block you like. Lorena will show you how to make blocks and guide you to make a quilt that has your style built into it.

The fabric/ requirements, templates and if needed commercial patterns are in addition to the tuition fee. Price will depend on what you choose. We have a big selection and price point in store. We are happy to help you.

This class is held at our Sylvania Store
208 Princes Highway Sylvania NSW 2224

Please read our terms and conditions prior to booking
Terms and Conditions | my-sewing-supplies (mysewingsupplies.com.au)

Please select in store pick up as your freight option to avoid the minimum charge.

Requirements list is available if you want to see them before booking. Please reach out online or in store.

Kawandi @UsefulBox (Marrickville)
2026-10-18 10:00 - 15:00 | UsefulBox, 39-43 Shepherd St, Marrickville, NSW, 2204, Australia
Kawandi with Lorena Uriarte
Skill Level: Absolute Beginner – Ready to Learn!
Join Lorena Uriarte for a fun and informative class where you’ll learn the basics of Kawandi Quilt-as-You-Go.
What You’ll Learn:

Fundamental scrap patchwork principles
The unique technique behind Kawandi stitching

Special Offer:
Book Lorena’s Quilted Retreat Bag Class on 23 March and use your completed Kawandi piece for your bag! Enjoy a $25 discount when you book both classes—details provided upon booking the Kawandi class first.

Retreat Bag – Add on class 23 March!
What’s Included:

A full kit with needles, thread, pins, fabric, and batting
Expert tuition with Lorena and 11 other students
Unlimited cups of tea and coffee

What to Bring:

No sewing machine needed—everything is provided for hand stitching
A thimble (Clover silicon with metal tip recommended)
Glasses, if you need them
Lunch—microwave, sandwich press, and fridge available, or pop up to a local café

Dates:

Sunday 20 March 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
Sunday 18 October 2026, 10am to 3pm

Sign up now for a fun and relaxed day of quilting with expert guidance and great company!

Thorpe & Co : Boolaroo (NSW)
2026-10-24 - 2026-10-25 | Thorpe & Co, 15A Main Rd, Boolaroo, NSW, 2284, Australia
I’m back at this fabulous central coast quilt shop teaching quilt coats or maybe something else?
At the time of posting we haven’t quite decided. Maybe you can request your favourite class?
For more details contact the shop directly

Treehouse Textiles : Mornington (VIC)
2026-10-31 - 2026-11-01 | Treehouse Textiles, 64 Main St, Mornington, VIC, 3931, Australia
I’ll be teaching at Emma’s beautiful shop in Mornington 31 Oct – 1 Nov
Contact the store directly for more info
