Now, I am sure you've all heard of cookery and watercolour painting courses in Italy but how about something quite different? A weekend in Umbria, at the Agriturismo Maridiana learning how to create felt! And if that was not different enough then keep in mind that the Maridiana is also an alpaca farm.
In fact, Maridiana is the first farm in Italy to have bred a large number of angora goats and alpaca for fiber production. The Maridiana alpaca herd - together with angora goats and llamas - roams the green hills of the 100-acre Umbrian farm, located near the border of Tuscany.
The felt-making courses are held this weekend (14th-15th of May) at the farm They are holding a short course on the history of felt making and the washing and method of hand carding wool. Starting with ready carded wool, this practical course will give participants the chance to actually make some felt and from there to create an object from felt (hats, bags, slippers etc). The courses are for between 6-10 participants at the following times:
- Saturday 0900 - 1300, 1500 - 1800
- Sunday 0900 - 1300, 1500 - 1800
Cost per person: Euro 140 (one day participation Euro 80) The cost includes all materials and particpiants can take home the objects they make.
Teacher: Ilse Mahlknecht Tel: 338 9902616
Accommodation is available at the agriturismo where the course is being held, or at one nearby.
