MOROCCO TEXTILES TOUR
with Jane Sassaman
24 October – 7 November 2027
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Sahara, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat
Jane Sassaman
Travel with artist Jane Sassaman 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 Jane Sassaman 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.
Jane Sassaman,
Johnny Jump Up
ABOUT JANE SASSAMAN
Jane began quilting in 1980. Since then her graphic quilts have been shown in many national and international exhibits. Her quilt “Willow” was named as One of the One Hundred Best American Quilts of the 20th Century. Jane is also the author of “The Quilted Garden”, “Patchwork Sassaman Style” and “Color My Garden”. Jane’s love for historic decorative arts can be seen in all facets of her work, but it is especially evident in the exuberant fabric she is currently designing for FreeSpirit. Most of her appliquéd art quilts are symbolic statements about the cycles and spiritual forces of life. By using colorful fabrics cut into dramatic shapes, she tries to express the energy and mystery of our amazing universe – from the miraculous beauty of a single blossom to the complicated powers of the soul. Her intent is to remind us that we are part of a bigger “cosmic” picture.
Jane Sassaman, Autumn Light
WORKSHOP with Jane
Jane is known for her lively FreeSpirit fabric designs and her graphic appliquéd art quilts, both are inspired by her love of nature and repeat pattern. So Jane has designed a small handworked quilt top featuring Moroccan motifs of figs, pomegranates and ceramic tiles. This will be a lovely keepsake for your extraordinary Moroccan adventure. *Note: subject to change
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.