🧵 Patterning the Pattern with Amy Nguyen

A five-day creative retreat exploring surface design, stitch, and layered cloth construction

Join renowned textile artist Amy Nguyen for an immersive retreat that merges structure, surface, and spirit. In this five-day exploration, you’ll delve into the dynamic relationship between pattern and process — how repetition, rhythm, and intuitive mark-making can transform cloth into sculptural, expressive forms.

Through guided exercises in dyeing, stitching, and composition, you’ll learn to build layers of meaning and movement. Amy shares her approach to working with pattern not as decoration, but as meditation — a dialogue between maker and material.

The week includes demonstrations, individual feedback, and ample studio time for personal exploration. Students will complete a series of small studies or one larger textile piece that reflects their unique voice and aesthetic.

Retreat Flow

Day 1 – Finding Rhythm in Pattern
Introduction to design concepts, personal inspiration, and creating base layers through dye or print.

Days 2–4 – Layering & Construction
• Surface design using dye, paint, or discharge
• Stitching as texture, structure, and narrative
• Folding, gathering, and joining for dimensionality
• Layering and transparency to build depth
• Refinement through composition and editing

Day 5 – Finishing & Reflection
Finalize your work and participate in a reflective group share on process, pattern, and creative flow.

Studio Environment
Create in Aya’s spacious, light-filled fiber art studio in Stuart, Florida — a calm, inspiring space designed for focus and experimentation. Each participant enjoys ample workspace (no more than two per 4′×8′ table) with power, USB access, and full use of dye and stitching facilities.

Enjoy fresh morning coffee, tea, and pastries, personalized lunch pickups, and the camaraderie of an optional group dinner by the water midweek.

Details
Instructor: Amy Nguyen
Dates: March 9–13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuition: $1,040
Skill Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: Additional (details provided upon registration)
Class Size: Limited to 10 participants

Experience the rhythm of repetition, the beauty of imperfection, and the quiet conversation between hand, cloth, and spirit.

PATTERNING THE PATTERN with Amy Nguyen