Clos Mirabel - SouthWest France
PLAYING WITH PATTERN, COLOR & SCALE - FINDING RHYTHM IN IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTING
OCTOBER 16-23, 2027
Workshop Overview
Join me for a week of creativity as we explore how pattern, color and scale enable us to find rhythm and balance in the composition of our improvisational quilts. These themes will guide us as we experiment with new ideas; embrace flexibility and imperfection; and continue to develop our individual artistic voices.
During the workshop, participants will design and construct a large, improvisational quilt top. Independent, hands-on work will be informed by daily presentations and interactive demos about color, pattern and our artistic intuition. We will also consider the overlapping creative process of artists working across various media. Exercises, tips and techniques to guide color and compositional decision-making will be provided.
Personalized instruction, frequent one-on-one check-ins and group discussion will enable each of us to consider alternative design viewpoints and frameworks for independently assessing our creative work.
Surrounded by the gorgeous landscape of the French Pyrenees and the comfort of Clos Mirabel’s art retreat, we will indulge in an unforgettable, creative week as we sew, talk, play, learn and experiment.
Workshop participation is limited to 14 people.
Instruction is in English.
All levels are welcome, but basic sewing machine proficiency is required. Experience with improv quilting is not necessary.
About Clos Mirabel
Clos Mirabel is a beautiful, fifteen-acre estate between the coast and mountains. The tastefully renovated 18th century manor house is set in private parkland amidst the gentle hills of Jurançon near Pau with magnificent uninterrupted views out over vineyards to the entire chain of the Pyrénées Atlantiques. Workshops are held in a large, onsite creative studio which is open throughout the workshop week. Complementing the extraordinary setting, Clos Mirabel offers a delightful culinary experience, utilizing local produce for buffet breakfasts, homemade aperitifs and nightly four-course dinners.
Learn more about Clos Mirabel
Video exploration of the grounds
Accommodation at Clos Mirabel
Location and travel information
Registration Process
Registration is a two-part process. Clos Mirabel manages registration for room and board. Tuition fees are separate and are managed by Jennifer.
Registration is limited to 14 participants and is accepted on a first come, first serve basis until the workshop is full.
Step One
Register for the workshop on the Clos Mirabel website by selecting the workshop, booking your room, and placing the required deposit.
Step Two
After you have registered and booked your room with Clos Mirabel, please contact Jennifer.
Workshop tuition is $875 USD per participant. A non-refundable, tuition deposit of $300 is due upon booking.
Please email to arrange payment: jennifercandon@yahoo.com
An invoice will be sent for the remaining balance which is due on or before June 15th, 2027. The exchange rate, if payment is not in USD, will be calculated on the day the invoice is sent out.
The remaining balance, minus a 10% processing fee is refundable until June 15, 2027. Refunds cannot be made after this date.
Lodging is not included and must be booked directly with Clos Mirabel before paying for tuition.
Workshop SChedule
Saturday
4.00 Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introductions and morning presentation. Setting the tone for the week.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning presentation on composition and pattern. Individual sewing time.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning presentation on color and contrast. Hands-on work continues.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – Free Day
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
6.00 Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning presentation on my process. Hands-on work continues.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
6.00 Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Individual sewing time and one-on-one check ins
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Wrap up, final thoughts and questions for taking the work forward.
6.00 Evening exhibition in the art studio of Atelier Clos Mirabel with Aperitifs
7.00 Farewell 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Terms & Conditions - Clos Mirabel
Read Clos Mirabel’s terms & conditions
Terms & Conditions - Instructor Jennifer Candon
Tuition Payment
Workshop tuition is $875 USD per participant. A non-refundable, tuition deposit of $300 is due upon booking. An invoice will be sent for the remaining balance which is due on or before June 15th, 2027. The exchange rate, if payment is not in USD, will be calculated on the day the invoice is sent out. The remaining balance, minus a 10% processing fee is refundable until June 15, 2027. Refunds cannot be made after this date.
Lodging is not included and must be booked directly with Atelier Clos Mirabel before paying for tuition.
Workshop Cancellation
The workshop has a minimum required attendance level. If sufficient bookings are not received by August 15, 2027, we reserve the right to cancel the workshop, and a full refund will be offered.
Jennifer Candon cannot be held liable for any losses or travel expenses arising from such changes or cancellations. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Late Arrivals & Early Departures
Participants are encouraged to attend the entire class as scheduled. Tuition adjustments will not be made for late arrivals or early departures.
Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk
Participation in any workshop, class, or program offered by Jennifer Candon is entirely voluntary. By registering, you acknowledge and assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to injury, illness, accident, property damage, loss, or death.
You understand and agree that Jennifer Candon is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, damage, or death that may occur during, before, after, or as a result of your participation in any activity related to her workshop.
By participating, you release and hold harmless Jennifer Candon from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liabilities of any kind arising from or related to your participation in her programs, including those arising from the ordinary negligence of Jennifer Candon.
This waiver is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If any portion of this waiver is found invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect.