Stitch Masterclass Abruzzo June 2026

Stitch Masterclass · Abruzzo

Atessa, Italy | 12–17 June 2026

This is a small-group stitch masterclass set in the hill town of Atessa, in the heart of Abruzzo — designed for those who want to spend focused, immersive time developing their practice and enjoying the company of like minded friends/friends to be!

Stitch — and in particular Free Machine Embroidery — is my specialism. I draw and paint with thread, and throughout the workshop I’ll share the techniques, approaches and subtle decisions that allow work to move beyond the surface and truly sing.

Because the group is small (maximum eight students), there is time for individual guidance, thoughtful conversation, and work that’s allowed to unfold rather than be rushed. This is not a fast, production-led course, but a chance to slow down, experiment, and go deeper.

Learning through place

Just as important as the teaching is where we are.

Atessa is a beautiful, lived-in hill town — unpolished, generous, and full of texture. Its narrow streets, worn stone, layered history, and daily rhythms offer endless visual and tactile inspiration. On our first evening, we’ll take a guided walk with a local guide, a gentle way to arrive, settle in, and begin really seeing the town. This sense of place feeds directly into the work we make during the week.

We’ll also take inspiration further afield:

• A visit to the nearby village of Tornareccio, famous for its remarkable contemporary mosaics

• A day trip to the coast, offering a shift in light, colour, and pace [but also the chance for a quick dip in the Adriatic!]

• A final-night dinner at a traditional agriturismo, relaxed, celebratory, and very Abruzzese

  
  

Who this masterclass is for

This week is for those who may already have a relationship with stitch and feel ready to listen more closely to what their work wants to become.

You don’t need to arrive with a finished idea or a clear plan. Curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore are far more important. We’ll be drawing and painting with thread, responding to texture, colour, and place, and allowing ideas to evolve through doing.

Learning takes place in a small, thoughtful group, where conversation matters and guidance is personal. My aim is to create a week that feels focused, generous, and quietly transformative.

If you’re unsure whether this is the right fit, you’re very welcome to email me — I’m happy to answer any questions.

What’s included

• Small-group stitch masterclass tuition

• Lunches and welcome meal and final-night agriturismo celebratory dinner

• All machines, equipment, and materials are in the studio waiting for you

• Airport transfers from Pescara (pick-up coordinated at a designated time)

• Guided town walk, Tornareccio visit, and coastal trip

Travel note: If you’re flying to Rome, you can easily take a coach to Pescara in time for the scheduled pick-up. I will coordinate all arrivals so that getting to Atessa is simple and stress-free.

Accommodation is not included, but I organise and book it on your behalf in a local hotel Hotel Al Duca https://www.hotelalduca.it/ Simply let me know the type of room you would prefer. I have been working with Antonio, the owner for many years and he will do his upmost to make your stay marvellous

Price

€900 [currently the equivalent of £775] Once you send in your booking enquiry, I’ll be in touch personally to confirm availability and answer any questions you might have. You’ll then receive an invoice in euros for a €450 non-refundable deposit to secure your place, with a choice of payment methods [bank transfer, card payment].

After booking, you’ll receive:

• Practical travel and arrival details [flights are currently less than £200 return]

• Information about accommodation (which I organise on your behalf) [from £44 a night]

• What to bring, and how to prepare for the week

The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before the masterclass begins. From there, all you need to do is arrive in Abruzzo ready to stitch, explore, and settle into the rhythm of the week.

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  "The weather was perfect and I returned with new skills, new ideas and new friends. Wonderful!"  Annie 2024

What's not included

Flights/transport to Pescara

Accommodation

Some evening meals

Getting there

The nearest airport is Pescara there are regular flights from Stansted, UK and other European airports.  I co-ordination collection from the main Stansted/Pescara flight. [Ryanair FR982 Stansted - Pescara] [FR983 Pescara - Stansted] yet - there are plenty of other options which I'm happy to discuss if you'd like to get in touch.

From both of the Rome airports there is a very convenient coach transfer to Pescara ; it takes a stunning route through the Apennines and costs very little [NB the coach it much more convenient than any train route across the country]

Accommodation

I have partnered with a local hotel where students stay and enjoy the local town together - there you can have the freedom to explore the town in the evenings and enjoy 'La Bella Vita'. I can book a room at Hotel Al Duca on your behalf and you'll pay locally. It's and Bed and Breakfast scenario but Antonio also has a very well respected on-site restaurant. Room rates start around 50euros - 70 euros [approx £44 - £60], many rooms have balconies or terraces. On booking please state your preference: single/double/twin/terrace...we will aim to accomodate you on a first come first served basis.

If you have a group of like minded friends and would like a tailor-made workshop in Abruzzo, please get in touch and we can make some plans.

“Dionne’s Summer School has been a great success and an amazing experience visiting stunning locations with lovely companions and following a creative programme which inspired, motivated and challenged in equal measures . Dionne is a brilliant teacher and skilled communicator and this week has enabled me to develop an exciting repertoire for future work . I just can’t wait to return to continue this creative journey. Many thanks to Dionne and the friends I made in Abruzzo”

Read more reviews here