Textile Retreat | Weaving in Istanbul
Modern Weaving + Fiber Art with Maryanne Moodie
Istanbul, Turkey | October 14 - 2, 2026
Travel with Maryanne Moodie to Istanbul - a city like no other where two continents meet, centuries of history live side by side, and creativity pulses through every neighborhood, market, and table. As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of this extraordinary city, Maryanne will guide us on a journey of artistic exploration and discovery, helping us build a rich weaving practice.
Maryanne will teach us the core techniques of weaving before guiding us through her own distinctive approach to color theory and composition - and how to use our intuition as a creative compass. We'll apply everything we learn to creating our own unique wall hangings, with Maryanne's close guidance at every step. Along the way, she'll also share one of her favorite techniques: creating rag rugs from a mix of modern fibers and vintage textiles. We'll round out our skills with an introduction to fiber sculpture, learning how to create tassels and wrapped elements to embellish and enrich our work.
Beyond the studio, Istanbul will inspire at every turn. We'll cruise the Bosphorus Strait at golden hour, stroll the atmospheric backstreets of Beyoğlu sampling lamb kebab and candied quince, and visit a master weaver's workshop where Turkish peshtemal towels are still crafted by hand on traditional looms. We'll also explore the art of Turkish rug making and gain a deeper appreciation for Istanbul's rich and living textile scene both modern and tradition. In our quieter moments, we'll might sip tea at rooftop cafes, surrender to the warmth and ritual of a traditional hamam or pause to listen as the call to prayer drifts over the rooftops — one of the most memorable sounds in the world.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
October 14 - 21, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room - $0,000 USD
Private Room - $0,000 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
MARCH 3, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
TEXTILE RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Four-day modern weaving and fiber art workshop with Maryanne Moodie, learning the core fundamentals of weaving, color theory, composition. In this workshop you’ll focus on creating three projects—a sampler where to help you learn the core weaving techniques; an original weaving, based on your own design; and a rag-rug weaving using a mix of new and vintage fibers and textiles.
Maryanne Moodie large, custom-designed wooden loom and tool kit, made from sustainable wood, to use during the workshop and for you to take home with you so you can continue creating your own weaving projects.
A selection of beautiful yarns and fibers in various colors and textures.
Guided Turkish culinary tour
Curated + Guided exploration of weaving and textiles in Istanbul
Guided boat cruise down the Bosphorus Straight
Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport to our hotel (on specified day)
Historic boutique hotel accommodation in the heart of Istanbul
Transportation during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Travel + Learn with Maryanne Moodie
Maryanne is a fiber-obsessed artist, maker, and author from Melbourne, Australia. She is best known for applying unexpected color combinations to her nostalgic designs. She is inspired by the intricacies of vintage textiles, traditional costuming, modern art, and the natural world.
Maryanne’s work has been featured in New York Magazine, Anthology, O Magazine, Grazia, Interwoven, and online on Design*Sponge and The Design Files. A finalist in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards in both 2014 and 2015, sells her work on Etsy and through online shops and boutiques around the country. Maryanne is also the best-selling author of two best-selling books about modern weaving—On the Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide and Modern Weaving: Where Color Meets Loom.
Maryanne divides her time between designing incredible, large-scale woven fiber art pieces for clients and collectors all over the world and teaching sold-out workshops globally. As part of her teaching practice, Maryanne has meticulously developed her own brand of sustainable, hand made looms and carefully curates fiber kits that reflect her love of color and texture.
You can follow Maryanne @maryannemoodie on instagram.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the needs of the group.
Day 1
Wednesday, October 14
Welcome to Istanbul!
Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city - approximately a one-hour drive, depending on traffic. Take some time to unwind at the rooftop bar or explore the neighborhood on foot. Please plan to arrive at the hotel by 5:00pm so you have plenty of time to settle in beforehand.
In the evening, we'll come together for a welcome dinner where you’ll get to know Maryanne and your fellow travelers.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Thursday, October 15
Today we have a guided tour with a focus textiles and weaving in Istanbul. on contemporary art. We will visit a variety of curated gallery spaces exploring the 18th Annual Istanbul Biennial. The exhibition will spread to the city with multiple extraordinary venues under the title of The title of Three-Legged Cat.
Curated by Christine Tohmé, this year’s event attempts to reclaim ‘time’, a necessary ingredient for transformative artistic processes, by stretching its timeframe and generating different strides. Tohmé is known for her curatorial efforts globally, including key initiatives, such as the tuition-free study program, Home Workspace Program (2011–present), and online platforms Perpetual Postponement and aashra. Her work has been recognized with the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture (2018), the CCS Bard Audrey Irmas Award for Curatorial Excellence (2015), and the Prince Claus Award (2006).
We’ll also stroll through Çukurcuma and Galata neighborhoods. Visiting Faik Paşa Street in Çukurcuma, a charming area filled with antique shops, furniture and design boutiques, as well as workshops from local carpenters, frame makers, and other independent artisans.
Dinner this evening is on your own to explore all the amazing flavors of Istanbul.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Friday, October 16
Today we have a full-day, hands-on workshop with Maryanne, where we’ll learn the fundamental techniques of weaving. We’ll start by learning how to warp our loom, including how to make sure we have the right tension. We’ll also talk about the main tools we’ll be using in our weaving, such as shuttles, needles, forks and combs, and swords.
Then, we’ll move onto learning a variety of weaving stitches, such as Soumak, Twining, Tabby, Looped Tabby, Bubbling, Piecing the yarn, Rya Knots, and Dovetail. We’ll also talk about techniques for finishing your weaving, including how to weave in your ends and tails, as well as how to successfully remove your weaving from the loom.
At the end of the day, you’ll have a sampler piece that showcases the main techniques you need to start creating your own custom weaving.
In the early evening, we'll set out on a private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, taking in both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. For many Istanbulites, the Bosphorus is simply the most beautiful place in the world — and there's no better way to experience it than by boat. Lined with grand palaces, weathered wooden mansions, lush gardens, and tiny fishing villages, this storied waterway is one of Istanbul's most defining features. Our cruise offers a wonderful way to soak in the city's history, nature, and culture all at once.
After our boat cruise, we’ll return to the port and head to the lively waterfront neighborhood of Karaköy to enjoy dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Saturday, October 17
Building on yesterday's workshop, we'll spend the day working closely with Maryanne to design and create our own unique wall hanging, bringing together the techniques from yesterday's workshop and Maryanne's distinctive approach to color and composition.
We'll start with a session on color theory — one of the defining aspects of Maryanne's work. Through hands-on exercises and prompts, we'll explore the basics of color theory, including an overview of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors; how to use a color wheel to build complementary, analogous, and triadic palettes; and how to use color intentionally to create an emotional connection with the viewer.
Next, Maryanne will share insights into her design process and how it has evolved since becoming a full-time artist. Together, we'll work through exercises that explore effective composition, drawing on our own memories and emotions for inspiration, using a focal point to draw in the viewer, and trusting our intuition to create a sense of movement. By the end of the day, you'll have a set of color palettes and compositions ready to guide the creation of your wall hanging.
This evening we'll dine together in the heart of Istanbul, sampling iconic dishes of Turkish cuisine at a beloved local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Sunday, October 18
Today we bring all of our new-found techniques together. Taking the color palettes and compositions we developed yesterday, we'll each set to work creating our own woven wall hanging.
Maryanne will open the day by sharing her techniques for translating a design from paper to loom — and for striking the balance between staying true to your original vision and allowing intuition to guide you as the work evolves.
Throughout the day, Maryanne will also demonstrate more advanced techniques to add depth and complexity to your piece, including how to create circles, triangles, and squares; dovetail joins; and the use of negative space and windows. As always, she'll be on hand to offer guidance and encouragement as your wall hanging takes shape.
This evening is yours to discover more of Istanbul’s food scene and we’ll happily share our list of favorite restaurants to guide your culinary adventures.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Monday, October 19
This morning we learn about one of Turkey’s most beloved exports - the Turkish towel or peshtemal. A staple of Turkish bath culture for centuries, these flatwoven towels, made from fine linen or cotton are prized for their exceptional absorbency, quick-drying qualities, and remarkable softness that improves with every wash.
While factory-made textiles are easy to find throughout the city, we’ll visit a special maker where each piece is crafted entirely on traditional shuttled looms, just as it has been done for generations. We’ll learn about the process behind making peshtemal, peskir and thick-looped towels. In addition to this group’s commitment to hand-made products and using only natural materials grown and sourced in Turkey, they will also share their story of reviving the invaluable tradition of handloom weaving.
This afternoon we embark on a culinary walking tour through Istanbul's vibrant food scene. We'll start with a homestyle meal at a small neighborhood spot - think, vegetables stewed in olive oil, hand-folded manti dumplings - before hitting the streets for a snacking stroll through Beyoğlu's greatest informal eateries. Along the way we'll sample buttery Black Sea-style rice, creamy white beans, and şalgam, a drink made from fermented purple carrots, before settling in at a neighborhood ocakbaşı for lamb kebab off the skewer and a sip of raki. We'll end the evening at a fourth-generation sweets shop with ayva tatlisi - candied quince topped with kaymak - and a final toast at a viewpoint overlooking the glittering neighborhood below.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Tuesday, October 20
Today is our final workshop day with Maryanne where we’ll continue to add new skills to our repertoire. We’ll turn our attention to vintage textiles and learn to use a rag-rug technique. We’ll start by learning how to tear our vintage textiles into a variety of strips and then discuss the pros and cons of using our strips to warp our loom before spending the rest of the morning weaving with your new rag-rug process.
In the afternoon, we dive into fiber sculpture, exploring a variety of techniques for creating tassels, wrapped elements and garlands. The resulting pieces can be incorporated into your weavings or used independently to create jewelry, ornaments, gift toppers and more.
Later this afternoon, we'll gather for a mini gallery showcase — a chance to share, reflect on, and celebrate everything we've created over the past few days together.
On our final evening, we'll come together for a special farewell dinner, raising a glass to the skills we've gained, the work we've made, and the inspiration that Istanbul has offered at every turn.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Wednesday, October 21
This morning we pack our bags, say our farewells, and prepare to carry a little piece of Istanbul home with us - in both our weavings and in our memories.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. We hope the creativity and inspiration of this past week will stay with you long after you return home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
Located in Karaköy—one of the most prominent and creative neighborhoods of Istanbul—this area is also known for its beautiful, historical buildings. Our hotel was constructed in 1876 by Antoine Tedeschi in the Neo-Renaissance style and portrays a perfect reflection of the eclectic architectural style of the 19th century. The hotel welcomes its guests with views of Turkey's world-famous historical peninsula. Its relaxing interiors and quiet, comfortable rooms in neutral tones make it the perfect retreat in this lively city.
Listed as the one the best rooftop bars by Condé Nast Traveler, our hotel bar offers an unforgettable experience with magnificent views of old Istanbul. There are similar views in the serene restaurant, where the menu has been informed by food historian Özge Samancı to reflect the flavors of the Silk Road.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED TWIN ROOM*
with en suite bathroom
$X,XXX per person, paid in two separate installments.
*Shared Rooms are available to book for two guests traveling together.
Rooming Details:
You will share a room and ensuite bathroom with one other guest, each guest will have a twin bed. The rooms are in a beautifully restored Neo-Renaisaance building and feature patterned ceilings, green Carrara marble bathrooms with rain showers. Rooms in Istanbul are located in a historic property and the room sizes may be smaller than typical North American rooms.
This room will have two twin beds, very close together and is best suited for two guests traveling together.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due April 17, 2026: $X,XXX
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$X,XXX per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will have a private room and ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip. The rooms are in a beautifully restored Neo-Renaisaance building and feature patterned ceilings, green Carrara marble bathrooms with rain showers. Rooms in Istanbul are located in a historic property and the room sizes may be smaller than typical North American rooms.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due April 17, 2026: $X,XXX
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Istanbul has a very seafood, gluten, dairy & meat focused culinary culture. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we are unable to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, egg-free or dairy-free diets. This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional flavors and textures.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
Istanbul is named The City of Seven Hills and we will be walking up a steep hill every day to our workshop space and restaurants. Our walking tours will include several hills to walk up and down. We will encounter uneven ground such as cobblestones, trails, hills, and stairs. You may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms and managing steep inclines.
Our hotel and workshop space have an elevator, but some locations we visit will not - you should be comfortable managing one to two flights of stairs at a time.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Istanbul International Airport (IST) is about 30 kilometers east of central Istanbul. Servicing both international and domestic flights, the impressive Istanbul International Airport serves flights from many global destinations. It is well-connected to a number of cities in Turkey as well as European, Asian and intercontinental destinations.
Weather
October is a pleasant time of year to travel to Istanbul. Daytime temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with evenings around 14°C (58°F). Skies are mostly sunny with the chance of showers as the rainy season starts creeping in with the fall colors.
* Please note that should the weather prove challenging, some activities may be altered from the posted itinerary.
Included in this Trip
Four-day modern weaving and fiber art workshop with Maryanne Moodie, learning the core fundamentals of weaving, color theory, composition. In this workshop you’ll focus on creating three projects—a sampler where to help you learn the core weaving techniques; an original weaving, based on your own design; and a rag-rug weaving using a mix of new and vintage fibers and textiles.
Maryanne Moodie large, custom-designed wooden loom and tool kit, made from sustainable wood, to use during the workshop and for you to take home with you so you can continue creating your own weaving projects.
A selection of beautiful yarns and fibers in various colors and textures.
Guided Turkish culinary tour
Curated + Guided exploration of weaving and textiles in Istanbul
Guided boat cruise down the Bosphorus Straight
Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport to our hotel (on specified day)
7 nights in a historic boutique hotel accommodation in the heart of Istanbul
Transport during included meals and activities
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Supplies
Most supplies for the workshop will be provided, including a large, custom-designed Maryanne Moodie wooden loom, wooden tool kit, and a selection of yarns and fibers. You will need to bring a sketchbook and pencils or pens for drawing and taking notes. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send a reminder and additional details for what you need to bring with you.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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