Textile Retreat | Weaving in Italy
Woven Sketches: Translating Inspiration to Frame Loom Weaving with Jessie Mordine Young
Ischia, Italy | September 23 - 30, 2026
Travel to the volcanic island of Ischia - rising dramatically from the beautiful Bay of Naples - for an unforgettable artistic journey with textile artist Jessie Mordine Young. One of Italy's best-kept secrets, Ischia is an intriguing world of ancient necropolises, extraordinary botanical gardens, and spectacular scenery — forests, vineyards, and picturesque seaside towns tumbling toward the sea. This immersive weaving retreat invites you to slow down, connect with your creativity, and develop a deeply personal weaving practice in one of the Mediterranean's most enchanting settings.
Join Jessie as she shares the practice and process behind her celebrated woven sketches. Under her guidance, you'll delve into the fundamentals of frame loom weaving while discovering your own intuitive artistic voice. Workshop days blend in-class instruction with on-the-go weaving sessions, allowing you to experience and capture the charm of Italy as it unfolds around you. Through play and exploration, you'll work with texture, color, and pattern — learning to draw inspiration from your surroundings and translate what you see and feel onto your loom.
Our captivating setting becomes part of the creative process itself as we visit stunning botanical gardens, travel to the neighboring island of Procida, wander the pedestrian-only fishing village of Sant'Angelo, and explore the dramatic Aragonese Castle. Ocean views, rocky coastlines, and vibrant village street scenes will find their way into everything you weave.
Woven into the experience are shared meals, golden aperitivo hours, and the kind of unhurried connection that only happens when creative people gather in a beautiful place.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
September 23 - 30, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Twin Room - $4,995 USD
Private Room - $5,995 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
MARCH 3, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
WEAVING RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Multi-day, in-class and on-the-go, frame loom weaving workshops with Jessie Mordine Young, learning weaving fundamentals and basic tapestry techniques as well as design principles and how to translate motifs and inspiration into woven form. You’ll work with a variety of textiles and found materials to create tactile collages and woven sketches.
Woven bag making workshop with Jessie Mordine Young where you’ll learn to weave in the round and create structure and pattern.
Wooden loom and toolkit, to use during the workshops + your on-the-go weaving sessions and selection of beautiful yarns and fibers in various colors and textures.
Day trip to the island of Procida for weaving and exploring, guided walking tour
Visit to the pedestrian only, fishing village of Sant’Angelo for weaving and exploring
Visit to La Mortella Botanical Gardens with guided sketching and weaving sessions
Guided tour of the Aragonese castle
Boutique accommodation in an ancient, oceanside former monastery
Ferry to and from Naples/Ischia
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 Jessie Mordine Young
Jessie Mordine Young (b. England, 1993) is a Brooklyn-based artist who researches, writes about, curates, creates, and teaches textile art. She holds a Master’s degree (2021) in the History of Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture from the Bard Graduate Center in New York City and earned her BFA (2015) in Art History and Studio Art in Fiber and Material Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is a part-time lecturer/faculty at Parsons School of Design of The New School in NYC.
Jessie’s practice is deeply rooted in material exploration, memory, and an intuitive relationship with color and texture. Between 2021 and 2024, she embarked on a daily practice of creating small woven artworks for varying durations. The resulting handwoven drawings or “thread sketches” are visual journals that mark fleeting moments through color, gesture, and materiality. She incorporates found materials from nature into the surface of her weavings, transforming each piece into a tactile collage that blurs the line between textile and sculpture.
The small scale of these works references portraiture, inviting an intimate dialogue between the viewer and the woven form. Each piece reflects her evolving relationship with nature, where color and texture become tangible references to memory. Mordine Young’s iterative process underscores her belief in intuition as a guiding force leading her from one woven form, material, and pattern to the next.
Her artwork has been exhibited internationally including Onna House SOHO, Amelie Maison D’Art, Paris, France, Mana Contemporary, Jersey City, New Jersey, and The Invisible Dog Gallery, Brooklyn, New York. She has been able to share her practice in publications like Maake Magazine and the Create! Magazine’s Alchemy issue, she has also been interviewed such as Botanical Colors' Feedback Friday. She has collaborated with a diverse range of creative spaces and is a former resident of the Texere Textile Residency and Textilmiðstöð Iceland.
You can learn more about Jessie at jessiemordineyoung.com or follow her @jessiemordine 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, September 23
Welcome to Italy!
Today we arrive in Naples famous for its pizza, passionate music and culture, all nestled in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. You’ll make your way to our hotel, have a rest, walk the city, head for a beverage, or explore the neighborhood. Please plan to arrive at our Naples hotel no later than 5pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
This evening we have a casual meet + greet welcome dinner with Jessie and your group.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Thursday, September 24
This morning we travel by ferry from Naples to Ischia. We will arrive on the island and transfer to our hotel in Ischia Ponte.
We’ll enjoy lunch together, taking in the gorgeous views of the coastline.
After lunch you’ll have your first workshop with Jessie. Each student will learn to weave in the round, working across multiple sides of a box to create a one-of-a-kind woven bag that reflects their personal style and will be used throughout the retreat to carry weaving tools and materials. Students will learn about the fundamentals of design and bring their vision into form through thoughtful choices of color, structure, and pattern. A brief exploration of weaving history will be included to provide context and deepen appreciation for this ancient craft.
This evening we’ll enjoy an aperitivo while we watch the sun set from the terrace. We’ll have dinner together, discovering the traditional flavors of Ischia with a modern twist.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Friday, September 25
Today we’ll begin our weaving journey with the fundamentals in our full-day workshop with Jessie. You’ll learn the basics of frame loom weaving - from warping the loom and drafting a design to exploring basic tapestry techniques.
You’ll work with a variety of yarns to gain a deeper understanding of materiality and to support you in developing your “tactile sensibility.” You’ll have time to play and experiment on your loom as you develop confidence in the process of “drawing with thread.”
After lunch today, we’ll have a tour of the fascinating and incredibly photogenic Aragonese castle that sits high above town on a volcanic outcrop. We’ll learn about its secrets and history while keeping an eye out for visual and textural inspiration for our weavings.
We’ll finish the day working on our samplers while enjoying the picturesque tranquility of our surroundings.
For dinner this evening, grab a fellow traveler and enjoy one of the local seaside restaurants.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Saturday, September 26
This morning, Jessie will introduce us to weaving history and sources of inspiration, and explore how you communicate a concept in both abstract gestures and more pictorial representations.
We will specifically look at how a materials-driven process can make for dynamic woven artworks through a form Jessie refers to as “tactile collage.” You’ll be introduced to the concept of memory collecting and visual journaling by incorporating intentionally sourced and found objects into your weavings.
With these ideas in mind, we’ll take our looms with us as we visit a picturesque fishing village on the other side of the island called Sant’Angelo - a pedestrian-only village, perfect for wandering and exploring.
Jessie will provide you with prompts to focus on during your on-the-go weaving session. You’ll have some free time to wander, find inspiration and weave at your leisure while Jessie will provide one-on-one guidance and support as you create your woven sketches. If the weather is nice, you might find some time to go swimming in the bay or enjoy some people watching near the port.
This evening we are happy to share some of our favorite dinner recommendations as you enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Sunday, September 27
We begin our day with a trip to La Mortella - a stunning botanical garden carved into the rocky hillside of Ischia. With our looms at the ready, we’ll wander the exotic plants, tranquil pools, fountains and sculptures, drawing inspiration for our weavings from our surroundings. Dedicated time will be set aside for sketching in your notebooks, creating visual references to draw from for your current and future weaving projects.
As you sit with your loom, the motifs, textures, and materials from the gardens will inform and become part of the weavings you create. Jessie will provide prompts and guidance as you continue to push your weaving practice through play and experiment on your loom.
We return to the hotel and the evening is yours to explore the island, relax at the hotel, or find a hidden alcove to continue your weaving.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Monday, September 28
Today we visit Procida island, a short ferry ride away. This is the Bay of Naples’ smallest island and considered its best-kept secret. We will explore its narrow, sun-bleached streets with a local, learning about the island’s history and culture, all while noticing color, texture, and form in the world around us as inspiration for our weavings.
After lunch, we’ll bring out our looms, immersing ourselves in process and place. Procida is a wonderful location to look for materials to incorporate into your weavings as tactile collage. You’ll have dedicated time to develop your concepts and ideas and continue to expand your visual and material language with Jessie’s guidance and support throughout.
The group will meet in the late afternoon to take the ferry back to Ischia. This evening you’re free to experience the local culinary scene with a fellow weaver.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Tuesday, September 29
This morning, you’ll have a final session with Jessie. You’ll focus on completing your pieces and spend one-on-one time with Jessie to discuss next steps for developing and deepening a creative practice once you return home.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy Ischia. You may want to return to the castle for more weaving-on-the-go or visit the Negombo Thermal Gardens + Baths or spend a little more time enjoying the dramatic coastline from a restaurant patio.
We’ll gather this evening for a mini exhibition of all the woven sketches you’ve created and dine together one last time on the hotel terrace to celebrate our week together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Wednesday, September 30
This morning we pack our bags, say our farewells, and take the ferry back to Naples for your onward journey.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey to the island of Ischia, Italy!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
In Naples, we’ll stay at a waterfront hotel with breathtaking views of Castel dell’Ovo, the sparkling Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvias and the island of Capri. The hotel is walking distance to shopping areas and local attractions.
In Ischia, Castello Aragonese is as much part of the history of the island as its’ thermal waters and the surrounding sea. It is within the walls of this magnificent 15th century stronghold, in what was once a monastery, that Albergo Il Monastero, our hotel, is located. Like the former monastery, today's Hotel Il Monastero is a fascinating labyrinth of corridors, passageways and stairs, all of which sooner or later lead to the hotel's pretty internal courtyards, splendid public rooms and sweeping sea view terraces. The hotel offers panoramic views across to the Italian mainland in one direction, the island of Capri in another and of course, of Ischia itself.
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 10 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON MARCH 3, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED TWIN ROOM*
with en suite bathroom
$4,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.
*Shared Rooms are available to book for two guests traveling together.
Rooming Details:
Though smaller than many North American hotel rooms, the rooms are simple, elegant, and deeply atmospheric — each one a beautifully preserved remnant of the former cloistered convent.
This room will have two twin beds, very close together and direct access to the communal terrace.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due April 4, 2026: $2,500
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$5,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
Though smaller than many North American hotel rooms, the rooms are simple, elegant, and deeply atmospheric — each one a beautifully preserved remnant of the former cloistered convent.
These rooms will have a sea view.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due April 4, 2026: $3,500
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
As an Italian island, Ischia has a very seafood + gluten focused culinary culture. This means we cannot accommodate vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free or seafood free diets and some specific allergies.
This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional ingredients and flavors
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
Please note we will be on multiple small ferries so you should be comfortable with boat rides or bring motion sickness medication with you.
While our hotel does have a small elevator in one section, not all areas are accessible via elevator — some rooms and spaces can only be reached by stairs. You should feel confident walking up and down stairs.
We will do several of our workshops, as weaving-on-the-go sessions, where we’ll be in a small village, at a garden or on the coastline and we will find an interesting place to sit and weave. We may not have chairs or benches so you should feel comfortable sitting for extended periods without a chair or something to support your back.
This tour includes several walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, trails and hills, stairs, getting on and off boats and ramps, you may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms.
Supplies
Most supplies for the workshop will be provided, including a portable, wooden loom toolkit, and a selection of yarns and fibers. You’ll want 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.
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.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Naples, Italy.
The Naples International Airport, NAP, is located approximately 4 miles northeast of the city centre of Naples. The airport is the main international gateway to Campania and southern Italy, an excellent starting point for journeys to Pompei, Sorrento + Capri.
There is also a main train station in the center of Naples, Napoli Centrale. Several high-speed trains connect Naples to major cities, such as Rome, Florence, Milan, and Bologna.
Weather
September is a nice time of year to visit Ischia. Days are usually warm with balmy evenings. Daytimes temperatures usually range from 67°F to 77°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers.
Since we are on an island and require ferries to get to several of our planned outings if the weather should prove challenging we may need to alter some activities or schedules.
Included in this Trip
Multi-day workshops with Jessie Mordine Young working with frame loom weaving. You’ll learn weaving fundamentals and basic tapestry techniques as well as design principles and how to translate motifs and inspiration into woven form. You’ll work with a variety of textiles and found materials to create tactile collages and woven sketches.
Woven bag making workshop with Jessie Mordine Young where you’ll learn to weave in the round and create structure and pattern.
In-class and on-the-go weaving sessions
Wooden loom and toolkit, to use during the workshop, your on-the-go weaving sessions and for you to take home to continue creating your own woven sketches.
Selection of beautiful yarns and fibers in various colors and textures.
Day trip to the island of Procida for weaving and exploring, guided walking tour
Visit to the pedestrian only, fishing village of Sant’Angelo for weaving and exploring
Visit to La Mortella Botanical Gardens with guided sketching and weaving sessions
Guided tour of the Aragonese castle
1 night, seaside accomodation in Naples
6 nights, boutique accommodation in an ancient, oceanside former monastery
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Ferry to and from Naples/Ischia
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
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.
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.
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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