Golden Threads and Tuscan Dreams: Alison Cole’s Retreat in Lucca, May 2025
May brought with it a golden glow—not just from the Tuscan sun, but from the shimmering stitches created during our unforgettable embroidery retreat with the esteemed Alison Cole. Set amidst the rolling hills and Renaissance charm of Lucca, our creative home for the week was the elegant Villa La Principessa, a historic hotel that perfectly balanced old-world grandeur with peaceful garden serenity.
The highlight of the retreat was Alison’s specially designed piece for the occasion: “Lucca the Dragon”. A whimsical and noble creature inspired by Tuscan legend and flair, Lucca was brought to life through a stunning combination of goldwork embroidery, stumpwork, and silk shading—a technical and artistic challenge that our guests embraced with enthusiasm and care. As golden threads glinted and silk hues blended, each dragon slowly emerged as a unique masterpiece.
In addition to this bespoke design, Alison offered a selection of her beloved signature works for guests to explore, including:
- Roses and Old Lace
- Shades of Blue
- Berry Garden
- Illuminated Floral
- Tree of Life
Each piece provided the opportunity for stitchers to deepen their skills, guided by Alison’s gentle expertise and engaging teaching style.
Beyond the studio, Tuscany unfolded its cultural and artisanal treasures. We journeyed to Florence for an immersive day exploring the city’s vibrant craft heritage. Our guided tour introduced us to:
- Il Papiro, where traditional marbled paper is crafted before our eyes,
- Alice, a talented local leather artisan sharing the secrets behind her fine handmade goods,
- And the remarkable team at Pitti Mosaici, who create exquisite stone mosaics inspired by Florentine tradition.
Back in Lucca, we enjoyed a relaxed afternoon walking through the city’s charming streets, visiting Puccini’s home and discovering tucked-away craft shops brimming with local flair.
The retreat culminated in a scenic excursion to the Pisa hills, where we were treated to a wine tasting experience. As we sipped on Sangiovese wines and learned about local viticulture, laughter and stories flowed as easily as the wine itself—a fitting end to a week rich with artistry, learning, and connection.
From shimmering goldwork to Tuscan landscapes, this retreat was a perfect blend of creativity and culture. We left Lucca with new techniques, new friendships, and a dragon named Lucca stitched into our memories.