Tuesday, February 27, 2007

KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream

Knitaly08 gathers for a wine tasting

Dream your way into reality…Knitaly 10 Unfolds

"I was privledged to be part of the group in 2008.  All I can say is beg, borrow or collect  deposit soda cans to pay for this trip.  It is beyond wonderful.  As a knitter it was a fabulous treat to be with like-minded folks but there is sooo much more to this excursion. Jane and Company are supurb hosts, accomodations great and AHHHH the food! Do what you must to get there!" Diana Tagley

OCTOBER 14th to Sunday, October 24th, inclusive 

This year's Knitaly will begin with two nights in Florence before moving into the Tuscan countryside.

This trip will appeal to those who: 

• consider themselves a traveller rather than a tourist and are both concious of and interested in the culture of the land 
• appreciate art, history, beautiful scenery, fine food, shopping and more fine food with lots of knitting (or not) on the side.
• do not want the herd mentality of a one-size-fits-all mega tour but prefer to join up with like-minded voyagers linked by common interests.
• enjoy a balance of touring with big dollops of dolce vita with food and relaxation amid the touring, shopping and knitting.
• see that travel can be comfortable while still adventurous with a balance of activities for body, soul and mind.
• and, of course, a love of knitting or beading helps, though is not a prerequisite. As you can see from the itinerary, multiple activities exist for all interests so bring your companions. No husband or non-knitting companion has been known to complain. My husband will we joining me.

Below, you'll find the story of the first two Knitaly tours to give you the flavor of these unforgettable excursions where small groups of like-minded people explore one of the world's most beautiful places.

NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR  OCTOBER FOR KNITALY'10.

Photos of Knitaly 07 & 08:

The essence of Tuscany, despite the illustrious history, the immense cultural influence of the Renaissance, is all about living simply and well. It's about savoring every nuance of flavor and beauty and about finding such pleasures in everyday things. For this very reason the name 'Tuscan' ends up being applied to everything from restaurants to home products and why I can't get enough of Italy's most famous region.  Despite the romanticism behind all things Tuscan, in truth, Tuscans are realists: they know that life is short and take steps to live every minute to the fullest.  Live well. Live now. Shouldn't we all strive to live that way?

If you've never been, maybe 2010 is your year to immerse yourself in an excursion into the meaning of le dolce vita. Whether as a single knitter seeking comfort and companionship in the company of like-minded new friends or as part of a pair where even a spouse who blanches at the thought of a 'knitting tour' can find delight, this trip is for you.

Your hosts: 

Me, checking out an eatery

John checking out a guide book

The Duomo in Florence, centuries old but will still take your breath away

Florentine Markets

Our amazing guide, Francesca Ermini

Gargonza via San Gimiagno 

San Giminagno—view from the tower

 

 



Wall art

 

 

• Castillo Gargonza, our hotel, is a destination in itself. Tucked high in a cedar forest, this 13^th century walled hamlet has been transformed into a residence/hotel perfect for our knitting adventure. Dante entered these gates centuries ago but don't let it's great age and illustrious past deter you: these accommodations are very comfortable and modern in the places where modern counts (like bathrooms). Some accommodations are apartments with fireplaces, sitting areas and kitchenettes, others are more standard. Check your options at the bottom of this page for preferences. The hotel describes itself thus:

"Upon entering the small village, you'll find yourself in the piazzetta with its tower and water well, followed by the city wall, the small lanes, homes and gardens. Even today, the village homes maintain the names of the original inhabitants: Fattore, Niccolina the seamstress, Celso the gamekeeper… Surrounded entirely by woods, grape-vines, olive trees, and rolling hills. This is Gargonza, a village that was brought back to life thanks to the love of Roberto Guicciardini Corsi Salviati.

Nestled in the heart of the Tuscany region, in Val di Chiana, near Arezzo and Monte San Savino, the Castle of Gargonza is today a bed and breakfast and residence vacation homes. It also offers a swimming pool, a restaurant and meeting rooms which have skillfully maintained the authentic character of the original antique village."

Tea in Gargonza's garden 08

 Knitting in the garden 07

 

 



Workshop in progress 07…

 

 



 

Workshop 08

Patricia, my guest designer, leads Tuscan Tiles

 

 



Cortona…it really is this lovely

 

 






Lunch awaits

 

 

 



 

Local produce, fabulous and unberlievably delicious at Chianti Cashmere

 

 



Tuscan terracotta

 



Free range feather & fanning

 

 

Works in progress Knitaly07

 

 

Alberta shares life in Siena, Knitaly07

 






Torre Sienna

 

 



Ancient Etruscan Gate

 

 

 



 

Every street, a stroll through fascination

 

 

Tuscan hills…

Cortona on a slant…

From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'. I made friends with whom I've stayed in contact on the first 2007 trip. And the scarf I made always garners admiring comments whenever I wear it. It was a great experience. Knitting in a bus as you're driven to a winery or an old village or a church is absolutely the way to travel.

By Mary Bowman-Kruhm on 2010 02 06

From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'. I was privledged to be part of the group in 2008. All I can say is beg, borrow or collect deposit soda cans to pay for this trip. It is beyond wonderful. As a knitter it was a fabulous treat to be with like-minded folks but there is sooo much more to this excursion. Jane and Company are supurb hosts, accomodations great and AHHHH the food! Do what you must to get there!

By Diana on 2010 02 06

From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'. Oh my god this is a once in a life time dream trip for me - time to start praying for the money fairy to shine upon me. I will be following you all in my heart. :)

By Helen on 2010 02 05

From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'. Too bad this was not happening in a week. I would so love to be in on it. But I dont think my hubby would let me come back over in Oct. I leave for France in 3 days and then will be in Florence in about 4 or 5 days later.I cant wait!

By Brandy on 2008 06 03

From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'. I'm already excited about the Knitaly trip. For anyone equally excited, I found a website http://www.italyguides.it/us/florence/florence_italy.htm where I could download iPod or MP3 player short audio podcasts about places we'll see in Florence. I listened to the one on Michelangelo's David and it was excellent. ==Mary

By Mary Bowman-Kruhm on 2007 04 18