07/21/2026
Spinning yarn by the sea? yes please!! with Diane Gonthier, textile arts instructor and master spinner from Les Ateliers d'Un Pas Feutré, let the spinning of your wheel blend with the magical sound of the waves for this special event! RSVP. 🌊
"SPINNING BY THE SEA"
A one of a kind retreat for spinners in Eastern Canada!
*RESERVATION REQUIRED*
When? August 14-15-16, 2026
Starts at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 14
Ends at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 16
Weekend meeting point?
At the Madeleine-Centre Lighthouse site, in Sainte-Madeleine de la Rivière-Madeleine, in the Upper Gaspé Peninsula!
Organized by: Diane Gonthier/ Les Ateliers D’un pas feutré
in Madeleine-Centre, QC
[email protected]
Cell: 819-425-5688
Prerequisite: Very basic Spinning skills!
WHY?
This initiative is intended to be a relaxed gathering of a few days,
among fiber artisans; An opportunity for the spinning community of Eastern Canada to gather and spin together by the sea in the Upper Gaspé Peninsula, using spinning wheels or spindles!
This isn't a weekend of classes, but rather a time for camaraderie and sharing knowledge; a retreat that nourishes the heart and senses!
COST: $20.00/day/person, $50.00 for all 3 days/person.
***Payment is required in advance via Interac, through my email (see below).
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
- Sea and Mountain Cabins: Ready-to-camp units and small individual cottages,
full hookups for motorhomes and tents.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587471601062
(418) 865-2110, [email protected]
- https://hotelmoteldurocher.com/
- Camping Cap à l'ours (for large motorhomes only) $60.00/night
https://www.facebook.com/campingvrcapalours
https://campingcapalours.com/
- https://www.tourisme-gaspesie.com/fr
***Also, possibility to camp with a tent, rustic style on my property, including a communal summer kitchen in Madeleine-Centre, QC (limited spaces).
DINING OPTIONS:
- Grocery store: Le Relais d'Olivier, Madeleine Centre.
- 418) 865-2110, [email protected]
- https://hotelmoteldurocher.com/
- La Capitainerie Restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/Capitaineriemadeleine/?locale=fr_CA
TO BRING:
- A comfortable folding chair for spinning, a stable spinning wheel,
- A yoga mat to place UNDER your spinning wheel, accessories and yarn.
- A cooler, for picnics or longer, a water bottle…
- Clothing for all weather conditions, including a windbreaker.
***In case of rain, a building by the sea will be available.
- Also: A wide-brimmed hat with a strap, or a parasol…
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUTDOOR SPINNING:
Wind is NOT a negligible factor by the sea;
Bring a bag or basket that closes securely, and some fiber/material prepared in a compact way so it doesn't catch the wind, ideally READY to use
(sausagesrolags, cotton ribbon, long wool strands to spin on the fold...).
Using a distaff with the fiber attached could be an option to consider...
Who is Diane Gonthier? I am a Master Spinner since 2012 and have been a fiber arts professional for 23 years.
My workshop/studio is in Madeleine-Centre in the Upper Gaspé Peninsula;
a magical seaside location that I'd love to share with you!
I enjoy creating festive and welcoming events!
Looking forward to meeting you!
Contact me for more information or to reserve your spot!
Diane Gonthier
