SERENDIPITOUS FABRIC COLLAGE IN ITALY with Susan Carlson

FANTASTICAL FISH OF TUSCANY Pesci Fantastici di Toscana

During our time together in Italy, we will let serendipity step in and “cut loose” with creating Pesci Fantastici (Fantastical Fish) surrounded by the colors and magic of the Tuscan hills. The definition of fantastical: whimsical, wonderful, splendid, fanciful in appearance, extravagant. The fantastical fish of this class will be inspired by the species, Salmo trutta fario, a fantastically spotted brown river trout. It’s referred to as an ancient fish that genetically survived the last Ice Age and is fished in Italy today. This fish owes its longevity to its ability to diversify in form and thrive in a variety of environments—such as the rivers and streams of Tuscany.

All-in-all, Salmo trutta fario, is a perfect subject to explore in the ancient surroundings of Strada Toscana with our diverse fabrics and our vivid imaginations. Our pescare have no need to correspond to acknowledged facts or criteria, because they will be fantastical.

Lessons in creating the rounded form of a fish will add to an understanding of how to create the illusion of form and depth in other future fabric collage subjects. Each student will be working with their unique fabric palette, so each Salmo trutta fario will develop their own personality as the week progresses. Much like a painting emerges from a canvas, our images will seemingly emerge from our foundation designs as we layer dabs of fabric.

The classroom goal of the week is to “let go and play” with fabric while learning the basics of fabric collage. All aspects of the process will be discussed, with class time focused on the fabric collage piecing technique. Quilting is to be completed at home (no machines required for class).

The overall goal of our week together in the beautiful Tuscan countryside is to thoroughly enjoy the collage process while in the company of other travel-loving fabric enthusiasts.

ABOUT Susan Carlson

For more than three decades Susan Carlson has been creating eye-opening and award-winning fabric collage quilts. For most of that time she has also been teaching others her collage technique through classes, her two books, Free-Style Quilts and Serendipity Quilts, and her Online Fabric Collage Master Class. She has had exhibits of her collection “Specimens” at the International Quilt Festival-Houston, American Quilt Society-Paducah, the New England Quilt Museum, and now at the National Quilt Museum. Over her career, both as a teacher and artist Susan has helped to push the art quilt movement forward. She teaches nationally, internationally, and online.

Susan feels that rather than teaching simply how to accomplish a particular technique, her job is to teach students to see, truly see. To coach them in how to look at whatever they are creating and ignore what they assume something looks like and to really examine it. To recognize an eye for the shape it really is, to truly understand the ins and outs of a nose—the little details that can make all the difference when interpreting a subject into a fabric collage.

Working with fabric was a love inherited from her mom Meta, an accomplished dressmaker and seamstress. Susan grew up with trips to fabric stores—her hands busy fondling fabric and her eyes drinking in their patterns and colors. Susan’s mom aged into a love of the textural quality of fabrics and fibers of all kinds and further influenced Susan in adding lace and other found fabrics into her more recent work.

“There are No Limits” and “More is Better!” are themes that runs through Susan’s books, and how she encourages others in their own fabric collage journeys—keep going, keep adding layers, keeping defining features. “Rich: that’s the word. I want my students to make their pieces rich. Not flat. Full of interest. Not bland. There’s enough bland stuff in the world. No need to add to it.”

Susan lives along the coast of Maine in the upper right-hand-corner of the USA—with her husband Tom, pups Kali and Felix, and her Djinni Cat who’s job it is to personally inspect all fabric Susan places on her worktable, to rearrange collages by pulling out pins, and to photo-bomb as many in-progress photos and Zoom classes as possible. For more information on Susan, her blog posts, and her (rich, colorful, textural, glittery, not bland) fabric collage work visit susancarlson.com.

MOSAICS and Maiolica 

In between our classroom sessions, we’ll enjoy an excursion to the medieval hill town of Orvieto. Rising dramatically above the Umbrian landscape, Orvieto is famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, richly decorated with mosaics and carvings. As we wander its winding cobblestone streets, we’ll discover maiolica ceramic shops, hidden piazzas, and romantic alleyways that seem to whisper stories of the past. The town offers a treasure trove of inspiration—from intricate architectural details to vibrant patterns and colors—perfect for weaving into your project.

As the week goes on, we’ll discuss how to move forward on our Fantastical Fish of Tuscany—considering where and how to add more details using sheer fabrics, found lace or other materials, or whatever speaks to us. These additions will add very special and personal memories of our week of Serendipitous Fabric Collage in Italy.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Monday, October 19: Arrival

• Highlights: Arrival, village walking tour, introduction with Susan
• Dinner

Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, our private drivers will transport you to the Italian countryside, and your boutique hotel accommodations in the unspoiled village of Città della Pieve. After check in, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of the village with host, Pamela Haack, followed by a workshop overview with Susan in our roomy workshop space. Afterwards it’s time to enjoy a welcome aperitivo, followed by a delectable dinner prepared by Chef Vito. 

DAY 2 – Tuesday, October 20: Saffron Tastings & Dyeing

• Highlights: Saffron lesson with Alessandro, saffron fabric dyeing
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, you’ll gather with Susan in the workshop studio to begin planning your Fantastical Fish project. Susan will guide you through the initial stages, helping you focus on ideas, colors and patterns that bring your imagination to life.

By late morning, we’ll step out into town and make our way to our friend and saffron expert, Alessandro, at his charming saffron shop. Here, Alessandro will lead us in a special lesson on the history and uses of this extraordinary spice, followed by a light lunch and a saffron tasting prepared with his signature flair.

In the afternoon, it’s back to the studio with Susan for a hands-on experience in saffron dyeing—a centuries-old tradition in Città della Pieve. Using saffron-infused baths, you’ll learn how to create subtle variations ranging from soft, buttery yellows to rich golden hues, experimenting with different fabrics and textures. Once your pieces are hung to dry, you’ll have a colorful collection to inspire your next steps in the project.

This evening, we’ll gather at our friend’s welcoming trattoria, where a delicious dinner awaits.

DAY 3 – Wednesday, October 21: Orvieto, Mosaics & Maiolica

• Highlights: Excursion to Orvieto
• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, our private drivers will transport you to the medieval hill town of Orvieto. Rising dramatically above the Umbrian countryside, Orvieto is renowned for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, a masterpiece richly adorned with mosaics and intricate carvings. As we meander through the town’s winding cobblestone streets, we’ll encounter maiolica ceramic shops, hidden piazzas, and romantic alleyways that capture the timeless charm of this historic city. Throughout our visit, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration—whether in the architectural flourishes, the vibrant color palettes, or the delicate patterns—all of which can be beautifully translated into your creative projects.

After lunch on your own, at any one of Orvieto’s charming cafes and restaurants, we’ll make our way back to Città della Pieve where you’ll join Susan in the studio to continue working on your project with her expert guidance. This evening you’ll enjoy apericena (aperitivo + light dinner) at a local cafe. 

DAY 4 – Thursday, October 22: Studio & Pasta

• Highlights: Studio time, Pasta lesson
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the workshop studio with Susan for a full creative session. Susan will guide you through her unique techniques as you begin to weave together your saffron-dyed fabrics and collected ephemera into your one-of-a-kind Fantastical Fish project. The morning is dedicated to experimenting, layering, and watching your ideas take shape. Lunch today will be enjoyed at a nearby café, offering a chance to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.

In the afternoon, after a short break to rest and recharge, it’s back to the studio with Susan for more inspired work. Then, in the late afternoon, we’ll stroll together to our friend Cristian’s bistrot for an oh-so-fun culinary adventure. Cristian will lead us in a hands-on lesson in making pici, the hand-rolled pasta that’s a beloved specialty of this region. Afterwards, he’ll take us on a tour of his atmospheric underground wine cantina, where centuries of tradition linger in the cool stone cellars. The evening wraps up with a lively aperitivo, followed by a delicious dinner showcasing the very pasta you crafted with your own hands.

DAY 5 – Friday, October 23: Città della Pieve

• Highlights: Renaissance walking tour, Gallery show, Farewell dinner
• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll set out on a guided tour of several of the town’s remarkable churches, home to exquisite medieval and Renaissance masterpieces, including celebrated works by the great painter Perugino. Surrounded by centuries of history and artistry, you’ll gather fresh inspiration before returning to the studio with Susan for a focused morning session, bringing new depth and detail to your Fantastical Fish project.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch on your own with time to rest, relax, or perhaps browse the town’s inviting shops. In the afternoon, you’ll reunite with Susan for a final creative session, culminating in a joyful gallery show where the class’s artworks are shared and celebrated.

This evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at our friends’ exceptional restaurant, savoring a delicious meal together as we toast to new friendships, artistic discoveries, and the unforgettable week we’ve shared.

DAY 6 – Saturday, October 24: Departure

Early morning departure to Rome Fiumicino Airport.

VENUE Boutique Hotel Vannucci

Hotel Vannucci began as a project of Vittoria Spinola, daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who fled Pisa (and an arranged marriage with her elderly husband) to start a new life with her lover in Città della Pieve. Here, she and her soon-to-be new husband, Paolo, built two villas that became luxurious holiday accommodations for wealthy Romans vacationing in the countryside. In 1903 one of the villas became Hotel Vannucci, and today it maintains the elegance and refinement of its inception, with luxurious sleeping rooms, marble bathrooms and inviting gardens. A stay here is truly special, nestled just outside the medieval walls of the historic, and unspoiled, village of Città della Pieve. 

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WHAT’S Included…

• Pre-enlarged fish designs from Susan for use in class–each student can choose the size they feel particularly inspired to work with!
• A month or so before the class dates, Susan will schedule Zoom meetings to help you prepare for the class, and to answer any class-related questions you might have. In these pre-class Zoom sessions, she will discuss and demonstrate fabric selection focused on color, values, and printed designs, as well as how to prepare a fabric palette.5 nights at Boutique Hotel Vannucci in Città della Pieve
• 5 nights at Boutique Hotel Vannucci in Città della Pieve
• Group transportation by private transportation service to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport on arrival and departure dates. 
• Private transportation service to/from all towns or sites included in the itinerary
• Daily group and individual instruction with Susan Carlson
• Pre-enlarged sun and moon patterns for use in class so each student can choose the size they feel particularly inspired to work with.
• A month or so before the class dates, Susan will schedule Zoom meetings to help students prepare for and answer questions regarding the class. In these pre-class Zoom sessions, she will discuss and demonstrate fabric selection focused on color, values, and printed designs, as well as how to prepare a fabric palette.
• All breakfasts
• 2 lunches
• 5 dinners 
• Excursion to Orvieto
• Saffron lesson
• Saffron fabric-dyeing
• Pasta-making lesson
• Renaissance art walking tour
• Opportunities to shop and explore on your own

NOT INCLUDED

Not included: airfare, meals or transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for hotel staff and drivers

The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: Sometimes unexpected things come up. If there is unscheduled closing or schedule change, we carefully pivot to include something that is equally as wonderful and interesting, so that the quality of your experience is never at risk. ☺️

PREREQUISITE:

➡️ ‼️ Prerequisite of class: ownership of Susan Carlson’s Online Master Class—a reference manual for the beginning-to-end fabric collage technique. Especially useful with both pre-class and post-class information. Student discount of $30 off full price of $199. Ownership is “forever,” any and all updates included. Please contact Susan’s husband Tom (tom@tomallenbooks.com) for discount code and any questions.

DATES AND DETAILS

• Dates: October 19-24, 2026
• A $700 deposit is required to book your space
• Trip Price (choose room type upon booking):
  • $3,795 USD per person: Single occupancy, single bed, private ensuite bathroom
  • $3,995 USD per person:ì: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • $4,295 USD per person:: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • $3,795 USD per person: Double/Twin occupancy, double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom with tub and shower (specifically for couples or friends traveling together)
• Prerequisite of Class: Membership in the Fabric Collage Master Class is a pre-requisite for this workshop. This online learning resource will provide step-by-step reminders and reference of the entire process before, during, and after class. Purchase (if student does not already own the Master Class) can be made any time after registration.
• Arrival and departure airport Rome Fiumicino
• View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

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