AN ORENBURG LACE KNITTING WORKSHOP WITH GALINA KHMELEVA

JULY 21 - JULY 30, 2009

Package terms and conditions located at the bottom of this page.

 

 

 

 

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

• THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ORENBURG KNITTED LACE

• This class is designed to provide knitters with an overview of Russian-style lace knitting.  Students will be introduced to the unique elements of lace knitting design - from pattern to border to cornering techniques.  The ten basic elements that provide the very foundation of russian-lace knitting...mouseprint, cat's paw, honeycomb, etc, will serve as your guide;  unique cast-ons and bind-offs, superior shaping using a modified shortrows method, a grafting technique that will "seam" almost magical in in its simplicity and versatility, will provide the necessary tools to achieving lace knitting bliss.  And, as always, a class with Galina, will provide an unforgettable cultural experience.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY:

Galina A. Khmeleva, owner of Skaska Designs and author of Gossamer Webs: The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls and Gossamer Webs: The Design Collection, has earned the reputation as one of the most respected and knowledgeable lace knitting instructors in the country.

As a former clothing and costume designer who worked with the ‘aristocracy' of St. Petersburg, Russia's music and theater society, Galina was a pioneer in breaking down barriers in the"new" Russia that allowed Russian women the opportunity to achieve ownership status in private companies.

As the principal student to Orenburg's lace knitting elite, Galina brings the classic style and revered traditional knitting techniques of Russian lace to her classes. Her unique, inspiring and fun-loving teaching style has made her the guru of lace enthusiasts across the US. And as an extra bonus, Galina's classes are an awesome, unforgettable cultural experience.

 

LOCATION:

• The workshop will be held in San Martino di Castrozza (1450m), nestled at the base of the famous Pale di San Martino mountain chain, crown jewel of the Italian Dolomites, located just 68 miles North East of Venice, Italy.  Rich in history and tradition, the resort town of San Martino di Castrozza began as a cherished alpine playground over 150 years ago frequented by European aristocracy and royalty.  Today, it remains a charming, highly considered, European resort destination for all backgrounds and ages. Click here for an excellent video (in english) on San Martino and the Primiero valley.

 

 

STRUCTURE:

• Classroom instruction conveniently is held in the hotel after lunch, when the local stores close for "pranzo," Italy's daily celebration of the mid-day meal with their families.  Six classroom sessions, each lasting three hours, will take place over the course of the trip for a total of 18 hours of structured instruction.  Emphasis is placed on the one-on-one, private time spent with Galina throughout the trip.

• Our mornings will be reserved for unique and special outings to explore and knit in our local surroundings, and will encompass a variety of experiences.

• In addition to the wonderful morning excursions and our afternoon knitting classes, you will enjoy two days with no structured class instruction.  Students will have the choice of exploring on their own, or joining Galina and Daniela for some knitting and fiber arts-related guided group activities.  One of these days off will take place in the Valley of Primiero, just below San Martino.  Venice takes center-stage for the final day of your dream knitting vacation.

 

WHAT MAKES A KNITTING TRIP WITH THE ALPINE ADVENTURE AGENCY SO UNIQUE:

• The Alpine Adventure Agency is unique in providing Italian cell phones to each paying guest for use during your vacation. You will not need to worry that your own phone will not work in Italy.  You can buy more minutes for your phone easily in most stores.  We have made instant concierge service and assistance possible with important phone numbers already programmed into the phones, including mine, the hotel, local transportation companies, and medical assistance.  I am just a phone call away to assist you with any needs or requests.

• Upon request, we provide a hiking kit for your use during your stay. If you like to walk during your free time, hiking poles and a backpack will be supplied to each guest so all you need to bring are your hiking boots! 
  

• We offer fold-away windbreakers (they fold into a side pocket pouch) in an array of colors from size small to 4x, personalized with our logo on the lapel.  They are available for purchase, and the color and size can be custom-ordered when you book your trip.
  

• Upon request, the hotels' kitchens and the restaurants we will be visiting can accommodate any dietary need with advanced notification.

• We get to do many special activities that have been created just for my groups, thanks to my family's personal friendships with various business owners in the region.

• The Alpine Adventure Agency offers short educational programs at the hotel every evening after dinner on topics of regional and local interest including geology, archeology, legends, history, art and architecture, local folklore and culture, and wine and cuisine. These custom programs were created specifically for the Alpine Adventure Agency by Luca Brunet and the Time Laboratory, a group of local historians and curators of local art and culture in Primiero.

• We hired a full-time consultant who specializes in outdoor/ nature photography to help our guests take incredible pictures.  He will be present for all group activities, taking the group to the best locations to take pictures, giving advice on using your equipment, and showing you where to stand to get those amazing shots of your dream vacation.

• We want to make traveling easier for families with young children. Appropriate car seats are available and can be rented from the Alpine Adventure Agency as long as you tell us your child's age, weight, and height at the time of booking. The seats will be waiting for you upon arrival at the transfer location to pick up our guests. Of course, you are welcome to travel with your own seats if you choose.

• Our lead guides are certified to provide first responder care and be the first link to help until professional emergency personnel can arrive in case of an emergency. They are not EMT's, paramedics, doctors or nurses. The Alpine Adventure Agency lead guides who accompany all organized group activities are certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR/ AED (automated external defibrillator) for the Professional Rescuer.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• The Alpine Adventure Agency vacations are all-inclusive of your lodging and meals as described in the daily itinerary, and all expenses and transportation incurred in direct relation to the specified group activities as stated in the vacation package. Transfer to and from the Marco Polo Airport (Venice) and San Martino di Castrozza is included in your package. Expenses incurred during your free, non-scheduled time, including meals, are not covered.  Wine degustations are optional and can be added when you book your trip.  Click here to read our full Terms and Conditions.

 

DAILY ITINERARY

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DAY ONE

Arrival Day! Guests meet at the designated transfer point at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice for the ride up to San Martino. A light snack and beverage will be provided during the trip. Arrival in San Martino di Castrozza. Guests will have time to check into their rooms and get settled in. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. There will be a welcoming meeting after dinner to introduce your instructor and guides, outline the coming week, and hand out welcome packets containing schedules, maps, the town's social calendar, and other pertinent materials for your vacation. The first post-dinner educational program and informal Sit and Knit will be offered for those who would like to stay and mingle.

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DAY TWO

Downtown San Martino di Castrozza.  Photo: Daniela Anderson

Breakfast and debriefing meeting at the hotel. Today we begin our knitting vacation with a morning tour of the town of San Martino di Castrozza, pointing out landmarks and important points of reference, such as the emergency center and the visitors' information center.  Guests will have an opportunity to explore town, sit and knit, or catch up on jet lag for the rest of the morning.

Lunch will take place at the hotel, followed by our afternoon knitting class with Galina.  Students are free to enjoy the rest of their afternoon and evening on their own.

A private degustation of wines paired with regional delicacies will take place from 5:30pm-6:30pm at "La Mia Enoteca" di Renzo Debertolis, a charming wine bar owned by a retired, celebrated alpine guide. Renzo is recognized as being one of the guides in the 20th century who helped shape alpinism in the region and forge some of the paths and ascents to difficult local peaks. His picture and accounts of his accomplishments are included in a few books on the region, and these books can be purchased in town. Renzo will be on hand for the degustation and would be delighted to have his picture taken with you and autograph your book. This event is optional and can be added on to your package at the time of purchase. If you choose to join the event once you have arrived in San Martino, you must pay your participation fee directly to Renzo.

Dinner tonight is at the hotel, followed by the nightly after-dinner educational program and informal Sit and Knit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luciano Da Canal from Girovagando in Trentino shares a glass of wine with Renzo Debertolis in his wine bar, La Mia Enoteca. Photo courtesy of Agh, Girovagando in Trentino.

The crew from Girovagando in Trentino listen to Renzo share tales of his adventures as an alpine guide in Italy and abroad as they sample wines from Renzo's private stock. Photo courtesy of Agh, Girovagando in Trentino.

 

 

 

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DAY THREE

Today our group will visit Passo Rolle, the seventh highest pass in all of Europe, where we will visit the Baita Segantini (2200m) nestled at the base of Cimon della Pala, and located at the high end of Val Venegia. This little structure, loved and respected for its historical importance to the area, is situated in one of the most coveted places in the entire region. The morning will be spent knitting in this spectacular and treasured setting. Video clip showing the Baita Segantini at stopping point 3:31.

Guests will have the option before lunch to enjoy peaceful knitting among the peaks or participate in an an exclusive outdoor/ nature photography lesson with Alessandro Simon, exploring the immense beauty of this valley, which is considered to be one of the most exquisite in the entire Dolomitic chain.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Alessandro Simon Photography.

After visiting the Baita, our group will make its way to one of the most famous restaurants and local landmarks in the area, the Malga Ces.  Known for its exquisite cuisine, phenomenal attention to presentation, and charming and  traditional decorations, this is a not-to-be-missed event while you are in San Martino. This unique farm-turned-restaurant has been in existence for many decades, and it is here that the famous Tosela cheese was first created and perfected

Following lunch, our students will enjoy a very special cooking demonstration given by the Malga Ces' chef, a feature that has been created exclusively for the Alpine Adventure Agency.

After lunch, we will head back down into town.  Our afternoon knitting classes take place at the hotel today, after which you are free for the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy and explore the area on your own.  Dinner tonight is at the hotel, followed by the after-dinner, educational presentation and our informal Sit and Knit.

Photos of Malga Ces courtesy of Angelani Silvano.

 

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DAY FOUR

Today we will have an early breakfast and debriefing meeting. The group will take a short walk across the street from the hotel to the base of the Cable Car Colverde for a ride up to the peak of the Rosetta (2743 m).

Guests may choose to stay on the deck of the Restaurant Rosetta and sit and knit, or take the 20 minute walk to the Rifugio Rosetta and enjoy the deck there.  Alessandro Simon, The Alpine Adventure Agency's full-time outdoor/ nature photography instructor, will be on hand to offer advice and help you take spectacular photos of the mountain scenery.

We will meet back at 10:30am to descend by cable car to the Colverde Quota 2000 Restaurant, located at 2000m, half way down the mountain.  Students may choose to sit and knit on the deck, or take an optional short walk to the Malga Pala, a traditional mountain dairy farm just beyond the restaurant, to watch a special cheese-making demonstration at the farm prepared just for our group. The tour also includes a pastry and a glass of fresh milk, followed by an optional tour of the barn to see the cows being milked traditionally by hand.

Following the tour of Malga Pala, we will return to the Colverde Quota 2000 Restaurant for a gourmet, multi-course lunch and dessert. This meal includes wine, bottled water, coffee and grappa.  After lunch, we will descend by cable car back into town, and have our afternoon knitting classes at the hotel.

The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy.

Dinner tonight is at the hotel, followed by the after-dinner educational program and our informal Sit and Knit.

 

 

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DAY FIVE

Today's morning excursion takes us away from San Martino and down towards the stunning Val Canali, where we will be met by Nicola and Marzia Cemin, who have invited us to their lovely, historic Inn, Cant Del Gal. This charming inn is situated deep in the mountains at the beginning of many well-known excursion trails into the peaks and the Altopiano.

We will have the opportunity to sit and knit on their porch and enjoy the splendid and serene view, followed by a gourmet lunch that meets the region standards for inclusion of typical, regional products. This meal includes bottled water and house wine.

 

 

Following lunch, we will have a cooking demonstration of a very regional dessert known as Kaiserschmarren (a sweet tyrolean omlette originating in the Austrian alps just a few hours away) served with a warm sauce made with frutti di bosco.

After the cooking demonstration, our group will return to San Martino, after which we will have our afternoon knitting classes at the hotel.  The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy.

Tonight, dinner is at the hotel, followed by the after-dinner, educational program and the evening Sit and Knit.

 

 

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DAY SIX

Early breakfast and debriefing meeting at the hotel. This morning we satisfy the lovers of yarn and fiber, art and architecture, history and traditional folklore, and last but not least, fine wine and cuisine!  Today will be spent in the Primiero Valley.

Our first stop as a group will be to a culinary landmark, the Strada dei Formaggi (the Street of the Cheeses). Primiero is home to some famous, award-winning cheeses in Italy. The Alpine Adventure Agency has arranged for our group to enjoy a private tour of the factory, watch the cheese production up close, and sample to your heart's content.

Today is flexible and relaxed.   Students may choose to explore on their own, or go with Daniela and Alessandro on special guided visits created by Luca Brunet and the Time Laboratory.  These visits highlight the art and architecture of two of the most important edifices in the valley: the Pieve dell'Assunta and the historic Palazzo delle Miniere.  We will also visit the Casa Primierotta, a house set up to show visitors a Tyrolean home typical of this region.  Click here to peruse the episode on the Primiero Valley done by Girovagando in Trentino. The written summary is in Italian, but this article includes many beautiful pictures of the places and people we will visit today.

There are two yarn shops in town with wonderful goodies to add to your stash.  You may choose to go visit the shops on your own while exploring the town, or go with Daniela who can take you there with our group's transportation vehicle.

Lunch today is on your own so students can enjoy as much flexibility as possible.

A very special visit with internationally respected wood sculptors, Renzo and Silvano Zeni, is planned for early afternoon while the stores are closed for pranzo. Their most famous sculptures adorn the entrances to the Euro-Tunnel between England and France. Their work encompasses both traditional sculptures as well as the traditional Tyrolean figurines, nativity scenes and woodland fauna that is quickly disappearing as an artisan art form today. They have offered to give our groups a private tour of their studio and store and give you a demonstration of traditional wood sculpting. This is an exclusive feature of a vacation with the Alpine Adventure Agency. Students who choose to attend will meet Daniela at a specified time to go enjoy our visit.

Our evening event in the valley is the most special knitting activity of all.  We will enjoy dinner with a small group of local Tyrolean knitters who still knit in the old way.  They are looking forward to meeting us and sharing knitted items typical of this region.  One item will be the authentic Tyrolean lace and cable socks still being knit by women who learned the pattern from their mothers and grandmothers.  Click here to see a picture of the Beatrich, a local folk trio, and check out their socks!  These socks were knit by Nicola's mother, who belongs to the local knitting group having dinner with us.

There are a few very informative videos that include segments on places and people included in our visit to Primiero. Here is a list of the videos and the places to stop and watch the video if you choose to fast forward to our special points of interest:

 

 

 

Video put out by the Azienda per Turismo San Martino, Primiero e Vanoi

• 5:12 Tyrolean knitters and spinners
• 5:42 Cheese-making demonstration at the Caseificio di Primiero.
• 7:29 Coro Sass Maor
  

Video put out by the borough of Transacqua:

• 11:01 Silvano Zeni, Wood Sculptor.
• 15:40 Cheese-making demonstration at the Caseificio di Primiero.
• 17:00 Gruppo Folcloristico di Mezzano.
• 20:05 Casa Primierotta.

Girovagando in Trentino has several episodes dedicated to San Martino and the Primiero Valley. It is worth watching the videos and perusing the articles, even if they are in Italian, because of all the interesting places they visit that our highlighted in our tours. Go to their archives and type in San Martino di Castrozza or Valle di Primiero, and all their past episodes will be listed. Those that include video will have a small video icon on the upper right hand side.

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DAY SEVEN

This morning we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we head out as a group and board the Cable Car Tognola for a ride to the top of the Tognola mountain.  It universally is considered to have one of the most stunning views of the Pale in the whole valley.

After exploring the various scenic overlooks for great photo opportunities, students may choose to sit and knit on the deck or inside the restaurant which boasts 360 degree views all around, or explore some of the many walking paths all around Cima Tognola.

Today's lunch features regional cuisine in a traditional, multi-course meal inclusive of wine and bottled water. We conclude our day of delights atop the mountain with a cooking demonstration by the Tognola's chef.  He will demonstrate the preparation of Canerderli (Knodel) Ai Funghi Porcini e Formaggi (Canederli/ Knodel with porcini mushrooms and cheeses).

Our group will descend by cable car back into town, where we will have our afternoon knitting classes at the hotel.  The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy.

Tonight, dinner is at the hotel, followed by the after-dinner educational program and our evening Sit and Knit.

 

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DAY EIGHT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning is a lazy morning.  Our group will not meet up for an organized activity until lunch, which will take place at the Caffe Col, a charming farm, restaurant and Inn that has been in existence for many generations. Students have a few choices on how to get to the restaurant for lunch.  Our transportation vehicle will pick students up around 10am and take you out so you can sit and knit in their lovely garden terrace or inside sitting area and enjoy the breathtaking views until the rest of the group arrives.  Students might also choose to enjoy the 10-minute walk from town to the outskirts where Caffe Col is located.

Daniela hopes that many students will choose the third way to get to lunch by joining her on her favorite easy walking trail from the time she was a child. The outing on the Strada Alta has been Daniela's favorite excursion since childhood because it is an easy hike for the whole family, yet has some of the most beautiful and breath-taking views of the rocky peaks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Strada Alta/ Pez Gaiart is a well-maintained bike path that meanders through the woods just above town. The loop, beginning and ending in town, is about  6 km/ 3.73 miles.  It does have gentle ascents and descents and takes about 2 hours to complete at an easy pace - that includes time to stop and knit, enjoy a snack, take pictures, and gaze in amazement at the spectacular scenery.  Our group will only complete 2/3 of the loop because we will stop when we reach Caffe Col to have lunch with the others.

Those students interested in joining Daniela and Alessandro, The Alpine Adventure Agency's full-time photography instructor, will meet up after breakfast at the base of the Cable Car Colverde.

 

 

 

 

The path emerges in Val di Roda and Prati Ces, where our group will delight in the discovery of a true echo valley. Kids and adults alike have a ball trying out the echo, which is so distinct that each sound is separated by a moment of silence in between. Here the meadows and flowers are abundant, cows graze peacefully on the hills, and children run to their hearts' content.

The group will make its way through the meadow to Caffe Col to join the others for lunch. Following lunch, we will enjoy the last structured afternoon knitting class back at the hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The grand finale of your stay in the Dolomites will be an exclusive farewell gala dinner complete with private performances.  Dinner will take place at the highly-regarded "La Canisela" restaurant.  There, we will be treated to a private concert featuring the amazing singing and music of the Beatrich, a traditional folk group trio made up of three, incredibly talented, local men dedicated to the preservation of the music, song and lyrics, and tradition of the Jodler (Yodel) in the Italian Alps and surrounding areas. The have enjoyed enormous success and are sought out highly as entertainers throughout Northern Italy.  Click here to hear the Beatrich yodel!  Click here to see them perform at the Festa del Desmontegar (Go to 22:40 to see them perform. Beginning at 05:40 their music is used as backdrop music throughout the rest of the Girovagando In Trentino episode).

After dinner, when people are relaxed and comfortable, the Beatrich will offer an exclusive yodeling class. Tonight, sit and knit as long as you wish at the party, "restando in compania" (remaining in company among friends).

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DAY NINE

This morning, we leave San Martino very early so that we can enjoy a full day in Venice!  We will arrive at the hotel just outside Venice about 9am, drop off our luggage, and immediately make our way over to the train station platform located directly in front of the hotel.  Venice is 15 minutes by train, and we will be whisked away effortlessly to Venice's Stazione Santa Lucia, where we begin our tour of this exquisite city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, students have the freedom and flexibility to choose to explore on their own, or make some loosely structured stops to various venues with the group.  There is a very well-known yarn shop in Venice that is not to be missed, as well as several stores where you can find some beautiful glass beads.  The lace-makers are found on the islands just off-shore, and the glass-blowing factories are on the island of Murano. We also will visit a Venetian mask-maker whose family has been creating costumes for Carnevale for generations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gourmets and connoisseurs  will be happily satisfied as well - Daniela will take you to the one shop where all the locals go to eat Tiramisu and drink Spritz.

Another not-to-be-missed opportunity is to experience the famous caffe´ and bar, Caffe´ Florian, in Piazza San Marco.  This famous caffe´, opened in 1720, is Italy's oldest caffe´. It serenades its guests daily with an orchestra.

The Florian also is renown for being the place to which Casanova fled for an espresso after being the only person to escape successfully from the Doge's Palace, but before leaving Venice for good.

The Florian has been Daniela's favorite place in Venice to stop and enjoy a refreshment or light meal since she was a young teenager.  It truly is one of  the most amazing locations to sit and knit in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those in our group who want to make the most of their day in Venice and know ahead of time that they want to visit certain attractions, there are specialized packages that can be purchased ahead of time to beat the crowd.  Click here to peruse all 30 Venice mini-tours.

Our group has complete flexibility over their day here in Venice.  If you feel confortable making your way around town and returning to the hotel by train on your own, you are free to stay as long as you wish.  Each person will receive a printed train schedule which will give you the times that our particular train departs to go back towards our hotel.  The group officially will leave Venice together in the late afternoon so we can return to the hotel in time for a group dinner and have time to prepare for the next morning's transfer to the airport.

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DAY TEN

Today the group dissolves for individual departure destinations.  Our hotel has a complimentary shuttle to the Marco Polo Airport that must be reserved when booking your room.  The Alpine Adventure Agency will gladly handle this arrangement or any other for you, if would like to stay another few days or need assistance with any other accomodation while you are in Italy.  We hope to have you come visit us again soon!  A presto!

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The ten-day italian tyrolean alps AND VENICE

AN ORENBURG LACE knitting workshop

with

GALINA KHMELEVA

Package prices are per adult, based on double occupancy in a standard room.

Please call for supplemental rate for one adult in a standard room.

Discounts given on third and fourth adults in a room.

If you are joining us without a traveling companion and would like to share a room,  we will be happy to assist you in locating a roommate for the trip.

Please read our  full Terms and Conditions.

 

We invite you to visit our group on Ravelry:

Fiber Summit Series Abroad (FSSA).

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