Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, Florence
September 29 to October 6, 2011
Escorted by Jennefer Penfold, Author

Florence is a city overflowing with Renaissance splendor, 21st century cutting edge Italian design and fantastic costume and fashion collections to inspire you. Jennefer will share all of her treasured sources to assist you in creating the wardrobe you have always wanted. When you first meet Romano Romoli at Casa dei Tessuti, you will sense what being a Florentine means. He will weave the fabrics in a tale of history and intrigue to enthrall you. Your week is curated to educate, entice and motivate you to sew and create exquisite garments that you will cherish for a lifetime.

You will visit many of Jennefer’s top ten: Antico Setificio Fiorentino, Museo della Fondazione Roberto Capucci, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Galleria del Costume, Palazzo Pitti, Valmar “La Passamaneria”, Zuffanelli, Casa dei Tessuti and of course Trattoria Nella, then a full day to Arezzo the world famous monthly Antique Market in the very heart of Tuscany to shop all day and enjoy a private wine tasting and dinner at Verrazzano Castle in Greve, the very heart of Chianti. No visit to Florence is complete with out a gourmet cooking class with a world famous private chef. You will delight in meeting Jeff, enjoy a hands on cooking class in his home and be regaled with stories of his celebrity clientele. All in all this is a week for the memory books, and a creative inspiration for all.

September 29 - Independent arrival in Florence. Our hotel is a gorgeous 4 star stunner in the very heart of Florence, walking distance to all that is stylish. Enjoy a casual welcome dinner this evening in a charming trattoria to meet your fellow creative spirits.

September 30 - Awaken to the smell of freshly brewed cappuccino and pastry to begin a great day in Florence. This morning a private walking tour of the historic center of the city is designed to give you a real sense of the magnificent architecture, elegant shops and great museums to explore in your free time. In the afternoon we will explore Piazza San Trinta and Via Tornabuoni with a peek into the Ferragamo Museum. Visit the designer ateliers, fabric shops and wonderful tratorria of this most exclusive of Florentine neighborhoods.

October 1 - Jennefer has designed a tag along shopping day for those interested in her Top Ten. In the late afternoon we will join the locals and take a bus to Fiesole, to gaze over the City and enjoy an aperitif to celebrate our visit to Florence.

October 2 - Experience a full day trip to Arrezzo, we will drive across the Tuscan countryside for the once a month Antique Market. This is one of the best in Europe; you will find vintage goods, antiques and great photo opportunities. Our coach will then take us to Greve in the heart of Chianti for a private wine tasting and dinner in the Verrazzano Castle.

October 3 - This morning is one of the highlights of your visit to Florence, our seminar on vintage textiles at Casa dei Tessuti with Romolo, Jennefer’s very dear friend. You will see and feel fabrics that are centuries old and learn how they were created and used in fashion and costume design. The afternoon is filled with further pursuits of the Top Ten and other delights. Late in the afternoon we will board our coach for the short journey to the home of our private celebrity chef. You will learn about rustic Tuscan cuisine, olive oils, balsamic vinegars and many tricks to create these foods in your own kitchen. An evening you will treasure for many years.

October 4 - A full day of fabric and fashion. A private tour of the Pitti Palace and the exquisite costume collection starts off the day. We will enjoy a festive lunch in view of the palace and continue our treasure hunting at Antico Setificio Fiorentino, to see the 17th century looms weave the silks just as they were over 300 years ago. A wonderful boutique and fabric purchase opportunity await you. Another must visit spot, The Beaded Lily, glass beads and so many wonders created by hand from former Seattleites is on our list.

October 5 - Simply one of the more exquisite fashion collections in the world, Museo della Fondazione Roberto Capucci is our destination this morning. His clothing is described as wearable art. This is the Oltrarno neighborhood with many wonderful shops, art galleries and trattoria to explore. Tonight a celebratory dinner is planned to share our new found inspiration in Firenze.

October 6 - Time to say goodbye. We can arrange for transportation to the airport or rail station to suit your needs.

The program includes: Seven nights in a four star hotel with daily breakfast, welcome dinner, half day walking tour of Florence with coffee and pastry, full day to Arezzo with private bus and wine tasting and dinner in Greve, fabric class at Casa dei Tessuti, entrance to Ferragamo Museum, private guide at the Pitti Palace and Costume Collection, entrance to Roberto Capucci, visit to Antico Setficio, gourmet cooking class with private transfers, farewell dinner and the expert services of Michele Abrate CTC, owner of Armstrong & Hedges and of course Jennefer Penfold the author herself.

The tour is limited to 16 persons. A valid passport is required to travel to Italy. Transportation to Florence is not included in the price; we offer complete travel planning service if needed. We recommend travel insurance and will provide details at the time of booking.

Cost: $2695.00 per person double occupancy. If you wish a room on your own the additional cost is $300.00.

Reservations: Contact Michele Abrate, owner and tour guide extraordinaire at her office (510) 521-1141 or email: teagardentravel@earthlink.net. A deposit of $500.00 is needed to reserve your place. The balance will be due August 1, 2011. Florence may be combined with the London/Paris tour if you are so inclined. Travel between Florence and London will be by air on October 6.

 

 

Finding Fabric Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, London and Parisand Fashion Abroad, Florence
October 7 to 19, 2011
Escorted by Jennefer Penfold, Author

London and Paris two of the most important fashion capitals on the planet. Each city is filled with world class fashion and costume collections, designer ateliers, and literally thousands of one of a kind shops and boutiques. Each brimming with fabrics, vintage fashion, haberdashery, millinery and exquisite baubles. Jennefer’s books are our guide to designing each day offering a glimpse into a myriad of sources for the sewers, quilters and crafts person. You will delight in a visit to an 18th century home lit with candles and a crackling fire in Spittalfields, a cooking class at the famed Ritz in Paris and escorted visits to the famed Flea Markets of London and Paris.

Be tempted by tarts and tea in London, croissants and champagne in Paris all the while meandering the streets of history in the crisp fall air. Explore hidden passages, chocolate shops and jeweled boutiques filled with vintage bijoux of another era. Pack your bag, leave room for adventure and join our creative group of sojourners on this once in a lifetime journey.

October 7 - Independent arrival in London, We offer optional private transfers from the airport to our great hotel, the Millennium Gloucester. Settle in to the royal borough of Kensington. We plan to begin our English experience at Portobello Road and Notting Hill this afternoon, to get a jump on the weekend shoppers. Late afternoon tea to get acquainted and relax.

October 8 - Where to begin? How about Alfies Antique Market for everything vintage and a stop at Jason’s Fabrics London, on the Top Ten list. Then on to The Button Queen and VV Rouleaux, (read the book). We can pop in to Cath Kidson and Rachel Riley and finish the day at Daunt Books, another Top Ten. So many choices, how to choose????? Evening is at leisure, perhaps a turn on the London Eye…..

October 9 - Sunday in London, perhaps you may want to attend services at Westminster or St. Paul’s before we visit the Victoria & Albert Museum. The centerpiece is the Costume and Fashion Gallery. The silver collection is breathtaking along with the decorative accessories. You may wish to visit Kensington Palace or Harrods whilst in the area. The afternoon will find Jennefer in a pub, enjoying cider and a good book. Perhaps we will take a cruise along the River Thames, weather permitting or hop aboard a red double decker bus for a bit of sightseeing. Evening at leisure.

October 10 - Berwick Street is the Fabric Mecca of London. SOHO is very trendy and fashionable with much to explore. Time to explore Liberty of London, R.D. Franks, and fashion books a Top Ten. Late this afternoon we are traveling to Spitalfields and the East End. A great pub dinner before we enter Dennis Severs House for the weekly Monday evening candlelight tour of this 18th century home. In silence we will walk through as though we are invited guests for dinner complete with a roast on the hearth.

October 11 - A full day for you to choose. We suggest a day trip to Bath to see the Fashion Museum, take tea in the Pump Room and explore the Georgian Heritage and Jane Austen Museum. Perhaps Windsor Castle and Queen Mary’s Doll House is on your list. Perhaps a day trip to the Cotswold’s, Cambridge and Oxford. For those that say in London we will offer tag along adventures with Jennefer and Michele. With the book as our inspiration a unique day is assured for each of you. Evening at leisure.

October 12 - Travel to the Design Centre at Charles Harbour, trade showrooms open to the public. Seventy showrooms and 120 brands. A Mecca for the designer and home decor sewer. One of England’s favorite design houses, Cabbages and Roses is in the area along with Volga Linen. An afternoon free to create your own shopping experience. Our farewell to London is a late afternoon tea and an evening at the theater.

October 13 - Pack your bags and we are off to Paris via the Eurostar, a mere two hours and fifteen minutes to The City of Light. Our elegant Left Bank hotel will be your home for the next week. Welcome lunch in a local bistro will get you in the mood to explore St. Germain and her charms. This evening we will visit Foundation Pierre Berge Yves St. Laurent, the location of Yves historic atelier. Then your first glimpse of the Tour Eiffel when she twinkles, a Top Ten.

October 14 - Fabric central in Paris is the Marche St. Pierre area at the foot of Montmartre. The perfect introduction to the nearly endless world of French fashion. You can search the couture bolts, men’s suiting from Italy, buttons, trims and gorgeous window covering silks and blends. Take the funicular to Montmatre and have a lunch in the quaint bistros surrounding the square. Mid afternoon we can reserve seats at the weekly fashion show at Galeries Lafayette. A must for first time visitors and true fashionistas. Aperitif to share our day and discuss our flea market adventure for tomorrow.

October 15 A full day with the Antiques Diva, exploring the Vanves Market and exquisite vintage shops known to our expert. She will share with you her secrets for getting the best prices, where to look and the best dealers for your hearts desires. Are you desiring vintage Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton or Hermes, she will take you there. A one of a kind day just for you. Evening at leisure.

October 16 Sunday in Paris is for relaxing, strolling the Palais Royal visiting a museum and for the adventurous the original Paris Flea Market at Clingacourt. The experience of sorting through 200 year old ephemera, admiring Louis XVI antiques, and Olwen Forest, the queen of vintage Chanel jewelry combined with lunch at Bistro Paul Bert there is nothing to compare for people watching and treasures to be purchased. Sunday evening is a wonderful time to take a cruise on the River Seine or ascend the Tour Eiffel when she is twinkling, we can make your reservations.

October 17 Free time to enjoy Paris on your own. Jennefer and Michele are planning special shopping itineraries. You can join us if you like. We may attend an auction at Drouot or shop at Jennefer’s beloved favorite book shops. This afternoon is our Left Bank Chocolate Walk, prepare to be amazed and enchanted by the art of chocolate in Paris.

October 18 Morning at leisure to begin packing, go to the post office for mailing home all of your fabric treasures and taking care of your last minute shopping. Our afternoon is for Cooking School at the Ritz Hotel. We will learn some techniques prepare a meal, eat lunch with wine and experience the legendary Ritz behind the scenes. Perhaps we can explore the Place Vendome and Madmoiselle Chanel’s little shop on Rue Cambon for a taste of Parisian Couture. You will agree this has been a most magnificent adventure.

October 19 Au revoir to Paris and this magical adventure of Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad. We will arrange transfers for you to the airport or the rail station if you are continuing your travels.

Included in this journey: Twelve nights four star hotels, daily breakfast, welcome lunches in London and Paris, afternoon tea in London, Pub dinner in London, London Undergound and Paris Metro Passes, private transfers to the Eurostar inLondon and in Paris, Rail tickets on Eurostar, Two day Paris Museum Pass, River Seine Cruise, , luggage handling for one piece of luggage per person, Private Chocolate Walk in Paris, admission to the Institue of Yves St. Laurent, the Victoria & Albert Museum, gourmet cooking class at Ritz Hotel in Paris with lunch, Jennefer’s books, all hotel taxes, fully escorted by Jennefer Penfold and Michele Abrate. Many surprises and extras along the way. Tour is limited to 16 persons.

Cost: $4395.00 per person double occupancy. Room for single occupancy is $1800.00 additional. Travel insurance is recommended and available at the time reservations are made, additional $249.00 per person. Air travel to London and Paris is not included in the cost. We can assist you with all reservations and pre or post travel needs.

Make your reservations: Contact Michele Abrate CTC, owner Armstrong & Hedges LTD
By telephone (510) 521-1141 or email: teagardentravel@eaerthlink.net. A deposit of $750.00 is required to confirm your place. The final payment will be due August 1, 2011.
Reservations forms can be mailed or emailed to you.