There are places in the world where time seems to stretch out, slow down, and invite us to truly inhabit the moment. Adele’s farm in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is one of those places—a sanctuary where the hum of daily life fades, and creativity and connection take center stage. This is where our Sustainable Mohair Workshops were held in April 2025.
First, the tour began in Port Elizabeth where we kicked it off with a delightful happy hour meet-and-greet and a group outing at the beach. We spent the first evening in a peaceful and beautiful bed and breakfast. After a sumptuous, traditional South African breakfast, we met our private driver who was very accommodating for the duration of the retreat. We then headed to Adele’s Mohair farm. Along the way, we made a pitstop at a “padstal” which is a roadside “farm stall” that is a popular and integral part of South African culture. This one was voted the best in the Eastern Cape and was very “shabby chic” with homemade food, desserts, crafts, and gifts. It was the perfect stop on the short road trip.
Knitting at Adele’s: A Haven of Texture and Story
When we arrived, Adele Cutten, the heart behind Adele’s Mohair, along with her lovely staff, welcomed us into their vibrant workshop of hand-dyed mohair and wool. Known globally for her exquisite yarns, Adele shared her craft with warmth and expertise. We met the talented women of her team who welcomed us with their traditional attire, tribal face paintings, and songs. It was a beautiful and endearing moment to behold and totally unexpected. Their stories—of skill, resilience, and community—added moving depth to the entire experience.
The next few days involved private workshops in learning how to sustainably handle and make mohair yarn projects. We each created a magic ball of yarn—enough to knit a scarf or home accessory brimming with personal flair. Adele’s teaching embraced all skill levels, guiding novices to their first stitches and challenging seasoned knitters with innovative techniques. Set against the backdrop of Adele’s 50-hectare farm, surrounded by wild fynbos and birdsong, and close to a beautiful beach, the workshops felt like a creative pilgrimage.
Peaceful Lodging and Wildlife Wonder
We stayed at an offsite, private wildlife reserve that was a 10-minute drive from Adele’s. Our group had the entire reserve to ourselves, staying in self-contained lodges with full kitchens, cozy living areas, and balconies overlooking the untamed landscape. A central lodge brought us together for meals crafted by a personal chef where we savored South African flavors and shared stories under the stars.
The reserve –free of predators– invited safe exploration. We wandered its trails, spotting 13 species of animals and birds, from graceful antelope to vibrant birdlife. This serene setting was the perfect counterpoint to our creative days, grounding us in the beauty of South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Safari Experience
The retreat’s crescendo was a stay at a Big Five safari lodge, where luxury met the wild. Twice-daily wildlife drives—at dawn and dusk—brought us face-to-face with lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Our expert guide tailored each drive to our group’s wishes, making every moment personal. By day, we marveled at South Africa’s vast landscapes; by night, we gathered around a boma, sharing laughter and meals prepared by a professional chef, with drinks included. The stars were crisp and absolutely amazing and we (as Northerners) were able to see the Southern Cross constellation for the first time with no light pollution! It was breathtaking.
Afterwards, we returned to our “glamping” yurts—luxurious yet close to nature—falling asleep to the symphony of the wild within the safe confines of the protected camp inside the huge wildlife reserve. An absolutely memorable experience that so many dream of encountering.
There’s a unique poetry in moving from the fine mohair threads to the wide, untamed landscapes of a huge wildlife reserve. One moment, our hands were making our own mohair fiber pieces and the next, we were holding binoculars as we watched and heard the Big Five up close –real close. This balance of stillness and adventure, detail and vastness, is what makes Threaded Journeys retreats so rare and memorable.
Why Threaded Journeys?
We craft experiences that stitch together creativity, travel, and connections that are the heartbeat of Threaded Journeys retreats. Adele’s Mohair Workshop and the safari wildlife reserve reminded us that making art is living: each stitch a memory, each moment a story. Like the rest of our retreats, this was for fiber artists who crave inspiration, for travelers who seek depth over haste, and for those who know that the strongest threads are those of friendship and shared passion.
Ready to weave your own journey? Our 2026 retreats, including Natural Dyeing and Eco-Printing Workshops in Stellenbosch and the Karoo Winter Wool Festival, promise more unforgettable experiences. With only 10 spots per trip, you’ll enjoy an intimate, immersive boutique adventure.
✨ Secure your place now for retreats next year and knit/crochet/weave your next story in South Africa’s vibrant landscapes!
