About Me

Welcome to The French Castle Project — a dream shaped by yarn, creativity, and a lifelong fascination with European culture.

I’m Erin – the founder behind this vision, and my path here has been a blend of rigorous project management and deep creative passion. For more than a decade I’ve managed $20,000,000+ federal grant projects and have been guiding complex initiatives with precision, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. Those same project management principles now form the backbone of The French Castle Project — ensuring every retreat is thoughtfully designed, impeccably organized, and deeply meaningful.

But long before I was managing large-scale programs, I was studying the world. In undergrad, I focused on European history and culture, a foundation that sparked my love for France and its rich artistic traditions. Over the years, I’ve continued to nurture that connection — learning to speak four languages semi‑fluently and immersing myself in the rhythms, stories, and textures of European life. That cultural fluency is woven into every retreat, from the local artisans we partner with to the regional experiences curated for our guests.

And through it all, fiber arts have been my constant. I’ve been a crocheter for over 25 years and a knitter for nearly a decade, and these crafts have shaped my community, my creativity, my peace, and my sense of home.

The French Castle Project is where I bring these threads together — the structured expertise of a seasoned project manager, the heart of a lifelong maker, and the cultural curiosity of someone who’s spent a lifetime studying and exploring Europe – to give the knitting and crochet community a place of rest, a place of hope, a place to dream and to be reminded that there is good in this world.

Why a Castle? Why France?

France has the most castles of any country in the world, and the most lovely, laid back, relaxed vibe to life. But more than that, I want to create a retreat experience unlike anything else in the fiber arts world. No buses. No constant packing and unpacking. No rushing from one location to the next. No needing a vacation after the vacation. Instead, imagine this:

An ornate, luxury French castle as your home for the week
Long, unhurried days filled with knitting, crochet, and creative exploration
Workshops led by renowned knitting & crochet pattern designers, expert weavers, leading indie yarn dyers, and seasoned handspinners
Meals inspired by the region, shared around a long table with new friends
Cultural experiences shaped by someone who’s studied Europe deeply and speaks the languages
Quiet corners for reflection, laughter echoing through historic halls, beautiful views, and the freedom to simply be

This is a retreat designed for rest, inspiration, and connection — a place where creativity can breathe and craft can flourish.

For Makers, Designers, and Dreamers

Whether you’re a maker seeking a restorative getaway, a pattern designer craving fresh inspiration, or a local yarn store owner looking for a strategic vision retreat, The French Castle Project is built with you in mind.

Every experience is highly tailored, intentionally intimate, and rooted in the belief that creativity flourishes when we slow down, feel supported, and immerse ourselves in beauty.

A Project With Heart

This isn’t just a business venture for me — it’s a culmination of everything I love: craft, community, culture, and the magic that happens when people gather with purpose.

I’m honored to welcome you into this dream and can’t wait to share the castle, the lessons, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments we’ll create together.

Stay Connected

Sign up below to join the newsletter for The French Castle Project, and follow me on TikTok @thefrenchcastleproject or on Instagram @erin.elllllis. You’ll get exclusive updates and early bird notification when we launch our retreat registration.

Thanks for joining me! Together, The French Castle Project will exceed our wildest dreams.