The last two days of the October knitting retreat in France

Yesterday the sun was shining again, we stopped at St Jean d'Angely for a quick visit to the market and of course the yarn shop.

Franziska bought a new project bag for her sewing and knitting, we wandered around the market with the colourful pumpkins and flower stalls, then all bundled back into the car and on to La Rochelle.

First stop was a coffee, then a wander through the town to the Cafe de la Paix for lunch.

Then we hit the shops, I think everyone bought something ranging from Cognac, Pineau, beautiful hand made soap, chocolates and a collapsible tray from one of the gorgeous kitchen shops.

The day seemed to fly by, we drove home through torrential rain and a complete rainbow in time to fit in a bit more knitting before supper.
On Thursday we had the final mini workshop with Angela working on her first piece of intarsia from one of Debbie Abrahams lovely designs in 'Blankets and Throws', then this afternoon the ladies from my craft group arrived for and afternoon of knitting, sewing and swapping ideas and of course eating cake and drinking tea.
We had a show and tell of what everyone had achieved through the week, I think they have all gained something and will now be confident to tackle almost anything!

Angela's first attempt at intarsia

Jennifer's first adult sized cardigan

Angela's practice sampler for cable, fairisle, buttonholes and intarsia

Franziska's ipad cover

Verna's hat

Verna's sampler practicing fairisle, cable, intarsia and beading

Friday morning was an early start for Angouleme. Jennifer, Verna and Angela were on the early train for Paris so we dropped them off then Franziska and I went into the centre of Angouleme for a coffee and a final bit of retail therapy. It is years since I have been into the city centre and had forgotten how lovely it is with a huge cathedral and pretty pedestrianised shopping areas.

I want these sheep.......

Angouleme cathedral

yarn bombing

We will definitely be back, especially as I discovered no less than three yarn shops! plus lots of lovely interiors shops, choccie shops and a fantastic shop selling artist materials.
I waved Franziska goodbye on her train to Paris then back home to a quiet and empty house.