May knitting and crochet retreat at La Verderie

The May retreat started with wall to wall sunshine. The three guests Pia, Sue and Janet were sitting in the garden with their knitting a few minutes after arriving at La Verderie.
We spent the first morning relaxing in the sun with our projects. Pia is here to improve her knitting and try and learn the basics of crochet, Sue and Janet are confident knitters, but are both keen to improve their crochet techniques. They have all brought various projects along and are keen to start.
In the afternoon we went into Saintes to the fabric and yarn shop. Sue, Janet and I all bought some Cheval Blanc recycled yarn and Pia bought some sequinned acrylic mohair for scarves.

We had a wander around the town and coffee in the sunshine, then back home for an alfresco supper and a busy evening starting new projects.
On Saturday morning we visit the market in St Jean d'Angely. It is the big market which means that the yarn stall is there, plus everything else from live chickens and geese to colourful baskets.

We buy a some bargain yarn, baskets, fresh seafood, fruit and veg and then back home for lunch and more knitting and crochet.

Janet has started on a bag made from crochet granny squares, Pia is knitting a lacy scarf and Sue is making a Pokemon crochet squirtle!
Sunday and Monday are wet and windy, but nobody seems to care as it allows us to spend plenty of time on our projects. I give a short workshop on knitting with beads, everyone is amazed at how easy it is and are quickly addicted to this lovely technique.

It has been another great week with some lovely ladies, everyone seems to have gone away with new skills and ideas which is really satisfying.