Knitting workshops and retreats

Textile workshops

2012-01-26T23:27:00.000-08:00

We have revised the programme for the two textile workshops in the autumn, these are now open to all skill levels and promise to be really exciting courses.

26th September - 1st October 2012HOT TEXTILES - BONDAWEB (suitable for all skill levels)
AT LA VERDERIE
WITH TUTOR KIM THITTICHAI

The cost of the holiday is £425 per head based on two sharing a twin room or £495 per head for a single room this includes full board and wine with evening meals, all workshops, materials, outings to local towns and transfers from local airports or train stations.

For further details or to make a booking email sueculligan@gmail.com

Spend time learning new skills or improving your techniques in textile art in the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of La Verderie. With an intimate group of just 4/5 students this is a great chance of one-to-one tuition and learning new techniques for working in textiles. Learn how to use Bondaweb creatively in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This workshop is designed to cater for all skill levels, novices will be taught all the basic bonding processes including how to paint and foil this wonderful product. We will go on to discover how to build up layers of hand stitch and embellishment and learn about decorating wood, paper and card and about just how versatile Bondaweb is. Participants with more experience will be encouraged to experiment with new techniques and learn how to source inspiration from local surroundings. For further details and a full programme email sueculligan@gmail.com Please note a deposit of £75 is payable at the time of booking and is non-refundable unless we can resell the space. Balance payable by 26th August 2012. (4 spaces available)

DRAFT PROGRAMME

	morning	afternoon	evening
Wednesday 26^th		transfers to La Verderie from your chosen airport or station	Social evening meet your fellow guests and tutor and introduction the course.
Thursday 27^th	Painting and preparing products and demonstration.	Local outing tbc	Relaxed evening
Friday 28^th	Morning Workshop	Afternoon Workshop	Sit and hand stitch if you wish or just relax.
Saturday 29^th	Trip to local market a wonderful source of inspiration.	Afternoon Workshop	Sit and hand stitch if you wish or just relax.
Sunday 30^th	Morning Workshop	Complete projects. Show and tell.	Final evening
Monday 1^st	return transfers

This is a rough guide as to how the workshops will run and can be changed to suit individual needs. Depending on the experience of the students we may have time to achieve more. The whole point of this workshop is to really understand how to use Bondaweb creatively. With such a small group the tutor will be able to adapt quickly to students needs.

3rd - 8th October 2012
HOT TEXTILES - LUSCIOUS LAYERS (suitable for all skill levels)

AT LA VERDERIE
TUTOR KIM THITTICHAI

The cost of the holiday is £425 per head based on two sharing a twin room or £495 per head for a single room. This includes full board and wine with evening meals, all workshops, materials, outings to local towns and transfers from local airports or train stations.

For further details or to make a booking email sueculligan@gmail.com

Spend time learning new skills or improving your techniques in textile art in the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of La Verderie. With an intimate group of just 4/5 students this is a great chance of one-to-one tuition and learning new techniques for working in textiles. Discover the delights of layering materials to create stunning textile art. This workshop is designed for all skill levels, beginners will be led through the basics and more experienced participants will be encouraged to experiment with new techniques and source their own inspiration. We will be painting, layering and stitching Tyvek, Vilene Spunbond and newspaper to create amazing textured surfaces with heat guns and soldering irons. Learn how to use heat guns safely and confidently. There will be plenty of time to create some beautiful and well considered samples to take home. Please note a deposit of £75 is payable at the time of booking and is non-refundable unless we can resell the space. Balance payable by 3rd September 2012. (3 spaces remaining)

DRAFT PROGRAMME

	morning	afternoon	evening
Wednesday 3rd		transfers to La Verderie from your chosen airport or station	Social evening meet your fellow guests and tutor and introduction the course.
Thursday 4th	Painting and preparing products and demonstration.	Local outing tbc	Relaxed evening
Friday 5th	Discover the benefits of layering products. Think about making book covers or vessels. Start to build up layers with newspaper, Vilene Spunbond, Tyvek and Bondaweb.	An afternoon to experiment with all the products and get to know them.	Sit and hand stitch if you wish or just relax.
Saturday 6th	Trip to local market a wonderful source of inspiration.	Students start to develop their own ideas and paint up more products for the final day.	Sit and hand stitch if you wish or just relax.
Sunday 7th	Work on layered surfaces and experiment with making 3d samples if you wish.	Stitch into samples or carry on with experiments. Final round up and show and tell.	Final evening
Monday 8th	return transfers

This is a rough guide to how the workshops will run and can be changed to suit individual needs. Depending on the experience of the students we may have time to achieve more. The whole point of this workshop is to really understand how to use layers in your work creatively. With such a small group the tutor will be able to adapt quickly to students needs.

More frosty images

2012-01-15T01:41:00.000-08:00

Another frosty walk this morning. Having just watched a preview of the David Hockney exhibition I am feeling inspired to pick up my pastels again. I am planning another Open House at La Verderie over Easter, hopefully in the barn if we have it cleared by then........!

Be Bop at full pelt

Winter is here at last

2012-01-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

We have had the first real frosts of the winter the last few nights, with some great results for images. I want to make a series of cushion covers using textures from the surrounding countryside. I should be working on the book, but there always seems to be something better to do!

Crochet Design workshop with tutor Jane Crowfoot May 2012

2012-01-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

We have a new crochet workshop in May 2012

Crochet Design with tutor Jane Crowfoot

Sturday 5th - Saturday 12th May 2012

La Verderie, Brizambourg, France

Following the success of the October workshop Jane (see more of her wonderful work here) is coming back to La Verderie in May to tutor another glorious week of crochet. We already have one booking so there are just 3/4 spaces available in either one single and one twin room or two twin rooms.
The workshop will cover all aspects of crochet and caters for different skill levels, the small group ensures that each guest receives dedicated tuition.
For further details visit www.knittingholidaysinfrance.com or email sueculligan@gmail.com

The Christmas holidays are over

2012-01-04T00:17:00.000-08:00

Time to get back to work, detox and diet!
We have had two weeks of vegging out in front of the new telly (Christmas gift from Amy and James) and dog walking our enthusiastic four-legged guests Ollie, Jack and Joe along with our two. Five dogs around the house has been a bit mad and very messy but they have all had a great time.

Culli with Bix and BeBop, visitors Jack, Joe and Ollie and neighbours Pickles and Bartie

Neighbours Gill and Merv go back to the UK today until Easter so La Verderie will return to peace and quiet.
I have a new book project with a deadline of early March, so two months of frantic knitting coming up.

The new gates and sign at La Verderie

There is masses of maintenance to do on the house before the Spring, we have just finished building the new gates and put up the new Chambres d'hotes sign, now I need to re-decorate the hall and a couple of bedrooms before the knitting design workshop in March and the garden still needs some serious pruning and pollarding.....................

Knitting, crochet and textile holidays in France

2012-01-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
Back to blogging at last with a revised list of dates for workshops and retreats in 2012

For full details visit www.knittingholidaysinfrance.com

If you live in

France

and would like to attend on a daily basis without the full board please contact sueculligan@gmail.com for prices.

The venue

Courtyard at La Verderie

La Verderie is the home of knitting designer Sue Culligan and is situated in South West France, close to the towns of Cognac and Saintes. Sue runs regular residential workshops for 4/5 guests and knitting retreats for up to 5/6 guests in the comfortable old farmhouse in the heart of rural France. The workshops are led by expert tutors and cater for all skill levels, with small groups allowing for one to one tuition. For a more relaxing holiday the knitting retreats are designed for single travellers or small groups where like-minded people can enjoy each others company and swop knitting tips and patterns. There is no scheduled tuition on the retreats, but Sue is on hand to offer help and advice with any knitting problems. The full board at La Verderie includes delicious meals cooked with local produce and plenty of wine. Outings to colourful markets, elegant chateaux and French yarn shops are included in the holiday.

We are happy to accommodate two or more guests for a Knitting Retreat on alternative dates to the ones suggested below. Please email sueculligan@gmail.com with suggested dates.

2012 workshops and retreats

22^nd-28^th March - Knitting Design Workshop at La Verderie with tutor Debbie Abrahams

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement) (FULLY BOOKED)

11^th-16^th April – Knitting Basics Workshop at La Verderie with tutor Sue Culligan

£295 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(5 spaces available)

25^th – 30^th April – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(3 spaces available)

NEW CROCHET WORKSHOP WITH TUTOR JANE CROWFOOT

Colourwork Crochet

5^th – 12^th May - Crochet Design workshop at La Verderie with tutor Jane Crowfoot

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(4 spaces available)

24^th – 29^th June – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(FULLY BOOKED)

16^th – 22^nd September – Knitting and Crochet design workshop with tutors Jane Crowfoot and Debbie Abrahams at Chateau St Julien l’Ars, Poitiers, France

£725 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£100 single room supplement)

(FULLY BOOKED)

TEXTILE WORKSHOP - BONDAWEB FOR BEGINNERS WITH TUTOR KIM THITTICHAI

Bondaweb for Beginners

26^thSeptember – 1^st October – Hot Textiles workshop – Bondaweb for beginners with tutor Kim Thittichai at La Verderie

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(4 spaces available)

TEXTILE WORKSHOP LUSCIOUS LAYERS WITH TUTOR KIM THITTICHAI

Luscious Layers

3^rd – 8^th October – Hot Textiles workshop – Luscious Layers with tutor Kim Thittichai at La Verderie

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(3 spaces available)

Visit Kim's blog to see more of her amazing work

21^st-26^th October – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(5 spaces available)

The cost of the holidays includes full board with wine, workshops (if applicable), selected materials for the workshops, 10% discount on any purchases made from KnitKits during the holiday, visits to local towns and transfers from *local airports or stations.

*La Verderie – La Rochelle airport or Angouleme station (return transfers from Bordeaux or Poitiers can be arranged for a supplement of £15)

*Chateau St Julien – Poitiers airport or station (return transfers from La Rochelle or Bordeaux can be arranged for a supplement of £20)

NOT INCLUDED: your travel to

France

, refreshments on outings and entrance fees to museums, exhibitions etc.

Local market stalls

Sample programme for knitting retreat at La Verderie

Day of arrival	Arrive at Angouleme/La Rochelle/Bordeaux/Poitiers Transfer to La Verderie, meet your fellow guests over aperitif’s followed by dinner.
Day 1	A relaxing day at la Verderie with your knitting. Explore the local lanes by foot or bicycle, browse through the library of knitting books and be wined and dined in style.
Day 2	Optional visit to the massive street market at Rouillac (27th of every month). This bustling market is held once a month and takes over the whole town. The stalls include everything ranging from live animals, regional food and drink, clothing, haberdashery, buttons, yarn, homewares, plants and flowers.
Day 3	Relaxing morning with your knitting. Afternoon visit to the Alpaca farm near Ruffec. Meet the gentle herd of Alpaca’s and purchase the luxurious soft yarn, gorgeous woven shawls, duvets and pillows.
Day 4	Optional visit to Chateau Roche Courbon. This beautiful Chateau is known locally as the sleeping beauty’s castle. The ornate interior has painted beams and furniture dating back to the 17^th century. The formal French gardens pre-date those at Versailles and feature terraces, geometrical flower gardens and lawns, fountains and a small lake. Return to La Verderie for a late and leisurely Sunday lunch and more knitting.
Day of Departure	Return transfers to your chosen airport or railway station.

Arts and crafts exhibition at La Verderie

2011-11-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Open House at the weekend was a great success and a marvellous exercise in cleaning and tidying the house!

We had 18 exhibitors showing a mix of paintings, cards, photography, wood turning and textiles plus some beautiful tagines from Morocco (a big thank you to Wendy and Jeff for feeding us all weekend!) and some bargain furnishing fabrics supplied by Darren. Not to mention the scrumptious cakes, scones and pasties made by Katrina and Barbara. A very, very bad weekend for the diet.....!

It is an upheaval at home as we used the downstairs bedroom, living room and barn, however the success has urged me on to transform the barn into a permanent gallery by next Easter.

We managed to raise over 700 euros for the Poppy appeal and I think most of the artists went away happy with their take.

The last day of the Crochet workshop at La Verderie

2011-10-23T00:43:00.000-07:00

Culli sets off with Cath and Jane for Angouleme station at 6.45 am, I got up to wave them off and do a bit of tidying up. The rest of us had a leisurely breakfast and a brisk walk with the dogs, the first heavy frost of the autumn has left the fields sparkling white which makes me think I need to spend the rest of the weekend moving the geraniums and banana plants.

Cognac market

We are taking Jenny and Kevin to Cognac station and then on to Bordeaux with Linda for her flight back to Oslo. A little last minute shopping in Cognac, cheese at the market for Linda to take back to Norway (extra wrapping to prevent it escaping in her suitcase) and Kevin and Jenny buy some beautifully packaged chocolates to take back as gifts.

The cheese stall

After a quick beer in the sunshine we wander back to the car through the lovely park, home to the Cognac Blues Festival, held in July every year, before dropping Kevin and Jenny at the station followed by the drive down to Bordeaux airport with Linda.

The entrance to the park

Culli and I made a compulsory visit to Ikea in Bordeaux on the way home for picture frames, candles and light bulbs then back home to collapse in front of the TV.
The workshop was a great success, being the first one here at La Verderie I was a little nervous about it, but I think the venue worked well. Having such a small group is fantastic as each guest can expect one to one tuition from the tutor and the resulting work was way and above all expectations. Now, I just need to pin Jane down and decide on some dates for next year!

Crochet workshop at La Verderie - day 5

2011-10-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

Friday is the last full day, the plan is to crochet most of the day and then go into Cognac for a wander late afternoon.
Everyone is keen to finish their projects, the concentration is intense and not a sound to be heard. Kevin and Linda decide to escape the pressure and go for a bike ride around the lanes after lunch, the rest of us decide we cannot tear ourselves away from the crochet, so the trip to Cognac is cancelled.

Cath modelling her crochet hat

After a brisk walk with the dogs around the vineyard it is the final photo session. The results are fantastic, I think we have all achieved our goals for the week.

Jenny's landscape

Kevin's flowers

Cath's chunky hat (not the Japanese one...)

Cath's sampler

Linda's flower bed

my Christmas fir cone, or is it a Christmas tree..?

my lampshade, an ongoing project I think

After the final dinner of chicken tagine, baked spicy aubergine with couscous and golden croissant pudding everyone collapsed in a heap. Cath and Jane have an early start on Saturday so early to bed for all.

Crochet workshop at La Verderie - day 4

2011-10-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone voted for a whole day with their crochet and only set foot outside for a dog walk and hunt for fresh walnuts in the afternoon.

The amount that everyone has achieved in just a few days is amazing, Jane has been very patient and on hand to answer every question and demonstrate techniques.

Linda's crochet flower bed is growing quickly, by the end of the day she has the basic shape and is ready to complete the borders and flowers.

Kevin is creating the most gorgeous flower design, adding new pieces as he goes along to create a cushion cover.

Jenny is adding spirals to her landscape to create beautiful swirling clouds and sky.

Cath is working on her project of patchwork squares, each one using a different crochet technique.
I am plodding along with my lampshade cover, the chevrons are growing and tomorrow beads and bobbles!

Crochet workshop at La Verderie - day 3

2011-10-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning is a compulsory trip to the market in St Jean. It is a bright sunny day again, but cold. Winter boots and a jacket for the first time this autumn. The market is very quiet with no queues, a brief tour of the town and a coffee in the sun at the back of the market, followed by a trip to LeClerc for a few more provisions. Then back home for lunch of prawns and salad.

Working on Dorset buttons

The afternoon was spent making Dorset buttons and starting work on our projects. I have had an idea for giant Dorset buttons using curtain rings and they work! I think they could become quite addictive, just managed to work the foundation row for my lampshade. Cath has completed a hat, but not the Japanese one yet, Linda is creating the most beautiful piece of freeform crochet from her image of the flower bed in Saintes.

Linda's project

Giant Dorset buttons

Tension square for my lampshade

Crochet workshop at La Verderie

2011-10-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

We are into the third day of the crochet workshop and all is going well.

Crochet Techniques

The four guests and tutor Jane arrived with no delays on Sunday afternoon to a gorgeous hot sunny day. Monday was a quick reminder on crochet techniques, going through the stitches and writing out charts. For me having a workshop here at home is fantastic as I actually have the time to join in, so perhaps by the end of the week I will finally get to grips with it.
The small group works well as Jane is able to give everyone individual attention to suit various skill levels. Linda (English but lives in Norway), can already crochet beautifully but is keen to learn how to create her own designs, brother and sister Kevin and Jenny are keen to improve their crochet and experiment with shapes, texture and colour, Cath and I just want to watch the stitches flow evenly..........., but after just one day things are looking good, we have all completed something! Linda's beautiful coaster is put to use immediately, sadly my rather small, pathetic one was appreciated mostly by Be Bop who decided to try and eat it.

Linda's beaded coaster

Tuesday morning, early breakfast and a trip to Saintes. We parked in the centre of town on a sunny but chilly morning and walked up to the Roman amphitheatre, too early for the shop but took a few snaps before a coach load of tourists arrived, then a quick visit to St Eutrope at the top of the hill and back down through the market to the shops.

The Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes

First visit of course to the yarn shop, where Kevin and Jenny bought some beautiful buttons then into a new shop with the most gorgeous cushions, throws, bags and bits, a definite one to revisit for Christmas gifts. A quick coffee, missed the haby shop by 5 minutes (how is it that after living in France for 8 years I still forget that shops close for lunch!), some magazines for inspiration then back home for lunch.
In the afternoon we started to think about stitches, colours and swatches for our chosen projects.
We all have different goals. Linda wants to make her own design and found her inspiration from the beautiful flower beds outside the Palais de Justice in Saintes, Jenny wants to understand crochet patterns, Kevin wants to design a cushion, Cath wants to understand and complete her Japanese crochet hat pattern and I want to crochet a lampshade, my original inspiration was a huge ceramic plate at the museum in Saintes but Jane has now taught us to work chevrons and bobbles so a change of plan, I think.

Section of a colourful wall hanging in St Eutrope

Knitting and Crochet workshop at Chateau St Julien 2012

2011-09-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Spaces for the September 2012 workshop at Chateau St Julien are filling up quickly, we now only have 6 places left in shared rooms. However, as we have a few men coming along this time (Jane and Debbie are bringing along their hubbies and so is one guest and of course Culli will be there), the invitation is extended to non-knitting partners and friends. The remaining twin and double rooms can be booked at £725 per head, so bring along a friend or family!
Book HERE

Vintage KnitKnacks

2011-09-22T00:03:00.000-07:00

Book No. 3 has been published and is available to pre-order on Amazon, I should have my copies next week. Can't wait to see it!
Fingers crossed that the new projects sell at the Frankfurt book fair in October.

Arts and crafts exhibition - Charente-Maritime

2011-09-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

Our winter Open House here at La Verderie is the weekend of 5th and 6th November and we have lots of goodies to exhibit. I am really pleased to get more paintings this year with some talented artists taking part, plus (of course) plenty of knitted knit knacks, greetings cards, some fantastic ceramic tajines, textiles, jewellery, wooden lamps and christmas decorations. Come and stock up on your Christmas Gifts!
10% of all profits will be donated to the Poppy Appeal.

We will also be serving delicious home made cakes, cream teas, pasties and pies all day with hot and cold drinks.

See further details here

Sock knitting project bags

2011-09-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

New stock! Embroidered fabric bags to store sock knitting projects, available in a choice of fabrics. Or just use them for keeping socks tidy in the drawer. ORDER HERE.

Coming soon - Knitting project bags

Christmas is coming

2011-09-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

In fact it has already arrived at La Verderie, Culli has put his wood working talents into making some hand crafted Christmas decs and we are now surrounded by angels, reindeer, polar bear families and christmas trees. They are all available to order on KnitKits and will be on show at the Christmas exhibition here in November.

I am just completing the final angel design with knitted lace wings, pics to follow soon.
We have just had our four legged friend Jasper to stay for the week, he is a 14 year old retriever, a bit wobbly in the hind quarters but still has true retriever enthusiasm for walks, food and getting in the way when you are cooking.

knitting holidays in france

2011-09-14T01:37:00.000-07:00

Not sure why I haven't managed to write anything for the last six weeks, August was busy but not that hectic...... Anyway here we go again.

Life in France is peaceful, the tourists have all gone, the beaches are deserted again, the sunflowers have been harvested, the blackberries are over and the sloe gin is maturing nicely. I have been out with the camera looking for inspiration for textures to knit and images to make into greetings cards for my Christmas Craft fair.

We have BandB guests this weekend at La Verderie and an impromptu knitting retreat at the end of this month from 30th September - 5th October if anyone fancies a last minute break (and hopefully some sunshine!) email sueculligan@gmail.com

The new website for the workshops and retreats is now fully functional (SEE HERE) and there are lots of new dates for knitting retreats in 2012 (full list at the end of this post).

There are still a few spaces for the workshops at Chateau St Julien in September 2012, with tutors Debbie Abrahams and Jane Crowfoot, email sueculligan@gmail.com for further details.

I have been busy designing new kits for KnitKits and some new knitting bags, the first few are on the website with more being added every day.

Culli is launching into building custom made guitars so I have started creating a new website for him www.bixguitars.com

Techno Cozies is available to buy now from GMC publishing, Amazon, WH Smith etc.

Knitting, crochet and textile holidays in France 2012

1^st-6^th March – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(5 spaces available)

22^nd-28^th March - Design Workshop at La Verderie with tutor Debbie Abrahams

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement) (FULLY BOOKED)

11^th-16^th April – Learn to Knit Workshop at La Verderie with tutor Sue Culligan

£295 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(4 spaces available)

25^th – 30^th April – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(4 spaces available)

10^th – 14^th May – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(5 spaces available)

DATE TO BE CONFIRMED Finishing Techniques, Trims and Borders for Knitting and Crochet Workshop at La Verderie with tutor Jane Crowfoot

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(5 spaces available)

7^th – 11^th June – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(4 spaces available)

24^th – 28^th June – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(1 space available)

16^th – 22^nd September – Knitting and Crochet design workshop with tutors Jane Crowfoot and Debbie Abrahams at Chateau St Julien l’Ars

£725 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£100 single room supplement)

(9 spaces available)

26^thSeptember – 1^st October – Hot Textiles workshop – Bondaweb for beginners with tutor Kim Thittichai at La Verderie

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(4 spaces available)

3^rd – 8^th October – Hot Textiles workshop – Luscious Layers with tutor Kim Thittichai at La Verderie

£425 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(3 spaces available)

21^st-25^th October – Knitting Retreat at La Verderie

£225 per head based on two sharing a twin room (£70 single room supplement)

(5 spaces available)

The end of July

2011-07-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

The sunflowers are nearly over and the blackberries, sloes and mushrooms are ready for picking, it feels like autumn has arrived already! Be Bop has been helping himself to blackberries straight from the bush and is covered with juice all over his nose.

The chateau at Crazannes

We had our photo club outing yesterday in the pretty village of Crazannes, it was a baking hot day and I was late as we had B&B guests the night before so walked for miles around the village and down to the chateau at high speed taking photos to enter in the autumn photographic competition. After this it was back to Dick and Jackie's for a lovely lunch followed by a trip around Les carrieres de Crazannes, the amazing limestone quarries that were used by the Romans. Stone from the quarries was used to build the Arc of Germanicus in Saintes and many of the Romanesque churches in the area. The cool shady paths through the quarries were the best place to be on a hot day, it was like being in a different world with trailing ivy and scenery straight from 'Raiders of the lost Ark', no sign of Harrison Ford but plenty of inspiration for knitting designs with beautiful leaf shapes, vivid greens and creamy limestone textures.

Crazanne quarry

Learn to Knit workshop in France with tutor Sue Culligan

2011-07-26T01:58:00.000-07:00

11th - 16th April 2012

If you have an urge to learn how to knit, or want to brush up basic knitting skills join tutor Sue Culligan on this residential course at La Verderie in France. The course is designed for a maximum of 4 guests with workshops held over 4 days. The cost of the holiday (£295 per head for a single room or £225 per head based on two sharing a twin room) covers all the workshops, materials, full board, outings to local towns and transfers from local airports and stations. Travel to France is not included in the price.
We will go through all the basics of knitting to cover casting on and off, different stitches and simple colourwork with an aim to create a knitted patchwork cushion cover during the course.
See further details of the accommodation here and for full details of the course email sueculligan@gmail.com or BOOK HERE

Techno Cozies by Sue Culligan

2011-07-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

An exciting little package has just arrived in the post! My advance copy of Techno Cozies, I can't believe it is finally in print. Writing and designing Techno Cozies was a real challenge, as well as knitted projects it includes sewing, felting and crochet. There are a total of 30 designs for cozies, bags and cases and all are suitable for any level of experience in each craft. It will be available to the general public the first week of September and can be ordered in advance now on many of the major websites including Amazon and WH Smiths, I will have some copies available to order on KnitKits at the beginning of September.
A huge, huge, huge thank you to everyone who helped me along the way, especially Kim, Frances, Jo and Wendy for helping me meet the deadline by making up some of the designs.

KnitKits Sock Blockers

2011-07-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

New stock! Our own KnitKits sock blockers are available now. This pair of perspex sock blockers come in three sizes (EU shoe sizes 36-38, 39-41 and 42+), they have a handy ribbon tie for hanging and storage and are just £9.99 a pair. ORDER HERE

Sock knitting gift pack. The perfect present for sock knitting fans. The kit contains two balls of Mini Mochi sock yarn, a basic sock pattern and a pair of perspex sock blockers. This is all packaged in a fabric drawstring bag embroidered with the word 'Socks', use the bag to carry around your sock knitting projects or to store socks in the drawer. ORDER HERE

More Blues

2011-07-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

Another trip to Cognac yesterday for a sunny afternoon in the park with Bo Weavil followed by the BluesEaters at the Irish bar.
Today it's a David, Yvonne and John's joint 65th birthday party, with music provided by Culli's band Bedrock. It has rained in the night, so fingers crossed for a dry afternoon and evening!
Kim leaves on Tuesday, so back to work then with a vengeance, I have two bedrooms to paint before more B&B guests arrive in two weeks!

Knitting holidays in France

2011-07-09T03:14:00.000-07:00

I have just built a new website for our knitting retreats and workshops in France and will be adding more details to this every day, see Knitting Holidays in France here.

Kim arrived yesterday to stay for the weekend, I think we consumed a glass or two too many last night so things are going a bit slowly this morning. However, when the brains are in gear we will put together the programmes for the Hot Textile workshops in the autumn.
Then this afternoon another visit to Cognac for some more blues.

Cognac Blues Passion 2011

2011-07-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

This week is the Blue's festival in Cognac. It is a brilliant week of free music (you pay for the headlining bands if you want to see them) but the freebies are sometimes just as good. We went yesterday for the afternoon and saw two great bands, enjoyed a few beers in the sun and avoided one downpour sheltering under a tree.

Perhaps next year a combined knitting retreat and visits to the festival every day?

Knitting and crochet workshop at Chateau St Julien, September 2012

2011-07-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

I know I said never again, but as one of the guests said to me at the last Chateau workshop 'never say never......'

Sooo, I've gone and done it and booked another week at the lovely Chateau St Julien de l'Ars. Debbie Abrahams and Jane Crowfoot have volunteered as tutors and the week will run from Sunday 16th September to Saturday 22nd September 2012.

It promises to be a fun packed week, the theme is going to incorporate knitting and crochet with a view to designing an item for the home, if you would like further details please email sueculligan@gmail.com or visit http://www.knitkits.co.uk/ to reserve a space (they are selling out quickly!).

Sale of handknitted samples

2011-06-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

I have a few ready made garments that were shop samples and are now available at bargain prices on KnitKits, so pick up something for less than the cost of the yarn here!

Addi circular knitting needles at a bargain price

2011-06-28T03:52:00.000-07:00

I have started up-dating the KnitKits website and have some addi premium circular needles at the bargain price of £4.00 a set and with FREE postage to the UK. CLICK HERE to order.
I have also set myself a target to finish a design for a new knitting kit every two days, which means plenty of time watching Wimbledon while I knit up the samples! Finally finished the smocked jacket I was knitting at the Chateau and this will be available to order from today either as a knitting kit or PDF pattern. ORDER HERE

Sunny France at its best

2011-06-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

With a promise of soaring temperatures we have a day at home, Culli exhausted after a gig in the Dordogne last night with Bedrock (is he getting too old to be a rock star....), so instead of heading for Royan to varnish the boat it is a day working around the house. We have more b&b guests in July so there is lots to do.

Our Campsis looks amazing, the hibiscus is just starting to flower and the fields are full of sunflowers, albeit a tad small due to the lack of rain but I still love them.

I have got to the stage where I have so many things to do at the moment that I am not achieving anything, time for some lists! I want to (and should be) designing some new kits for KnitKits, I am still buzzing with ideas from the Chateau and there is so much inspiration around the countryside at the moment, but I also have new websites to design, a bedroom to paint, a boat to varnish and an office to muck out!
Time to reach for the pen and paper and a bottle of Rose!

Goodbye Kangaroo, hello KnitKits

2011-06-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

The end of an era, I have sold the Kangaroo website and am concentrating on my other business KnitKits The KnitKits website has been around for some time, but is in serious need of some up-dating and at the moment all it has on it is a list of the knitting, crochet and textile workshops in France for 2011 and 2012. I am working on a new range of kits which will be available to order soon, plus knitting needles, buttons and accessories!

I also have some exciting new workshops planned for 2012. Jane Crowfoot has agreed to tutor another workshop in June 2012 at La Verderie (more details to follow) and having said that this year would be the last time at the Chateau I have already weakened, so I am working on some dates for autumn 2012 with Nash. Watch this space! If you would like to be on the mailing list for KnitKits and the workshops please let me know here

Knitting workshop at Chateau St Julien June 2011

2011-06-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

Doorway to the secret staircase

We have just returned from another fabulous week at the Chateau, it seems to get better every year. This year we had eight returning guests who had been on the holiday on previous years Felicity, Caroline F, Rhona, Sandra, Chris, Tania, Mary and Toril and six new ones, Caroline C, Clare, Astrid, Di, Shelley and Elizabeth. Toril and Astrid made the journey from Norway and Di came all the way from New Zealand!

Carol Meldrum and Nicole Wilson made a fantastic double act as tutors, it was the first time they had worked together and they were absolutely brilliant at combining their skills. The course was structured around producing mood boards and swatches inspired by the Chateau and the beautiful gardens. Everyone learnt a new technique or was able to share ideas, the stitch of the week was shmocking (Norwegian pronunciation for smocking) and knitted or crochet jewellery was abundant. We now all know how to say 'Hello gorgeous' in Norwegian which sounds something like 'Hiya chucken', I am not going to attempt to spell it, or any of the other unrepeatable phrases!

In spite of Culli and I maintaining it would be the last one at the Chateau, nobody seems to believe us. Perhaps if Nash bought a new dishwasher we might be persuaded to change our minds.......

Caroline C leads the charge for after dinner drinks on the terrace

The guests had all arrived by Sunday evening with no serious delays, apart from two fed up Norwegian's whose flight was late meaning they missed their train by just 1 minute! They soon relaxed after a few glasses of Kir, followed by Italian braised beef and roasted veg and pasta gratin.

Chateau knitters June 2011

Monday morning was an introduction to the workshops and tips on how to gather inspiration, in the afternoon everyone set off around the Chateau clutching their cameras and sketch books.

On Tuesday they started to put together the mood boards and play around with different stitches and techniques with an introduction to crochet in the evening.

Wednesday morning was a trip into Chauvigny, some of the more enthusiastic made the climb up the hill to see the beautiful paintings inside the church perched at the top of the old town, whilst the others wandered around the shops or relaxed with a coffee. In the afternoon it was back to the workshop for embellishments and trims.

The beautiful painted interior of the church at Chauvigny

Thursday was a day of maths, with the basic principles of garment design and Friday saw the final touches to the mood boards and finishing the gifts for secret santa.

Secret Santa's pressies

Carol and Nicole organised an exhibition of all the completed mood boards on the Friday evening in the beautiful hallway and library on the first floor of the Chateau. The finished swatches were stunning and all looked really professional.

Entrance to the exhibition!

Astrid's mood board

Caroline C's mood board

Chris's mood board

Clare's mood board

Di's mood board

Elizabeth's mood board

Felicity's mood board

Mary's mood board

Rhona's mood board

Sandra's mood board

Tania's mood board

Toril's mood board

The Library

After aperitifs at the exhibition, we had the final supper of paella and Nicole handed out the secret santa gifts.

Secret Santa!

Everyone seemed to choose the perfect gift - Sandra picked a delicate crochet necklace that matched her dress perfectly, Tania and Elizabeth both chose wristwarmers the same shade as their shirts and even Culli looked good with a bit of adjustment to his crochet necklace..............

Everyone went off home on Saturday, with promises to keep in touch on Ravelry and meet up again at Ally Pally in October. We got home late afternoon to a very welcome dinner, cooked by our dogsitters Jo and Andrew and two very happy and relaxed dogs.

Bix making the most of forbidden territory!

Book for September 2012 here!

Knitting Retreat in France March 2012

2011-06-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have just organised the dates for the 2012 Knitting Retreats in France. The first one is from the 1st - 6th March at La Verderie, book here. See the suggested programme below, or for further details email sueculligan@gmail.com

Knitting Retreat programme
Wednesday 1st March: Arrive at Angouleme/La Rochelle/Bordeaux.
Transfer to La Verderie, meet your fellow guests over aperitif’s followed by dinner.

Thursday 2nd March: A relaxing day at la Verderie with your knitting. Explore the local lanes by foot or bicycle, browse through my library of knitting books and magazines and be wined and dined in style.

Friday 3rd March: Optional day trip to Bordeaux (car journey of approximately 1 ½ hours each way). The beautiful city of Bordeaux is of course famous for wine; however it also has a fairly impressive collection of shops including La Droguerie an Aladdin’s cave for yarns and accessories. Back to La Verderie for dinner.

Saturday 4th March: Outing to St Jean d’Angely market in the morning. A covered food market, plus outside stalls selling a mix of fruit, veg, clothing, plants and flowers. Back to La Verderie for lunch and a lazy afternoon.

Sunday 5th March: Optional visit to Chateau Roche Courbon. This beautiful Chateau is known locally as the sleeping beauty’s castle. The ornate interior has painted beams and furniture dating back to the 17th century. The formal French gardens pre-date those at Versailles and feature terraces, geometrical flower gardens and lawns, fountains and a small lake. Return to La Verderie for a late and leisurely Sunday lunch and more knitting.

Monday 6th March: Return transfers to your chosen airport or railway station.

Total cost of the holiday £295 per head, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single room supplement £75

The idea of the knitting retreat is to relax; all the above outings are optional and can be changed to suit guests’ preferences. The price of the holiday includes transfers from specified stations and airports to La Verderie, transport for all the excursions, accommodation and all meals (with wine) at La Verderie.

NOT included – flights/train travel to France, entrance fees to any places of interest and any meals or refreshments taken outside of La Verderie.
We will provide free transfers to La Verderie from La Rochelle or Bordeaux airport and Saintes or Angouleme station.

New Textile Workshops

2011-05-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

I have two really exciting workshops arranged for Autumn 2012. My old mate from college Kim Thittichai is going to tutor a series of Textile workshops here in France. Kim is a textile artist based in Brighton (see her blog here), she is a wonderful teacher and full of inspiration.

Bondaweb for Beginners

Hot Textiles Bondaweb for Beginners runs from the 26th September - 1st October 2012. See further details here or email sue@kangaroo.uk.com for the full programme.

Luscious Layers

Hot Textiles Luscious Layers runs from 3rd - 8th October 2012. See further details here or email sueculligan@gmail.com for the full programme.

A week of birthdays

2011-05-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

Kangaroo was 30 years old on the 18th May, Aunty Joyce was 90 on the 19th May and youngest grand-daughter Martha was 1 on the 22nd May.

Me on the left and Karen on the right

To celebrate Kangaroo's 30th anniversary I am re-writing some of the patterns for the original children's knits I designed when the shop first opened. These were mostly machine knits and some of them look positively dated rather than cool vintage, however with a bit of tweaking and some new shades they will make a lovely collection of hand-knit designs and will be available soon as patterns or kits.
The photo above was taken in our first year of trading and is of me, my friend Karen who started the business with me, her baby boy Ben and my first Golden Retriever Bodie.

Some original Kangaroo knits

Aunty Joyce treated us to lunch at the Waterside Inn in Bray to celebrate her 90th, which was superb. It was a lovely sunny day and started with champagne and canapes on the terrace, followed by a yummy lunch, petits fours and coffee. The service was fantastic and the desserts a work of art, a great day and so nice to see Joyce enjoying herself so much.

Aunty Joyce (and my pud at the front)

Martha's tea party was a little noisier, an afternoon in the garden with the new trampoline being tested out by elder sister Eliza, while the grown ups lazed in the sun with a glass of bubbly. The teddy bears cake was the highlight of the day, but the marzipan has done nothing good for my diet.....!

New Knitting Kits

2011-05-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was back to work after a week of having my old college mates Kim and Lesley staying, it was a lovely week of talking, eating, drinking lots of rose wine and doing a few touristy things. I feel inspired to get back to designing some new knitting kits for the KnitKits range and have had the camera out looking for texture and colour.

There are two new kits on the website, The Simple Pendant, a very basic knitted necklace for beginners and a The Lace Lavender Bag, complete with La Verderie lavender.

Lace lavender bag knitting kit

Simple Pendant knitting kit

Denise Interchangeable Crochet Hooks

2011-05-07T01:42:00.000-07:00

I have new stock of the Denise crochet hook sets and the single crochet hooks. These are also interchangeable with the knitting needle cords, perfect for taking on holiday.

A day off website up-dating today. I have just been to the Brocante (our version of a car boot sale) in Brizambourg and stocked up with a load of geraniums, so a day in the garden.

Programme for Knitting workshop at Chateau St Julien June 2011

2011-05-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

We still have a couple of spaces available for this wonderful knitting holiday in France with Rowan tutors Carol Meldrum and Nicole Wilson. BOOK HERE or see the programme below for a taste of the workshops on offer. For further details for September 2012 email sueculligan@gmail.com

Bedroom at Chateau St Julien

Sunday 12th June - Arrive Poitiers. Transfer to Château de St Julien l’Ars (20-30 minutes).

Meet your tutors and fellow guests for aperitifs followed by dinner.

Monday 13th June
Morning Workshop - An introduction to the workshop.
• Techniques
• Mood boards
• Colour palettes

Afternoon Workshop – Gathering inspiration around and about the grounds of Chateau. Using sketches or photographs learn how to -
• Create texture
• Repeat patterns
• Shapes and details

Evening workshop – Technical class
• Different cast on’s and off’s – where and when to use them
• Button holes
• Add in or take out rows in a pattern

Tuesday 14th June
Full day workshop – working from source material gathered the previous day. Looking at how to interpret them into a knitted fabric through colour work (intarsia/ Fairisle)
Choosing yarns and colour palettes
What pattern works best with the yarn you have chosen
• Lace / open work / texture
• Fairisle / intarsia

Evening workshop – Technical class
• How to improve your tension
• How to improve your fabric edges
• Increasing and decreasing

Wednesday 15th June
Full day Workshop – Building on previous day’s workshop, looking at how to plot design onto graph paper, how to add texture and relief into your design.
• Creating swatches
• Choosing techniques

Thursday 16th June
Half Day Workshop – Beaded Knitting
• Plotting beaded pattern on to graph paper from source material
• How to knit with beads

Free afternoon - optional outing to Chauvigny or Poitiers

Evening Workshop – How to introduce crochet into your knitting, trims edgings and embellishments.

Friday 17th June
Free morning - optional outing to Chauvigny or Poitiers

Half Day Workshop – This workshop will be used to work through remaining design ideas.

Evening review of the week, certificates for all the guests, prize giving and aperitifs followed by dinner.

Saturday 18th June Depart for Poitiers

In addition to the Workshop programme there will be plenty of time for relaxing, eating, drinking and of course knitting! Plus a little retail therapy in Poitiers, or sightseeing in Chauvigny. We have the Chateau entirely to ourselves and access to the 56 acres of beautiful parkland.

Hand Maiden Sea Silk

2011-05-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hand Maiden Sea Silk - Masala

I had a delivery of some more shades in the Sea Silk last week which I completely forgot about with the dramas with the website, they are now all on the website and available to order here
Back to button counting.....

Addi Circular needles

2011-05-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have just received a delivery of Addi circulars in 120cm and 150cm lengths and some more teddy needle huggers.
Rebuilding the website is going reasonably well, but have hit a bit of a wall today. It is time to stock check the buttons and get them back up on the site, but having just finished a stock check the day before the server crashed this is a depressing thought as it means counting every single button again and there are well over 5000.................

Knitting Patterns

2011-05-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am still plodding on with the getting the website up-dated. Got a bit side-tracked today with some old knitting patterns that I have been adding to the website, they range from really useful waistcoats and cute fairisles to some fairly wacky picture jumpers, there must be someone out there who wants a sweater with a peacock on it......

Servers and Street parties

2011-05-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!
Our server crashed the middle of last week, which means that we have had no emails for nearly a week and the Kangaroo website has been down.
The bad news is that most of the data has been lost which has meant I am having to do a complete stock check and re-enter all the data and images, the good news is that I have got around to making the final changes to the website, so hopefully there will be some improvements when everything is up and running.

We managed to celebrate 'the wedding' in style, inbetween website updates! With a get together in front of the telly on Friday and a street party on Saturday, ex pats at their best!

Bedrock provided the music and everyone chipped in on the food, the weather was fab!

Kangaroo should be pretty much back to normal tomorrow, although I think we are going to have to re-issue new passwords to all existing customers.
There is a massive thunderstorm coming in now, which I think will put an end to my website up-dating for the day. Time to turn off the computer before the power goes off and I lose all my stock check......

Yarn Stash

2011-04-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

How do you sort yours? Last year I thought I was organised with my stash, it was at least in boxes, kind of sorted by thickness and in cupboards. Over the last 7 months it seems to have exploded over the landing floor, into one of the guest bedrooms and found its way into a multitude of plastic carrier bags that are stuffed behind the sofa. The artist in me wants to re-sort it all into different baskets for each individual shade, but the practical side says to stick to yarn types and weights. Big decision!
Either way I have more than a lifetimes supply, so have decided to make up some Goody Bags. These used to be a hot seller on the KnitKits website, but I have never had time to do them since. Goody Bags are great for fair-isle projects and small accessories that use a number of colours. They are not a kit, but will include a few inspirational ideas, maybe a few beads or some buttons and every one is different. There will be some available later this week, click here to order.

A day in the garden

2011-04-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

For the first time for ages I have actually had the time to spend a whole day pottering in the garden in the most glorious sunshine. I have tackled the weeding, sown seeds, planted out some Cosmos seedlings, potted up cherry tomatoes and rocket and sat in the sun with a glass of wine - bliss!
The Roses and Clematis are just starting to flower and the vine is working it's way over the pergola to provide some much needed shade.
During a clear out in the the mess that I call my potting shed I discovered a bucket of dried lavender that I had completely forgotten, so am going to spend this evening making up some lavender bag kits for KnitKits.

The little Minature Shnauzer guest who is staying with us for a couple of weeks seems to have settled in really well, although Bix and BeBop ignore her most of the time which is a bit sad as she is desperate to play with them.

Bix's Birthday

2011-04-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Bix the dog was 11 yesterday, which according the chart in our vets means he is 105 in dog years as large dogs age quicker than the standard 7 years to 1 of ours. Anyway he looks pretty good for it and had a good long walk through the woods with his dog club mates.

I managed to get the final samples for my latest book in the post on Monday, which was deadline day. It is so lovely to be able to relax a bit for the first time in the last 7 months. I am now on a major blitz on the house and sorting out the stock for Kangaroo. We have had b&b guests for two nights this week, which was great, hopefully with the lovely weather and Easter approaching there will be more bookings soon.

Learn to knit workshop in France with tutor Sue Culligan

2011-03-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

'Back to Basics' is a knitting workshop for beginners and those that need a reminder. The residential workshop will be held at La Verderie in France and runs from Thursday 29th September to Tuesday 4th October. The holiday is designed for a maximum of five guests and the workshops will be spread over four days. The aim of the workshop is to complete a simple cushion cover made from squares knitted in different stitches. We will cover different methods of casting on, how to cast off and work simple increases and decreases, then go on to cover basic textured stitches and colour work.

For full details and programme email sueculligan@gmail.com. The cost of the holiday covers all the workshops, full board including wine with meals, outings to local towns and transfers from La Rochelle, Angouleme, Poitiers or Bordeaux. Book here.

Addi circular needles

2011-03-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

I have more Addi's arriving tomorrow including longer cords in the circular needles. Some of the sizes are now available with 120cm (48 in) and 150cm (60 in) cords, also 2mm Addi lace circulars now available.

Knitting holiday in France with Rowan tutors Carol Meldrum and Nicole Wilson

2011-03-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

Spaces still available for the Knitting workshop in France (12th-18th June). I have just two spaces left in single rooms and one space in a shared room, for more details email sue@kangaroo.uk.com or visit Workshops at Kangaroo.

The knitting week at Chateau St Julien l'Ars is approaching fast. Tutors Carol Meldrum and Nicole Wilson are working on the programme (see here). It is going to be design based with lots of useful hints and tips to include embellishments, beading, fairisle, intarsia and a bit of crochet.

We are so lucky to have the run of this beautiful Chateau, it is the most gorgeous place for a knitting holiday. The first floor sitting room is perfect for working in, with natural light from the huge windows. Guests can retreat to their comfortable bedrooms for a bit of peace and quiet, relax on the sunny terraces or explore the acres of parkland attached to the Chateau. I am looking forward to starting to plan the menus, having got back into cake baking for our weekly dog walk here, feeling thin at the end of the week will definitely not be an option!

The move

2011-03-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

I finally seem to be surfacing from the mountain of packing boxes, my office still looks like a tornado has gone through it but things are improving. Kangaroo is temporarily set up in a bedroom at La Verderie, where it will have to stay until we get the work to the chai and the barn finished (which could be some time!) I have signed the contract for another book with a deadline of early April so the pressure is on again.

The move was even more stressful than moving house, with the added complication of keeping the computers running, finding stock in the mass of collapsible boxes and black bin liners, sending out orders and trying to keep all the customers happy. On top of all this I have to complete half year accounts for the UK, complete my registrations in France, decide on the best postage options, re-price and change loads of things on the website, design some new kits for KnitKits and then there is the garden.......

My poor little courtyard has been totally neglected for the last 6 months, so am trying to spend a little time every day out there. The weather is fantastic at the moment, still cold at night with a frost but up to 23 degrees in the daytime.

The crochet workshop here in October with Jane Crowfoot is now fully booked, which is really exciting. I am emailing tutors this week to arrange some more dates for 2012, so watch this space! We have had a few chambres d'hotes enquiries and http://www.accommodationcharente-maritime.com/ is starting to get more hits which is good news.

Freeform crochet, patchwork crochet and colour work crochet workshops in Sussex

2011-02-06T02:03:00.000-08:00

Designer and author Jane Crowfoot is tutoring the following Crochet workshops in Sussex. Freeform Crochet is on 12th February at Kangaroo just outside of Lewes, Crochet Patchwork is at Hummingbird Studio in Brighton on the 26th March and Colourwork Crochet is on the 16th April, also at Hummingbird Studio in Brighton. The price of the workshop includes tea, coffee and biscuits, materials and 10% discount on any purchases from Kangaroo during the day. For more information or to book, click here

Debbie Bliss Angel

2011-01-26T06:05:00.000-08:00

Angel is a gorgeous new laceweight yarn from Debbie Bliss. It is 76% superkid mohair/24% silk and so luxuriously soft you just want to cuddle it. It knits up on a range of needle sizes from 3.25mm - 5mm with a tension of 18-24 sts and 23-34 rows to 10cm depending on the needle size. It will knit to any laceweight patterns for shawls and scarves and has it's own book (also called Angel) with 9 stunning designs, see here. Both the yarn and book are due in stock this week at http://www.kangaroo.uk.com/

Patchwork/Domino knitting workshop with Fiona Morris

2011-01-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

We still have spaces left for this great workshop with City and Guilds tutor Fiona Morris. The workshop explores creative ways of making your own original garment or accessory using knitted strips and shells in different stitches. Exciting combinations of colour and texture will make something totally unique that requires minimal sewing up.
The workshop is at Kangaroo in East Sussex and can be booked here. Participants are also entitled to 10% discount on purchases made on the day, so come and browse through our selection of yarns, patterns and accessories and take advantage of the sale.

Mission Falls yarns discontinued

2011-01-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

Sad news, I have just heard from our supplier that these wonderful yarns and pattern books have been discontinued and will no longer be available once current stocks run out. We still have stock of the 1824 pure wool aran and cotton at a reduced price and these can be ordered here. Our remaining stock of pattern books are also reduced and can be ordered here.

Heart Beanie

2011-01-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

Knit your loved one a cosy beanie for Valentine's Day! The knitting kit contains the yarn which is a luxuriously soft pure wool aran weight (machine washable) and the pattern and costs £10. Order here.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T23:24:00.000-08:00

Emma a knitting kit using Fleece Artist yarn

The yarn sale at Kangaroo is in full swing - I am back to the UK tomorrow to get all the Christmas orders out and change all the prices for the VAT increase (groan..) However, to make up for this there are further reductions on many of the sale yarns. Bargain of the day - Fleece Artist knitting kit Emma is reduced from £36 to £22.
My book is nearly finished, I thought I would never get to the day when I could say that, but only 2 projects to finish off today and get to the pattern checkers, then just the remaining text to write..........

Christmas at La Verderie

2010-12-27T06:01:00.000-08:00

The alternative Christmas Tree

I have just had four whole days of relaxing with nothing to do but eat, drink and be merry (and cook Christmas dinner for 7), the first break since the beginning of October and it has been wonderful. The trip back to France was fine, with none of the travel problems I was expecting. I had one whole day to get the shopping in for Christmas, our village shop had sold out of Christmas trees, so I grabbed a branch from the side of the road for a last minute decoration. Still didn't manage to get any Christmas cards sent or emailed so will have to go for the French version of the New Year card!

Christmas Dinner

Christmas day was great, just us and mates, Gill, Merv, David, Yvonne and Huw plus Bix and Be Bop's mate Joe who is staying 'til Tuesday.

Joe, Bix and Be Bop waiting for Father Christmas

Boxing Day on the beach

Boxing Day was a chilly but sunny walk on the beach at Royan (so chilly that the sea had frozen at the edges!) And today is back to work with the last few projects to go on the book, newsletters to send out and more additions to the sale at Kangaroo.

Snowed in again!

2010-12-18T05:41:00.000-08:00

I am stuck in snowy Sussex and Culli is stuck in France. He was meant to be on a flight here yesterday so that we could have an early Christmas Day with the family, but all flights have been cancelled - what a pain. I really hope I can get back to France next week! The only good news is more time to finish the book, but I can't get out to Kangaroo at the moment, so no Open Day today, hopefully will get there for Monday. There are lots more bargains in the yarn clearance sale and I will be making more changes to the website over Christmas.

Addi Lace Clicks

2010-12-15T01:34:00.000-08:00

We have just received our first delivery of Addi Lace Click sets. These are the ultimate luxury in knitting needles, a set of 8 nickel plated needle tips ranging in size from 3.50mm - 8mm with 5 red Addi cords measuring 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, 80cm and 100cm. The whole lot is neatly packaged in a leather case with a zip pocket for the cords - what more could you want in your Christmas stocking! ORDER HERE

Ilga Leja Designs

2010-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

We have plenty of the beautiful knitting patterns from Ilga Leja in stock. Teamed up with a lovely yarn from Fleece Artist this makes the perfect gift, or knit one of the lovely shawl designs for your favourite person.

Sale of knitting books

2010-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

We have lots of great pattern books on offer, including Rowan magazines, Rowan Studio pattern books and sock knitting books. Snap up a bargain here!

Christmas Crackers and other knitting kits

2010-12-06T01:20:00.000-08:00

Knit your own crackers with these great knitting kits. The cotton cracker can be filled with gifts of your choice and placed on the table on Christmas Day or use them to package small gifts. We also have lots of other knitting kits at Kangaroo which make great gifts for knitters, see here.

A snowy day

2010-12-04T02:37:00.000-08:00

Lesley and Bella walking on the Downs

Snowy Sussex

November ended on a chilly note! I managed to get the last flight into Gatwick on Tuesday and catch what was probably the last train out of Gatwick to Lewes, a very long day. Having been snowed in at Ringmer since then, yesterday was the first day I braved the icy roads to Chailey and managed to pack a few orders. The only two accidents I have had in a car have been in the snow, one left me almost hanging off a bridge in Switzerland and the other one pretty much finished off my old Ford escort at the NEC in Birmingham, so with a rear wheel drive Volvo I was driving like Miss Daisy yesterday. Snow is very pretty for a few hours but causes so much grief. However, it was a useful couple of days working on my book and means I might just meet the deadline now! Business is back to normal at Kangaroo and hopefully the post will sort itself out soon.

Noro Kureyon

2010-11-29T00:06:00.000-08:00

Kureyon is the perfect yarn for felting projects, use it to make bags and accessories for Christmas Gifts. Wash in the machine at 40-60 degrees to create a strong firm felted fabric in beautiful colours. Buy here.

More Christmas Gifts for Knitters

2010-11-26T23:47:00.000-08:00

We have more Denise Interchangeable knitting needles and crochet hooks due in stock next week, these make a great gift for knitters, or for stocking fillers try one of the following -
River John Shawl pin
Denise Interchangeable extra cords and needle tips
Mission Falls pattern books
Debbie Abrahams buttons
Addi knitting needles

Knitting workshop in France June 12th - 18th

2010-11-24T04:16:00.000-08:00

All the single rooms are now booked for the June workshop at Chateau St Julien l'Ars. However, we do still have six spaces available in twin rooms and these can be booked here. Alternatively email sue@kangaroo.uk.com for further details about the holiday.

Christmas Gifts for Knitters

2010-11-21T02:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas is looming on the horizon and the last international posting dates are less than two weeks away. So treat your knitting friends and family to one of the following gifts
Gift vouchers to spend at Kangaroo
Knitting books
A learn to knit knitting kit
A learn to crochet kit
Addi bamboo knitting needles
A Hanne Falkenberg knitting kit
A kit for a knitted bag
A workshop at Kangaroo in East Sussex or France
A silk knitting needle case
Hand Maiden Sea Silk for lace weight knitting

We also offer a gift wrapping service so you gift can be sent direct and a selection of original greetings cards

Christmas workshop

2010-11-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

We have a room full of knitted robins upstairs at Kangaroo! Anne (Makepeace) is filling the place with Christmas spirit, everyone seems to be enjoying knitting christmas decs and gifts. It seems strange that this is the last workshop of 2010, where has the year gone! We have lots of exciting workshops coming up in the New Year. Finishing Techniques in January is already fully booked so if you want to take part in any of the other workshops, don't leave it too late to book.

Strips and Shells Patchwork Knitting workshop with Fiona Morris

2010-11-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

The Strips and Shells workshop is a follow on to the Domino workshop. If you enjoy knitting with colour, being creative and using up your stash then book a space here for this great workshop with tutor Fiona Morris.

Kim Hargreaves Touching Elegance

2010-11-10T04:12:00.000-08:00

We have just had a delivery of this beautiful new book of knitting designs by Kim Hargreaves. The 21 patterns all use Rowan yarns and include an eclectic mix of chic sophistication and bohemian charm. Order here.

New crochet workshop in France

2010-11-10T04:06:00.000-08:00

We have a new workshop for September 2011 in France. The week of residential workshops will be held at La Verderie and there are spaces for just 5 guests (two sharing in twin rooms and one single room). Jane Crowfoot will be tutor for the week and the cost of the holiday includes the workshops, full board, trips out to local towns and transfers from local airports and stations. FULLY BOOKED or email sueculligan@gmail.com for further details.

Arts and Crafts

2010-11-08T01:14:00.000-08:00

Pumpkins in the frost

I'm back blogging! October seemed to pass me by, I have missed two end of month photos for September and October and have a lot of catching up to do. My life is a little chaotic at the moment, we seem to have had a month of disasters. However, I am settling into commuting from France to Sussex every week, I miss Culli and the dogs and the gentle pace of life in France desperately, however it is great to be involved in the day to day running of Kangaroo and meeting up with old customers.
I have just had an Arts and Crafts Exhibition at home in France over the weekend, the combination of paintings and textiles (and delicious cream teas in aid of the Poppy appeal!) brought visitors in from all over the Charente-Maritime. It has fired my enthusiasm to open a gallery in our barn and have had Culli drawing up designs for the conversion all weekend!
November is going to be just as hectic, I have finally had the designs for my book approved so now have three weeks to make up all the designs and write the text..........
I also have to get a few tea cosies together for my old friend Kim's Open House in Brighton. If you are in the Brighton area this exhibition is well worth a visit, details will be on the one2six website soon. The exhibition will be open on 20th, 21st and 27th, 28th November and 4th, 5th and 11th, 12th December, a one stop visit for all your Christmas shopping and some scrummy cakes.

Special Offers

2010-10-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

We have lots of special offers for October. Go to the home page at Kangaroo for the latest reductions on Debbie Bliss Amalfi and Eco Cotton Aran. There is a new Addi delivery due this week and we should have the full range in stock again by the end of November.

Mission Falls Knitting patterns

2010-10-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

We have two great new pattern books from Mission Falls in stock now. Silhouette has 14 designs for garments and accessories using DK and 1824 pure wool aran and pure cotton aran and Weekend has 8 designs using Mission Falls 1824 cotton.

New Hanne Falkenberg knitting kit

2010-10-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

The latest kit from Hanne Falkenberg is for a knitted skirt called 'Swing'. This lovely wrap-around skirt is knitted in 100% shetland wool and looks great worn over leggings. The clever design has an adjustable waist and the kit contains sufficient yarn to knit up to a large size (to fit 43" (110cm) hip. It is available in 8 colourways and can be ordered here.

Vintage Rowan Knitting patterns

2010-10-08T03:13:00.000-07:00

I have just found a huge box of Rowan knitting patterns (designed by Kim Hargreaves) stashed away in the roof space. They are all single leaflets and unused. The patterns are for Rowan Magpie Aran, Chunky Chenille, Fine Chenille, Denim and Chunky Fox Tweed. All these yarns are now discontinued except for the denim, however the patterns can all be used with current yarns. See the full selection here.

Debbie Bliss magazine Fall/Winter 2010

2010-10-08T03:05:00.000-07:00

The latest magazine from Debbie Bliss is now in stock and can be ordered here. Packed with gorgeous designs and inspirational articles it has something to suit all tastes. The designs include colourful fairisles, chunky cables and cute baby knits.

The first knitting retreat

2010-09-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

The guests have just all departed from our first knitting retreat here at La Verderie. We have had a fantastic few days with three lovely people. Mark and Diane came all the way from Canada to visit Paris and our little corner of rural France. Whilst Diane was happy to launch into her knitting as soon as she arrived, Mark was a little worried that he had been talked into spending five days with three slightly nutty knitters. However Culli came to his rescue and whisked him off around the countryside to sample a little of the local cognac, check out the bar at St Meme, assist on a few site visits and even grovel around in the engine of the boat - what a lucky man!

The lovely Michelle from Devon kept us entertained with her stories and came up with some great ideas for my book - thank you Michelle! She is a knitter with the patience of a saint, producing her own designs for beautiful floaty garments in laceweight yarns, just stopping every so often to pop outside for a quick fag.

We managed to consume breakfast, lunch and a four course dinner every day with ease, washed down with lashings of wine. It was great to have three real foodies with no dislikes, the seafood lunch on Saturday was attacked with relish, oysters, prawns and bulot enjoyed by all. I try to make the menus a mix of french and english so came up with the following for the evening meals -
Thursday - smoked salmon pate, Normandy chicken, cheese board, peaches baked in pineau
Friday - pear, roquefort and walnut salad, salmon and prawn pie, cheese board, tarte tatin
Saturday - pumpkin soup, magret de canard with red wine sauce, cheese board, squidgy lemon pudding
Sunday - charentais melon with pineau, roast lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, cheese board, mousse au chocolat
Monday - prawns with ginger and chilli, boeuf bourguignon, cheese board, croissant bread pudding
We had an outing to the market at St Jean d'Angely on Saturday morning and I took Mark and Diane into Saintes yesterday afternoon for a wander around the shops and a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre.

It was sad to see them all leave today, Mark and Diane are back to Paris for a few more days of culture and Michelle is off for a week's adventure in La Rochelle. Tomorrow the house sitters move in and Culli and I are off to the UK for a wedding, Monday the diet starts..............

Autumn Sailing

2010-09-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Maet at Boyardville

Time to catch up with my sadly neglected blog.....
Culli and I and our sailing mate Mike spent the first two weeks of September sailing our little yacht up the coast from Royan to Ile de Re, not a particularly adventurous holiday as we were never much more than 50 miles from the coast, but it was a much needed break. Not a break from knitting though, I have some nerve-racking deadlines for my new book so spent at least 4 hours every day working on projects for this. There is something very peaceful about working on a boat, with a stash of knitting yarn in the fore peak and the laptop set up on the saloon table, I decided I could probably work like this for weeks on end.

tourist boat at St Denis

Our first stop was the marina at St Denis on Ile d'Oleron, this is one of our favourite marinas and a short walk up to the town takes you to the best Thai restaurant in France. Shopping at the daily market is a pleasure with loads of fresh fish and seafood, freshly cooked paella, luscious fruit and veg and cheesy fougeres from the boulangerie.

cycling on ile d'Oleron

Next stop was Boyardville, a small marina accessed through a lock two hours each side of high water and deep joy there was a brocante at the end of the marina on the sunday morning! We hired bicycles and cycled into the town of St Pierre for a wander around the shops and a coffee. Oleron is fantastic for cycling as it is totally flat with cycle paths taking you all round the island.

stormy sky

From Boyardville we sailed to St Martin on Ile de Re, a great sail with a good wind all the way taking us to the little port in the centre of St Martin, a great people watching place. We spent a couple of nights in St Martin with a howling gale and thunderstorm passing through on the second day, the only bad weather we experienced and were glad to be snugged up in the sheltered port.

Culli and Mike in St Martin

Next visit was an overnight stop at La Rochelle, sadly Le Vieux port was full so we had to go into the modern marina at Les Minimes, and because the boat show was due to start in a few days time had a whole pontoon to ourselves. Mike had to get back to the UK, so jumped ship at La Rochelle and Culli and I sailed back to St Denis for the final weekend.

abandoned boat

We met some lovely people, David and Sarah on their 38 foot Catamaran, who were sailing down the coast of France to Spain with their two cats and Tom and Danny who were also heading South on their beautiful dutch boat. We rescued a yacht that had been abandoned at low tide, saving it from crashing into the catamaran on the fierce current that whooshes into the marina as the tide comes in, the grateful owner treated us all to beers in the evening.

Chassiron lighthouse

We hired bikes for the day and cycled up the impressive lighthouse at Chassiron and walked around the headland, then stopped for a picnic lunch on a bench overlooking the deserted beach.

dodging the tide

The trip back to Royan was fairly eventful, with not much wind we had to motor some of the way. Just before the entrance to the Gironde estuary Culli noticed that the automatic bilge pump had kicked in. We opened the engine cover and discovered water pouring out of the engine, when he didn't reply to my question 'are we going to sink?' I knew things were bad......... My first thought was, how am I going to get all my knitting projects to dry land. However, a wine bottle cork saved the day, stuffed in the hole in the engine and held on with self amalgamating tape, we turned the engine off and resigned ourselves to a long sail home, but happily the wind picked up and we finally made it!

oyster shells

August 31st

2010-08-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

It feels like summer is coming to an end. The weather today has been wonderful, a clear blue sky with a day time temperature of 28c, but when I went for my morning walk with the dogs it was a very autumnal 9c. Gill and Merv our part-time neighbours head back to the UK tomorrow and Culli, our sailing friend Mike and I are off for a late summer holiday on our little boat leaving my cousin Moira and her mates to dog and house sit. The grapes and tomatoes are falling on the ground so my last job before I go on holiday is yet more spicy tomato chutney, grape jelly and grape vodka..... (not totally convinced about that one, but watch this space). We get back in time for the first of the autumn workshops at Kangaroo, the first knitting retreat here at La Verderie, bramble jelly, sloe gin and very probably green tomato chutney.

Debbie Bliss magazine issue 5

2010-08-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

New for autumn 2010, the fall/winter issue Debbie Bliss magazine no. 5 is due in stock mid september and is packed with gorgeous designs. Pre-order your copy here.

Debbie Bliss Andes

2010-08-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

We have just had a delivery of the new Debbie Bliss yarn Andes. This gorgeous yarn is a luxurious blend of 65% baby alpaca and 35% mulberry silk with supporting patterns in the Andes book. Check out the patterns and order the yarn and pattern book at the same time for free postage!

Hand Maiden knitting kits

2010-08-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

We have three new kits available in the gorgeous hand-dyed yarns from Canadian spinners Hand Maiden. The Criss Cross scarf is knitted in Camelspin and the Sea Lace and Chrysanthemum scarves are both crochet. Follow the links to see the designs and place an order.

Bed and Breakfast in France and Arts and Crafts in Crazanne

2010-08-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

A few people have asked what has happened to the blog recently.....? well, I have been busy, busy, busy. We have finally finished decorating the final part of the house for the chambres d'hotes, see the new website http://www.accommodationcharente-maritime.com/ and have had guests! I also have two new knitting books in the pipeline, samples have just gone off for the first, so fingers crossed that sells and I have signed the contract for the second one - yikes! Now I have all sorts of scary deadlines to meet.

On Sundy I was invited to take part in the annual arts and crafts event at Crazanne, a pretty little village about half an hour away from us. Various artists and craft workers set up in gardens around the village to promote their craft, I was in our friends' Dick and Jackie's barn which was a great spot for an exhibition. The night before and all morning we had the most horrendous thunderstorms, so was glad to be under cover, however the sun did come out for the afternoon. It wasn't as busy as it could have been, but we had fun, I handed out leaflets and talked a few people into coming along to one of my knitting groups. My neighbour in the barn, Hazel was showing her beautiful ceramics and gave us all a hands on chance with some clay - since a brief fling with pottery at college I have always fancied going back to it, sadly not enough hours in the day at the moment...!

Debbie Bliss A Tweed Story

2010-08-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

A new book of knitting patterns by Debbie Bliss for autumn 2010. A Tweed Story has 7 designs that include women's sweaters and jackets and even a fabulous coat for a small to medium sized dog. The yarns used are Debbie Bliss Fez, Luxury Tweed Aran and Chunky. Order the book and yarns here.

Debbie Bliss Snow Queeen

2010-08-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

Snow Queen is another new book of knitting patterns by Debbie Bliss for autumn 2010. The six designs include three jackets, a cabled cape, cabled gilet and a rib and cable dress. The yarns used are Debbie Bliss Como, Fez and Alpaca Silk Aran. Order the book and yarns here.

Debbie Bliss Andes

2010-08-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Andes is a new book of knitting patterns by Debbie Bliss for autumn 2010. The twelve designs use the latest yarn also called Andes, a luxurious blend of 65% baby alpaca and 35% mulberry silk. See the designs and yarn quantities here.

Debbie Bliss Folk Chic

2010-08-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

Folk Chic is a new book of knitting patterns by Debbie Bliss for autumn 2010. The eight designs include cables and fairisle and use Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, Cashmerino DK and Aran. See the designs and yarn quantities here.

Debbie Bliss Land Girl pattern book

2010-08-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

Land Girl contains 8 fabulous knitting patterns for women and children using Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply, DK and aran. The books are in stock now and all the details of materials needed to knit each pattern are on our website - see here.

Debbie Bliss Glen

2010-08-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

Now in stock, Glen is the latest yarn and pattern book from Debbie Bliss for autumn 2010. Glen the book has 12 gorgeous designs (see here), the yarn is a blend of 30% fine alpaca/30% merino wool/40% acrylic. It has a tension of 14 sts and 21 rows to 10cm using 6.50mm needles with 90 metres to a 50g ball. Order here.

August offers - knitting needles and yarn

2010-08-04T02:24:00.000-07:00

We have up to 50% discount on some of the current stock of Prym knitting needles, River John Knitting needles, Kaalund knitting yarns and patterns and BARGAIN OF THE MONTH - the last of the Appleton's tapestry wool is reduced to just 11 pence per skein!

Rowan magazine 48

2010-08-02T23:36:00.000-07:00

I have finally got all the yarn quantities needed for each pattern in the magazine on the website, see here. We are still waiting for more yarn stocks, however if you would like to be notified when shades arrive please email me at sue@kangaroo.uk.com

Last day of July

2010-08-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Another month has whizzed by, the 31st July was a blisteringly hot day with not a cloud in sight. Perfect for a visit to the Cognac Blues Passion. This brilliant music festival takes place every year and most of the music is free. The bands are usually excellent and mainly French or American with great bluesey names. This year we just went for the afternoon and saw 'Travis "Moonchild" Haddix' in the park, caught a quick soundcheck from 'Watermelon Slim' and then walked up to the main square to see 'The BW Jumpers', back home for a walk with the dogs then an impromptu BBQ over the road with Gill, Merv, Hubert and Marina.

Today is the last day of the Blues Festival, but we have thunderstorms rumbling all around and it is also final day of my stock checking so have decided to stay at home and make plum chutney and finish my admin!

Stock checking - huge discount on knitting yarns

2010-07-30T01:54:00.000-07:00

My least favourite job, but I have come to the end of another financial year so it has to be done. To make my life easier we are offering 25% discount on all items currently in stock at Kangaroo (offer ends at midnight on Sunday 1st August 2010). To claim the discount enter the code 25DISCOUNT when prompted at the checkout. PLEASE NOTE offer does not apply to workshops and knitting holidays.

Photography Club

2010-07-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the annual outing for our photography club, a morning in Port d'Envaux with our cameras and four subjects (Stone, Guess What, Messing around on the river and Man Made) followed by lunch.

Port d'Envaux is a sleepy little town on the river Charente, Culli and I have been there a number of times in the past (when we were house-hunting we used to go down to the picnic site at the river in the evening and go through all the houses we had seen that day over a large g&t), but I discovered lots of things I didn't know about the place.

There is an amazing quarry called Les Lapidiales where sculptors from all over the world have created wonderful carvings in the wall, a perfect venue for the photography topic of Stone and like most sites in France completely unfenced with free entrance. The river was as beautiful as ever, very quiet and peaceful with just a few French families at the purpose built picnic site, the joy of being away from the coast at this time of year in France. There is also now a dedicated swimming area with diving platform, another venue for Noizefest guests next year!

Lunch in one of the local restaurants was excellent, smoked salmon roulade, duck in cherry sauce and ice cream and meringue washed down with lashings of rose, another good day for the diet......

Bed & Breakfast in the Charente-maritime

Knitting workshop in France September 2012

2010-07-23T01:47:00.000-07:00

Tutors Debbie Abrahams and Jane Crowfoot. Email sueculligan@gmail.com for further details.

This workshop aims to give participants the chance to play around and experiment with the crafts of knitting and crochet in order to create a piece of constructed textile design which could be used as the basis for an interior decoration piece.
Participants will be encouraged to work on small knitted or crochet samples which whilst enhancing their skills will each become part of a larger patchwork piece. Techniques shown will include colour work, textural work, colour theory, beading and embellishing in the mediums of both knitting and crochet.
A good amount of yarn will be provided, but participants are asked to bring along pieces from their stash to use or swap with others. It is a good idea to also bring along beads, buttons, lace and ribbon which could be incorporated within the textile piece.
Participants need to have a knowledge of knitting stitches and should be able to understand knitting terminology – the ability to crochet is not essential.

Accommodation

Large twin rooms are still available at £725 per head, non-knitting partners are welcome. There are also a few single rooms left at £825 per head, the price includes the workshops, transfers from Poitiers airport or station, all transport whilst staying at the Château, all meals taken at the Château with wine. What is not included: Travel to Poitiers from your home destination, entrance fees to some places of interest, any snacks/meals consumed on excursions.

The Château

Château de St. Julien l’Ars is situated just east of Poitiers on the outskirts of the sleepy village of St Julien l’Ars. The village is just a few minutes walk away and has a boulangerie, grocery store, bar tabac and café. This fairytale castle is owned by American Architect Nash Gubelman and his artist wife Linda Softing, their passion for the château and any artistic pursuit makes it the ideal venue for workshops. To see details of the history of the building visit http://www.chateaustjulien.com

The peace and serenity of the château can be felt the moment you pass through the large gates, beneath the 100 ft. Gothic spire of the village church and into the castle courtyard. The 56 acre grounds feature walking trails and private corners to sit and relax with your knitting or a book.

All meals will be taken together in the ground floor dining room and consist of a buffet breakfast and lunch and a three course dinner with house wine. The workshops will be held in the reception room on the first floor of the château, a beautiful light and airy room with triple aspect windows or outside, weather permitting. There are two lounge areas for relaxation, a small library, terraces at the front and back of the property and 56 acres of beautiful parkland to explore.

Travel arrangements – it is the responsibility of each individual guest to arrange their own transport to Poitiers, we are more than happy to offer advice on flights, trains and ferries please contact sueculligan@gmail.com for further details.

Book now at KnitKits

Knitting Retreats

2010-07-20T03:18:00.000-07:00

We have one twin room available for one or two people (if you are booking it as a single please send an email confirming this at the time of booking) for the September Knitting Retreat at La Verderie. Book here.
The June 2011 knitting workshop at Chateau St Julien is filling up fast, we now only have 2 spaces remaining for single rooms and 8 spaces in four shared rooms.

Sale of knitting yarns

2010-07-14T00:29:00.000-07:00

The summer sale finishes next week, we still have offers on plenty of yarns so snap up the bargains now at http://www.kangaroo.uk.com/

The chicks have flown the nest

2010-07-12T00:54:00.000-07:00

The little Redstart family have gone out into the big wide world, they were all out of the nest yesterday morning and by the afternoon were launching themselves off the beams in the barn, no sign of them today so hopefully the five of them have survived.

The sunflowers are out

2010-07-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

It feels like summer is finally here to stay, the sunflowers have just started flowering and it has been blissfully hot for days, I am decorating the final guest room (not the best thing to be doing in this heat, but it has to be finished). The cherry glut is almost over and has been replaced with courgettes. Try this yummy recipe for courgette burgers, even Culli who is a dedicated carnivore raved about them -
Grate a courgette and squeeze out all the liquid, mix with a handful of breadcrumbs, a finely chopped onion, chilli and some fresh basil, 1 beaten egg, a squidge of tomato puree and a dollop of mustard. Season well and shape into four burgers, fry for about 5 - 10 minutes turning once. Serve in buns with chilli relish and cornichons, mayo and tomatoes - fab!
Looks like I may have another catering job for a wedding in September, fingers crossed.