Knitting Basics workshop at La Verderie

Day three of the workshop and all is going well, everyone has nearly finished their squares, just the dreaded sewing in of ends. Yesterday afternoon we went into Saintes, Culli dropped us off at the Amphitheatre and we walked back into town for a fix at the yarn shop, a wander along the river and into the museum of ancient  stonework, great for textured knitting designs, followed by a beer in town.

The Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes

Stonework textures

Back to La Verderie for gin and tonic followed by supper of smoked salmon pate, chicken with fennel and strawberry meringue. This morning we went to the market at St Jean d'Angely, I bought, prawns, bulot and oysters for lunch and fish for supper. Back home for an afternoon of knitting, only one square to go tomorrow and then it's mattress stitch seams and picking up stitches for the button band and strap.
A walk around the vineyard with the dogs (double biscuit treats to celebrate Bix's 12th birthday), then home for supper of Charentaise melon salad, fish pies and creme brulee.

Bix the dog is 12 years old today!

Good luck greetings on Skype to son Ross for the Brighton marathon tomorrow, we will think of him as we relax with our knitting.

Knitting Basics workshop

Find inspiration for textured knitting from your local surroundings

Nature is great for inspiration

Simple colour work

I still have two spaces available for the Knitting Basics workshop in April (11th - 16th), this holiday is perfect for novice knitters or anyone wanting to brush up on the basics. Discover how to work with colour and create simple textured patterns, we will aim to complete a small project during the course of the week using different techniques. The small group allows for the workshop to be tailored to individual needs with plenty of one-to-one tuition. More experienced knitters are welcome to come along with their own projects and just relax at this peaceful retreat. For further details visit Knitting Holidays in France

Basic beading

Programme for the knitting basics workshop

Weds 11th April	Transfer to La Verderie from your chosen airport/station. Relax with an apero and supper
Thurs 12th April	8-9 breakfast 9.30 – 1 morning workshop 1-2 lunch 2.30 – 5.00 afternoon workshop 7.30 supper
Friday 13th April	8-9 breakfast 9.30 – 1 trip to Cognac or Chateau Corbonne 2.30 – 5.00 afternoon workshop  7.30 supper
Sat 14th April	8-9 breakfast 9.30 – 1 trip to St Jean d’Angely market 1-2 lunch 2.30 – 5 afternoon workshop 7.30 supper
Sunday 15th April	8-9 breakfast 9.30 – 1 morning workshop 1-2 lunch 2.30 – 5.30 afternoon workshop 7.30 supper
Monday 16th April	Transfers back to your departure airport or railway station

Learn to knit workshop in France with tutor Sue Culligan

'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.