August 31st

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!