Final day of the knitting workshop at La Verderie

Tuesday morning was spent finishing off the bag projects in the sunshine. Debbie had also brought along a second project for the guests to take home, a beautiful kit for a small beaded bag, so she showed everyone how to cast on with beads to start them off. After lunch Debbie, Irene, Clare and I headed off to Saintes for more shopping, leaving Caroline and Wendy at home relaxing with their knitting.

We made a leisurely tour around the shops in Saintes visiting the little yarn shop with the fantastic button selection and more interiors shops, all managing to find something to buy and the inevitable drink at the cafe in the centre of town.

Back home to meet up with the others and take them all on a visit to Egretau, our local Cognac producers. A brief tour of the distillery was followed by some Cognac and Pineau tasting and lots of purchases to take home for gifts. The final supper of chilled melon and prawns in a mint dressing, creamed chicken and leek in pasta shells and mini pavlova's followed by a reasonably early night.

I had an early start on Wednesday to take Clare, Caroline, Wendy and Irene down to Bordeaux airport, then Culli and I took Debbie to La Rochelle, with time for a lunch stop on the way at Surgeres then the final shopping fix and yes, Debbie managed to find a few more items to buy..........

It was a brilliant week, some lovely knitting, perfect weather and great company, and I have gained one of Debbie's beautiful blankets, on loan until I see her in September as there was no room in her case for it!
We have also confirmed one date for Debbie to come back next year for a Mystery Blanket workshop (14th-20th March 2013), see the details here.