Knitting and Crochet retreat in France - February 2013

The retreats and workshops for 2012 have only just ended, yet we already have lots of bookings for, next year, with three of the holidays already fully booked.

However we still have spaces for -

21st - 26th February - knitting and crochet retreat at La Verderie.

Stash!

This is a 'knit'n'natter' that lasts for 5 days, the ultimate winter break. It is open to all skill levels and there is no set project, but I am on hand to help with any technical problems. The Charente-Maritime in February can be unpredictable, it could be cold and frosty nights with bright and warm sunny days, or rain! Either way we have a large roaring fire to snuggle up in front of, lots of yarn stash to rummage through, knitting needles, beads, patterns, books and magazines, some bracing country walks and good rustic home cooking with lashings of wine to wash it down. There is space for up to 5 guests, so the holiday can be booked for a small group or come along on your own and meet some new knitting companions.

There will be optional outings to Saintes, Cognac and St Jean d'Angely for yarn shops and chic French interiors, food markets, street cafes and a bit of history. There is also the wonderful Alpaca farm near Ruffec, meet the gentle animals and purchase luxurious yarn in natural shades, woven shawls, scarves, throws and Alpaca duvets and pillows.

The total cost of the holiday is just £285 per head for a twin room or £355 for a single room, this includes full board with three meals a day plus wine, outings and transfers from Angoleme and la Rochelle. Your travel to France and transfers from Bordeaux airport are not included in the price. For further details visit knitting holidays in france or email sueculligan@gmail.com

A trip to Bordeaux

Shades of autumn

The last knitting and crochet retreat for 2013 has finished, we have just Lin left to take down to Bordeaux. It is a sunny Saturday morning so Gill, Lin and I set off on the scenic route to Bordeaux through Cognac and Barbeziuex enjoying the autumn colours and rolling vineyards. We arrive in the city at lunch time and I spend half an hour driving around in circles trying to find my way to the car park I know. Having finally parked we wander through a silent funfair to the pedestrianised streets and a compulsory visit to la Droguerie, I buy some lovely leather handles for knitted/fabric bags and some brooch pins.

Macaroons!

A wall of chocolate bars

We have a lunch of omelette and salad in a busy cafe, then a dash to the covered shopping arcade as it starts to pour with rain, we admire the beautiful patisserie and chocolate shops. I think Lin is worrying about my ability to get out of the city centre faster than we arrived so we head off early for the airport and drop her off then Gill and I pop into a very busy Ikea on the way home.
It has been a great year for the workshops and retreats, we have met some lovely people and they have all made new friends. Bookings for next year are flowing in fast with a lot of repeat visits, the workshops are almost full already. To see the full list of dates and availability click here.