April knitting holiday in France

We have three guests at La Verderie this week for a knitting retreat, Imogen and Joan from the UK and Betina from Portugal (our first Portuguese guest!) After two weeks of glorious sunshine we are dodging April showers, but that hasn't stopped the knitting and crochet.

Betina knitting the Portuguese way

Betina has brought along a beautiful crochet shawl to work on and a pair of socks, which she knits the Portuguese way with the yarn around her neck, amazing to watch and gives a beautifully even tension.

patchwork bag project

Imogen is learning new knitting techniques, starting with a lace scarf, but has now opted to try a workshop project for a patchwork bag using different patterns and textures.

Joan's shawl

 Joan has brought along a lovely light shawl that she has just finished off and a Kim Hargreaves design (Nat), a fitted cardigan knitted in Rowan Big Wool, she is also like me trying to improve her crochet techniques.

the start of my crochet cushion cover

I am working on a crochet cushion cover in a mix of bright cottons from my stash.
On Thursday I picked up Imogen from the airport and we went into Bordeaux for a couple of hours while we waited for Betina's flight to arrive from Lisbon. After making the compulsory visit to yarn shop La Droguerie, we spent another hour in a wonderful book shop, then back to the airport and home.

chocolate shop in Cognac

the main square in Cognac

On Friday we hit the yarn shop in Cognac, then a wander through the town and a coffee in the square.

flower stall at St Jean d'Angely market

shopping in St Jean d'Angely

the old streets in St Jean

Saturday morning was a visit to the market in St Jean d'Angely then home for an afternoon of knitting and crochet.

Betina with her new yarn bowl

Culli has been busy making yarn bowls, Betina has bought a cherry one and Joan has gone for an elm one.
Sunday's forecast was wet and windy, Imogen came with me for an early morning walk with the dogs and we got soaked to the skin. Everyone opted for a day at home so we had a short beading workshop and spent a relaxing day, chatting with our projects.

Knitting holidays in France - spaces still available

Enjoy an early Spring in the Charente-Maritime we still have a few spaces available on the following three knitting and crochet holidays -

Thursday 20th March - tuesday 25th March 2014 - knitting and crochet holiday with optional workshops on various knitting techniques and basic crochet. For further details click here.

Thursday 27th March - tuesday 1st April 2014 - knitting and crochet holiday with optional workshops on various knitting techniques and basic crochet. For further details click here.

Thursday 24th April - tuesday 29th April 2014 - knitting and crochet holiday with optional workshops on various knitting techniques and basic crochet. For further details click here.

Come on your own to enjoy the company of fellow knitters or bring along a partner or friend (we can also arrange woodturning or painting classes on the same holiday if wanted). The holidays are open to all skill levels.

Days 3 and 4 of the knitting workshop

St Jean d'Angely

Saturday morning market

A trip to St Jean d'Angely on Saturday morning for a wander around the market, coffee in the square and a visit to the Interior's shop. 

Culli waiting patiently for the shoppers

Wendy, Irene, Caroline, Debbie, Culli and Clare

We bought seafood for lunch and introduced a few of the guests to oysters and bulot which  went down surprisingly well.

Seafood lunch

An afternoon of knitting in the sun followed by pork in cider and warm ginger and ricotta cheesecake.
The clock's going forward an hour threw everyone, Sunday got off to a very slow start with late breakfast and a decision to stay at home and knit all day. Another day of knitting in the hot sunshine, with a race to get the bags finished and ready to block on Monday afternoon.

The bag project

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

Cables and textured knitting workshop

We still have a few spaces available for this wonderful workshop. Anne Makepeace will take you through the mysteries of knitting cables. There are so many gorgeous knitting patterns in wool and cotton that many people avoid, with just a few hours of expert tuition you will find how easy cabling is! Anne will also teach you how to read a cable chart which many modern patterns now use and how to incorporate various other textured stitches.
If you live in the Sussex area come and join us on Wednesday 24th March, the price of the workshop includes materials, a tasty lunch and 10% discount on purchases made on the day.
Book here