September 2018 at Knitting holidays in France

We welcomed another group of lovely ladies to the September knitting and crochet retreat and after just a couple of hours they were all firm friends. In this group we had three more Canadian visitors, one from Ireland and five from the UK.
The projects they brought along covered all aspects of knitting and crochet, with a bit of a turtle theme.
We started the week with a Sunday morning trip to the Brocante in Saintes

On Monday we spent the morning working on projects then went in to Saintes in the afternoon for shopping and a trip to the Roman amphitheatre

The grape harvest is in full swing in the surrounding vineyards, with the aroma of fermenting grapes wafting around the countryside.

Tuesday morning more time for projects, in the afternoon off to Cognac for yarn shopping and a tour of Chateau Otard and a bit of Cognac tasting

It was warm enough for some to go for a swim in the pool

On Wednesday we went in to St Jean d'Angley for a wander around the food market and then back home for lunch and more knitting and crochet. On Thursday the group walked up to Brizambourg in the morning and spent the afternoon finishing off projects.

Abbi's crochet blanket which she has made for a friend, inspired by a video they took of turtles heading for the sea. Turtle production became a bit of a challenge for all the group.

Vicky's amazing spiral blanket that makes your eyes go squiffy (or was that the G and T's?)

Abbi's quick super chunky crochet scarf

I love this gorgeous cable pattern on Tracey's shrug

Chris was making a lovely Christmas cardigan for her grandson

Kate's cute little doll from a Toft Alpaca kit

Mavis modelling Abbi's scarf and my chunky leaf bag

Deirdre's poncho and the centre piece to the fantastic Sophie's universe blanket

 Gina finished this lovely crochet shawl

Kate's socks

Kelly spent the week browsing the crochet stitch guides and experimenting with different crochet stitches

more turtles.......

and the final project to be finished by Gina - Donna the reindeer from Edward's Menagerie (re-christened Bercloux the reindeer)

One more project pic that has just come in from Jean, her lovely cardi that is very nearly finished

A great week was had by all, and I am over the moon that they have all booked to come back next year as a group. This means that we are very nearly fully booked now for 2019 - just a few spaces left on the two workshops in September and October. See details here.

The last two days of the October knitting retreat in France

Yesterday the sun was shining again, we stopped at St Jean d'Angely for a quick visit to the market and of course the yarn shop.

Franziska bought a new project bag for her sewing and knitting, we wandered around the market with the colourful pumpkins and flower stalls, then all bundled back into the car and on to La Rochelle.

First stop was a coffee, then a wander through the town to the Cafe de la Paix for lunch.

Then we hit the shops, I think everyone bought something ranging from Cognac, Pineau, beautiful hand made soap, chocolates and a collapsible tray from one of the gorgeous kitchen shops.

The day seemed to fly by, we drove home through torrential rain and a complete rainbow in time to fit in a bit more knitting before supper.
On Thursday we had the final mini workshop with Angela working on her first piece of intarsia from one of Debbie Abrahams lovely designs in 'Blankets and Throws', then this afternoon the ladies from my craft group arrived for and afternoon of knitting, sewing and swapping ideas and of course eating cake and drinking tea.
We had a show and tell of what everyone had achieved through the week, I think they have all gained something and will now be confident to tackle almost anything!

Angela's first attempt at intarsia

Jennifer's first adult sized cardigan

Angela's practice sampler for cable, fairisle, buttonholes and intarsia

Franziska's ipad cover

Verna's hat

Verna's sampler practicing fairisle, cable, intarsia and beading

Friday morning was an early start for Angouleme. Jennifer, Verna and Angela were on the early train for Paris so we dropped them off then Franziska and I went into the centre of Angouleme for a coffee and a final bit of retail therapy. It is years since I have been into the city centre and had forgotten how lovely it is with a huge cathedral and pretty pedestrianised shopping areas.

I want these sheep.......

Angouleme cathedral

yarn bombing

We will definitely be back, especially as I discovered no less than three yarn shops! plus lots of lovely interiors shops, choccie shops and a fantastic shop selling artist materials.
I waved Franziska goodbye on her train to Paris then back home to a quiet and empty house.