October knitting and crochet retreat
I am so glad this week has actually happened. It was originally booked by a group that met here a few years ago but for various reasons 6 of them had to cancel leaving just 2 coming, Chris from Canada and Deirdre from Ireland. However, we had 3 last minute bookings so we now have a lovely group of five guests.
Everyone has brought along a mix of crochet, knitting and some embroidery.
On the first afternoon we went for a wander around Saintes for some inspiration and shopping - I love this stitch

The beginning of the week started off with some misty mornings and rain

on Friday afternoon three of us went to Cognac for a bit of fresh air, a coffee and the compulsory visit to the yarn shops


On Saturday morning we had a rainy visit to the market in St Jean, but there was some colourful yarn bombing in the square. October is breast cancer awareness month so there are bright pink ribbons all over the town.



On Sunday morning the sunrise promised better weather and by the afternoon everyone was enjoying the sunshine in the garden.

It has been a great week with a lot of laughs, Ali has kept us entertained with her stories, I hope that one day she finally writes that book.
The projects
Ali has finished a lovely hat knitted in Noro yarn and is mastering sock knitting

Deirdre has finished a pair of socks, is working on a crochet blanket and is stitching some beautiful redwork patches



Chris has finished the back of a mitred waistcoat. I love this design, might just have to make it for myself.

Lin has completed a fantastic crochet jumper for her friend Pauline (who she met here 10 years ago) and is working on a knitted hat in continental knitting with a bit of help from Jane

Jane has finished a scarf (a gift for a friend) and is working on a short sleeved sweater for herself in amazing hand dyed yarns.


Everyone has brought along a mix of crochet, knitting and some embroidery.
On the first afternoon we went for a wander around Saintes for some inspiration and shopping - I love this stitch

The beginning of the week started off with some misty mornings and rain

on Friday afternoon three of us went to Cognac for a bit of fresh air, a coffee and the compulsory visit to the yarn shops


On Saturday morning we had a rainy visit to the market in St Jean, but there was some colourful yarn bombing in the square. October is breast cancer awareness month so there are bright pink ribbons all over the town.



On Sunday morning the sunrise promised better weather and by the afternoon everyone was enjoying the sunshine in the garden.

It has been a great week with a lot of laughs, Ali has kept us entertained with her stories, I hope that one day she finally writes that book.
The projects
Ali has finished a lovely hat knitted in Noro yarn and is mastering sock knitting

Deirdre has finished a pair of socks, is working on a crochet blanket and is stitching some beautiful redwork patches



Chris has finished the back of a mitred waistcoat. I love this design, might just have to make it for myself.

Lin has completed a fantastic crochet jumper for her friend Pauline (who she met here 10 years ago) and is working on a knitted hat in continental knitting with a bit of help from Jane

Jane has finished a scarf (a gift for a friend) and is working on a short sleeved sweater for herself in amazing hand dyed yarns.

