Well I cannot believe it is a whole week since I was at the beautiful home of Jaki Bogg, in the countryside near Limoges in France, with a great group of ladies who had come to learn more about Fair Isle Knitting.
The long weekend consisted of comfy beds, good company, good food, amazing weather & of course 'Knitting'.
After a delicious breakfast of hot porridge and fresh croissants, we spent the mornings doing the Fair Isle workshop I had planned
Great levels of concentration, and many tongues (of concentration) sticking out:
We would then break for lunch, either at the house, or out in a local town. At least 2 days we were eating outside with the sun burning through our t-shirts. The wonderful breads, cheeses, pate, & tarte au pomme, amongst other yummy things, washed down with your choice of wine, beer, or soft drink.
The afternoons were spent taking in the local towns and brocantes.
This is a beautiful little square we wandered through in Limoges after a wonderful lunch sat in a sunny cafe, where we had done that fascinating holiday thing 'people watching'!
One afternoon we made a small diversion to the town of Mortemart, which was so beautiful we stayed and never got to where we had intended!
We drank coffee in this square, and almost didn't move from here! On the left we have Jaki & Carole, and the chap on the right was an English ex-pat running the cafe with his wife. Really chatty and helpful.
The local town had come together not only to make the place stunningly beautiful, but had errected signs and plaques to explain why it was historically important. They had also created a number trail for you to follow.
We sat by the moat and soaked up the sun and autumn colours:
Talking of autumn colours, they were amazing:
and they matched wonderfully with the Fair Isle knitting we were doing
A happy coincidence, I think!
Evenings were spent, eating, drinking, chatting and knitting. Quite perfect.
I was really impressed with the dedication of the group, nearly everyone had knit a pair of wrist warmers by the time we went home. Just some sewing up left to do.
A perfect break with 'like minded' people. If you would like to more about these weekends, visit http://jakibogg.artweb.com, I have been both for a break, and to teach, and can't wait to go back. I am already planning to go back next year to teach another workshop!
I will be teaching Fair Isle plus other things at Jaki's studio in Skipton, visit http;//jakibogg.artwe.com/joannes-workshops for more details.
Now back in the very wet and very wind Blighty, I hope this has inspired you to snuggle down and get knitting, and think to the possibilities for next year!
Happy Knitting.
Jo :)
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