It's midway through the knitting retreat – everyone's getting to know one another and our knitting workshop room is already spilling over with a riot of yarns and fabulous projects taking shape.
Tracy Chapman with Gail and Caron from workshop sponsors, The Yarn Barn.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner last night of Christine's duck a l'orange, and then some of the class got tipsy while others worked on
projects well into the night.
Christine and Graham bought Le Vieux Monastere about six years ago, moving from working in finance in London to a tranquil country lifestyle in rural France. Although neither of them are knitters, they have fallen into specialising in crafting holidays, and this year, as well as knitting retreats, they're running lacemaking and quilting holidays.
It's no mean feat catering for so many knitters at a time, but they both clearly love their new life in the sun. Christine told me it's especially rewarding to know that the knitting holidays they run can actually change people's lives. In one case, she remembers, a widow on a course told her it was the first time since her husband died that she had laughed and socialised. The knitting retreats are perfect for anyone who is holidaying alone, as no-one is left out and there is always something to do. And they're
equally popular with women who want some 'me time' away from their husbands!
Today, Tuesday, we went on a day long excursion to the coast. First we stopped at the picturesque fishing village of Mornac sur Sedre, which is well known for its artisan workshops. Then, we drove to the coastal resort of Royan for lunch and a walk along the huge, lovely beach. Some of the more intrepid among us found Royan's little yarn shop - the shopkeepers probably didn't know what had hit it when it was besieged by half a dozen English knitters!
An inspiring trip to Royan.
This evening, sunkissed and sleepy, we're looking forward to a relaxing dinner and an illustrated talk by Sasha Kagan on 'Passion for Textiles'.
