Knitting in the Dordogne

A few months ago I received a very exciting email from the wonderful Jean Moss asking me if I would consider teaching on one of her knitting holidays in 2015.

In the Dordogne, France no less. I hesitated for approximately a mili-second and then, of course, said yes.

The holiday is based in the incredible 17th century Chateau Forge du Roy and takes place from the 19th to the 29th September 2015.

Isn't it beautiful? Residents of the holiday have exclusive use of the chateau and all its grounds and facilities - including swimming pool, sauna and more.

The ten day programme is packed full of trips, knitting and food. You can read the full itinerary on Jean's website here. I will be joining the group for three or four days and will be running two workshops. The first taking participants through the steps of knitting a pair of traditional Scandinavian stranded mittens and some of the history behind the motifs used.

The second workshop is an introduction to Shetland Lace Knitting and the participants get to knit a mini traditional Shetland lace shawl. The maths behind the shawl are clearly explained so that the knitters can then embark on a full size shawl like this one.

In addition to the two workshops I will also be giving a talk all about the Vintage Shetland Project which will be close to publication by this point and I will be able to share some pre-publication images and samples from the book.

Sadly I don't get to spend the entire 10 days with everyone else but I do get to visit the Augerge de Layotte for dinner with all the other guests. This restaurant is set deep in the nearby chestnut woods.  The following day we get to visit Perigueux and the Chateau Bourdeilles as well as historic Brantome where there are some unique cave paintings.

And this is just over a couple of days. There is so much to do and see over the 10 days as well as attend two workshops and a talk all from Jean.

And the really good news is that there are a few places left available - not many - but if you are wanting a special knitting holiday with a difference, with culture and sunshine and with me (you never know, someone might!) this might be the vacation for you. You can find all the details on Jean's website and maybe I'll see some of you there.

adieu,
Susan xx