Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Quilting Retreat - A Real Treat!

Joan Crooks who lives part of the time in France has started running Patchwork Retreats with teachers including Penny Roberts, Anja Townrow and Anne Baxter. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing week in S W France enjoying your favourite pastime? Stay in a 19th century farmhouse set amidst 16 acres of beautiful unspoilt countryside with interesting historic towns nearby, en-suite bedrooms, heated swimming pool, excellent food & wine. The farmhouse has been restored to retain many original features while providing a high degree of comfort. Weeks are available in May, June & September.






The programme for the retreat is flexible and geared to individual needs. There are four full days of workshops and a free day to explore this historic and beautiful part of SW France but if you wish you are free to plan your own time. Within the large work room each guest will have their own dedicated work station and sewing machines are available if required. Other equipment and materials will also be available.




The idea of a patchwork retreat originated when Joan and Bridget met at the local French patchwork club in Laguepie, S.W. France. Joan had often nursed the idea of running retreats in this lovely part of France but this could only be realised after she had met Bridget. Joan, an experienced patchworker, attended the club when she visited her house in a nearby village. Bridget, a total novice to the art was glad to meet Joan who could help when it came to a difficult technical operation. They struck up an immediate friendship.



Bridget and her husband Peter had moved to France in 2000 and renovated a sheep farm in the beautiful countryside above the Viaur valley. They had converted the sheep barn into a home with a gite and have run a successful business for nine years. When Joan visited the property she immediately saw that maybe this was an opportunity to realise her dream. The rest is history as they say because Bridget was delighted to hear about her ideas and saw the Retreats as a natural extension to the work that she and Peter enjoyed. Also, by now Bridget is completely addicted to patchwork and is always keen to extend her knowledge and techniques.




We thought this sounded like a lovely way to spend some time - a great combination of enjoying your hobby, staying in a beautiful part of France and inevitably enjoying the good food and wine that there is on offer. For more details please visit the site.

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