les soeurs anglaises

If you're ever in Hyderabad....

2012-01-29T11:43:00.000+01:00

There's nothing like travel to broaden your mind and make you realize what difficult lives most people in the world have just trying to keep body and soul together.

Les Soeurs are always interested to see what's going on locally on a textile level and during a recent trip to India we had the great good fortune to meet the remarkable and inspirational octogenarian, Suraiya Hassan, who has given up her comfortable life in a wealthy Muslim family to live amongst, support and train the impoverished, unskilled widows of Hyderabad.

Suraiya Hassan

By teaching them how to produce historical North Indian patterns on original-style looms - a skill generally lost or forgotten in the wake of modern technology - she has provided, over the last eight years, a much needed source of income for their families whilst re-introducing the traditional skills of spinning and weaving. And, as if that wasn't enough she has also provided - and helps run - a small school for their children. All this at an age when most people are enjoying the a well-earned rest.

The textiles are woven in both silk and cotton (or both) and a length of five meters can take two women, working together on a loom, anywhere upwards of three months to produce (only 3 inches a day). Suraiya sources all the old patterns and motifs from original items of clothing that she collects and very often just small scraps, all that remains of a ceremonial jacket or sari.

This is not a charity (Suraiya is quiet adamant she will not take contributions) but if you would like to support this worthy venture and are interested in purchasing a length of these frankly gorgeous reproductions (a minimum length of 10m as it takes two days to set up the loom for each new colourway), Suraiya will take orders and can arrange to send you photographs and details via email from which to choose.

All I can add is that these fabrics are ridiculously well-priced considering the work that goes into them, though import tax would most probably bring the costs up to a more reasonable level.

suraiyas2009@gmail.com

Just a thought......

2011-12-20T17:34:00.003+01:00

If you are wildly thrashing around in a pre-Christmas frenzy, trying to think of something original and relevant to ask your best-beloved to give you for Christmas, below you'll find our literally life-affirming suggestions.

For 2012 Les Soeurs Anglaises have chosen our favourite teachers to lead five amazing creative workshops. You'll find many more details on our website, but when you've decided which one's for you, you need only send a deposit of £250/$392 and we'll confirm a place (you can let us know your choice of accommodation, at leisure, after the Christmas madness).

To maintain a welcoming, intimate atmosphere and a high level of attention to detail, we keep our workshop numbers to less than one a month between May and October, and our participant numbers to between 12 and 15. As a result places on one or two are now full or running low; but we've listed the ones where there is still availability. 2012 looks like our busiest year so far and if you think you might like to join us we suggest you don't leave it too long.

It's as simple a pinging the button below to pay through PayPal with one of the cards below, but if you would like more information about the various events or accommodation options, do contact us and we'd be happy to answer any questions.

The Fabric of Photography

to be led by Jasprit Singh

3rd to 9th May (5 days/6 nights)

Places still available

Knitting with Colour and Clarity

to be led by Patricia Roberts

31st May to 6th June (5 days/6 nights)

2 places still available

NOW FULL

Botanical Collage

to be led by Catherine Girardeau Willis

5th to 11th September (5 days/6 nights)

Places still available

Woven and Sew Sculpture

to be led by Julieann Worral Hood

3rd to 9th October (5 days/6 nights)

Places still available

Lin et Vin

But if you and you better half simply want to be surrounded by beautiful vintage linens and spectacular French antiques, consider joining us for a very special weekend in July when we will be putting together a gastronomic extravaganza catered by a top chef and with vintage wines supplied from our own substantial cellars (Mike used to be the president of the Interesting Wine Club, in London).

The meal will be followed by an opportunity to buy from celebrated collectors/vendors of all that is stylishly French, and the whole event is by invitation only for a limited number of guests. If this sounds like something you might like to be part of, let us know ASAP and we will make sure your name is at the top of our list of invitees and the first to know exact dates, the name of the chef and experts, together with price(s).

Les Soeurs Anglaises is a supporter of the Cambodian Childrens Fund and all profits to them from this event will be donated.

Country Living Christmas Fair

2011-10-23T10:39:00.009+02:00

Another brilliant photograph by one of our regular participants, Rebecka Ryberg Skott

Yes, we may have told you already, but in case you missed it we thought you might like to know that we'll be at the Country Living Christmas Fair in Islington from

9th to 13th November.

Auditorium Stand T53

It's the first time we've attended this event, but doubtless lots of you have visited previous CL fairs and know what fun it is. Great for working through that gift list all at once and in one place. And, of course, there are endless delicious alternatives to decking the hall with boughs of holly. Check out Country Living's website to get an idea of what's on offer.

If you like what you see and you can make it to the Big Smoke next month, perhaps we can entice you to visit our stand, with complimentary entrance tickets for the day of your choice. It would be great to meet again friends of Les Soeurs Anglaises, but also to introduce ourselves to those of you who are simply curious about what goes on here in South West France. All you have to do is write COUNTRY LIVING CHRISTMAS FAIR on the comments menu of our website booking information page. Don't worry if you are already on our mailing list, and don't forget to give us your address details and we'll pop a ticket in the post to the first 6 people who apply.

The Fair is mostly an opportunity for potential new participants to get a feel for what Les Soeurs Anglaises' workshops have to offer, but we will be selling a few items made by some of our 2012 workshop leaders and this is also a chance to see their amzing work:

Photographer, Justina Burnett

Knitter, Patricia Roberts

Folk Artist, Julie Arkell

Botanical Collagist, Catherine Girardeau Willis

and Sculptress, Julieann Worral Hood

They will all be popping in from time to time, so you might well have an opportunity to meet one or two of them to discuss their work and workshops with us next year!

Hope to see you there!

Another Year Another JA Special

2011-09-29T22:30:00.012+02:00

Sincere apologies to all you Julie Arkell fans whom we couldn't quite squeeze onto her workshop this year. We really would have loved to have had you all here as it is always such a fun event. From Day One, everyone seemed to gel - not so difficult with Julie around to get the ball rolling, but a joy nevertheless.

As usual Julie arrived with a well defined project to set the pace, though there was no pressure for anyone to do more or less than they wanted; and it wasn't long before participants were stuck-in on a myriad of divine creations.

Some of the practice flower broaches on display in LSA's garden one sunny afternoon.....

Some advice offered to those not quite sure what to use where .......

....and some buttons bought at the brocante to add a little colour & texture perhaps?

Meanwhile, back at the maison de maitre, lunch is prepared, by special cooks, Billy and Jane

The finished spread for lunch

...... whilst Cinderella Susu sorts out the laundry. Les Soeurs work hard to keep everyone happy and everything running smoothly; and from all the wonderful feedback we get it seems to work.

Additions and Extractions

2011-08-27T11:32:00.011+02:00

How wonderful is late summer in this part of South West France! Yes, we have wet days, with heavy grey clouds and threatening thunderstorms from time to time, but the warm days deep blue skies are regular enough to keep the the black dogs at bay.

The second flush of roses is always a surprise for some reason, filling the house and garden with colours and smells; and harvest time for fruit and veg is reaching a peak. We really can't get through all those yellow courgettes, cucumbers and tomatoes and there is only so much bottling we can do.

At last the annex to l'Espace is almost complete.

Our new Julieann Worral Hood hare sculpture positioned on the law just outside l'Espace.

Wild flowers on either side of the steps leading up to l'Espace

The inspirational Paris studio of Catherine Willis - a dream space!

Our "Light Bulb" book, created by Rachel Hazel to collate the combined ideas and suggestions of each workshop.

The Days of Words and Paper

2011-08-05T22:47:00.013+02:00

Rachel Hazell's ability to make and inspire is well known to us here at LSA. But this year the participants seemed to spontaneously appreciate and share, from day one, her passion for all things bookish.

Rachel's introduction

Lunch on the terrace outside the Maison de Maitre

After some recent fairly miserable weather around south west France, the clouds miraculously opened to welcome our guests, and the sun shone for almost the entire five days of the workshop. This allowed us to eat outdoors for all but the final evening (when there was the type of torrential rainstorm Somerset Maughn would have been proud of).

Swimming in the salt water heated pool

The fine weather also allowed us to open the huge doors of the studio and our amateur bookbinders to take inspiration from the wonderful, clear light and stunning views.

Everyone busy binding their own books

Katherine finishes detailing

For most people the satisfaction, at the end of the first day, of having created and bound a beautiful book of their own, was followed by a smidgeon of excited trepidation as Rachel gently explained to them they were to try to fill tall twenty six pages with a motif running through the alphabet.

A break for lunch usually revived lagging creativity

Nice try, Diane (our favourite person, ever), but this is actually how your do it.....

And everyone seemed to be up to the challenge; the results were as different as the participants' personalities, but there wasn't one that amaze!

D is for Dog

The lovely Barbara tells us her book story.....

And Julie demonstrates her M for Mountain

Mary Alice delights us with all her colourful illustrations

There was an atmosphere of shared ideas and generous encouragement for all, some people managing to complete the alphabet whilst others preferred to take their time with plans to finish their personal journeys back home.

Carol models a Les Soeurs Anglaises' apron

And to celebrate the end of another successful workshop, there was High Tea before "Personal Journeys" on the last afternoon.

Coming Soon.....

2011-07-04T12:46:00.005+02:00

We're this close to sorting out dates for next year, and boy do we have some great workshops for 2012 lined up. Once all events and dates are confirmed and uploaded onto our website we'll let you know, but we thought we'd whet your appetite with a few seasonal images of Les Soeurs Anglaises.

Rachel Hazell's Book Art workshop is next and we can't wait!

Fresh Bantam eggs from a local friend. Unbelievably delicious - just like eggs used to taste.

Thank you card from the lovely (and talented) Felicity from Selvedge Magazine who joined us for the Susie Cowie workshop. The little drawing is of our conservatory.

Some of Rachel Hazell's book art

Fancy That.....

2011-06-20T10:25:00.012+02:00

Susie with our first Korean participant, Agnes Kim

With Susie Cowie's embroidery workshop over - our second in less than six weeks - we now have a little time to gather our thoughts and prepare for Rachel Hazell's amazing Book Art five-day extravaganza! The welcome return of a hugely creative individual who is always happy to share her hard-earned skills and enthusiam.

Looking down from the mezzonine at the workers

The weather has been less than kind since Patricia Roberts' crowd left, but the huge, light space of l'Espace allowed the embroidery participants to forget the elements for a few days and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded enthusiasts in a safe and stylish environment.

Nancy Rignall's work in progress

Even the intimate art of stitching felt comfortable stretched along the beautiful, long oak tables; a little light music played on the newly installed sound-system from time to time, and there was the opportunity for everyone to show their ideas and and share their skills.

Felicity Shum from Selvedge Magazine displays what she is gong to work on

Lydia Esparza's inspiration: Diego Rivera

Nancy is first in line to taste Sheila's cakes

Our last afternoon always finishes with a High Tea - this time, Sheila Harris did the honours with the most delicious carrot and cheese cakes.

Jackie Jewezki shares a joke with Susie

Finally supper at the Maison de Maitre. One or two people were leaving early the next morning so farewells were said (and even a tear or two).

Next up is Rachel Hazell's Book Art workshop at the end of July. Sadly, one of our participants has had to drop out for health reasons so if the idea of learning (or improving) a hugely creative and original skill appeals, let us know ASAP and we'll pencil you in.

Meanwhile, dear ladies, check out a brand new website, The Style Director - a brand new site designed and conceived to help busy, stylish women find their essential wardrobe building blocks - without wasting time going from shop to shop or website to website. It looks like they have sourced all those luxury basics designed to stand the test of time, down to a handpicked few. With the help of their own style icons, each of the eleven categories features a "hero piece" with four alternatives to choose from. We think it's a brill idea that could save you hours of trawling through shops or the Internet and they would love to hear your comments. Don't forgt to put the site on your favourites list and check back from time to time as they'lll be adding and replacing pieces on a daily/weekly/seasonal basis.

Go for it!

A Great Yarn

2011-05-25T15:02:00.010+02:00

Well, the first of our 2011 workshops has just ended and what a time we all had! A fantastic group of women came from as far afield as Vancouver and Stockholm, Leicester and Melbourne to glean some of Patricia Roberts' knitting magic and share their own inspirational skills with colour, texture and design. A truly great start to our season of events!

Patricia's husband, John, joined us for the five days of the workshop and the 12 participants enjoyed a mixture of sunny and cool days. Luckily there was enough of the former to allow an occassional dip in the heated pool and numerous meals outside on the terrace of the Maison de Matire, whilst the less warm days encouraged hard work and longer hours in the studio many of which stretched into the early evenings, with a little extra help and guidance from Patricia.

Meanwhile, back at the barn it was all hands to the needle in order to finish the "glove project" that Patricia had handed out on the first day - each knitter encouraged to design on their individual pair a motif inspired by their stay at Les Soeurs Anglaises. The results were cracking.....

Half way through the workshop we organised a visit to the local marche and brocante (the whereabouts of which is a closely guarded secret) where various items of colour and delight were purchased to take home or use as inspiration for their projects.

On the final afternoon high tea was served on the terrace outside the studio

after which each of the participants was invited in turn to talk a little about their knitting history, favourite knitted items and finished gloves - another perspective on each knitter's personal "creative journey" .

On departure day contact details were exchanged and a few tears shed. As one of the participants wrote to us later: "I am still trying to hold onto the warm, happy bubble that I felt when staying with you. I can honestly say it has been one of my happiest weeks ever!"

A Stitch in Town

2011-03-18T13:23:00.010+01:00

If you've been very busy in the garden preparing for the warmer weather and haven't had a chance to read your emails you might not yet have heard about Selvedge Magazine's Spring Fair to be held at their regular venue in Highgate, London on Saturday, 2nd April just down the road from their offices and shop. As usual, it promises to be full of fun ideas and great things to buy, and for the first time Les Soeurs Anglaises will be manning a stall.

So if you do make it to Town, try to squeeze your way through the crowds to our stand to say hello. If we're old friends it would be lovely to catch up, and if we haven't yet met then this will be an opportunity for you to find out a little bit more about our workshops, and to get a better feel for LSA's venue, location and hospitality.

Our events this year are pretty booked up by now, however Susie Cowie, who is leading our Embroidery workshop in June, and Rachel Hazell our super-creative Book Art teacher, will both be spending time with us at the Fair. This is a perfect opportunity to see and talk to them about their work, ideas and the sort of things they love to teach; and if there isn't room for your to join us this year, there is always 2012.

We've lived in this area of France for almost ten years and we thought we knew all the English there were to know round here by now; but then, a few months ago, we came across Jane Bedford, who until recently was running a delightful tea room called "Cupcakes" in Brantome a local beauty spot. Jane's baking and cake decorating skills are a revelation! She doesn't just produce sublime, bespoke wedding cakes. Her tea cakes, biscuits and pastries are to die for and we're discussing with her the possibility of her designing and producing speciality Les Soeurs Anglaises bakes for the workshops.

There's no time like tea time.

*Photograph of Surry Puffs by Rebecka Ryberg Skött

Keep on Building

2011-02-07T15:43:00.008+01:00

photograph by Rae Willow

Back on French soil, and we have hit the ground running. So much to organise, so little time.... or so it seems. Work commences afresh on the extension to l'Espace (two new bedrooms, four new bathrooms and more) with our favourite architect in the whole world, Jeremy Harris, in charge once again. The days start below zero here, but by lunchtime it's T-shirt weather, the place is buzzing with workmen and the birds have come out to see what's cooking.

Meanwhile, there are textile fairs to visit and Carol and I are off to Paris on Friday for Aiguille en Fete. More of this later, but if you have time on your hands, take a look at one or two of the websites and blogs I have come across in the last couple of months. I am sure you will find them of interest:

The first is Entree des Fournisseurs, a great little site, recommended by our very own book artist, Rachel Hazell, where you can buy all sorts of interesting haberdashery items that you didn't even know you needed.

Another is Di Overton's blog Designers Block, with enough fabulous photos and fashion, information and ideas to fill a girl's heart full to bursting. Take a look at her website Ghost Furniture and you'll get a glimpse of the sort of things inspired by her eclectic and buzzy interests. We are currently discussing the possibility of her leading a five day workshop here on painted furniture in 2012; if it pans out I'm going to be sitting on the sidelines soaking up some of her creative secrets.

Rajasthan in Technicolour

2011-01-20T11:12:00.008+01:00

Our trip to the Far East has been a feast of food, colour and music, and our last leg an inspiration for Les Soeurs Anglaises in more ways than one.

A lick of paint on l'Espace......

A little light entertainment perhaps?

Some colourful herbs to add to our cooking?

A change of music style on the last night?

A few hand spun yarns for the textile workshops?

Freestyle dancing to live music on a warm evening?

And finally, the journey home?

Life As We Don't Know It

2011-01-07T06:15:00.016+01:00

A jasmine garland presented to us on our arrival, with scent that pervaded the whole bedroom.

One of the advantages of having a "quiet period" in our workshop schedule is that it offers us the opportunity to see other parts of the world and pick up hospitality tips from the various places we stay at. We commenced our Far East extravaganza on Boxing Day this year, flying first into Bangkok

Fresh fruit for our first breakfast!

- where we stayed at the delux Peninsula Hotel for a couple of nights - then on to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. This is our second visit here and this time we chose a new boutique hotel, Villa Paradiso, recently opened by a charming Canadian couple, in the very centre of all that is happening here. Such a wonderfully welcoming, friendly and comfortable little oasis amidst the superficial madness that pervades the city; and which also has the advantage of a small pool to cool weary bodies after long days in the humidity.

We have had the huge privilege of spending some of our time teaching (in various capacities) at the classes run by the Cambodian Childrens Fund, the charity that we have support and give 5% of all fees generatd by participants to Les Soeurs Anglaises workshops throughout the year.

Giving a few sewing tips to a group of 12 year olds, all incredibly keen to learn...

and so bright!

The kids - and sometimes their whole families - originally worked on the rubbish tips around the city and Scot Neeson, the ex-Marketing Director of Fox Films, has given up his Hollywood lifestyle to help these people. And what an amazing job he is doing. Each time we visit we can see the quantum leaps CCF have made in helping these hugely disadvantaged people with their horrific history, yet still smiling and enthusiastic.

We took our sponsored girls for a little shopping trip to buy them some new clothes and shoes. Low on practicality, high on bling, but what can you do!

At the weekend we were given a demonstration by some of the CCF boys of the traditional Monkey Dance. The choreography was fantastic with headstands, backflips and even a little rap dancing thrown in.

Not sure Les Soeurs Anglaises can provide this standard of entertainment, but the costumes have given us a few ideas. And if we want silks to make them in, this is definitely the place.

One of the thousands of stalls at the Russian Market in Phnom Penh selling silks and cottons to die for. Some colour and pattern deas for our new bedrooms, perhaps?

Christmas in Stitches

2010-12-17T14:17:00.007+01:00

For me, Christmas is about people rather than presents, but it always shows you care if you can give someone you love - or even like a lot - something you've made rather than bought. And there is still time! A friend of mine has given me a pair of wrist warmers in the softest, warmest cashmere which she insists only took her a couple of evenings to make. Stylish, useful and every time I wear them, I think of her. I just love them!

And I, myself, recently managed to knit this little stripy hat for a friend's newborn; it really did take me less than a week sitting and knitting in front of the TV! And trust me, I'm not the world's fastest or most competent knitter.

So if you're knitting skills are basic, average or even excellent, beat a path through those hellish West End streets and head for Patricia Roberts shop in Knigthsbridge (which is itself a joy to behold) where she is offering Les Soeurs Anglaises' followers a 10% discount on any of her gorgeous yarns bought before the Big Day. Just take along a print-out of her page on our website and be inspired by the wools and colours and patterns. And if you just can't think of anything to knit for your beloveds, why not give them some of Patricia's yummy yarn and a pair of needles and they, too, can be inspired to make something for themselves once the festivities are over.

Cooking and Booking

2010-12-08T13:24:00.009+01:00

If you've visited our new website you will know that we are hosting, in April of next year, the first cooking workshop in our brilliant, new, purpose-built, hi-tech kitchen in l'Espace.

It took quite some time for us to decide who to ask to lead this workshop and we finally chose The Jewels of New York, a great young, fabulously talented (and stylish) American duo who have worked with both the great and the beautiful on the other side of the Big Pond, and are now ready to conquer Europe - well, France anyway.

A terrific Christmas present for someone you love .... who loves to cook!

We will be keeping the workshop number small so that Lisa and Diana can give as much attention as possible to each individual whilst sharing their knowledge, skill and excitement about the possibilities of French cuisine from this part of the world, with a special emphasis on Spring's bounty.

So, if you're interested in fresh ingredients, cutting edge cooking equipment and top class teaching, this could be the workshop for you. You can book online or email us directly and we'll send you an application form.

and, of course, thanks to......

2010-12-01T17:01:00.010+01:00

We are so thrilled with our new website and brochure (sorry to sound smug) that we felt it only fair to thank all those who gave their time and effort and allowed us to use some of their beautiful illustrations and photographs. It's been amazing working with such talented people - most of them local - and it goes without saying that we couldn't have done it without them!

Monoprints and Brochure Design, Emma Whigham

Illustrative Photographs, Rebecka Ryberg Skott

Interior and Exterior Photographs, Giles Stokoe

Interior and Exterior Photographs, Achim Deimerling

Food Photographs, Jewels of New York

and last but not least, our fab Website Designer, Ben Anstey

Found Things -Foundlings

2010-11-10T22:33:00.055+01:00

At school we had to create objects of beauty from "found materials". These materials could be washing up bottles, toilet rolls, card, yogurt pots shiny paper, etc.. Well we made what we made!!

Jacqui Temple-Smees, loves making interesting and unique items of jewellery from vintage and discarded objects. has found loads of vintage stuff at charity shops, car boot sales, vide greniers and of course our favourite, secret, rummaging ground down here in South West France, has created some beautiful pieces.

vintage glass flower necklace

As a great believer in serendipity, she enjoys nothing more than

exploring old tins and boxes,and like some of us, even buys the

old tin and box, takes it home and creates!

rose pendant

Influenced by collage artists (such as Joseph Cornell), Mucha and

Art Nouveau, Vintage Ephemera, Victoriana, Surrealism and

'50's graphic design. To see more of her work go to

www.prefab-designs.co.uk

Fairy brooch

One of her designs, a foundling necklace, was inspired by the eclectic tokens left at the Foundling Hospital in London, in the 18th Century. These tokens included buttons, thimbles, a swatch of fabric- telling a story. All can be seen at 'Threads of Feelings' Exhibition at the Foundling Museum.

Who would have thought that a tiny token left with a baby would

tell the story of heartbroken mothers who had to abandon their children.

Foundling necklace

It's such a priviledge to find ourselves amongst such creative people, and to live in such a beautiful area. That's it I'm off to rummage and make!

Wild Colours in the Woods

2010-11-06T10:30:00.009+01:00

Not only have we enjoyed all the obvious benefits of an unseasonably warm autumn, but as the days get shorter (and with the turning back of the clocks), mother nature has decided it surely must be time for trees to drop their leaves and at least prepare for the possibility of a colder season ahead.

The result has been the most fabulous autumn colours in this part of France that I have experienced. Something to share and inspire n'est pas?

We always assume here at Les Soeurs Anglaises that people wishing to attend one of our workshops want to be here during the warmer months when they can utilise the swimming pool and we throw open the windows 24/7. But after the last few months we have had to reassess and, in future, will extend our workshop period to include April and October. L'Espace is to be insulated and heated throughout and whilst admittedly one might need to wear a few more layers of clothing, there are all the added ingredients here of a wood fire, long walks in the almost pyschedelically coloured woods around here a chance to enjoy some of the more wintery local produce, like the famous Dordogne truffes noires.

We'll be announcing our new website and emailing our November newsletter with more information very soon, but to literally whet your appetite just look at the amazing colours and textures of The Jewels of NY's food! How exciting that they will be opening our 2011 season with a five day workshop in April. Personally, I can't wait....

A Note on Murder

2010-10-27T09:10:00.014+02:00

I have procrastinated long enough. It is time for me to say something about books, authors, fiction, fact or fantasy. What has glavanised me is one of the Grand Designs programmes, in which a young couple, and the presenter, were saying how much they enjoyed seeing books on display as part of the décor of a room. I agree. I harbour a suspicion, possibly erroneously, that many of us hope that the books we display will illicite admiration in others. Do they say something about our taste or lack thereof, our intelligence or ignorance? I suspect that like the art and artifacts that are on show in our homes, what we preceive about others’ choice in books influence our preceptions about that person. Book clubs are a good insight into the sensitivities we harbour about ourselves. You only have to hear a glowing report on some book you thought was diabolical to look askance at your friend and wonder about them. Or is this just my reaction?

Still onto books read and enjoyed over the last six months. I have come across the author Mark Billington, whose detective novels have Thorne his irascible ‘hero’ fighting his own personality as much as that of the ‘villians’. My reservations such as they are is of an over reliance on “serial killers” and making his closest “mate” (the pathologist) unbelieveably eccentric. Otherwise enjoyable reads.

Another writer I have liked, is Kate Grenville introduced to me by my good friend, Sue Irving (we are always swapping names of recently discovered authors) and thoroughly enjoyed her The Lieutenant, and also The Secret River . Books I probably would never have picked up in the library from just reading the blurb on the back.

Have bought Hare with Amber Eyes on the recommendation of sister Katie, who raved about it and am looking forward to spending a few happy hours engrossed in a world far removed from my own.

Gosh so many books to read and not enough time. I find as I grow older that night time is not the right time for reading but early daylight is. A chapter or two first thing in the morning really sets one up for the day. As a card I found in Canada said “You’re never alone with a book”. Happy reading. Susie

For Those Items you Simply Can't Make Yourself

2010-10-23T18:02:00.005+02:00

Have just come across a seriously fab website that all you style-concious ladies should visit to keep au fait and current. It's full of entertaining observations as well so check it out.....

http://www.thefashionbloggers.blogspot.com/

What do you say to a Briancon catwalk next year?

Not Quite But Almost......

2010-10-21T14:10:00.006+02:00

In case you wondered what we got up to at Briançon during those long wintery months when we aren't running workshops, take a look at our sister blog:

http://jivingalespace.blogspot.com

where you will find a video of our latest event, i.e Jive/Rock'n'Roll lessons!

We had an absolute hoot of a time with great teachers Simon and Elliot from Jive Nation UK who came over specifically for the weekend workshops. Work on insulating the barn will start after the second duo of lessons in the middle of November, after which we hope to run the classes and freestyle as a regular event.

If you haven't tried the Jive, then I seriously suggest you find classes close to home to keep you warm and super-fit over the cold season - beats jogging any day AND it's social!

Space for Thought

2010-10-03T10:32:00.011+02:00

It been a long time coming, but at last another blog! We all lead such busy lives so no excuses - however I have been waiting for photographs of the new workshop space, l'Espace, that show it off properly and here at last they are.

Giles Stokoe, a remarkable young photographer who just happens to be living not far from Les Soeurs Anglaises (and whom we are delighted to say will be leading a DSLR photographic workshop with us next September) took the photographs one sultry afternoon last week and we are delighted that finally there is some indication of the amazing workshop space which, of course, doubles up in the summer when the huge doors are open onto the terrace.

We are organising a set of four Rock'n'Roll evenings in l'Espace over the next couple of months and will be posting photographs to keep you amused.

Because of the magnificent and prolonged Indian Summer that we are experiencing here in South West France (sorry folks), we have had a bumper late crop of vegetables. Apart from the discovery of a new variety of small, sweet, yellow tomatoes we have been experimenting with radicchios and the fabulous Italian aubergines (a form of Violetta Di Firenze grown from seed from the Italian Seed Company) to find the best flavours for next year's workshop menus.

Check out the sort of negative effect at the top of the aubergines where the sun hasn't reached the plant to turn it.... well, aubergine. Wonder if Giles could do something with the plant's photo-sensitivity.... They are absolutely delicious, by the way, and we have quite a few new recipes for Les Soeurs Anglaises cookbook which should be available for discerning cooks by the time of our first workshop in May 2011.

VIde Grenier!

2010-09-07T13:18:00.004+02:00

Some you you may recognise this village brocante. Held on the first Sunday of every month, last weekend's was one of the best so far.

After a slow start (I was there at 8.30am to beat the crowds), the sun came out as did the stall holder late-comers, and suddenly there was a plethora of books and toys and vintage linen,

though you did sometimes need to root around a fair bit of rubbish to get to the good stuff

Still, there were bargains to be had by those whose French was sufficiently proficient to haggle.
A lick of paint, a spot of polish or even a good wash was all many things needed to start a new lease of life in a new home.

Back at at the ranch rehearsals were going on for a evening of jamming at l'Espace where the accoustics are proving to be even better than anticipated.

This'n'That

2010-08-27T17:55:00.009+02:00

If any of you are wondering what we get up to at Les Soeurs Anglaises in between work and meals, here are some photos to give you glimpse. Amongst other things we have a secret brocante where we always spend a morning during the workshops; it is full to bursting with everything from old quills to 1930s vegetable catalogues to laundered linen coulottes, and there's generally a bit of a bun fight over the odd antique tea towel. It is usually followed with a show and tell of treasures found back at l'Espace. Past participants might recognise the establishment......

We also try to spend at least one evening at a local restaurant, and for our last workshop we chose Le Chateau de Mas de Montet (where, aparantly, Mitterand used to helicopter in for weekends with his mistress - oo la la). The hotel has recently passed into new ownership and the service and food have greatly improved since our last visit. We chose a beautiful evening and had a whole room to ourselves.

There was even an opportunity for a game of chess with a familiar face.

But then it was straight back to work the next morning, and whilst the sun had gone in for a few moments it was still plenty warm enough to have our fabulous new doors open with inspirational views of the valley below.

Bookbinding etc.

2010-08-17T17:50:00.011+02:00

It's been a while since I've had time to add anything to this blog, but Rachel Hazell's workshop has just finished and I couldn't resist showing a few of my personal favourite "Extraordinary Expandable Sketchbook Journals" produced by both Rachel and her students over the five day workshop she led here.

More to follow in the next week or so in our August newsletter......

Ian Fleming and Others

2010-08-01T18:34:00.004+02:00

I have been cogitating on what influences persuade one to buy a book; not those who buy on the internet for cheapness, or go by the recommendations of TV celebrities. I am talking here about those people who actually frequent bookshops.

There is so much emphasis nowadays on the look of, and blurb on, a book cover that the real content is often distorted and disguised. Sometimes, I pick up a book by some unknown author and find myself distracted by the one-liners on the back. I can't pretend I am immune to the praises I read and have often bought a book that I subsequently find totally different to my original expectations. So I try to voice the following mantra to myself when in bookshops, "no editor is going to influence me – I know they aren’t going to allow any disparaging remarks on the jacket cover”. Caution is needed and will in the end save disappointment and money. Meanwhile, I mostly tend to rely on word of mouth from friends whose tastes in literature I respect, or a critic I find has similar view to my own; but it is an ideal of which I fall well short. And when it comes to favourite authors, I tend to suspend judgment and will always buy a new book by them. My anticipation is tempered by the knowledge that there is liable to be the occasional dissatisfaction. The cover and bumph on the back don’t influence me on these occasions, no they really don’t!

Possibly I have been influenced by memories of books I read in my youth and my preference has always been for the stylish and understated cover of which Penguin is a particularly good example. Admittedly they often showed the face of the author but the information is a straightforward biography, and the story-line detail is not covered in hyperbole.

Some iconic covers, in my opinion, were the original James Bond books. I admit I wasn't persuaded by these – I just wanted to delve into them as soon they were hot off the press (oh, the excitement of those days), and I did start to read them quite some time before Sean Connery became synonymous with 007, although he fulfilled all my girlish dreams about a spy. I religiously saved up for them or was given them as Christmas presents as each new novel was published. If only I hadn't dumped them during one of my 'hasty' tidying sprees. Ah well....

Other conundrums: how can you expect a book many years old with multiple readers to be in pristine condition (surely a writer wants his book to be read and handled). And why, oh why, do I need to see the author’s portrait – so I’ll know him/her if I bump into them? A book is a book is a book and is for reading, enjoying and hopefully remembering; the special ones always are.

Jancis Robinson's Gastronomic Weekend

2010-07-22T13:05:00.014+02:00

We mentioned in Les Soeurs Anglaises' latest newsletter that, for those interested in good food and drink, we would copy a list of the menus and wine that were served last weekend at the Gastronomic Extravaganza we held with Jancis Robinson, and her restaurant critic husband, Nick Lander, here last weekend (see jancisrobinson.com/articles/a20100722.html). To quote Jancis, "Last weekend Nick and I had the pleasure of sharing a weekend of very senior wines in the Dordogne in aid of the Cambodian Children's Fund, courtesy of our hosts Mike and Katie Armitage and the generous winning bidder, Purple pager François Feuillat ... and his partner Jean Paul . We were all looked after superbly."

So here goes (and be prepared to eat your heart out connoisseurs):

FRIDAY EVENING

Oysters

Langoustines

Salt-baked Fresh Salmon

Champange Vilmart, cuvee Creation 1995

Pol Roger, Brut 1990

Bollinger RD 1988

Lanson Brut Magnum 1976

Chanoine, Cuvée Marie Leczinska 1964 Champagne

Tomato Salad

New Potatoes

Fresh Strawberries

Ch Tirecul la Graviere 1999

Ch Tirecul cuvee Madame 1998

SATURDAY EVENING

Papillote de Merlu, Aioli et Tapenade Noir

Meursault les Charrons 2001

Michel Bouzereau

Corton Charlemagne 1995

Jadot

Canette Roti

Sauce Abricots

Pommes de Terre Nouvelles a la Menthe

Corton Clos de la Vigne au Saint 1964

Louis Latour

Romanee St Vivant 1964

Haricots Verts

Dom. Marey Monge

Bonnes Mares 1959

FB Hasenklever

Plateau de Quatre Fromages de Chevre

Grands Echezeaux 1959

LB Corney & Barrow

Tarte au Citron

Vin de Constance 1991

SUNDAY LUNCH

Toasts with Stilton, Smoked Salmon and Foie Gras

Maximin Grunhauser

Abstberg Riesling Auslese 1990 von Schubert

Clos St Hune Riesling 1989 VT Trimbach

Clos Jebsal TPG VT 1989 Zind Humbrecht

Slow Roasted Lamb

Celeriac & Potato Mash

Smoked Aubergines

Ch Lafite , 1ere cru,1973 (Magnum)

Ch Giscours, 3eme cru, 1970 Margaux

Ch Ducru Beaucaillou, 2eme cru, 1966 LB

Selection of Cheese with green salad

Ch La Clotte 1949 St Emilion

Ch Ducru Beaucaillou, 2eme cru, 1920

Apple Tart & Peach Tart

Massandra Black Muscat 1932

"THANK YOU BOTH...So much for looking after Nick, myself, in fact all of us so superbly over the weekend. Not only were the food and wines delicious, we really enjoyed everything we SAW. Thoroughly appreciated every detail, inc. bedlinen, pictures, garden,etc etc. We were so delighted to play a tiny part in helping the Cambodian Children's Fund."

Jancis Robinson

Roger McGough and Julie Arkell

2010-07-20T16:43:00.015+02:00

I cannot believe it had been almost two months since my last blog; tempus fugit! We have had such a mad, mad time at Les Soeurs Anglaises but it has been a joy meeting new (and old) faces and sharing our amazing new studio space and accommodation.

Roger McGough's three day workshop in June was a first for us and a delight. The days were divided between group sessions and one-to-one tutorials and everyone went away with a copy of a compilation of poems written over the workshop and sporting an introduction by McGough himself. He has promised to return next year for a longer stint and we are looking forward to it enormously!

Julie Arkell arrived at the end of June for her five days of Stitching, Knitting and Collecting, followed shortly thereafter by thirteen participants, some from as far away as Australia and the United States. Despite the jet-lag, everyone threw themselves into the extraordinary jumble that is Julie's creativity, ready to be inspired by her sense of colour, design and adventure. This was particularly evident on the evening of the Fourth of July when we put on our glad-rags and headed out for the evening.

Julie appeared in a concoction that was a cross between Paul Revere and a sans coulotte impressing both the Americans and the local French in one fell swoop.

As for our beloved new l'Espace, some of the more sociable participants had plumped for the new dormitory space above the workshop which overlooks the magnificent studio:

This space obviously doesn't suit everyone, but is a cheaper option that allows you nevertheless to benefit from all the other little luxuries at Les Soeurs Anglaises. In future we will be posting photographs of the various accommodation so that everyone understands, well in advance, the limitations and advantages of this unique shared sleeping area.

Meanwhile, tout la monde had an opportunity to relax each afternoon by the pool, enjoy the fresh food, fine wine and good weather whilst making and renewing friendships - more requests for recipes mean that a cookbook will be a probable project this winter for some of us.

Jancis Robinson's Gastronomic Weekend

2010-05-17T19:51:00.011+02:00

Many of you will have heard of the UK's leading lady of wine, Jancis Robinson, OBE. Well, we are delighted to announce that she has joined forces with us to auction an idyllic weekend (July 16, 17 and 18) for six wine lovers at Les Soeurs Anglaises' maison de maître in aid of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) of which Mike is a Trustee.

Selected fine wines and champagnes from our magnificent wine cellar will be accompanied by three days of delicious food in the company of both Jancis and her husband, Nick Lander, restaurant correspondent for the Financial Times.

Guests will be met on arrival at either Bergerac airport or Angouleme train station and whisked on to a vintage champagne and wine reception and dinner of langoustine and oysters; on Saturday tutored wine tastings of German wines accompanied by foie gras, and a vineyard visit to taste one of the great Monbazillac’s are followed by a ‘Burgundy dinner’; Sunday will witness a long and languid ‘Bordeaux lunch’ by the pool. Special requests for birth years etc. will be catered for if possible. Guests will be chauffered back to the airport or train station on the Sunday night or Monday morning.

The menus will be meticulously put together byLes Soeurs Anglaises and Gareth Morgan of Mimosa Cuisine, to go with the wines to be drunk at each of the meals.

This wine lovers and culinary weekend will go to the highest bidders with a £6000 reserve on all six places or £2000 per couple. As the bids will be considered charitable donations, the cost will actually work out at £600 per head.

Those interested in participating in this unique long weekend should place their bids by the closing date of 7^th June 2010 either via Jancis' website or by placing a bid directly with Mike:

mail@mjarmitage.com

TangoRojo Festival

2010-04-30T12:13:00.011+02:00

TangoRojo Festival, London

If you 're lucky enough to live in London (or have easy access to it) over the next couple of weeks, I urge you check out the Tango Rojo Festival which runs from the 12th-15th May at various venues across town. Bianca and Sasha, who are leading our Argentine Tango here at the end of May, organise this event annually and by all accounts it's a MUST for anyone remotely interested in dance.

first coat of paint / l'Espace

Time rolls on however and we are getting very excited about the finishing touches going on in l'Espace (refurbishment of our barn) and the prospect of Roger McGough's first workshop here with us next month. With a spell of mid-summer weather a week or so ago and an almost full-house for his visit here, we thought the gods were finally beginning to smile on this part of France. Silly things! Just as we were about to start work on the terracing around the new barn, the heavens opened and the gods began to laugh at us. But hey! We're confident that most of the building work will be complete in time, though if it stays this cold we may have to relocate the "studio". On vera, as we say in France.

3-year old yellow banksia rose

The banksia rose at the front of the maison de maitre is currently in full flush despite the downpours, having almost trebled in size since last year - things just grow here - and its abundance of Spring-yellow blooms manage to cheer us. Meanwhile, our local village seems to be rousing from it's winter slumbers at last, with the mysterious appearance of a set of two old Renault vans and one Citroen van in various states of disrepair. Nobody seems to know who they belong to, but they certainly are pretty to look upon and seem to typify the sometimes inexplicable slow pace of life in this part of the Dordogne.

Old Renault and Citroen vans parked in village

Charles MCarry

2010-04-19T18:28:00.009+02:00

I first heard of Charles McCarry from a BBC 4 radio programme about crime/thriller writers, and I just had to check him out as he sounded so interesting. Not that one should judge a book by a speaker’s voice but I was charmed.

Going straight to Amazon, though having sworn I would always use the library first, I bought Christopher's Ghosts and The Tears of Autumn. Call it instinct but I just felt that I would want to keep his books and I was right. They are both engaging mainly because they are set in different decades but with the same central character. Part of their charm is that they weren’t written chronologically and this makes them more interesting as it allows the author to add information rather than repeating it. Especially irritating to readers who have started with the author’s first novel and then have to read the same thing again and again. This way it is like a friendship learning new things all the time.

McCarry served in the United States Army where he was a correspondent for Stars and Stripes; he has been a small-town newspaperman, and was a speechwriter in the Eisenhower administration. From 1958 to 1967 he worked for the CIA, under deep cover in Europe, Asia, and Africa though his cover was not as a writer or journalist. He has been compared to Graham Green and John Le Carre and there are definite similarities - the intelligent, sensitive loner who nevertheless suffers from questions of conscience about the work he does. The main protagonists don't emerge unscathed from either their actions or those of others and their humanity is very strongly conveyed. The stories and situations seem plausible, fascinating and frightening. Writers who have been involved in intelligence work, and can actually write as well, somehow give a real feeling of authenticity to their stories.

I think it is a form of magic to be able to take one on a 'trip' - without a mushroom or hallucinogenic – transporting you to another dimension purely in your imagination.

I am hooked, line and sinker.

One of the perks of being part of Les Soeurs Anglaises, is that we get to develop relationships with seriously first class projects and businesses that have long been on our "favourites" list. Among these is Daunt Books: their original Edwardian bookshop with long oak galleries and graceful skylights is situated in Marylebone High Street, London but also have shops in Chelsea, Holland Park, Hampstead and Belsize Park and have recently set up their website where you can order various books arranged by country, offering maps and guides, along with the best history, biography and fiction. New titles, from poetry to non-fiction, are added every day and they have researched a bespoke list of titles for Les Soeurs Anglaises on which participants of our workshops can get a 10% reduction.

If screenwriting and films are more your kettle of fish, check out the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise, London. They show an eclectic range of mainstream films and arthouse with new and old releases. The building still includes its original Edwardian features, it has been transformed into a perfectly delightful 77 seater cinema house combining the past and present with a club atmosphere.

Finally, the charming Polly Leonard, editor of Selvedge Magazine is to publish a story in May next issue an article about bookbinder extraordinaire, Rachel Hazell who will be leading a workshop for us in August. Selvedge and Les Soeurs Anglaises will be collaborating for this event and we feel fortunate to have the backing of such a prestigious and informative magazine.

Susie

les soeurs anglaises

If you're ever in Hyderabad....

Just a thought......

The Fabric of Photography

Knitting with Colour and Clarity

Summer Fetes & Puppet Shows

Botanical Collage

Woven and Sew Sculpture

Country Living Christmas Fair

Another Year Another JA Special

Additions and Extractions

The Days of Words and Paper

Coming Soon.....

Fancy That.....

A Great Yarn

A Stitch in Town

Keep on Building

Rajasthan in Technicolour

Life As We Don't Know It

Christmas in Stitches

Cooking and Booking

and, of course, thanks to......

Found Things -Foundlings

Wild Colours in the Woods

A Note on Murder

For Those Items you Simply Can't Make Yourself

Not Quite But Almost......

Space for Thought

VIde Grenier!

This'n'That

Bookbinding etc.

Ian Fleming and Others

Jancis Robinson's Gastronomic Weekend

Roger McGough and Julie Arkell

Jancis Robinson's Gastronomic Weekend

TangoRojo Festival

Charles MCarry