Jill Nutton

My sister and I have just returned from spending a week at Le Jardin Du Berger/Textile Holidays France – we had such a fabulous time. In addition to making a lovely leather bag each we also learnt how to do free motion embroidery – creating lots of unique pieces of work.

Bronwen was a superb teacher, she is patient and was keen for us to try different things to learn new techniques. Her well equipped workshop contains all the tools, equipment and materials to learn a range of fabric crafts and has lots of examples of her works and ideas for us use.

We stopped in one of Le Jardin Du Bergen’s gites – I could say it was a real home from home but it was much nicer than my home! The large, open planned lounge/kitchen had a light airy feel – with high beams and 3 sets of French windows. The kitchen was just as well equipped as Bronwen’s workshop – everything we needed for a comfortable week away.

The location was peaceful, the only noise being the sound of the bees in the fields next door during the day and tree frogs in the evening. Being townies, my sister and I couldn’t believe how dark nights are without street lights.

In addition to sewing we spent a few days exploring some of the local beauty spots – Aubeterre Sur Dronne gave us a taste of historic France with it’s cathedral carved into side of a rocky cliff and it’s small artisan craft shops and wonderful town square. We also visited Villebois Lavette with a fairy tale castle and the Friday market in Riberac.

We returned home this weekend very relaxed and our batteries recharged! This is one course/holiday I can easily recommend!