I spent a fantastic week staying with Bronwen and her husband John in September 2022.
I had originally booked for 2020 but we all know what happened that summer. So I’d been anticipating my stay for a couple of years. The weather was underwhelming, which made it easier to concentrate on sewing than the beautiful countryside. Even so, I think we took at trip out each day, to visit pretty towns and villages nearby, Assisi and Cortona, as well as the beautiful lake Trasimeno. It was really convenient staying upstairs in my own apartment, with the sewing studio just downstairs and the pool and garden outside, a little balcony to watch the sunset as I was eating my olives and sipping wine! Bronwen and John were so helpful, with trips to the supermarket, and the kitchen stocked with essentials when I arrived. We went out for lunch, and sometimes dinner, which was always tasty and affordable, and also cooked a meal each for all three of us. There were trips to couple of fabric shops and a walk along the beach one warm day. I’m hoping to return in summer and do some walking in the countryside nearby, as well as benefit from Brownen’s expert advice and supervision to make some more clothes. I was really pleased because I completed a pair of trousers and a t shirt pattern which was new to me, as well as a quick pair of undies, which I like to do between more serious projects.
I flew to Rome and then took the train, where Bronwen met me at the station. The instructions were very clear and it was nice to be independent getting from A to B. Next time the journey will be simple, having done it once. And I’ll probably pack fewer options for sewing projects, so I can bring back more lovely local food and maybe even some hand painted bowls which I had my eye on! I’ve been recommending this trip to several sewing friends and it seems like dates are filling up fast! So I need to get another booking in soon. “
