Sunday, August 10, 2014

Home from France

Every summer, Mogull, Molly, Mom and I travel to France to spend four weeks in a beautifully rural area just north of Toulouse.  We rent a 17th century chateau and fill it up with friends from near and far to craft, eat amazing food prepared by the fabulous chef Charlotte and visit local flea markets and farmer's markets.  Every summer I am amazed at how we always see something new, learn something different and uncover a bit about France that was hidden for years.
Here is a peek into what we learned this past summer...

Sitting in the Cafe de la Halle in St. Antonin is the best place for a morning check in!

Mr. Garcia still has some treasures hidden in his garage!

Sometimes you get lucky and stay in a grand house with a laundry room the size of a small house!

You never know what you will find in a 50 lb. box of old linen....

There are still hats to be found in Septfonds!

Sometimes it's just better to buy the whole box of cafe curtain rings!

There are way too many beautiful baskets at the flea markets in France....

It's always good to be in France with friends....

Saltwaters are the best traveling shoes!

Farewell dinners are good, but the women that come on our Chateau Getaway are the best!

Beautifully laundered linen looks better in an old armoire....

Stitching in a cafe in Montpezat, drinking a grand creme, makes the day fly by!

Learning to weave on a handmade tapestry loom is addicting!

 Woad dyeing ever year, for the past six years, doesn't get old!

Early morning walks through the sunflower fields is the best way to start a day!

Finding cornichons at the market and learning how to pickle them with our Chef Charlotte is pretty cool!

Drinking wine and eating local cheese with our sommelier, Laurent and his beautiful assistant, Flora is the best dinner of the week!

Beautiful scraps look even better when framed in old hoops!

Buying old linen skeins at the Cahors market was worth every euro!

The sunflowers do pop once it gets hot enough!

Designing an embroidery map of the area we visit was a natural, finishing it...priceless!

Finding a box of old spools at the vide grenier, in the pouring rain, was my best find ever!

Artichokes do flower!

Antique toiles can still be found in France...for a pretty penny!

Having my mom, Kick and daughter, Sofia on our Chateau Getaway trips makes it all worth while!



14 comments:

Unknown said...

welcome home!!

Alice said...

Fran, Marlene and I had a great time at your Chateau Getaway week two. Thanks for sharing your love of France, textile/antique quest and the Art of Craft.

Elizabeth said...

It all looks and sounds wonderful

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Just beautiful Kaari - thanks for sharing the beauty and the wonderful finds and memories.

Lorrie said...

Beautiful photos of what was surely a magical time in France.

Johanna said...

Best week ever! Thank you for creating and sharing such a magical experience with us. Welcome home.

Sylvaine said...

I am so happy to see your love for France, thank you for sharing! What great finds at flea markets, especially your lace bobbins and your antique fabrics are wonderful!

Janie said...

What a wonderful opportunity for you and your family. France is our friend and it is so good that you can go there and spread good will and appreciation to them.

Lee said...

You do not post very often, but when you do we are all charmed with the results. Thanks, Lee

Lee said...

Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures!

Judy Murrah said...

I enjoyed the tour.

pam said...

love it all! someday...

Kathrine Urban said...

Your post was months ago but please say hello to Kick for me. She looks wonderful in this photo!

Anonymous said...

Hello from Texas! Your photos are amazing and inspire me!!!