It's been hours since I sat down to start this post. Every time I get into the archive of photos, I get so distracted. And it's been rather awhile since the first part of this post about the old hat factory. Carrying on from where I left off, we caravan-ed from the old to the new, two different worlds of hat-making.
This hat factory was one abuzz with active machines, towering stacks of finished hats, styles to show and share.
We all wished for royal weddings to come. With our names on elegant invitations.
Invited to the back to watch the hat making in progress, we marveled at the speed of the straw plaits unspooling, reforming under the hands of the masterful makers.
Purchases were made, photos snapped and we rushed home for lunch. Nothing like shopping to make you hungry!
And dessert. Always dessert. With creme fraiche.
We stitched and sewed that afternoon in the chateau studio. Susan brought a lovely pincushion kit for us to work on. The beautiful blue wool was woad-dyed by her sister at the chateau last year. More on that later.
I do believe there was an extra brocante in there before the day was done, and of course, another masterpiece dinner from Charlotte, the chef. Kind of too much, isn't it? Still with me? Come back tomorrow for a little more.
We're off to the lavender fields!
Yum!! That dessert looks mah-va-lous!! Is it a peach or pear tatin? And a salad Nicoise? Oh my...you must be having a super time...enjoy!!
Posted by: Julie L | July 17, 2012 at 04:18 PM
I am really enjoying your French adventures. What fun to watch the hats being made & even more fun to get to purchase some. How did you get them home? All of the food looks so good. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Posted by: Troy Louise | July 17, 2012 at 06:36 PM
So much fun living through your adventures! It sure makes me want to sign up for next year! Will you be going back again?
Posted by: kadee | July 17, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Pure and simply... a wow! I will be back for more!
Posted by: Judy Elwood | July 18, 2012 at 04:37 PM
Thanks for sharing your trip highlights, Charlotte, I am really enjoying my vicarious vacation!
Posted by: jenny b harris | July 22, 2012 at 11:33 AM