There hasn't been much sewing going on here recently, as we had a quick trip to Germany over Thanksgiving. Our son decided not to come back here for Christmas this year, so we went to visit him instead. It coincided nicely with the first weekend of Advent, so we were able to experience a very nice Christmas market in Deidesheim. Deidesheim is a wine village at the end of the Southern Wine Route, a beautiful small place with world-renowned wines and restaurants. It is the perfect setting for a Christmas market and further enhanced by the careful selection of the vendors.
I bought beeswax candles as I do each year, but otherwise we just enjoyed the atmosphere and some hot Gluehwein !
During our trip we also had a couple of visits to Alsace, to see some of our favorite places but this time also to visit Obernai, where I had not been.
And last but not least ..... the very beautiful cathedral of Speyer, Germany. I believe this is the first time I have seen it completely without scaffolding. The cathedral has undergone extensive renovations in the last years, and is now restored to its full glory.
I hope you are all enjoying some peace during this Advent season.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Provence Baskets Charm Quilt
It's a beautiful sunny day here in west central florida, after a cloudy and cool start. I finished piecing this quilt a while back, and just had it quilted by Marlene of Lucky Sew and Sew.
I had a collection of Provence fabrics in small squares - 5". There are a mixture of Souleiado, Valdrome and some Camargue prints. I was looking for a pattern to use them for a while, but I didn't want to waste any of the fabric. Eventually I just designed my own quilt. I made a rounded basket pattern out of freezer paper which just fit on the 5" squares with a seam allowance. I cut 6" squares of a background, set the appliques on point and just kept them in a box next to my chair. It was simple applique work, and they were finished quite quickly. I had to work out how to set them, and used a favorite piece of Olivades fabrics. I love it, it is simple and quirky and makes me smile. Just have to get the binding on now .....
France Boutis just sent out the most recent edition of the Fil Blanc. There were lots of small patterns and ideas for Christmas decorations, including some drawings of hearts using Provence motifs. I loved these, and although I will go back and make them in boutis as well, I decided to try them embroidered. Here are a couple enlarged 200%, stitched in stem stitch with one thread of burgundy silk floss, and feather or chain stitch around the edge. Once I have finished the last two, I will make them up into little stuffed hearts for the keys of armoires.
I had a collection of Provence fabrics in small squares - 5". There are a mixture of Souleiado, Valdrome and some Camargue prints. I was looking for a pattern to use them for a while, but I didn't want to waste any of the fabric. Eventually I just designed my own quilt. I made a rounded basket pattern out of freezer paper which just fit on the 5" squares with a seam allowance. I cut 6" squares of a background, set the appliques on point and just kept them in a box next to my chair. It was simple applique work, and they were finished quite quickly. I had to work out how to set them, and used a favorite piece of Olivades fabrics. I love it, it is simple and quirky and makes me smile. Just have to get the binding on now .....
France Boutis just sent out the most recent edition of the Fil Blanc. There were lots of small patterns and ideas for Christmas decorations, including some drawings of hearts using Provence motifs. I loved these, and although I will go back and make them in boutis as well, I decided to try them embroidered. Here are a couple enlarged 200%, stitched in stem stitch with one thread of burgundy silk floss, and feather or chain stitch around the edge. Once I have finished the last two, I will make them up into little stuffed hearts for the keys of armoires.
Happy Sunday ! Hope everyone gets some stitching time.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Golden October !
It truly is a golden October day here ! Not that we don't have sunshine almost all the time, but it is cooler today for the first time, much less humid, so the light is different and for the first time for months, it was cooler outside than in the house. All the windows are open, and we are enjoying fresh air instead of airconditioned.
Last weekend, a few of us went to a quilting retreat, so we spent some time working on outstanding things. I was able to piece ALL of the sashing for the Flower Garden quilt, which is a boring task - finished 1" squares - but more fun with others to talk too. We also took the time to go to Jacksonville quilt show, which was not far away.
Here are a few favorites (in no particular order):
Lou and I have a joint applique project - Country Inn by Blackbird. Here is my first block, laid out ready to pin. These are very large pieces, actually I think the largest I have ever done as applique. But they are fun in a quirky way. The corners will have a quarter section of a Dresden plate appliqued on them, but I have decided to do that last so I can be sure to vary the fabrics evenly.
And just for fun - a quick photo of my backyard this sunny afternoon !
Other side (sorry about the pool canisters - we are doing the usual chores)
I hope everyone is getting a little stitching time today !
Last weekend, a few of us went to a quilting retreat, so we spent some time working on outstanding things. I was able to piece ALL of the sashing for the Flower Garden quilt, which is a boring task - finished 1" squares - but more fun with others to talk too. We also took the time to go to Jacksonville quilt show, which was not far away.
Here are a few favorites (in no particular order):
Lou and I have a joint applique project - Country Inn by Blackbird. Here is my first block, laid out ready to pin. These are very large pieces, actually I think the largest I have ever done as applique. But they are fun in a quirky way. The corners will have a quarter section of a Dresden plate appliqued on them, but I have decided to do that last so I can be sure to vary the fabrics evenly.
And just for fun - a quick photo of my backyard this sunny afternoon !
Other side (sorry about the pool canisters - we are doing the usual chores)
I hope everyone is getting a little stitching time today !
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Aiguille d"Or - Boutis in Trets
Once every two years, there is a festival in Trets, Provence, celebrating the Jupon Pique, quilted skirt of the traditional costume. For the last four or five festivals, there has been a competition for the most beautiful boutis version of the jupon. I am so happy to say that a fellow France Boutis member, Marie Silvestre, won this award last week for her magnificent work.
Marie often shows her boutis at local shows of traditional stitching in Provence. She had a beautiful stand at both of the Salons of France Boutis so far. She does this for the pleasure of sharing her passion for boutis and enjoys showing her original designs.
Marie kindly agreed to let me show these photos. She is a modest person and will not report on this herself. You can find her blog on my list, and further reports of this festival can be found on Lou 's blog, where there is a link to a fabulous collection of photos. There is also a report on France Boutis's blog and Henriette's (Mame83). You can link from my sidebar.
Marie often shows her boutis at local shows of traditional stitching in Provence. She had a beautiful stand at both of the Salons of France Boutis so far. She does this for the pleasure of sharing her passion for boutis and enjoys showing her original designs.
Marie kindly agreed to let me show these photos. She is a modest person and will not report on this herself. You can find her blog on my list, and further reports of this festival can be found on Lou 's blog, where there is a link to a fabulous collection of photos. There is also a report on France Boutis's blog and Henriette's (Mame83). You can link from my sidebar.
There is a parade in costume, such a wealth of beautifully made costumes. Marie's is of the Comtat Vernaissin style. It is interesting to note that the color white as wedding attire was only introduced by Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Prior to that, the color green had always been chosen for Provencal wedding dresses.
This is part of the judging. There is a panel of judges who assess the jupon on research, choice of motifs, and finally technical expertise. Each jupon should reflect the personal life of the person who made it. Historically, wealthier persons had a deeper border of boutis, Marie's is 60cm, followed by a quilted upper portion. The skirt is gathered onto a tape fastening. The whole piece laid out can be between 2,70 and 3,80 m !!!! Marie's is 3,0m - that is a lot of stitching !
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