Thursday, December 31, 2009

Wellington


So this is the very end of 2009...
I wish you all a special 2010, full of surprises and great emotions
!
I still have to thank Meg for the special day we had together - next time we hope to see you in Italy!

We're off to the city centre to celebrate the New Year, and it's funny to think that at home they'll still be having lunch!


Today I've been to this special exhibition - and the last photo is an homage to Yellow & Grey!














Saturday, December 26, 2009

end of 2009

I ate cherries in December
I cuddled a lamb
I was surrounded by a herd of friendly alpacas
I saw the Pacific Ocean!








Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas!

a happy Christmas to everyone!
we could not have asked for a better one. This is Heaven on Earth.













Monday, December 14, 2009

-2

This is not the temperature outside, it's the countdown to our journey...
On Wednesday we'll begin with 23 hours of flights - to New Zealand! I can't believe we're actually going...

It's cold now here - and this is normal in this time of the year - but the wind is the worst thing.
Today I didn't need to walk, the wind was pushing me forward.
And I really didn't want to go outside - it was so cosy and warm at home!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Felt Baubles - how to

it's really simple to make your felt baubles, and here's how

you need:
a pair of old tights you are not going to use again
some carded wool in the colour of your choice -I used white and red -
old and worn out plastic baubles
red and white wool yarn for the embroidery

Wrap the baubles with the carded wool, making sure that the layer is even around the bauble.
Carefully put the bauble in the tights and secure the ball with a knot.
Repear for all the baubles - or until the tights are full!
Place in the washing machine with the next load.

Once the washing is finished you can remove the baubles from the tights: more often than not you'll need to rip the tights in order to free the baubles - that's why it's better if you use old discarded ones!
Let the baubles dry completely - make sure there's no water inside -

Use red wool or the thread you prefer and just have fun with the embroidery!















Sunday, December 06, 2009

Hello December!

This year I finished my felt baubles with freeform embroidery - not very precise I am afraid, but I like them.
...and -10 to the big trip!!






Monday, November 30, 2009

Jacqueline Groag exhibition

Obviously in London, where else? I'd have loved to have seen the exhibition and get this book
[I had already seen some of her fabulous textiles back in August]
...maybe next time!

Here the rain doesn't want to stop - we're staying indoors a lot and I'm preparing the warp for a baby blanket!





Wednesday, November 25, 2009

*>*

It's so dark these days - but I am looking forward to the sun and summer of next month.
I've found a great tumblr blog, - shining egg by Emily, together with her lovely blog here.

Enough to raise today's mood!







Monday, November 23, 2009

perspective

I can't stop listening to this song.
Have you ever experienced periods when your life doesn't seem to be following a normal route anymore? When the perception of things around you is turned upside down - and you are fully aware that it's your fault only, but you are not able to put things right? What do you do then?


Saturday, November 21, 2009

Warmth

Although it's November, the temperature these days is around 17°C - and it feels wrong!
I'd love to wear warm layers of clothing, and feel nice wool scarves around my neck...
but I suppose I'll have to get used to it...in three weeks time we'll be in Aotearoa - I am sooo excited!







Thursday, November 19, 2009

in the mood

I knew I loved grey but now I discovered how much I love grey AND walnut brown together.

oh, I also discovered a new (to me!) blog with fantastic photos: Fensismensi by Ana















Friday, November 13, 2009

belated birthday gift

Last month I met this lady whose mother wanted to get rid of some pieces of old Danish furniture - and after a few phone calls I agreed to go and see her: when I saw the furniture I loved it and decided I was going to buy the whole set: sideboard, table and four chairs - in good condition, only very very dirty.
Also, the price was absolutely reasonable.
Once at home I did a bit of research because the furniture had "made in Denmark" and a symbol stamped underneath.
Can you vaguely imagine my amazement when I discovered that the sideboard was this and the chairs these?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

completed

I've finished the first shawl-scarf. It's really light and soft but definitely warm.
As warp I used some llama yarn in natural colour, and although llama is not famous for being very soft, this yarn proved me wrong, especially after I washed it. I used it before and it gets better with use, as it gets more supple and soft.
The weft is my precious merino-silk blend dyed with walnut.
I wove it in plain weave, as I wanted to emphasize the yarn rather than the fabric structure.

I am already fanning out my sketches on the table for the next one!






in Cucina!

..I've discovered a new taste for kitchen equipment, especially old battered aluminium ladles and skimmers!