Triangle Shadows

I notice shadows. I have always noticed them, even as a young child walking around on hot summer days in Montreal.

I remember them on the floor at my grandmother's house.

Shadows are dark. Sometimes light. They look blue on the snow.

They move. They grow.

A later addition: Click here to see an installation by Peabody Essex. Now that's a shadow! It's a different kind of shadow- a static one - but nice!

Inspiration Everywhere

A week ago, while waiting for my daughter to meet me in Rome, I took a walk near our boutique hotel.

I found a cool and tranquil haven at the Villa Aldobrandini, away from the bustle of via Nazionale.

View from the top of the garden on the villa property

The villa was constructed around the 1600's, I think...I photographed the sign so I could read it again later but without my glasses I ended up cutting off quite a bit in the photo and some information was lost!

I wonder if these "rock carpets" are original.

I love the design.

I imagine the creator looking around for just the right stone, like I do with my fabric when creating a quilt.

I imagine the care someone took in placing each stone in just the right place, like I do with my fabric when I make a scrap quilt.

Inspiration is everywhere.

Be sensitive to your surroundings and let them inspire you.

Father's Day

Some countries, including Canada, are celebrating Father's Day today.

In Italy, it is celebrated on March19, Saint Joseph's day.

Four generations

What did I get from my dad? 

My creativity. My sensitivity. My independent thinking. My problem solving ability. My work ethic. My gift of constant ideas. My love of family. 

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Circa 1965
I am on the far left.

Hand Stitching Indian Style

I heard all about Dijanne Cevaal's travels to India. I am particularly interested because my husband has been working in Bangalore for the last month and I plan to join him during his contract there and perhaps travel to different areas when he is occupied with meetings and such.

One of the things she did during her residency in Pushkar was to help find use for small pieces of fabric discarded from making clothing.

She designed a patchwork-type purse using pieces of hand-spun, indigo-dyed fabric.

She hand-stitched each small geometric-shaped piece of fabric using stitching inspired by the techniques the local women use.

Aperitivo with Dijanne!

The stitching is called  Sujuni. It is different from the Kantha stitch in that there is a chain stitch used to outline figures and shapes and the straight-line running stitch is used as a filler. To read more about these two forms of Indian traditional embroidery, click here.

Surprises

I received a gift this morning.

by Dijanne Cevaal
25cm x 50cm

An unexpected present.

I spent yesterday with Dijanne Cevaal showing her around Verona and she was grateful...it was my pleasure! I LOVE Verona and I was interested in hearing about her textile adventures.

She gave me one of her lino-printed, hand-dyed fabrics. If you want one for yourself she does sell them through her blog. Her Medieval Project panels are similar and can be embroidered and embellished any way you want.

Click here to view them.

I am not sure how I will use mine. It will always remind me of our time together in Verona.

Australian Textile Artist

                                       

Lucky me.

I got an email from Australian textile artist and author, Dijanne Cevaal, who will be passing through Verona, Italy, next week.

We met in Parma, Italy, in 2011 and I haven't seen her since although we have emailed. I also signed up for an on-line course of hers.

I am looking forward to catching up and hearing all about her works and her adventures worldwide.



To see more of my posts related to D. Cevaal click here , here , and here.

(Images are taken from the internet. All works/particulars by Dijanne Cevaal)