Easter Colours

I learned how to make the Ukrainian Easter eggs (Pysanky) when I was 6 years old from my best friend's older sister.

I continued to make them when I had children and passed on this tradition to them.

Coloured eggs made ages ago by my little children.
We kept them all from year to year.

This year, I wasn't going to get all the supplies out but my daughter asked for them.

She wanted to teach her boyfriend. What a sport he was! His egg was great!! (shown below)

He did say it was really difficult controlling the kistka (tool for drawing with beeswax). He now appreciates the craft even more.

I guess that is always the case. After one realizes how much effort it is to make a quilt or how long it takes to hand stitch a panel there is always that extra awe.

Verona Walls

Rocks, stones and wonderful patterns. Be inspired.

Make Something Good

I have been getting back into knitting.

My mom taught me when I was 6 years old.

I did lots of knitting when I lived in Vienna, Austria, in the '80s.

Then the kids arrived…

I am back into it now and really enjoying it.

I love making things.

SO PROUD OF THE CANADIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM FOR WINNING GOLD TODAY IN SOCHI. IT WAS AN EXCITING GAME. WE NEVER GAVE UP ON THEM!!
(just had to say that!)

Marking Time

Judith Martin, still my favourite textile artist, marks time by stitching.

This was a pattern I followed but even in those early days
 I changed it!
I was originally making it browns but it got so boring
 so I added a some blue and that gave it some life.

I started quilting almost 25 years ago to do just that. Mark time.

Simple Brick quilt with double boarder.

To show myself that during a day I could accomplish something.

I label my blocks (top left corner)
while I hang them vertically
 on a design wall

I could hold up my tangible quilt block and say, "Today, I did this."

This quilt was put together a few years ago.
Notice the blue square with the shibori circle.
I made that in Verona. The rest of the fabrics
 are blues from my fabric stash.
It is being quilted at this moment.

The other things I was doing were not tangible.

The centre fabric is washable silk.
The outside strips are men's cotton shirts,
Italian, of course.

Every day, I read books to my four children. I made snacks and three meals per day that were gobbled up. I prepared science experiments so we could explore together. I helped button the dress-up clothes and sat as the audience and watched plays. I walked to the park and went down the slide with them. I gave four children a bath every night.

This quilt was also a pattern. I didn't change it.
(that's not usual for me)
I did choose my own fabrics. 

This past holiday the six of us were all together. I was able to see what I had done over time. The four young adults love each other. They are on the path of happiness. They feel good about themselves.

Hearts and friendship stars,
detail of "Baby Earth" quilt
which hangs on our third floor.
The quilt was inspired
by a favourite children's book

I am so happy I marked time that way.

Where in the World...

I am in Peru this week. Surprise!

I'm in Lima to be exact.

I took a tour of the city today and learned about its history.

Ruins from the ancient temple Huaca Pucllana.
Notice the bricks are set vertically.

and ended on the Pacific Ocean for sunset.

No sewing today.

Liberty Fabric

A friend visited Toronto recently and brought me these lovely Liberty fabrics.

Bought at the beautiful Tudor Liberty Store in London, England.

She purchased them at the Liberty store in London, England- one of her favorite spots.

Beautiful colours and patterns.

What a nice friend!

Vienna

I forgot how impressive the Kunsthistorisches Museum is.

I forgot how Vienna is able to put together the very old with the very modern.

I forgot how clean the streets are.

I forgot how gorgeous the art galleries are and how amazing the antiques shops are.

View from my breakfast spot.
Michaelerplatz.

I forgot when you say good-bye to a well-mannered Austrian he bows forward.

Saying good-bye to friends yesterday evening.
 I was told that Maria Callas and Pablo Picasso both walked
through this entrance in Vienna's 13th district.
Upstairs lived a famous Austrian photographer
and both artists were photographed in his apartment!

I forgot that when you order coffee it comes on a little silver tray with a glass of water and a treat.

I forgot because I lived here over 30 years ago.

Finnish Textiles

Maker.

signature of Finnish creator, Armi Ratia

She and her husband established a printing workshop in Finland in 1951.

Her strong colours and designs became known all around the world.

Vesimelooni (watermelon) pattern
1963
screen printed cotton
design by M. Isola for Marimekko

Marimekko's philosophy shaped a new approach to living through fashion and design.

Pienet Kivet pattern 1956
screen printed cotton
design by M. Isola

Everything I saw looked so NOW.

Her designs have transcended time.

my favourite -great angle 

Curator, Shauna McCabe, included some great ads throughout the exhibit.

Vesimelooni (left)
Silkkikuikka (great crested grebe) pattern (right)
1961
screen printed cotton
design by M. Isola

I owned a Marimekko bag when I lived in Vienna in the early 80's....where did that bag go??

Basso pattern (left)1975
Oona (right) 1969
Both are screen printed cotton
Both designed by M. Isola
for Marimekko

It was wonderful to be surrounded by such large fabrics; large in size, large in importance, large in influence, LARGE

The retrospective is on till April 21 at the Textile Museum in Toronto.