Going 'round with Terry

It has been such a delight to share these last few days with Terry: there has been sharing, there has been laughing, there certainly has been stitching, and there has been plenty of adventure.

Terry, it's so wonderful having you around!

Tomorrow she leaves for her next chapter in this long trip of hers, but we already have so many plans for her return in two weeks time.

And so before you even ask: yes, I confess. I am weak and fickle and I can't wait to start making Terry's Spiral circle block, tonight. I have been trying so hard to resist, but when I saw it yesterday, close up and personal--- swoon! You will be happy to know, that I resisted for almost 24 hours... One more Project, V?! Okay, so who needs sleep. :)

The boys have started school and Terry has been a great help with them, telling them all about Billabongs, Cockatoos, Galah, Goannas and Kangaroos, while I tried to get that breakfast into them. 

:)

Famagusta Gate in Old Nicosia

This morning we went for a walk in Old Nicosia, and we had a fabulous time. Even for me, there is always new things to discover.

A traditional door in Old Nicosia.
This building, like many in the old town, is patiently awaiting
 loving renovation.

The highlight was our visit to the House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios  An ethnological museum from the time of the Ottomans.

 taking a breather in the coolness of the inner courtyard

The tv room
:)

The house dates from 1793, and houses some spectacular needlework. Terry and I were in awe of the intricacy of the work. And here are some examples we would like to share.

The lady of the house would have been dressed like this

the collar

the sleeves

And these lace jasmine blossoms edging the head dress-
talk about impossibly delicate...

Laced garments part of an ancient dowry

and a quilt

It was an incredible experience, impossible to forget. Thanks Terry!

I know it is late in the day, and I hope Kathinca, Marga and Nadine don't mind, but I did manage to make another 4 Farmer's Wife blocks this week. This brings me to my first dozen, and that means only 99 more to go! :) 

I have been enjoying them so much and look forward to next week's harvest.

Have a lovely weekend, and thanks for your visits. I am so looking forward to some 'me' time next week when I am planning some serious catching up time with you, my dear blogfriends! See you soon!

:)

a little more of Prague

I just love Mucha's famous Art Nouveau prints 

Not a lot of stitching going on around here, and I am missing it. But I hope to do something about that this afternoon.

The boys are happy about having started school yesterday. And I am very excited preparing for the arrival of Terry from Australia tomorrow morning. She's on her way to Alsace to the great European Patchwork Meeting in France, and is taking a little breather with me, in Cyprus, before continuing her journey. And as you can imagine, I am so excited in having the opportunity of meeting another Blog friend.  (because as you well know, I dream of meeting all of you! :) up close and personal, stitching together and enjoying our friendships...)

And maybe we could meet in Prague...  :)

Old Prague from the Charles bridge tower

Let me show you some more pictures.
Want to come along for a stroll? :)

Looking up will taking a stroll down Pariska (Paris) Avenue 

Enjoying the Vltava river and the views of the Castle on the hill

 the details... oh the details!

And I still have a few more to share. 

Until then I hope you enjoy your stitching!

:)

If only...

... we could have had a few more days in Prague... 

Prague is beautiful, unassumingly elegant, and leaves you feeling like a better- more cultured version of yourself. We enjoyed our walks, went to concerts, sat and enjoyed ourselves in idyllic cafe's and my camera never stopped: every corner turned, and another "Ah!-sigh-click!"--- 

For someone who had always described herself as a bit of a Bohemian at heart, to actually find myself in the geographical centre of Bohemia, was something else. :)
Imagine, I even have a street I could easily call my own...

I promise I will share more pictures in the days to come. 

It was lovely to spend time as a couple, and it was hard for both of us to tear ourselves away and get back to reality.  But we were missing the boys and promised ourselves to be back soon, with them, and stay longer. Four days just wasn't enough.

Getting back from Cloud Nine did not grace us with a soft landing. This week has been a crazy whirlwind: from having be rudely re-introduced to the stresses everyday drama, while attempting to make the best out of the last week of summer holiday, to wrapping our heads around the fact that September is here, and school starts next week. But somehow things always fall into place. And there is a sense of comfort knowing soon we will be enjoying our new routines. Life goes on, too quickly. And this coming school year is promising to bring some big changes to our little family. So maybe we are reluctant as parents, of seeing our boys growing up so fast. Maybe we are realizing that our parents need us more and more. Maybe it is knowing that we need to make time as a couple to be able to face all these challenges together. Focusing on what's important, being grateful for what we have, taking risks that might make a difference in the future and holding on to each other. And actively refusing to be suck into the negativity and unnecessary drama of others. I am taking a stance against stress! Beware---I have got sharp needles and I know how to use them! :)

Speaking of which, I have a few things to share:
I decided to take Camelot half-square triangles with me to Prague. It has been slow progress, but I am liking the results.

I also can report on a Dear Jane block: I have fallen a bit behind, but have found my way back to it, already making templates for the next few blocks.

It has been fun doing progress report with Kathinca and Marga on Fridays. With their encouragement and inspiration ( you should see their blocks: wow!) I actually managed 4 blocks this week for the Farmer's Wife Quilt-along. They are both such accomplished stitchers and are moving so swiftly, it leaves me wanting more! :)

And I am so happy to tell you that Nadine has joined us, from her extended get-away in Spain, this fall. We both decided that this was the project we had been saving our shirtings for, and so far, it seems a good decision. 

Gotta run. But promise myself to breathe in deeply, and smile. Life is too short, and up to us to make it beautiful.  sigh...


:)

Just a quick hello from Prague to post my Farmer's wife progress for this week.

Block 4 and 6 were easy enough for me to be able to stitch them before leaving on holiday.

I am so pleased with the nautical weathered look so far. 

It has been fun doing progress report with Kathinca and Marga, and I look forward to catching up to them when I get back.

Hoping you are all having a great time and have a fun weekend planned ahead!

Kisses from Prague,
Valentina and her handsome beloved.
:)

Summer fun

escaping the heat of Nicosia
and going to the forests of Troodos

There's been splashing in cool pools and hiking up and down mountains. And it has been a lot of fun and adventure. But Mama and Dad are tired! ...and need a quiet break, only for a few days, in Prague...
Yes, we'll bring you lots of presents, and yes, you'll have lots of fun at Yayia's (grandma)...
:)

Enjoying the beautiful nature trails in the Troodos Mountains. 

Oh I cannot tell you how I am looking forward to this 4 day get-away: My camera is packed, I have my walking shoes on, and a good book in my bag... and Hubby all to myself!

It was a great incentive to get my 36-patch blocks done.

If you are interested, you can see all of them on my Flickr set. Okay, I still have 2 to go from the 72, but I always like to leave some blocks till after I lay them all out. Being a king size quilt, there might be some colours that want a bit more support, and having some unfinished blocks gives me that option.
I also had a brainwave for the centre of the quilt. I took an orphan block from a project I decided long ago no longer to pursue, and I think that after some tweaking it might just work.

what do you think?

I send you my love, as always, and look forward to sharing Prague with you.
    Now, I'm off!
             
             :)

                Valentina

Late summers in the mountain villages
enjoying the grapes, figs and cold watermelons...

Sad news and new beginnings

I am shocked and heartbroken at the news of Marieke's passing away. We shared the Klosjes quilt journey together and many One Flower Wednesdays. We also shared many stories about raising young boys and will never forget seeing a picture of her Klosjes quilt in Quilt&Zo magazine. I was so proud of her. Imagine this was just her second quilt!
Marieke... like we say in the eastern orthodox church: May your Memory Be Eternal. And through your quilts, the work of your hands, I hope comfort will be imparted to your husband and sons.


This past week has been such a buzz of excitement with Nadine, Elena and Kathinca in planning and getting ready for Farmer's wife. So after deciding on fabrics, preparing of templates and late night piecing, I have my first two blocks. Kathinca had graciously invited me to join her and Marga to report our progress on Fridays. But I never thought I would be showing them to you, this morning, under such sad circumstances. But seeing that I had chosen dutch colours and 2 boys for the second block, I can only say: Marieke, these are for you!

I will close the comments out of respect, and hope you can instead go provide some quilter's comfort to Marieke's husband and sons here.


I am so grateful to have friends like you, and days like this makes quilting so much more relevant and important.

Summer days

Despite the bumpy start, this summer is turning out to be one to remember. The boys do not start school for another 3 weeks and with the soaring temperatures here in Cyprus, there is still a lot of summer to be had.
:)
I am well, and very happy- Thanks again for all the lovely emails and comments. Your love, concern, friendship (and countless jokes!) mean the world to me. :)
So, where have I been and what have I been up to? Plenty!

Thanks to some friends that always seem to get me into trouble-- yes, YOU! :), and me being in a fragile convalescent state (ahum! ok, maybe I am exaggerating a wee bit... :) I have fallen into temptation.
...

Despite my better judgement and steadfast resolve, I have found myself working obsessively on a new project-  blush blush...
The problem is that I have been having way to much fun to be repentant, and have been having a great time working on my sewing machine again. It's been like being on Quilting Holiday! LOL

I think, I better show you:

These are some of the 36-patch blocks I have been making through Amanda Jean's Quilt-Along. I made the mistake of reading through her very interesting assembly tips, and it became a case of : humm, I need to try this... Famous last words!
She encouraged us to go through our stash ruthlessly, at least that is how I interpreted it. And so my naughty streak took over and before you know it, I was slashing irreverently through my Den Haan & Wagenmaker Dutch Chintzes. Yes, that I have been keeping in the Holy of Holies section of my stash, you know that place... LOL

Oh, but it was so liberating and so much fun. I had been collecting these fabrics for ages, and I am so happy that I allowed myself to see them in a new light; like combined with stripes, polka dots and funky prints.

I soon realized that I could cut an extra strip of fabric and make a second, smaller 16-patch identical quilt. The perfect gift for Nadine, who will be celebrating a very special birthday in december. :)
The funny thing is that many of these fabrics we either bought together last year in Provence or swooned over. So having her be part of the process has been a gift that keeps on giving. :) And she's happy!

There is also a certain Farmer's wife that has been making an appearance around here. My friend Elena brought it up, I refused and gave her a lecture... sorry! :) Michelle caught me off guard with her blocks. I swooned. Amanda and Angela have been having the QuiltAlong.  I had been doing my best to ignore it. Then the Flickr Group, which I have been avoiding... So leave it to Nadine to start sending me pictures! Soon Book Depository delivered the book for free, I fall in love with the cute size of it: it's square and about 1 1/2 the size of a CD... ooohh! Then Kathinca sweetly invites me to join her and Marga to report of fridays... and I can't stop dreaming of what flavour I would like this quilt to have...

What is a girl to do? If you can't fight them, join them, I say!
:)


Which means that from straying I now need even more resolve not to abandon 'Jane', 'Camelot', and 'In my Garden'... oh yes, and my kids! :)

speaking of kids, last week I spend quite some time with my perpetual summer project: my charm hexies. The centre star is done, but not completely stitched together yet. This has made it easier to take along. And these Hexies have gotten around! :)
Now I am stitching 'white' hexies around the outer diamonds, like this.

Once I am done with this part, I hope to stitch them all up into a giant hexagon. I have plenty of charm hexies left, which will fill the background and give me a square quilt. Hopefully by next summer. :)

Sending you my love, and loooots of hot summer sun for those of you that feel you might have not gotten your fill,
Valentina
:)


By the way: have I ever shown you this? The Ultimate Patchworker's floor! Can you imagine? :)

floor in a greek souvlaki and gyro place in the food court at the Mall!