making something lovely

I've had patchwork on the brain for months now (and have been buying fabric like I'm preparing for the apocalypse). It was high time I put all my lovely new bits and bobs to good use. Yesterday, I finished cutting out the pieces for my flying geese mini quilt. I've only cut out enough pieces to make a mini quilt, but expect that I'll want something larger once I get started. That will mean more fabric shopping - oh darn.

Yesterday I also stitched up my first few pieces, and I am SO excited about them! I had a few odd squares left over from my last patchwork project (that is not finished - but the rest of it is in Canada - so it's OK for me to start a new project). I'm going to mix up the patterns and fabrics, so that each block is mostly the same, but not quite. I don't like anything that looks too tidy or orderly.

The timing of this new project is perfect as I'm moving into a little house here in Lynton in September. Everywhere in Lynton gets quite cold in the winter, so a soft and cozy quilt will be just the thing I need!

On another note, I forgot to mention this AMAZING t shirt transformation in my last post. While in paris, Caroline and I spent an afternoon playing around with her natural dyes. This old shirt has gone through a magical transformation and is now one of my favourites. Thanks Caroline!

France

A week or so ago I visited my lovely friend Caroline (Koanizee) at her homes in Bordeaux and Paris. It was my first time visiting Bordeaux, where had the chance to work on my (very, very bad) French as Caroline's family were visiting for the few days I was there. It was such a fun challenge trying to follow their conversations...I failed most of the time, but learned a lot!

We visited la dune du pilat - a mind boggling sand dune separating a beautiful beach from a massive pine forest. It was a steep climb to the top, but well worth it. The views were stunning, and every picture I took looked better than the last. It was remarkable to think that the cool fresh sea was just below me on one side and on the other a dark, thick forest...and I felt like I was standing the desert!

 The city seems to have a warm glowing light going all the time. Some of it's building's were recently cleaned, and others were stained by year's of city life. In either state they were beautiful!

 

After Bordeaux, Caroline and I journeyed to Paris. Having visited Paris once before, I knew I was going to love it and want to live there forever and never leave...at least I was prepared for those feelings this time. 

I was quite lucky to have a Parisian guide on this trip. Caroline brought me to her favourite local bakery - where I ate this fab sandwich...

...it's black because the bread has squid's ink in it, which gave it a great salty...sea like taste I think. On my squid bun there was also pesto, comte, rocket and a cured ham something or other. yum!

We also visited an old fashioned Parisian sweet shop. The old couple working inside were so charming as they slowly served everyone little scoops of candy. 

I picked up this little tin of honey sweets (just because I loved the tin) along with some violet and bergamot candies.

I was so pleased to meet Elise and Bintou, who work with Caroline on In the Loop. These three hard working ladies are breaking ground for French knitters and working so so hard on In the Loop. I'm expecting them to take over the French knitting world any day now (if they haven't already...) Stay tuned, they have some amazing things planned!

You might also recognize Caroline as a natural dyer. I am the very lucky recipient of a skein of silky sock and A.S.C. lace. Such a lovely and generous gift!

alpaca, silk, cashmere lace weight. Died with indigo. Perfect!

silky sock in champagne rose.

and I couldn't resist buying this one more skein of silky sock in champagne...

To check out more of Caroline's yarns visit her shop here!

That's all for now!