Dream house in Provence 戀戀山城普羅旺斯

Since visited Provence some 16 years ago, the good memories are still hovered. The cottages in the mountain are so typical and cozy.
What a surprise package I just received. It's a New Year gift - a little book of houses in Provence, from my French friend Brigitte. She's so nice to send me this book which reminds my holidays there. Of my three visits in 16 years, we've been to a few villages, the houses/cottages are impressive. The little book illustrated drawings of houses and culture.
16年來三次普羅旺斯之旅, 對這山城風光與人物印象縈迴, 我的法國朋友給我寄來新年特別禮物 - 一本小書以畫工描繪普羅旺斯的房子與生活文化, 這小畫冊帶給我很多美麗難忘的回憶, 以下抽出幾頁分享 I've extracted some pages and photos of my last visits.



The houses are mostly built of stones in the mountain.

Some were built hundred years ago but are well maintained.

The village sits still in the mountain.

The entrance - steps of rocks leading to the houses

A walking passage underneath is an alley leading to other houses.

Terrace with vines

Grapes just in arm's reach outside the terrace.

Doors

Some doors are framed with vines.

Roofs

Roofs are mostly of tiles.

Tiles drawings are pretty decorations.

Fragrance of lavender in summer.

Ancient little stone house amid the lavender field.

Bought a bundle of lavender.

Weekly farm market selling Provencal procelains.

Figurines of Provence.

On our day in Arles, the girl was in traditional costume for the equestrian.

Everywhere is theme for painting. In the opening of a painting exhibition, among were J.Eymard, Dragic....

We're honoured to be invited.

The stunning Provence nurtured many artists. Brigitte's grandma Noemie was a painter as well.

This little boy playing water in the fountain is another painter's son. We'd some good times in this cottage.

"If I had a mas in Provence...."
If I had a house in Provence, Brigitte, your house is our dream house.

Thank you so much Brigitte and Jean.

Aileen, Heidi and I always reminisce our good old days with you. Your little book certainly brings us lots of memories of our holidays.

Linking with Creative Princess

A weighty book with heavy interest 重量級的書本

How excited today I received the ordered book "Second Skin"! Can't wait to say how delighted I am holding it and reading it. Every page is informative. Front and back covers are compelling.The book is not only of eco prints but also of caring for textiles and clothing as well the history of plant dyeing/ printing.

I'll certainly digest and dig more info to pursuit my interests in this area. To explore more than my limit knowledge.....

It's a heavy book with 284 pages of beautiful printing.

Mogi, " expecting to see mum doing more experiments and to share....... "

Stitches on eco-dyed bag 一針一線的環保袋

Today is the third day of our Chinese New Year, i.e. the last day of holiday. After some family gatherings, I stayed home today. It's chilly these days. I do not want to stay out just doing some stitches to keep me calm. I refer to Kim's blog of stitches linked with Pin Tangle which inspired me to do some stitches on my eco print fabrics. This bag just made.
See I'm in a Chinese New Year mood doing the stitches.

It's a silk which I dyed with leaves and iron rust but the leave prints are not good so I stitched the outlines.
After stitches on one side, I tore off other scraps to braid the handles then sewed the bag.

One side with stitches along the leaves.

The other side I embellished the scraps to make flowers attached.

Both sides look.

We're here already regulated to bring own bags for shopping. This DIY bag is light and small. I fold it in the small bag as a set and keep it in my handbag for grocery shopping. For people who have no idea of eco-print or dye may not like this color -looks like dirts or mess but I'm pleased with the organic look.

Nowadays people living in bustle and hustle urban do not bother to do the stitches / embroidery. But I gradually find the crafts pretty. If I have more time I'd love to do other styles of stitches. The group found stitched dyed is fantastic to exchange and learn.

Linking with Threading My Way - bags and totes

Fun share with colleagues 羊毛袋子製作分享

Last week my colleague L. passed by my desk and asked what I’ve been up to. I said same old indulged in wool craft and shown her the little pouch I made. She found it nice and wondering how it’s made. I said we can arrange some time to make one. Today with colleagues we spared the lunch time to join the fun. Due to time constraints, we made only the simple pouch for mobile phones. These are what they’ve made.
They're concentrated in laying wool.

They’re new to wool craft and surprised for the finished form without sewing. Yes, playing wet felt is magical. It's not popularly here in Hong Kong. I do like to promote it. Whenever I've the chance to show off, I'd like to "hard sell" this versatile craft.

Gals I hope you enjoyed the process and find it amazing.

This one with kissing sheep I made as sample.
If next time we’ve more time and space, I’d love more colleagues to join and make the pouches with a little embellishment or pattern.