New Christmas in Italy Quilt 3

It seems that no Italian city or village is complete without a red brick bell tower. They are often the first structure to be spotted high up on the hills, or looming from the centre of town. Once again their architectural styles varied although I knew one had to appear in my Christmas in Italy quilt.

Here is what I came up with

Now there was only one thing left, and that would be Santa himself and his Reindeer!

See you next time warmly Lenna

A Faithful Friend Stitch a Long Quilt Blocks 10,11 and 12

The next three blocks in my A Faithful Friend free block of the month quilt pattern, are now ready for download.

Just click the link here to visit the Complete Craft website. It is so easy. You will have access to these free patterns within minutes. Click here to go there now
Hope you enjoy them!
Warmly Lenna

New Christmas in Italy Quilt 3

 Italy is known as the country of Churches and after visiting this amazing country it is not difficult to see why. Monasteries, Churches and Mother Mary greeted us around every turn. Even in the most unlikely places.
Here are a few of the amazing churches we found. All very different in their architectural style.

So naturally my Christmas in Italy quilt had to include a church, although finding inspirational elements that could be adapted to fabric and applique was not that easy. After much reminiscing, a Church in the city of Verona came to mind. Verona is the home of Romeo and Juliet and boasts the famous balcony.

One of the Churches I discovered was down near the river.

And this stunning Rose window and arched entrance found its way into the quilt as well.

The other discovery down by the river was this lovely lamp post, it reminded me of some I had seen on the shores of Lake Como as well.

Yes, into the quilt it must go.

Although mine is looking a bit older and on a lean!

Speaking of "on a lean", the leaning tower of Pisa did not make it into my Christmas in Italy quilt. But it would have been remiss of me not to include a red brick bell tower. More to come soon.

Warmly Lenna

New Christmas in Italy Quilt 2

Our trip to Italy involved a house swap and we were blessed to exchange with a lovely family from Milano who also owned a villa at Como Lake. Nestled at the base of the Swiss Alps, Como lake was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. Normally bustling with tourists in Summer, Como Lake in the middle of winter was tranquil and at rest. The little village at the top of the lake where we stayed seemed asleep and hardly stirred as we explored its surroundings.

On one of our walks we discovered a small collection of old, stone houses on the side of a hill. They looked over the snow covered mountains and I pondered their history.

It's no wonder that as my Christmas in Italy Quilt evolved, these stone villas and rolling hills appeared. I found the perfect range of fabric for the look I was after.

My other delightful discovery whilst at the villa in Como Lake was in our back yard. The first morning we woke to snow falling from the heavens and as I drew back the curtains in the kitchen there was the most amazing tree laden with wonderful, orange persimmons.

So into the quilt it had to go as well as some of the balcony hanging gardens!

And then of course there were all the churches...but that's another story!

Warmly Lenna