Another one of my week-end sewing projects was to make some camera straps. I thought a few photo taking friends would find it a fun gift to receive. Who knows if they’ll ever use it but I had fun making them. And what an easy and quick gift to make! In 1/2 an hour it’s cut, sewn, ironed and wrapped.
Looks as though it’s time to clean that mirror…
Another reversible purse was made yesterday. This one is for my grandmother’s 90th birthday which I’ll be celebrating with her in a few weeks. 90 years old! Amazing considering my grandmother is in excellent shape and more active than most 30 year olds that I know. I mean…you have to call weeks in advance to schedule a visit with her. How incredibly awesome is that? Here’s hoping I live a long and healthy life like her (and that she likes the purse that I made her).
I like the fact that the there are two completely different styles to the purse thanks to the materials. A summery floral and an autumny foliage print.
In between parties I managed to sew a few purses this week-end. We’ve attended 4 parties so far and now we’re all completely burnt out and looking forward to a cozy Sunday at home in front of the fire. I just might have to head up to my sewing room to finish off some last minute Christmas gifts.
Reversible purse made with vintage material and linen found in a store in Belgium called De Vuile Winkel (The DirtyShop).
Another reversible purse made with black linen and a very nice Amy Butler cotton.
This morning I have one of the twins home sick. Poor girl has torcicollo (stiff neck). We decided to make my mother-in-law’s homemade chocolate spread to give the teachers as Christmas gifts. I, of course, used 100% Belgian chocolate. The recipe is:
250 grams Belgian chocolate
250 grams butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk (or 2 tubes if you live in Italy!)
Melt butter and chocolate in saucepan. When melted and smooth stir in condensed milk. Take off heat. Pour into prepared jars. Simple as that.
My little (big) 7 year old son came home yesterday with the most beautiful drawing of a zebra. I was shocked when he said that he did it. Usually this son of mine spends hours drawing complicated “Poop Factories” or scenes from Star Wars. So when he arrived home and hung this drawing on the fridge I was amazed that he’d drawn a zebra and that it wasn’t even in space or defecating. The colours he used are so warm and reminiscent of an African savanna.
I’m a proud mama.
Who would have thought finding sweetened condensed milk would be so difficult in Italy. I recently found a recipe that calls for said milk and I started my search for it in the shops 2 weeks ago. It was not to be found anywhere. So yesterday while in Milan I popped into one of the mega grocery stores (that are opening up everywhere here at the moment). I searched the baking aisle and the milk section to no avail. Finally I came across these tubes of Latte Intero Concentrato Zuccherato by Nestle in the section that sells Gatorade. And on these tubes it’s written Ideale per lo sport e il tempo libero (Ideal for sport and free time). What? I rushed home to consult the European husband and he looked at me like I was completely daft that I didn’t know that everyone in Europe sucks this sugared condensed milk out of a tube while doing sports (especially skiing). I think he even said that that was the “original use” for condensed milk.
Just look at all those athletes that have obviously just sucked a tube of condensed milk! Just the thought makes my gag reflex go into full tilt.
I did a quick trip to a local market today. It’s a beautiful and clear (although chilly) day and the views of the mountains are amazing. I meandered through the outdoor market and through the cobblestone streets of the little lakeside town. All the shops were closed but I did spot a little old nun on her way to what I supposed was church. But in the end I saw her dropping into the local bar for a caffe macchiato.
This was the view out my bedroom window at about 7am this morning. The clouds were fuchsia. The moon was out. And the mountains were full of snow. Gorgeous.
With all the Sinterklaas parties and various holiday events lately I haven’t had a lot of time to sew. But the last few days I have managed to start sewing some of the Christmas gifts for various teachers and friends. One sewing machine is broken and the other one seems to be holding up so far (even with all the oilcloth I’ve been using). 
This shows how many different projects I have on the go at the moment. By looking at our calendar I can’t seem to find a lot of time to get it all finished before Christmas. I guess they’ll be some late nights spent in the sewing room. It might actually help if our internet cut out for a few days…
It was an incredibly beautiful, sunny and warm day today. We decided to take advantage of the weather and the fact it was a vacation day (Concepzione Immaculata) and go for a nice walk up the Sacro Monte. Our kids don’t really know a lot about biblical stories so the walk up the hill with all the little chapels depicting the life of Jesus was actually very interesting for them. There are 14 chapels and views as far as Milan and of all the local lakes.
About
Jillian in Italy Interview by Classic Play!
Jillian In Italy interview on Pret A Voyager
Embroidery With Kids
Father's Day Origami Garland
Miniature Bulletin Boards
Surprise Activity Garland
Italian Crostata Recipe
Snail Mail Booklets
Doily Fairy Lights
Jan Fabre Exhibit With Kids
Japanese Handicrafts
Miniature Waffle Cookies
Jillian In Italy 