Holiday Time in Switzerland

Yes, yes, I know we're in the Caribbean right now and it's sunny and hot and that's fabulous, but it doesn't feel like the holidays. It feels like a holiday, but not the cozy, surrounded-by-family-and-good-wishes holiday season. So I'm indulging myself with photos of the last time I was in Switzerland over the holidays--in 2005! Here is Zurich with these fabulous star lights up on the streets in the older section of town.

The famous shopping street, the Bahnhofstrasse, always had lights up for the holidays. A couple years ago they changed the more traditional lights for these modern ones. Uproar! But now they've grown on people, and me.

You see, it's not just fluorescent-light-bulb-like lamps hanging down. They change color and light flashes down the length of the street, making it look like it moves. AND when there are more people walking down the street, the lights flash faster. When it's calm, the lights flash much slower. I think that's pretty cool. Maybe we'll see it next year. Happy holidays to you wherever you are!!

Caribbean Christmas

It's not my first time in warm weather around the winter holidays, but after four times it still doesn't feel like Christmas without the snow and cold, even when they put up a driftwood tree. This one was in Grand Cayman.

Whether it's cold and snowy or warm and sunny, I hope you enjoy this holiday season!

The Sun

When we were on the Wind Star, Remko had to be at work at 4am and I usually couldn't really get back to sleep after he left, so I saw a lot of sunrises.

We normally would be heading into port just after the sun came up, so even if it was a port day, we were still surrounded by water at 5:30am.

It made for some beautiful scenes with the ocean completely surrounding the ship and the pinks and oranges and blues all mingling together.

Sunsets are also a spectacular sight on the water.


This has nothing at all to do with quilting or design, but I love these two times of the day and wanted to share that with you.

Tortuga

On our itinerary, we stopped at an uninhabited island named Tortuga, which was certainly a far cry from the prison island in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. White sand beach, lounge chairs, and a couple buildings where we could bring our barbeque grills.



As any tourist destination has these days, the island also had a gift shop, even if it was in a tent.

I think this is a cool way to use felted wool to make these tropical birds.


I've never seen sequins stacked before, like in these bracelets, and I might have to try that as an embellishment.

What about a really geometric quilt using this two-color block design?

I think it's so fun to get inspiration wherever you are!

Last One

Okay, this is our last trip to San Diego for awhile. (I have to leave my options open, I don't know if I'll ever be back!)

I really enjoyed the architecture of the stores and the flowers--even the cacti were lacy and cool.

My last find was these thread paintings.

Again, I can't imagine the time required to loop the thread back and forth in these patterns. The complexity intrigues me and makes me want to try it.

This last image in a little blurry, but it was so dynamic that I wanted to include it.

I love these colors--the artists definitely weren't afraid of mixing so many bold hues together. For my next quilt, I should learn something from that. Be bold with color!

More Old Town

We're back in Old Town today!


It's too cool to leave for one post. In another store I found these amazing beaded bowls and creatures created by the Huichol Indians of Central and South America.


I can't imagine the time it takes to make one of these, let alone all of them.

I wonder how the patterns could be translated into quilting or an appliqué design or even a pieced block.

Old Town San Diego

Last April we had a weekend in San Diego and I got to explore the city with a friend while Remko was in conferences for work. One of the places that I loved to see was the Old Town.

It's a mini-village that's kept as it was in the late 1800s, except for the fact that there's modern shops and restaurants inside.
I'm not complaining, I found some beautiful folk art that I want to share. Here are some 3D appliqué quilts I found in one store. Cool embroidery and fun shapes.




Now to think how I would make this for myself. A mini-cruise ship? A mountain on Switzerland with skiiers and rescue dogs? What would you do?

Local Crafts

Just a few more shots of Dominica. Roseau, the capital and city we stop in, puts out a market on the days cruise ships come in, selling local crafts and souvenirs. I love the plaid-lettered sign leading to this store full of tropical flower-inspired painted clothes.

Basket weaving is another big craft.

Quilt making in this hot country isn't too popular, but I did find a star block in one store's floor. Check it out!

Dominica

Dominica is a beautiful, natural island. Full of lush forests and amazing waterfalls, it's an adventurer's paradise.

On previous trips I have adventured and explored, so yesterday I was interested in the capital city of Roseau and what there is to see. Buildings are still damaged from recent hurricanes, some missing roofs or walls. But some have beautiful railings and balconies that would look pretty cool as quilt designs or applique.... Check it out:

Coiba, Panama

One week on our Wind Star cruise, we were able to deviate a little from our standard port in Nicaragua to head further south to Coiba, Panama. At one time it was a maximum security prison, but now it's just a standard one. :) On this remote island lived about 60 prisoners, a handful of guards, and a crocodile named Tito.

I'm searching through my photo files and I'm surprised to find this one is the only one I have. I thought I took a photo of the spiny back of Tito barely emerging out of the water. It wasn't safe to swim with him, but you could take photos. :) What surprised me most about this small island is the fact that even they had t-shirts for sale for the 140 people on the ship who came once. They were embroidered, most likely by hand. Check it out.

I love how "Panama" appears in the water of this shirt.

I'll keep looking for photos of Tito and let you know if and when I find them.

Retro Bathroom Signs

Check out the funky people you regularly encounter on the public restroom doors in Switzerland!