Seams French

Dijon, known throughout the world for it's famous mustard and wines, is also a city full of many medieval architectural treasures. During the 11th to 15th century, it was a city of great wealth and a centre for art, learning and science. Many of these buildings and works of art have survived and are still in use today. The "chouette", (or owl), is considered to be a good luck charm in Dijon and the symbol can be found scattered throughout the city, sometimes in unexpected places.  Here it has been set into the sidewalks. An architectural peculiarity of Burgundy are the polychrome glazed roof tiles in terracotta, green, yellow and black, arranged in geometric patterns.  (I see a pieced quilt coming from this tour of Burgundy!) One of the many intricately carved doors found throughout the historic centre of town. (Inspiration for a free-motion quilting design?) These half timbered houses, some dating as far back as t...

"Bonheur", the French word for happiness, is the appropriately named hotel barge that gently carries it's passengers down the Canal du Bourgogne through the idyllic French countryside of Burgundy. "The Lady Bonheur" moored for the day. We floated along scenic, tree-lined canals. Along the way, we passed by postcard perfect country villages. Pretty little gatehouses stand watch at each lock. Annie and Paul Roberts, the owners and hosts of the Bonheur, add special touches to the day to make it memorable. http://www.bargebonheur.com/ . While Captain Paul skillfully pilots the boat down the waterways, Annie works her magic in the kitchen. Special touches. Paul outlining the days schedule. Annie in the process of creating yet another delicious meal. Using fresh, local ingredients,  Annie whips up one fantastic meal after another. Here we sample some local cheeses and charcuterie. Served alongside peppers stuffed with oven dried ...

This summer, I am very fortunate to be taking some classes in "boutis" with Madame Francine Born. Madame Born is one of the "Grandes Dames du Boutis" in southern France, and as such, has a vast amount of knowledge related to the history and the traditional techniques of the craft. Along with the many samples of her own work that she brings to the class for her students to study, she also has many stories to share about the history and the tradition of boutis. And of course, through out the class, priceless gems of technique are taught. She showcases her work on her own website: http://www.boutis-provence.fr/ or http://www.boutis.fr/ . (Google will translate). "Le Mireille" is one of Madame Born's designs, using traditional motifs and symbols for the design. In the design on the left, she uses coloured cording in the channels. The same design on the right uses white cording. "Les papillons" (butterflies), combines boutis with ...

I recently had the opportunity to become a member of the association of "France Boutis". "France Boutis" is an organization, similar to the quilt guilds in North America, that promotes the tradition and heritage of boutis. In May they held their first "Salon National du Boutis" exposition in Caissargues. They also meet regularly to work together and to teach and support each other. Last week, I attended one of these meetings, and had the pleasure of meeting 8 other women, all committed to mastering this traditional craft. The women all came ready to work on their latest piece. Here (left to right): Dominique, a patchwork quilter now also learning the art of boutis; Marianne, generous in sharing her expertise with others; Dominique, (seated) a lace artisan, working on a new design for her boutis; and Danielle, a "boutisseuse" whose  positive energy and cheerful smile  brightened the afternoon.   Danielle with Marie-France, who was coordin...

. This seems to be the year for vibrant greens. The plants on the terrace are doing very well. The local student housing is brilliant with colour. Restaurants seem to be growing their own napkins now. As well as placemats. And who wouldn't want to wear these shorts? Even the plants are known to come up green this year!  Can a green quilt be on the horizon?

Just a 20 minute drive from Montpellier is the sea-resort town of Palavas-Les-Flots, a great place to enjoy a steaming bowl of "Moules-Frites" (mussels and fries) on the beach, when a sudden urge hits. For a light dessert, the "Cafe Gourmand" offers a sampling of desserts available that day.

Having been back in Montpellier for 3 weeks now, spring cleaning is done, the pantry is more or less restocked with all of the local delicacies, and our balcony is slowly "greening up". We have also spent time with friends, savouring the delights of the countryside, both with our eyes and our taste buds. Spring fields are brilliant with poppies that grow wild. A local vineyard that makes a refreshing rose. The nearby fishing village of Grau du Rois. Aside from enjoying some of the delights of the area, my research of the local needlework tradition of boutis continues. I was fortunate to be able to attend the first "Salon National du Boutis", held in Caissargues (near Nimes), and organized by France Boutis. www.franceboutis.canalblog.com France Boutis supports both traditional and contemporary boutis, and the exhibition had the best of both types of work on display. Because of copyright concerns, I have no photos of the show, however, the following links...