Orvieto - Day 4

Monday was the first day we were all together. We spent most of the day around town with a little sewing in the afternoon. We all met for breakfast then walked the cobblestone roads to the Duomo, Orvieto's cathedral which is Italy's best gothic church.

What wonderful inspiration the mosaics and images on the front of the building were great resources for our quilt project.

The rose window was magical from the inside of the cathedral.

The interior of the cathedral was stunning. There were two small chapels one the San Brizio Chapel entirely covered with frescos by Fra Angelico , Gozzoli and Luca Signorelli from Cortona.

We were treated to a wholesome lunch at the convent before class stated.

I have 12 enthusiastic students in my class nine from the United States but also three international students. Angela from Dublin Ireland, Elizabeth from Sydney Australia and Baukje a Dutch student who now lives in the country in central France.

Orvieto is a city of layers. Each student started the afternoon making a background for their piece using layers of textural fabric, stitching and ribbons. Lynne got stuck in using linens and cotton fabrics for her layering.

Angela made herself comfortable om the floor piecing and cutting.

We have a lovely room with access to the patio.

Later that afternoon we were treated to a wine and olive oil tasting. Many wines are made in this area and it was very interesting to learn how the different wines affect your taste and what snacks to pair them with.

We finished the afternoon with a walk around the older part of town before heading to dinner.

This is the wonderful view off the rock. Orvieto was built on volcanic rock so the center of the city sits very high and overlooks the countyside below for 360 degrees. Creative Stitching

Sue

Orvieto - Day 3

I keep finding wonderful little treasures at the convent where we are staying, from artwork to wonderful colors of inspiration.

This morning on our way to finding a good cup of coffee I was already taking pictures of all the iron work and the doors. So much to take in!

Great cappuccino!

I also bought a few Olive Wood cutting boards from a craftsman in town.

I spent the morning with Baukje, Vanelle and Mary at the Museo Archeologico Statale di Orvieto. The museum was very interesting all related to artifacts found in this area. The imagery on many of the pots were wonderful. I can see many quilts in my future especially related to my class here.

All 12 students and two husbands have arrived and Kristi and Bill had a reception for all of us this evening. Bill gave us a little tour of the convent and shared with us this wonderful Fresco which is being renovated on one of the kitchen walls of the convent.

We all had a wonderful dinner together at the Trattoria la Polomba. Then strolled around town before retiring for the evening.

Sue

Orvieto - Day 2

It is Saturday and another wonderful day. We visited the market this morning with Kristi and Bill and purchased some wonderful fresh produce for a picnic lunch in the courtyard at the convent.

Mom and I love the fresh Pecorino cheese so bought a wheel from the local cheese man along with strawberries, grapes and bananas to add to the picnic.

The vegetables were fabulous lots of color and inspiration here.

We spent the rest of the morning strolling around the streets shopping and taking in the wonderful Italian culture.

I did a little photography of the wonderful old buildings and many doors topped with metalwork and painted in rich worn colors.

Many of the students arrived this afternoon. We all gathered for dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the evening.

Bill has just posted about the classes prior to my week please visit his blog for a little more about wonderful Italy. makehasteslowly.wordpress.com

Take care

Sue