Yarn's Away!!

Doesn't he look cute with his tricolore?

Ever since we arrived, I've been wanting to help in yarn bombing Todi -- just picture it: our charming town decorated in lively colors just for the fun of it!

I approached my friend Anna Maria (who owns one of the several yarn shops in town), and she also loved the idea! Hurray! Next step: convincing others that it would really be fun. We originally had the idea that we would bomb in November 2013, but that quickly became out of the question...as did the broad scope that we originally conceived. Keep it simple, right?

In front of the Theatro...and at night
you can see the Todi eagle!

Anna Maria completely took it on, and I'm amazed at what has happened. Collecting her customers, friends, whoever, she went with the idea of the "Fantasy Gardens" that I had envisioned, and every Friday got together with them to knit. Unfortunately, I was unable to join them since afternoons bring homework...but I did bits and pieces on my own at home as I could.

The lantern lit...I don't have the hang of
my new camera which is why it's duplicated.

However, being Italy, this was an activity that would without question require a permit. Anna Maria to the rescue again! She assured me time and time again that the permit would come through, but I confess that after months of waiting, I started to lose heart. I had been requested to work on a bicycle, but foundered because I lost faith. And I don't mean the bunny Faith.

The date we had set for the bombing came and went. No permit.

All lit up!

And then? The Wednesday before Easter, Anna Maria declared with joy that the permit was approved, and we could go ahead and start.

Are you kidding me? Easter weekend? Because obviously there was nothing else to do then. No bike. No time (choir practice, visitors, live crucifixions, ... such a blank time in the calendar, yes?). But it was approved!!!!!

Time to start on the bike in earnest. I confessed that I wouldn't be able to have it done immediately, but that I would continue to work on it and get it done as soon as possible.

Knitknitknitknitknitknitknit.

Sore fingers. Sore hands. No sleep. Grouchy husband.

Detail of chain and lock

But I did it: I knitted a bike.

I want to ride my bicycle!

Meanwhile, my darling friends and acquaintances transformed the Giardinetti into something extraordinary.







Checking in with Anna Maria today, I discovered that there's still more to come -- so I'll post more pictures as the decorations continue!

Love,

Alexandra

Easter eggs

In front of Anna Maria's shop!

Ashley and James in front of the snake!