Musee Sorolla and some tapas

Today we had a very busy day, foot  weary after a big day yesterday- where we managed the wonderful park and the interesting Prado museum, we caught the train to the Musee Sorolla as advised by our son who was in Madrid a few weeks ago. We managed the metro easily and a short walk and we were there. A lovely garden - which I would be happy to own and. a house full of paintings and artworks, he was known as the -painter of light- well worth the trip. Almost better than the Prado- a little art overload!
Then another metro trip to the soccer stadium, decided not to do very expensive self tour so we made our way back to the Palacio Real.
How magnificent, the armoury was my favourite, shame I didn't take pencil and paper to draw some of the exquisite designs etched on that wonderful armour. No photos allowed which was a shame as my memory can't do what it used to!
The palace was of course overwhelmingly beautiful, so much opulence and design- design overload, ceramic walls, painted ceilings- my poor neck...
Then a short siesta- much needed. We braved the local supermarket again- just fascinating - and bought muesli bars and water for the trip to Toledo.
A trip to a local tapas bar for some much needed food and wine, didn't try the sea urchins, although the rest was yummy...
Wandered the streets - fun and tiring.
Off to Toledo today on an organised tour, 40% chance of rain, hopefully not.

Decorated chair

Grate design

Water tap in street

A day in Madrid

Here we are, safely in Madrid, a very long flight or 2. Managed the local metro, showered then off to see the sights. So many shoe shops! Might need a bigger bag!
Several craft and knitting shops nearby, interesting.
Its quite overcast now today, so maybe no sunburn for us,but a siesta when it gets hot will be the thing. Our hotel is amazingly central which is wonderful.

Plaza Mayor, early in the ,morning, breakfast by pointing to  pictures!  good speedy service.
Peter already taking lots of pics. I just wander round the shops and buildings while he adjusts his camera lens!
Off to the parque del retiro for a wander.....

A little holiday

 Sewing machine packed- well covered from the ever present dust. It will be ready when I get back for some serious sewing.

 Quilts folded ready to deliver for the quilt show- when I get back from Paris- I had a lot of trouble with the on-line applications, in the end printed off the entry forms and posted then- lets hope Australia Post comes good.

 Suitcase almost packed, its going to be hot in Spain, so I won't need too many clothes, a small variety of layers! plus room for new clothes...

My knitted shawl, almost done too, might leave this one at home.

This now comes to the pressing question- now that my knitting is all but done and my hand sewing finished- what do I take with me for hand work? I could always buy some new wool and make some lacy Spanish concoction- in Spain- I am sure the selection of wool will be enticing, not sure about the instructions though, or prepare some hand applique today or tomorrow. I find it hard to sit and do nothing, especially on long train trips. I can knit and look out the windows, reading gets me too absorbed, and I will read till the book is finished, often long into the night.
Pondering.

Almost finished

I am on the downhill stretch to get one of my quilts finished before the deadline for entries and a trip to Spain and France.

It is half quilted, so I think I am good! although time does go fast when you are working almost fulltime. Just need to be dedicated and not waste time.
This is the back, well some of it!
I am using the Fons and Porter quilting gloves- blue ones for grip, they are almost worn out, but am finding them a good product for extra grip, and I must say the wool batting is lovely to work with.
The question is do I need some hand stitching for my holiday or not? this quilt was my hand stitching and now I am at the quilting stage.... hmmm to be considered.

I am delighted this week to have one of my quilts as a project in Down Under Quilts, it is on the front cover and all! also I have a picture of my recent Queensland Quilters challenge winning quilt too- very happy indeed.

  The quilt belongs to my son, and is a bright colourful boys quilt. We are both a bit chuffed to have our quilt feature on the front cover.

 A little light reading, some new books I ordered recently. Some seriousness and some fun!

More light reading, my Spanish is woeful, my French marginally better, oh well I will just have to point and hope! Still planning what to see, there is so much, and we only have a limited time. Will unfortunately miss the European Quilt exhibition in Alsace as we are just too far away, and have such a short time. Oh well another year.