crochet top pattern

Finally it was warm enough outside today, to wear my new handmade crochet top and take some pictures.

You can download the CROCHET TOP PATTERN in my Etsy shop now.

I've worked out the pattern in a step by step process with lots of detailed photos (11 pages). The crochet top pattern is an easy to follow pattern and it is available in English and Dutch version.

Don't you think the white edge is 'très chic'? It's a subtle and sophisticated finishing touch.

All you need is about 150 grams of cotton and 50 grams for the edges to make your summer crochet top! Choose your favorite colour(s) and get started.

It's not difficult at all and it takes just a few days to make it. I'm already making a second one, this time a striped version.

mini rock star

On the first of May our mini niece was born.

My niece Afra from London gave birth to a beautiful daughter!

To welcome our youngest family member, we sent her a tiny ROCK STAR t-shirt!

Fits flawlessly with the cool mini ombre cardigan I made for her a while ago...

Do you 'sigh for' a super cute and handmade maternity gift for a baby (on the way)?
You can download the pattern in my ETSY SHOP.

As you can see on the last photo, it's also possible to wear the cardigan inside out, like a fur-lined mini jacket.

best-loved little things

Nothing beats dinner in the backyard! Whenever possible, we eat outside.

To me it is one of the best-loved 'little things', unhesitatingly.

The Nasturtium flower seeds under the small ginkgo tree are already growing considerably over the last weeks (and the wooden skewers I planted to keep the cats out of the tree tub...)

amsterdam & hockney's joy of nature

Amsterdam - 10th of May - 12987 steps

Coffee and cake at Waargenoegen.
Vintage tour at Van Dijk & Ko and Neef Louis.
Catch of the day; two crazy chairs, Hungarian 'design'.
Lunch at Stach.
Van Gogh Museum - The Joy of Nature - David Hockney*.
Drinks at Cafe Wildschut
Evening walk to the Olympic Stadium.
Dinner at the Neni* restaurant in the iconic Citroën garage.

Splendid and inspirational day in Amsterdam!

* In April 2015 we visited another David Hockney exhibition at the Noordbrabants Museum in Den Bosch.
* In March 2019 we visited Neni am Naschmarkt in Wien.

petit pelargonium

A pelargonium cutting grown by my friend Lammie. How alluring is this color?!

Does anyone happen to know the name of this old-fashioned pelargonium?

For now the cutting is still hanging in my atelier, but as soon as the weather gets better, it can be moved to the garden.

Spring weather has not genuinely started yet overhere, after the beautiful Easter weekend the sun was gone abruptly...

the chevron pillow on repeat

New chevron pillow in the making.
Since both chevron pillows I made in January have moved to Boston, USA.

Actually only one chevron pillow was listed in my etsy shop, however Gillian, a friendly customer, asked me if she could buy them both. Well I thought it's better when the pair would stick together anyway.

I miss the pillows in my studio, so I started a new pillow project the same evening. Chevron pillow on repeat, in white & colors, my best loved combination.

Fancy to make one too?

You can download the chevron pattern (with chart) in my ETSY SHOP.

cooking class for all senses

Strolling around the vegetable market is a feast for the eyes, the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables always makes me feel very happy.

That's the reason why there is a cooking workshop included in the program every time. The 'Marrakech experience' of doing your own shopping in the souk, is something that gives your visit to Marrakech an extra dimension. The wonderful scents, intense colors and pure beauty of daily Medina life on the market, is something you have to undergo with all senses.

A veggie cooking class with fresh and organic vegetables from the market therefore is a memorable happening!

During the Marvelous Marrakech workshop we will organize a veggie cooking class. After breakfast we take our baskets to shop our vegetables, fruits and spices at the local market in the Medina. When we return to the riad with baskets full of groceries, our chefs Rachida and Malika will show us the tricks and help us to prepare some mouth-watering Moroccan dishes in the courtyard of Chambres d'Amis.

After we have upgraded our culinary skills and our home cooked Moroccan meal is ready, lunch is served on the rooftop terrace. It's time to try and taste all the lovely flavors and enjoy a luscious lunch.

I'm eagerly looking forward to October...

Photo: april 2014