Crafting project #1

One of the earlier posts I had on this blog, I mentioned how I would worry about my time in London, once I moved back and have yet to start a job (GIMME A JOB!)
Thought it's probably about time for a blog that is meant to be about knitting and running, to finally have a bit of knitting/crafting/sewing in it, and not just me rambling on about random things that, really, don't interest people. I hope the little projects I am about to post would be more interesting!

When I was still working at Valentino, they would always receive amazing samples and fabric and yarn options and colour cards from factories and manufacturers. Every season they would receive new ones, and so normally after each season they would throw out those that were not used, and won't be useful for the future.

I wouldn't call myself a hoarder, but when I see scraps of fabric, especially beautiful coloured, amazing material fabric my heart jumps a little and I get butterflies in my stomach. There I was, ready to leave work one evening, and I was confronted by about 5 boxes full of these materials and colour cards.

I didn't know what I was going to do with these extra material, but I just know that I couldn't let them be thrown out just like that! It was such a waste! So I carefully selected all the ones that I wanted, which is the majority, took them off their paper to reduce space needed to transport them, and carefully folding each pieces and brought them home with me.

I couldn't contain my excitement, all my friends in Rome, in London, my family all heard about how I am so excited with all these materials. Then I was asked 'What are you going to do with them?'

That's true. I haven't thought about it, and if I was completely honest, I had no idea. But I needed to make sure I had a clear goal, because if I didn't, one thing I was sure is when I return and within a few months I didn't what I would do with them, I probably would have thrown them out (or give them to Brandy!). So I started researching.

I have always been amazed with all these knitting and quilting projects I see on the internet, certain blogs I just love (I will probably upload with a list of them in another post). The beautiful colours, pattern combination and all the possibilities made it seemed natural I would make my first quilt with all these fabric scraps. Another reason was that these scraps weren't really big enough to do anything, but be decoration, what better way to utilise them than to create an even bigger piece of fabric?

So I set myself a few projects, the first one would be to make a nice small quilted cover to serve as a practice, then I would move on to bigger and better pieces once I am more settled in London and the rest of my luggages is moved in with me.

I would also make small patterned quilted hangings for my mum and friends. I was particularly drawn to religious medals when I was in Rome, so I went a bit crazy purchasing all the different kinds, and looked forward to sewing them onto the fabric as ornaments. 

Embroidery was another thing that I was very drawn to while researching all these ideas and possible projects, in particular paper embroidery. There are some beautiful wall hangings and large scale work with intricate embroidery detailing which I would love to explore also. But first I wanted to try it out again, so I was quite set on the idea of just the usual fabric embroidery as well as photo embroidery. The latter also gave me a sense of what to expect if I was to go on and doing some paper embroidering. 

These are all very amateurish, but I was quite happy with the outcome and definitely keen to start on some new paper work soon. But this is not to forget I still want to work on work for friends. I am not going to say who this is for, but if this specific friend of mine is reading this, she can probably guess it's for her because I think what I have embroidered is one of her favourite things. She will get this present soon enough.

I shall leave my blog post here, hopefully will post more in the future after more crafting projects. If anyone is interested, very keen to teach and spread the skill and joy, I accept payment in hugs and coffee and company :)

Gelato #2

Since the last post, I have had some serious craving and resorted to looking for a good pizzeria in London, and it wasn't bad. I would even give it an 8 out of 10, only if the price was lower. But they did have gelato. Even though I had to pay £3.50 for basically a piccolo they did have a very nocciola (hazelnut), but I am not too sure about the pistacchio.

Anyway, back on the topic of Gelato, to continue on from my last post, I thought I would write a more detailed description and my not-so-professional reviews for each and every one of the gelateria I listed.

1. COME IL LATTE - score: 9.5/10

I think all my friends who have been to this place, would agree, this place is friggin' amazing. Tucked away on a side street in a not so touristy area, this place is a gem. Probably one of the most elaborate gelato there are in Rome, you start off with choosing chocolate on the tap to go into the cone, then there are around 15-20 gusto (flavours) available. Trust me, you want to try them all, and you should definitely take your time to decide on flavours you want before asking for assistance, because it will take such a long time to decide the cone they are holding in the hand would probably have crumbled before you make the decision. Also, it has amazing flavours. Highly recommend the Caramelle di sale (Salted Caramel), any flavours with Fichi (Fig). There are also 5 flavours for panna (cream) which just makes your decision making that much harder. The best? Its portion is big, and amazing. I don't think I can say 'amazing' enough for this gelateria.

2. NEVE DI LATTE - score: 9/10

I have Ginny to thank for this place. She introduced this gelateria to me one day during a hot weekend in June and I have made regular trip ever since (given that it is only a 5 minutes tram ride away). They have simple flavours, lots of choices, but the always-great-staple flavours. And their panna is probably the best. This place is far away enough to not have too many tourists, but close enough to have plenty of transportation methods to get there.

3. GELATERIA DEI GRACCHI - score: 9/10

I guess this is the original Gracchi gelateria as it is located on Via die Gracchi, and their pistachio is the best I have had in Rome. It is in Prati so a great spot to chill out after some shopping on Via Cola di Rienzo, or a spot for dessert after dinner in this area (which, by the way, is filled with too-good-to-be-true trattorias).

4. I CARUSO - score: 8.5/10

There are 4 vending points (is that a direction translation from italian? Or this word doesn't actually exist in english?) and the one on Via Collina is amazing. What is also fantastic about this place is that they have flavours of the month. Excuse to go back at least once a month throughout the year.

5. FRIGIDARIUM - score: 8.5/10

Located on a street filled with cool bars and vintage shops, perfect hang out on a hot, sunny afternoon. The flavours are the usual, but the magic lies when they ask you panna o cioccolato? Which you reply saying 'Cioccolato' because the entered gelato is then dipped into this tub of chocolate, which upon touching the freezing cold gelato forms a coat. Fantastic addition to the already fantastic dessert.

6. GELATERIA DEL TEATRO - score: 7-7.5/10

Tucked away on a side street next to the Tevere, this little gem has some amazing gelato to offer. When I went, I opt for the melone and it was out of this world. From taste buds memory it is places quite highly, but I have to be honest, I don't remember this place THAT well, apart from it was good.

7. FATAMORGANA - score: 7/10

I went to the one in Prati but there is also a selling point in Monti. They have some pretty amazing combo flavours, and I especially like the fruity ones. Some have alcohol in them, and some is just amazing combination, which if you can't decide which three single flavours to go for, just go for three 'four-flavours' flavours.

8. GELATERIA LA ROMANA - score: 7/10

This place is super popular. And really good. If there wasn't the constant queuing from the two shops they have (whichever day and whatever time I am there) it would probably be placed higher on this little table. There are good flavours, and good portions. And multiple flavours for panna also, but the queue. When I want gelato, I don't want to have to wait for 20-30minutes before I get it. I know I am spoilt.

9. GELATERIA OLD BRIDGE - score: 7/10

Right next to Risorgimento which is just outside the Vatican, great little gelateria that you would almost missed, if it wasn't for the line of people you see. I like this place and would recommend anyone who is around that area to visit, is because how generous their portions are. Don't bother with a medio, go for a piccolo because it is THAT big. A piccolo is probably a grande in other gelateria's standard. Not a lot of choices for flavours, but great portions.

10. CIAMPINI - score: 6.5/10

Simple, easy, good for money. I went here on a day where I was set out to have multiple gelato (after a long run, so I deserved it) and this was a good place to start. Refreshing fruit flavours. I probably would not go out of my way to visit again, but if I go past it, definitely worth trying out.

11. GELATERIA DEI GRACCHI - score: 6/10

This is not to be mixed up with the one on Via die Gracchi. On Via di Ripetta, this is the third shop they have opened (I think? Based on the order on their business card) and it is simple and good. However, their pistachio somehow just doesn't seem to match the quality of that in their main shop.

12. VENCHI - score: 6/10

A chocolate shop on Via della Croce, they also have a gelato section and they have some great flavour choices, namely their nougat and special chocolate ones. However, I did not appreciate the fact that you had to pay extra for panna.

13. GIOLITTI - score: 5/10

The famous Giolitti which is filled with tourists, it's a good spot to visit one time, during your stay in Rome. It is good to take in the everything that is all happening at once inside Giolitti, and be in awe with the huge counter, full of different gelato choices. But like I said, it is very much aimed at tourists.

14. SAN CRISPINO - score: 5/10

I went to a franchise branch so may be the quality is not as good. Melone is still amazing (Jazz got me hooked on that flavour) But apart from that, I don't have much else to say about it.

15. GROM - score: 4/10

Similar to San Crispino, I went to a franchise branch and again, the flavours were ok. But having tasted what pistacchio and nocciola should be like, this gelateria doesn't help my craving much. Also there was no panna option.

16. FASSI - score: 3/10

In the 'chinatown' area of Rome, it is HUGE. And very cheap. But it was ok. Flavour wise, there were lots of choices. Portions were ok. But over not very impressive, and I wouldn't say it's somewhere you HAVE to visit.

My not so professional reviews, hope you enjoyed. If anyone would ever visit Rome for a food tour, remember to tell me as most likely I will tag along. :)

Gelato #1

Having returned for just over a week, I can safely say that my body and mind are slowly settling back and getting used to the weather, climate, and lifestyle in London. However, my taste buds haven't completely settled and sometimes, there are moments when I really crave those amazing mozzarella pizza from a forno legno, suppli or arancine al ragu.

And GELATO.

Now I am no connoisseur of this heavenly creamy dessert, but I was in Rome from April to October, during its hottest month, so it is safe to say that I probably visited a gelateria once a week. At the height of my craze for gelato, I probably ate at least 2/3 a week.

To feed this monstrous craving, I researched plenty, during hours which I should be working, running and other things but eating gelato. So I thought I would compile a list of gelateria, may be in order of an overall score (?!?) just so that in the future if any of my dear friends would visit Rome, there is at least some sort of a list to work from, instead of falling in those artificial-coloured and puffy touristy traps (despite the long queues forming outside it).

1. COME IL LATTE - Via Silvio Spaventa 24/26

2. NEVE DI LATTE - Via Luigi Poletti

3. GELATERIA DEI GRACCHI - Via dei Gracchi, 272

4. I CARUSO - Via Collina 13/15

5. FRIGIDARIUM - Via del Governo Vecchio 112

6. GELATERIA DEL TEATRO - Via di San Simone 70

7. FATAMORGANA - Via Giovanni Bettolo, 7

8. GELATERIA LA ROMANA - Via XX Settembre, 60

9. GELATERIA OLD BRIDGE - Viale Bastioni di Michelangelo, 5

10. CIAMPINI - Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucinda, 29

11. GELATERIA DEI GRACCHI - Via di Ripetta, 261

12. VENCHI - Via della Croce, 25/26

13. GIOLITTI - Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40

14. SAN CRISPINO - Via della Panetteria

15. GROM - Via Agonale, 3

16. FASSI - Via Principe Eugenio, 63/67

Some other gelateria that are good to try if you are around the area:

ANTICO CAFFE DELL'ISOLA - Isola Tiberina

IL GELATO DI CLAUDIO TROCE - Viale Aventino, 59 - Circo Massimo

GELATERIA - Via M. Colonna

Price guide:

Piccolo (Small) - normally around €2-2.50, 2 gusti

Medio (Medium) - around €3, 3 gusto

Grande (Large) - €3.50-4, 4 gusti

Panna is free, and I recommend that if there is an option for panna, go for it, unless it is your third gelato of the day.

Normally, Cono (cone) feels larger portion than if you go for Coppetta (cup).

Often the fruit flavours are senza crema/latte (without cream, milk) so if you are a vegan those are great options.

A great phrase to learn is 'Potrei assaggiare (flavour) per favore?' meaning, could I try this (flavour). Thanks Ginny. Though don't push it and go and try 10 flavours and only get a piccolo.

I will come up with a carefully written review for all the above gelateria soon, please bare with me, while I cry in front of my laptop thinking about how I won't be able to just jump onto a tram and get a cono piccolo with nocciola and pistacchio with panna.

Prayers for Hong Kong

These last weeks have been incredibly emotional for me. Not only am I leaving Rome, a beautiful city that gave me a great career opportunity, new experience and new friends for life, I was able to do nothing while I watch my home city being destroyed (figuratively speaking).

After work has finished, I spent a good few days being a tourist around Rome, and this means visiting as many sights (mostly churches) around the city. The few that I went to on Thursday and Friday were:

Santa Maria in Vittoria

Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Prassede

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

San Giovanni in Laterno

San Clemente

San Pietro in Vincoli

Santa Maria in Cosmedin

Chiesa dei Cappuccini

San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane

Basilica di San Marco

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

I am not Catholic, though my mother is, but when I visited the Sistine Chapel in Vatican I felt extremely emotional. I have never read the Bible extensively though I do believe there is a greater force. This might have been the reason as to why when I was present in the magnificent room, hearing a prayer spoken by a priest I teared up. There was a strong feeling, an unexplainable overwhelming sense of being. My heart fluttered, and emotions took over. I looked around and there were others who seemed to have similar experience.

So I prayed. I prayed for my family and friends. There was presence of serenity, and calmness and I really appreciated it, before ushered out and back onto the busy, tourists-filled streets of Rome. 

Since that day, I have taken up more interests of the religion and its teaching. I want to understand more. So I made it my goal to read the Bible once I am back in London with one. My parents have always told me, 'Believing in a greater force other than yourself is a great way to build your personality' and I think I am finally ready to understand that.

Then the problems in Hong Kong happened a month later.

I feel so helpless, being thousands of miles away from Hong Kong, not able to do a thing. Only to receive informations from media outlets and from friends, experiencing the chaos from these points of views. So it was only fitting that when I visited the churches, I prayed again. This time, I prayed for Hong Kong.

As I said, I am no Catholic and therefore I don't know what the whole proper procedure for praying should be, I might have looked like a fool, kneeling, hands together, eyes closed and muttering words. But these actions once again brought tears to my eyes.

I asked for guidance for those in Hong Kong. I asked for light. I asked for wisdom and I asked for the conflict to stop, for anger to disappear and problems to be resolved. And every single time I went to a church, 10 times in total, and said the exact same prayer, I get choked up. My emotions took over my mind. 

It is such a difficult emotion to explain. Although I cried, but I feel lighter. Everyday as I read more about what is happening in Hong Kong, I feel heavier, worse and more lost about the future for my home city. I guess I didn't know what else to do, apart from pray and hopefully my prayer is heard.

Sorry about such a heavy post, there has been so much emotion and weight lately that writing it out helps soothe this unsettling feeling.