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A Stitcher's Double Delight

by Lilo Bowman

As we continue our tour around the globe, let us venture a little bit further south in Europe to the city of Torino, Italy a city that the Rovaris sisters call home.  While working at the Houston Quilt Festival we found their charming booth just around the corner from ours.  Decked out in homespun red and white ticking, the booth exuded a warmth and hospitality that was a fresh breath of air amidst the hustle and bustle of the Festival around us.  In an age where so much is made by machine, it was a breath of fresh air to see that everything they design is made by hand, including these monogram pendant necklaces.

Monogram Pendant Necklaces by Rovaris

While cross stitch might waned in some areas over the past few years, it is very much alive and well in Europe the Rovaris according to the sisters. Their small business, born from their love of cross stitch, has grown over the past ten years by leaps and bounds.  But, as is often the case, the road that lead them to where they are today came from a much different direction. 

For twenty years, the twins Livia and Paola worked in the family owned computer business.  The company, which dealt with mostly with computers for aircraft provided a good income, but not much time for personal creativity.  With the demands of work and family, Livia and Paola cherished the time when they could relax and cross stitch for a few hours. Their handiwork was usually shared with friends and family.

As fate would have it, a bad economy hit the family business hard and they were forced to close down.  With families of their own to support it became time to move in another direction.  Livia and Paola decided to make use of their creative talents and computer skills by launching their own business.  For years, they had been asked if they had charted patterns for their creative cross stitch designs such as the sewing machine cover (below).

So it seemed the perfect time to take the plunge.  That was ten years ago.  Over the years their activities have managed to keep them stay very close to home.  They still manage all aspects of the company, from design, to photography, and printing.  Keeping things small allows them the freedom to easily make changes when necessary.  Both sisters draw all of the charted designs which later become patterns.  New patterns are printed in small quantities to test for their popularity before producing larger runs.  Pattern designs range from whimsical to the more traditional. Livia and Paolo said that their most popular designs are cats and hearts.

While most designs are in English or Italian there are a few that are offered in several languages.  We found this Christmas tree with Edelweiss, holly, and spools of thread to be quite charming.  All designs are presented on either natural linen or Aida cloth using red embroidery floss.  Most designs are for charts only, however, there are a few that include a pattern.  They told us that most Europeans prefer to buy just the charted design rather than a kit.  A few accessories (charms, wooden spools, buttons, etc.) can be purchased on their website for those who cannot find them in their local area. 

The sisters reside in Torino, Italy but spend a great deal of time traveling around Europe to various needlework shows, especially in France where they are sought after for their unique designs.  They said that trunk shows are very popular in small villages around Europe.  To see more of their work click here.