Playful murals, paintings, books and an eye for opulent textiles have turned a former ruin on the shores of Lake Garda into a pair of elegant homes. Feature Janet Gleeson. Photographs Andreas Von Einsiedel.

Believe it or not, July 25 is actually National Thread the Needle Day. The best way to honor this day is to help you ramp up your sewing game by giving you three easy ways to thread a sewing needle.