Abyquilt

January 2012 quiltmeeting

2012-01-27T07:35:00.001+01:00

Yesterday it was the first quiltmeeting in 2012. A lot of ladies came, shopped. laughed and had show and tell.

Lappemor from Tynset came with a selection from her shop. Of course we bought a lot LOL

Anne Heidi showed us how to use Pinmoor to baste our quilts.

And then there was show and tell……..just enjoy

And did I buy something………oh yes. Really needed some refill with fabric right now. Long time since I visited a quiltshop.

Hanne have given me a challenge to buy the fabric my stash is lacking. I have to many “similar” fabrics and too many fabrics with flowers. Did I do well this time Hanne?

Because when I opened the bundle of fabric (it was on sale half the price, so I just had to) you can see there are not the kind of flowerfabrics I usually buys LOL

Saying for today:

Friends are those rare people
who ask how we are
and then wait to hear the answer.

- Ed Cunningham

Hoping for a finish in OPAM

2012-01-24T21:41:00.001+01:00

January is soon gone, and I realized I have no finish for OPAM this month. Oh yes……..I am joining OPAM this year too. It makes me keep my goal with at least one finish each month.

Together with Kris, she and I started the One Project A Month in 2009, and never did we believe so many wanted to join us and that SO many finishes should be done. Now Kris is hosting it together with Peg and I I am so happy they are willing to do it.

So this evening I glue basted a tablerunner and a small quilt. Hoping I will manage to finish at least one of them before february comes.

Saying for today:

Love my new quilt books

2012-01-19T22:30:00.001+01:00

I just love my new books.

Hanne helped me order the Yoko Saito book directly from Japan. And the two other ones I order myself from capris.no

So much inspiration, so little time.

Saying for today:

Forget about all the reasons
why something may not work.
You only need to find
one good reason why it will.

- Dr. Robert Anthony

Creative weekend

2012-01-15T19:01:00.001+01:00

Elvis has left the building…..eh I mean Hanne has just left the building. We have had a creative sewing weekend.

With a good helping claw checking out the progress on our projects.

He is really a great supervisor, and when there is no space on the sewingtable (wonder why, perhaps too much fabrics and rotarycutting), why not go up the shelf to keep an eye on what we was doing.

Hanne is testing on me a new workshop she is going to teach. And look, I am working with blue fabrics.

Or perhaps they are not really blue, but more greyblue, and those colours I can accept working with and love.

Starting a new project makes a lot of mess in my sewing room. Looking for the perfect backgrounds is not easy, so one by one the light fabrics where pulled out of the drawer.

And finally it got the look I wanted.

Hanne was also working on new models for her workshop. I recomend everyone in Norway to book her for this workshop, it was SO fun, and she has a lot of great ideas and tricks to show.

Do you remeber the secret project I started to work on. I did sew a few blocks, but when looking at them on the design wall, I did not like them at all. I got angry looking at them.

But thanks to Hannes advice I changed ~~some~~ a lot of fabrics and got a whole new look . Unpicked some pieces of the appliqued blocks and kept some of the fabrics on them. And it works.

Now making pizza and then som relaxing applique while watching tv. This has been a great weekend filled with vitamin Q.

Saying for today.

There comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters, who never did,
and who always will.

A quilters brain

2012-01-07T22:45:00.001+01:00

Found this on facebook today. Now I understand it!!!!

Opening of the fabric rolls

2012-01-04T19:54:00.001+01:00

Have a cofession to make. My promise not to start a new project in januar is already broken LOL on January 4th. But there is a reason to why I want to start a new quilt, will tell you later. Remember the rolls of fabric I got for Christmas and my birthday. It was hard to open them, but I think they are perfect for this new quilt. I gues you wonder which quilt…..will show you later LOL It’s kind of a secret at the moment.

Saying for today:

Joy is not in things; it is in us.
Richard Wagner

2012 - a new year with new possibilities

2012-01-01T17:22:00.001+01:00

Woke up this morning to snowcovered trees. So beautiful. We have had almost no snow so far this winther, but I had to admit that even though I am not very fond of snow and cold temperatures, I like the look of this.

Now we are waiting for the snow plow to come.

Rusken came out with me, but he did not like it very much. So he ran indoors very soon.

I know that new my years resolutions is to TRY to stay focused on my projects and TRY to finish the WISPs I am having.

In 2011 I had a total of 42 finishes. 10 less than 2010, but I had quite a few more BIG finishes this year against a lot of small finishes previous year, so I am so happy with the total of 42.

Will not start a new project in january, and try not to buy fabrics until march when I am attending the Norwegian Quilt Associations annualt quilt meeting. Only if it is necessary for BBBB (Border, Binding, Backing and Batting).

I started stitching this project yesterday. It is a design from AnnAKa called Annas veggteppe. I did not buy the kit, only the pattern, because I want to use my own fabrics (which I have a lot of)

I have a lot of projects going on right now, so I am not in need for starting a new one. In my new sewingbag (which I love very much) I store the applique blocks for antique samler. I have prepped almost all the rest of the blocks. Goal is to have this quilt finished until septemper when Sue comes back to Norway.

In the little box I have all the new fabrics I got for Christmas. Some of these are going into Annas veggteppe .

And I want to get the quilt hanging on the wall basted so I can machinequilt it. This was a sewing together project with Hanne and I know she have not finished hers either. So I challenge you on this one Hanne.

Do I have more on going projects LOL. Yes quite a lot. Some alredy ready to be quilted (not decided by hand or by machine yet), and some just lacking a few stitches. These are the ones I want to have focus on now in the beginning of this new year.

My sewing room drawer (let me call it the WISP drawer) is also filled with projects I am working on. Going to have a clean up in this drawer, and perhaps some of them are going to be either given away (know some ladies who loves takeing over WISPs) or just going to end up in the trash.

But right now I am going to do just like Rusken. Just relax and enjoy my last day home from work. A glass of red wine with the turkey dinner, and some stitching on my birds.

Saying for today:

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar Guest

Summary of 2011

2011-12-31T01:14:00.001+01:00

January

As you all know my Christmas gift 2010 from my children was Rusken. So in january when it was SO cold outside we just stayed inside. Had to teach him how to be a quilters cat, and he was a fast learner. He loves to cuddle up in in my quilts, and we was having a great time in the sewingroom.

February

Not much happening in the sewingsroom. But I manage to sew a new weekendbag. I love this bag and have used it a lot.

March

Big happening in march when I went to the Norwegian Quilters Associations annual quilt meeting in Tromsø. We had a lot of fun and got a lot of inspiration from the shop who was attending. And have to admit a lot of fabric, kits and patterns came home with me. Some wonderful days with good friends, and I have already bought the plane ticket and reserved hotelroom to go to Bergen in march 2012

April

I got to meet Sue Daley!!!!! How fun is that. She gave us al so much inspiration and I have started several of her projects. Have I finished them??? Nope…..but I have to before september when she is coming back to Norway.

May

Started to sew on the to Christmasgifts for my children. Two big quilts called “Svennebrevet” (design Lappemakeriet). And I got a lot done when we had our quilt weekend at the cabin.

June

At this time I got the big UFO-agony. Counting my projects and planning which one to give focus. And I really manage to stay focused and ended up with 8 finishes this summer. And my DD moved back home from school.

July

I started my Tour de Fibre and tried to blog every day along with Tour de France, but then horror struck Norway with the bombing in Oslo and killing out on Utøya. At times like this I am glad I have my sewing.

August

Another visit to the cabin with good friends. Still focusing on old projects.

September

My Quilt Guild went on a fun and inspiring quilt trip to Tønsberg. We had so much fun and I know the ladies had a great day filled with vitamin Q.

October

Was a sad month for my family. My mother passed away. She was the one who inspired me to do all kind of sewing, knitting aso. And I miss her so much. But I smile when I think about all the good memories we have together.

November

Another trip to the cabin. This time we had no electricity for a whole day, not possible to stitch in the light of candles. But luckily it came back and we got a lot of sewing done.

December

A lot of secret sewing for the SSCS and christmas gifts for my children and then baking Christmas cakes with my friend Hanne. Spending time with my family is the most precious for me. We got to celebrate two Christmas Eve’s this year, because my DS and his girlfriend was going on a vacation, leaving on Christmas Eve, so we celebrated one weekend earlier.

I want to wish all my visitors

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

An I look forward to see you all in 2012.

Saying for today:

Cheers to a new year
and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

Christmas days sewing

2011-12-29T23:36:00.001+01:00

A visitor of my blog asked yesterday if Rusken still was with me. Oh yes he is here, giving me a helping claw in the sewingroom He helped me prepping these blocks for my Antique Sampler. He loves being with me in my sewingroom.

Been applique some blocks for my Antique Sampler, but I have given this stitchery priority these days (design Rosalie Quinland). Started to stitch on it just before Christmas Eve, and this evening I finished it. A lot of stitching on this one, but I love it. Perhaps I will turn it into a cushion tomorrow.

And I have to prepare a new stitchery to have on the go. Have promised Hanne not to start a new project in january 2012, so if I trace it tomorrow it will be counted as a already started project. Is that cheating???? LOL

Saying for today:

The cat seldom interferes with
other people's rights.
His intelligence keeps him from doing
many of the fool things that complicate life.
~Carl Van Vechten

Antique Sampler–progress

2011-12-28T10:28:00.001+01:00

The other day I got an SMS from Bjørg asking me how far I had come on my Antique Sampler homework

Eh……Antique Sampler…….do I have this project……..eh………perhaps hidden in a box……………..and forgotten……………..

Several months since I have been working on this project. The box have been stored in my sewingroom shelf, not out of sight, so that’s no excuse for not working on this project.

Now I will have focus on this project for a while because there is still a lot to sew.

Spending time in my sewingroom today tracing the circles left to applique.

To make the circles perfect I have made a plastic template as big as the block and cut out the circle. Then it is easy to lay it up on the fabric and just trace the circle.

It is fun working on the Antique Sampler again.

And this is what I have finished so far. 24 cirkles.

And the six main blocks. I am not doing the big quilt which has 9 main blocks, just a smaller version of it.

Now, back in the sewing room watching Downtown Abbey on my computer while prepping more blocks.

Saying for today:

My soul is fed with needle and thread

More Christmas gifts

2011-12-27T19:07:00.001+01:00

I had two BIG finishes this month, but could not show it until my DD and DS had opened their Christmas gift. I guess you have seen some blocks called Svennebrevet on my blog. They was to be included in to big quilts.

One in brown and blue for my DS

And I found a lovely brown backing. I did not shoot a photo of him opening his gift, but he was very happy to receive it.

For my DD Imade one in pink and red with a touch of green,

and I used a pink floral fabric for backing. Both quilts are longarm quilted by Merethe. I have never been able to do this quilting on my little Janome sewingmachine. The quilts are BIG and Merete quilted them in just a couple of days and I had yards by yards of binding to do.

My DD was so happy with her quilt and it is already in use in her bedroom.

I got a lot of wonderful presents from my children

family and good friends. As you see there is a lot of quilty presents so it looks like I have been on Santas nice list.

Spending time these Christmas days watcing old Christmas movies and stitching, until I got an SMS on the phone asking how much I had done on my homework on the antique sampler project……………..I tell you more in my next post.

Saying for today:

There's a star up in the sky,
but the light is in our eyes.
Linda Pointdexter

My SSCS gift :)

2011-12-25T12:39:00.001+01:00

Yesterday on Christmas Eve (before we went to my nephew for celebrating Christmas with my family) I opened my SSCS gift. It is several years that I joined Donnas SSCS, but this year I decided to join. And I am so happy I did. My Secret Santa was Dawnie.

And look what she had made for me! I adore this sewing bag. She even made the appliqued quilt lady look like me And I love the fabrics she have used.

This bag is amazing. Look at all the pockets inside the bag. (LOL Perhaps hard to see at this photo, but they are there)

And inside some of the pockets I found a lot of quilt goodies. Thank you Dawnie, you have made me so happy and I will for sure use this bag. Actually I have already put my stitchery project in it.

PS: Did I mention I adore this sewing bag

The lady I was a Secret Santa for was Annie in Australia, and this is what I made for her.

She has a beautiful garden so I had to choose fabrics with flowers. I made her a toilet purse, a felt pincushion with flowers and also added a stitchery and some embroidery thread. Hope she likes what I sendt her.

And as Christmas ornaments I chrochet some Christmas hearts for her. And I know she loved them. Have to make some more for myself because they look very pritty on the Christmas tree.

I got a lot of other lovely quilty Christmas presents yesterday, but that’s another post.

Saying for today:

Gifts of time and love
are surely the basic ingredients
of a truly merry Christmas.
~Peg Bracken

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:50:00.001+01:00

I want to wish all my blog visitors

a merry Christmas.

Hope you all get a peaceful Christmas Holiday

And that Santa brings a lot
of quilty stuff to your house.

Saying for today:

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

Christmas celebration

2011-12-18T23:26:00.002+01:00

This weekend I decorated the tree and then there came a lot of Christmas presents under it. My DS and his girlfriend is going away on Christmas Eve. Therefor we celebrated together with them this weekend.

Of course there was checking out to whom from whom on the Christmas presents. Not curious at all LOL

A lovely dinner with stuffed turkey (on order from my DS and DD)

Someone got very surprised opening her Christmas present from her brother. A Nintendo Wii.

and it was tested by all of us.

We had so fun. And it felt so good to have this weekend together with my DS and his girlfriend before they are going on vacation.

And next saturday we are celebrating the real Christmas Eve, with a lot of gifts, good food and family. Looking forward to it.

Sunday morning opening my three last adventcalendar gifts.

Thank you Hanne, Nancy and Bente for all the lovely things I got today.

Saying for today:

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

Preparing for Christmas

2011-12-16T08:03:00.005+01:00

Already des.16 and today I have the day off from work (Yippiiiii). Breaking traditions today. Usually the Christmas tree is decorated on des 23, but I am going to do it today. Because this weekend we are going to celebrate Christmas #1. My DS and his girlfriend is coming home today and they will not be able to be with us on Christmas Eve because they are going on a long vacation trip, leaving Norway on Christmas Eve. Ordering the planetickets first, then told us Mom's they was not coming home on Christmas Eve.

So I have a lot to do today. The Christmas wallhangnings is on the wall and the Santas is starting to enter the house. My Magical Christmas (the quilt to the right) is up on the wall and it is also entered the Quilting gallery Christmas Quilt contest. There are 67 submissions so there is a lot to see. And if you want you can vote for seven of them this time. (hope one vote will be on my Magical Christmas)

Saying for today:

Christmas is about laughter, love, friends and family.
Don't get lost in the greed. Instead be thankful
for all of the joy around you.

- Nicole Lech

Time to relax

2011-12-13T20:01:00.003+01:00

Another advent surprise in the mailbox today. From dear Stina in Sweden. She had a little blurry photo on her blog yesterday, so she made me so curious…

The stitchery is from the first advent surprise and now I got these fabrics and instructions to make a Christmas pincushion. Thank you Stina for sending this suprise to me . Will start on this very very soon.

Perhaps already this evening. Coffee and krumkake is already on my table. Going to relax and quilt a little while.

Saying for today, that is stitched on this mug rug:

Relax, Christmas will come anyway.

A little Advent gift to you from me

2011-12-12T12:57:00.001+01:00

It has become a tradition for me to draw a heart for you to applique and stitch. This year it is one with snowmen and stars. This heart can be used on many things. Like decoration on a toilet purse, a pillow, a little wallhanging or whatever you come up with. All I want is for you to email me a photo of what you make of it. Or make a blogpost and email me the link. And maybe I can make a blogpost showing all the hearts and ideas.

You can find the pattern on this link:

http://www.northernquilts.no/pdf/MerryChristmasMayBritt.pdf

Blogger is not nice letting me store PDF's, but Wenche at Northern Quilts have been so nice to help me this year too.

Saying for today:

If you see someone without a smile,
give them yours.

Christmas baking weekend

2011-12-04T17:11:00.002+01:00

After all the baking yesterday we had a lovely dinner together. Pinnekjøtt (salted and dried rib of mutton) and of course red wine and aquavit.

Second sunday in advent today and we lit to lights and opened our adventgifts.

Thank you Nancy, Hanne and Bente for the lovely adventgifts.

And then some more baking.

Teamwork is alwas fun in the kitchen

I made krumkaker and Hanne made coconut macarones.

And always there is some for tasting.

Another cake is ready to go into the oven

3 sorts of christmascakes ready to be shared and we also have the smultinger from yesterday to share too. This has been such a fun weekend. Teamwork cake baking and we will do the same next year too.

Saying for today:

Happiness is not a mood .. its a Decision

- Jordanyoo

Voting on Christmas Quilt Show

2011-12-03T10:19:00.004+01:00

Now it is time to vote on your favorite Christmas and Winter entry (blogpost) in the Christmas Quilt show. Go to this link and give your vote. Votes need to be given by Sunday. Winners will be announced on Tuesday December 6th. And if you vote you will also be in the drawing of wonderful prizes.

My entry for the Christmas theme is #2. If you like my blogpost and Christmas quilts please give a vote :)

Saying for today:
May Peace be your gift at Christmas
and your blessing all year through!
~Author Unknown

Christmas baking

2011-12-02T22:12:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I prepared a dough for baking smultringer (doughnuts) today and after chatting with my friend Hanne late evening we just agreed that she should come for a visit and help me baking this dough today.

Because baking smultringer (doughnuts) needs two persons.
One baking…..

and one cooking them

Great teamwork with a lot of laughing and chatting.

And in the end a lot of tasty smultringer (doughnuts)

they taste so good

And tomorrow more baking is planned

Now…..some sewing and redwine.

Saying for today:

Believe you can
and you're half way there.
- Theodore Roosevelt

SSCS 2011

2011-11-30T21:58:00.001+01:00

This year I have joined Donnas SSCS and today a BIG package arrived in my mailbox. All the way from Australia. Thank you Dawnie. I am so happy that you are my secret (LOL) friend.

One package is alowed to open at once, the other one have to wait until Christmas Eve.

And look The cutest Christmas ornament bag

filled with a Santa pen and cute golden ribbons. Think I will bring the pen at work tomorrow. I guess the others will get a good laugh (and perhaps envy me) when I am writing with this one. But they know I love everything about Christsmas.

Saying for today:

From home to home, and heart to heart,
from one place to another.
The warmth and joy of Christmas
brings us closer to each other.
Emily Matthews

Relaxing

2011-11-29T06:50:00.001+01:00

Yesterday just relaxing and quilting, with a totally relaxing cat on my feet.

Saying for today:

I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult.
It's not. Mine had me trained in two days.
~Bill Dana

Christmas Quilt show 2011

2011-11-28T09:58:00.007+01:00

Christmas in just a few weeks and when I visited SewCalGal's blog she is hosting a SewCalGal's Christmas Quilt show. So why not find some of my Christmasquilts and enter the quilt show. I recomend you to visit her blog and take a look at all the entered quilts. You can enter your quilt between nov 28th and dec 2nd. Then there will be a voting for the Viewers Choice Award. On Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th you can vote for your favorite entry for the category of Christmas theme and for your favorite Winter theme entry. So please visit >SewCalGal's Christmas quilt show and take a look at all the entered blogposts.

And here is the Christmas quilts I want to enter this quilt show.

This is one of my favorite Christmas quilts. Magical Christmas (design >Lynett Anderson). It is already up on my wall. I saw the original quilt some years ago when I met Lynett here in Oslo. And fell in love with this pattern and started to stitch it right away.

A Christmas table cloth I really need to get quilted now. The batting and backing is ready, just have to baste it and get it quilted. I want it on my table this Christmas. It is a design from Northern Quilts.

This is a tablerunner I made for my DS and DD last Christmas, and they loved it. Very simple and elegant. And a great way to use all my red scraps to make the scrappy blocks.

Love this tablerunner that one of my friends have designed. I got it as a kit as a Christmas gift some years ago and I look forward to put it on my table again soon.

I love Christmas and I look forward to visit all the other blog entries on SewCalGal's Christmas show. I know there will be a lot of Christmas inspiration here, and maybe it will result in a new project or two :)

Perhaps you would like to visit an old blogpost from 2006: Quilters night before Christmas.
I guess this is how we quilters are having it these days before Christmas.

Saying for today:

Keep your Christmas-heart open all the year round.
~Jessica Archmint

Advent mystery

2011-11-27T21:23:00.002+01:00

Some days ago a letter arrived from Stina with this adventmystery. You can read more about it here on her blog. Have started to stitch on it now and I am also trying out the new stitchery batting I got yesterday. I love your design Stina.

First sunday in advent

2011-11-27T18:52:00.001+01:00

First sunday in advent and I love to light candles and enjoy opening of my advent calendar early in the morning. It has become a tradition that I am swapping adventcalendar with three friends.

And this is what was in the packages today Thank you Hanne, Nancy and Bente. Already looking forward to next sunday. Hope you all liked what you got in your calendar.

In need of more stitchery batting I called Quiltegården on friday and saturday it was in my mailbox. Siw also added a piece of new stitchery batting that she wanted me to test. Will do it very very soon, it looked very nice. Other goodies also arrived in the mailbox yesterday. A late birthdaygift from my friend Nancy. I love the fabrics. I have started to be very fond of blue fabrics and these was so lovely.

Now I will have a relaxing evening handquilting this little quilt. Maybe a glass of red wine to celebrate that I have organized my sewing room today.

Saying for today:

It's amazing how one word from the right person can turn your whole day around and make you feel better in a second!
- Unknown

“Trådsnella” Christmas party

2011-11-26T20:40:00.002+01:00

This is a small quiltgroup called “Trådsnella” (the threadspools??)
We have had sewingmeetings, and trips to the cabin for about 13 years. And every year we have come together before Christmas eating traditional Christmas food. And so it was today. Lot of laughter, discussions, good food and cakes and of course sewing.

A fun thing was that all seven of us was working on a project designed by AnnAKa. And this was not planned at all.

Only four weeks until Christmas. Better start planning it all. You know I love the advent time before Christmas and I love the Christmas day.

Saying for today:

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.
Groucho Marx

Novermber quiltmeeting

2011-11-24T22:52:00.002+01:00

This evening it was a quiltmeeting in our guild. And as a tradition we have a lot of yummy food at this Christmas meeting.

Some months ago when we had our quilt trip to Tønsberg we all got a little package of fabrics from one of the shops. And I gave the ladies a challenge to make something of it and show it this quilt meeting. And this is what they had made:

And then there was show and tell…..enjoy the photos and get inspired:

Saying for today:

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.
~Marcel Proust

The adventures of Rusken

2011-11-22T23:13:00.001+01:00

Rusken discovered the clock on the wall in my sewingroom. He sat for a long time staring at it, then he took the big jump to investigate it more. Typical for an aby cat.

Saying for today:

Cats never strike a pose
that isn't photogenic.
~Lillian Jackson Braun

What’s on the cat-tv

2011-11-21T23:05:00.002+01:00

Ruskens favorite hobby is to watch cat television. Sitting in the window watching what’s going outside in the garden. And yesterdayRusken spent several hours on guard.

A lot of crows makes a very interesting show on the cat television.

Have done some serious organizing in my sewingroom. But I have still a lot left to do. Want a tidy sewingroom when Christmas arrives ,so that I can spend a lot of sewingtime when I get some days off from work.

A lot of secrets going on this time of the year. So I have not so much to show you. But as relaxing in front of the tv I have stitched on of AnnAKa’s angels from her newest pattern. Going to make stuffed hearts.

I am a part of the SSCS this year and today I posted a package for xxxxx who lives far far away from Norway. Hope she will like what I have made for her.

Saying for today:

Keep your Christmas-heart
open all the year round.
~Jessica Archmint

6 weeks until Christmas

2011-11-12T13:41:00.002+01:00

Only 6 weeks until Christmas. And I have a lot of secret sewing to do right now. Hope I manage to finish what I have in mind. I love this time of the year. The weeks in advent (that is soon coming) and all the planning for the Christmas holiday. But have to remind myself and others to relax. Just time time to sit down and just enjoy the candlelights and peace.

Wish you all a good sewing weekend. I know I will be spending a lot of time in my sewingroom.

Saying for today:

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,
and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit,
become a child again at Christmas-time.
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

New book

2011-11-09T18:31:00.002+01:00

This evening I will relax looking through my new book ordered from Quiltmania.

Perhaps I will find some great projects.

Saying for today:

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends;
they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors,
and the most patient of teachers.
~Charles W. Eliot

Cabin sew-together

2011-11-06T17:36:00.001+01:00

Already wednesday evening, right after work, I drove up to my friend Irene’s cabin. My car filled with my sewing machine, a lot of projects and other quilting stuff.

Sewingmachines on the table at once I came there. Had to use the ~~night~~ evening to sew, because………..

….thursday the electricity was gone from early morning to late evening. And it was a dark rainy day so it was not possible to do even handstitcing in the candle light.

When the two other ladies arrived late thursday evening the electricity had come back, but Irene and I had decided to play them a little trick. The main swith for the electricity was turned off, and we told them that we was to be with no power for the rest of the weekend. We kept them in doubt for over an hour, then we turned the light on. Lot of laughter and they told us that they really had in mind going home the next day if there was not to be any sewing this weekend.

But there was to be A LOT of sewing this weekend.

Britt came very well prepared for this weekend.

It is a small cabin and we have to use all kind of places to work on. Glue basting a quilt have to be done outdoors, even if it is dark and raining.

I had brought a lot of ~~UFO’s~~ WISP’s and it was fun working on them again.

I also had to try a new pattern, and mad not one but four make up purses. When making one, it is so fast and easy to make several more (chain sewing).

And this pattern had such an easy way sewing zippers. Loved it, and I want to experiment more with this pattern.

My workspace this weekend.

All this sewing makes the sewingmachine filled with dust. Remember to clean your sewingmachine now and then.

And what did I sew on this weekend

Finished six click purses.

Finished four make up purses.

Did all the applique on this pillow. Now I have to quilt and sew it together.

Did all the applique and stitching on this table runner. Changed the pattern a little bit from the original. I added the outher borders on the sides because i wanted a wider tablerunner. Now I have to quilt it.

A very old UFO. This pattern came in 2004 (design AnnAKa) and it has been stored away in my UFO box for a very very long time. Basted and quilted it this weekend and started to applique the flowers. Now I have to applique the last three flowers and sew some stems (and of course the binding)

Another old UFO was sewn together. Will start to handquilt this one. The text on it says: Light a candle, sit down, feel the joy and peace of Christmas.

And then there was last years Christmas gift from my friend Bjørg. Had already done a lot on it, then it was put away in a box. Just half an hour of sewing and it was put together. Now I have to make the last three dresen flowers and applique them on.

I also manage to sew one block for Svennebrevet, and prepare two other blocks.

Long weekend (wednesday evening to sunday evening) filled with vitamin Q. And I am so surprised I manage to do all this sewing. We also have had time to eat and sleep.

Saying for today:

Wherever you go,
no matter what the weather,
always bring your own sunshine.
~Anthony J. D'Angelo

Enjoying some time in the sewingroom

2011-10-30T23:13:00.001+01:00

This weekend I have spendt a lot of time in the sewingroom, and it feels so good. Sewing, preparing new projects, watching movies on my computer and just having fun.

Remember this quilt that I started several weeks ago. Now I have finished the top and hope I can baste it soon. Just have to find a backing for it. It was a kit, but I did not like the brown sashing between the blocks. I choose light sashing and I love how the quilt turned out.

Last thursday was quilt meeting in my quilt group. Our local quiltshop came for a visit with some boxes of fabrics and patterns. I bought these fabrics…

…to make this pillow. Today I traced the applique pieces and got them on the background. Have to find some thread to do buttonhole applique. Want this pillow to be finished until Christmas.

Working two days in my sewingroom makes it so messy. Projects, fabrics and patterns all over the room. Finally there was no room for ironing LOL

I have also made progress on the tablerunner from last post and I have almost done all my homework for my Antique Sampler that I am sewing together with Bjørg.

This has been a great sewing weekend.

OPAM……this month have just gone too fast. Only one tiny little finish, a pincushion made from a soda cork. But I promise november will have more finishes. Have to start making Christmas gifts now.

Wish I could do like this, but my back is to stiff and in pain right now. Rusken really knows how to relax.

Saying for today:

Always remember you're unique,
just like everyone else.

Something new

2011-10-25T06:47:00.001+02:00

I really was in the mood for something new to stitch on. And remembered the table runner pattern from AnnAKa in the newest issue of Quiltemagasinet. I loved this pattern when I saw it and knew I had to sew this tablerunner. Do you like my light box. Easy way to use my sewingmachine table on my knees and over to a stool, with a otlight lamp underneath.

Then out into the sewingroom sewing the blocks together. You can see the tablerunner photo in the magazine behind the sewingmaching. ~~Luckily you don’t see the sewingroom, it is a total mess right now.~~

Relaxing stitching in front of the tv. Visiting Hanne ~~tomorrow~~ today (the internet did not allow me to post this blogpost yesterday) I will bring it with me.

Saying for today:

You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job.
~Laurence J. Peter

TGIF

2011-10-21T21:36:00.001+02:00

Some hectic days ~~weeks~~ at work and I am so happy that weekend has arrived. Going to put my feet up on the stool and just relax, stitching and work on some project in my sewingroom.

And get some needed sleep. Have to learn from this guy how to relax.

Wish yiou all a relaxing sewing weekend.

Saying for today:

A cat allows you to sleep on the bed.
On the edge.
- Jenny De Vries

Guarding Mom’s sewing

2011-10-09T20:24:00.001+02:00

While Mom have been in the sewingroom most of the day, I have stayed there with her………protecting her sewing.

She has been sewing all day and chatting with Hanne on msn. Think they are sewing on the same project. There was a lot of fabric all over the sewing room. So no wonder I had to protect her sewing from not vanishing together with all the other fabrics.

Not any weather for me to go outdoors today. So I stayed indoors in the sewingroom and laying on the floor in front of the fireplace. Did not like the white stuff coming down from the sky.

Purr purr from Rusken.

Saying for today:

Cats can be cooperative when something feels good,
which, to a cat, is the way everything is supposed
to feel as much of the time as possible.
~Roger Caras

Sewing is healing

2011-10-08T17:31:00.001+02:00

First of all I want to thank all of you for your lovely comments regarding to my previous post. I have not replyed on those comments, but want you to know that they meant a lot to me.

Today I have spent several hours in the sewingroom. Wonderding what to sew I chatted with Hanne on msn. She remembered me on a kit both she and I bought in Tromsø at the annual quiltmeeting in march.

Miss Mary’s pinwheels quilt. Of course it had to be this one today. Starting a new fresh project. Hanne and I have chatted on msn while cutting and sewing.

Another guy happy that mother is back in the sewingroom. Testing the fabrics for this quilt and I think he likes them. Why do cats always fancy sitting on fabrics??

Cutting and sewing. A lot of work on this quilt. Testing one pinwheel and I am glad I always cut the pieces a little bit bigger than in the pattern. Sewing pinwheels before, and know the seam allowance can make the finished size a lot smaller. My way I get the correct size.

Saying for today:

Memory... is the diary
that we all carry about with us.
~Oscar Wilde, "The Importance of Being Earnest

Dear Mom

2011-10-03T19:57:00.003+02:00

My dear mom passed away this morning.
You will be deeply missed. Love you.

She was a talented quilter, and I will always remember sitting together with her working on our quilts. I am so greatful for all the good memories.

Saying for today:
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.
~From a headstone in Ireland

A little birthday celebration

2011-10-02T10:32:00.001+02:00

Having some friends over yesterday for a little birthday sewing together. Always fun to sit together chatting, laughing and sewing.

What to give a quilter for her birthday?
Quilty stuff of course. I am so happy :)

My DD gave me among other gifts (as cleaning the house for me, a toaster and a giftcardbook for more cleaning house, hugs and massage on my neck) a new cover for my iron table. And it has already been cat approved.

And guess who enjoyed the birthday cake while no one was watching.

Saying for today:

A cat is more intelligent than people believe,
and can be taught any crime.
-Mark Twain Notebook, 1895

September quilt meeting

2011-10-01T21:28:00.002+02:00

Last thursday was september quiltmeeting in my quilt group. And visitors this time was Siw from Quiltegården and Merete who is a talented longarm quilter.

Some photos from the quilts Siw had brougth with her to us.

You did not have to ask the ladies twice to start shopping.

I forgot to buy the pattern for this bag. And I want to make it. But I was so busy organizing the meeting so I totally forgot to buy it.

And as always it a lot of tasty cakes to go with the coffee.

This time it came 60 ladies to the quiltmeeting.

Then there was time for Merete to tell about her longarm quilting. And she had a lot of beautiful quilts to show.

As you see Merete had a bunch of wonderful quilts to show us.

Thank you Merete and Siw for making such an inspiring evening.

As usual a show and tell with a lot of beutiful things:

Hope you have enjoyed the photos from our quiltmeeting.

Saying for today:

A good friend is a connection to life -
a tie to the past, a road to the future,
the key to sanity
in a totally insane world.
~Lois Wyse

It is this time of the year again

2011-09-27T21:08:00.002+02:00

and I do not like it.

But during the day we had lovely warm sun
and I was able to sit outdoors at work and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Saying for today:

Sunshine on my shoulders
makes me happy.
~John Denver, "Sunshine on My Shoulders"

Back in sewing

2011-09-25T20:05:00.001+02:00

Finally I got some time sewing again. Been a lot of long days at work, and also been busy at home. But today I got some time to enter my sewingroom. Feels good.

I started with basting this little quilt (desing Leanne Beasley). Not sure how I will quilt it, but thing I will handquilt it. Will not machinequilt over the stitchery, rather handquilt some lines in it.

Some time ago I got a kit for a small purse from Hanne. And today I have sewed it together. I usually hate zippers, but it was easy sewing the zippers into these purses. And I love having yard by yard zippers to use.

When I started sewing the first little purse together, I remembered Laila making one by using selvages. So I had to make one to. I love these small purses.

Doing some progress on my Antique sampler the last weeks. Handsewing is great when I am tired and just want to relax in my chair watching tv.

Wish I could sleep like this guy. Rusken is enjoying his new scratchboard, but first when he got a quilt on top of it to sleep on.

Saying for today:

The cat seldom interferes with other people's rights. His intelligence keeps him from doing many of the fool things
that complicate life.
~Carl Van Vechten

Thank you Marie!

2011-09-21T22:26:00.001+02:00

Doing a happy dance right now. A package from USA came in my mailbox today. Helping Marie (no blogger) with a Norwegian pattern, she sendt me this as a thank you. The packages had number 1 to 4, like an adventcalendar, but luckily I got instructions that I did not have to wait a week between opening each one, I could wait 5 minutes instead.

I am so thrilled with this package. Love it all. Already thinking what to make of the fat quarters.

Thank you so much Marie!!!!

Yesterdays inspiration and treasures

2011-09-18T10:43:00.001+02:00

I had a wonderful day yesterday visiting three quiltshops together with 39 other ladies from our quilt group. I feel it in my bones today that it was a long and busy day. So today I will just relax and enjoy my treasures from yesterdays shopping.

As you can see from the quiltshop photos in the previous post there was a lot of inspiration to see. All shops had a lot of lovely things on display.

Like this sooooooooooo cute stitchery (design Annie Downs). I fell in love with it. Did not buy the kit (clever me), because I want to make it in my own fabrics. But when I take a close lock at these fabrics, I believe I have most of them already in my fabric drawer.

Love this small quilt (design Lori Smith). This will be on my to do list this winter.

I also fell in love with this cute little bag. They told me it was from a japaneese quiltbook. Think I have seen this in a book, but do not remember which one. Perhaps I have it already. But if anyone know which book has this pattern, please tell me, I want to make it.

Love this display with grey/white fabrics. I had them in my hand, but put them back in the shelp (clever me, but I regret it).

I had a close look at this really nice travelling bag, and when I asked for the pattern, I discovered that I already have had this book for years. It makes a huge difference just to see the bag in a book, and to see it for real. The maker of this bag had also added some nice details with new piping thread at the pockets and she had used a new kind of bag batting in it. Did not buy any of those because I have already made a travelling bag.

And look at this cute litte purse. Asking for the pattern I learned that I already have this pattern.

I know I have the pattern for this one. Think I will trace it today and hope it will be ready for Christmas.

So what did I buy:

At Quiltefryd I started to pick several civil war fabrics. Turning around to another shelf there was a new range of fabrics. Think I changed the content in my shoppingbasket several times, before I ended up with these nine fabrics, a pattern and a cute ladybug to hang on a zipper. Some of the fabrics are Annie Downs design and I love them.

At Lines Hobby I bought these four japaneese fabrics.

And at Lille Stasjon I bought only two fabrics. We also got a suprise package from the shop containing five small peaces of new christmas fabrics. I am going to challenge all the girls who came on this quilt trip to make something from these fabrics and bring it with them to novemer quilt meetings show and tell.

You understand why I had to buy this cute cat fabric!! Take a look at the wonderful selvage!!!!! If there is anyone having selvages with cats on, please save them for me.

I was so lucky winning this pattern at the lottery. Love it.

You all understand that I am loaded up with a lot of vitamin Q. All this inspiration makes my head bubble with ideas. I wish I had more hours each day.

Saying for today:

Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you.
~Author Unknown

40 ladies and one man

2011-09-18T00:22:00.002+02:00

Imagine 40 ladies and one man (the busdriver) on a bus. Today we have been on a great quilt trip to Tønsberg. Started 07:30 in the morning and back home at 22:00. A long day, but we have had a great time.

Want to see what we were up to.

Of course some sewing while we were driving down to Tønsberg

And a coffebreak. Some of the ladies brought homebaked cupcakes and applecake.

We also had a big lottery with great prizes on the bus. Irene had to show everyone that cute fabric she won.

First stop was the quiltshop Quiltefryd in Tønsberg. And all the ladies enjoyed looking through all the goodies in the shop

And while most of the ladies was shopping, some ladies relaxed outside the shop drinking coffee and eating waffles. Such a nice treat from the quiltshop.

And more photos from the quiltshop Quiltefryd.

In the basement there one of the ladies working in the shop did a little demonstration of different rulers and other new gizmoes that a quilter need.

Thank you Åsne and all the other ladies in the quiltshop, for making the visit to your shop so nice.

In Tønsberg there is another quiltshop called Lines Hobby, and of course we had to visit that shop too.

A lot of shopping here too.

Then there was time for dinner at Himmel og Hav.

After a nice dinner we were heading back to the bus to drive to our next stop

at Lille Stasjon in Lier where Bente and her staff had coffee and cakes ready for us.

And of course more shopping.

I found a chair in one corner and enjoyed relaxing a little bit. I was the travelling leader of this trip, and I am so happy all the ladies told me they had a wonderful day. I guess we are going on a quilt trip next autumn too. This was so fun. But now I am tired and need som sleep.

Tomorrow I will show you my purchases.
Yes, even though I told myself before leaving home, that I needed no more fabrics, ended up buying a lot of fabrics.

Sewing and baking

2011-09-11T21:41:00.002+02:00

Having a dough raising out in the kitchen while being in the sewingroom busy sewing, ends like this. I totally forgot all about the dough.

Busy sewing triangles and watching an episode of Grey’s anatomy.

This is the project I should have been working on last weekend at cabin, but had forgotten the pattern back home.

All squares done and I am ready to sew them on to the stitchery. Winter is soon coming to Norway and I love the saying on this one. “Winter is most certainly best spent at home stitching”.

Althoug the mishappening with the dough, the result tasted very good with butter and brown cheese on.

After a long day in my sewingroom I will relax with some needleturn and a good movie on the tv. Working on the small blocks for my antique sampler quilt.

Saying for today:

I'd give up chocolate,
but I'm no quitter!
~Author Unknown

Cabin vitamin Q

2011-09-04T20:44:00.001+02:00

Late thursday evening (almost night) I packed the car and drove up to my friend Irene’s cabin. Where Irene and Britt was waiting for me. Bjørg came early friday morning. A weekend with sewing together with good friends.

But…….

when you forgot to bring the necessary things (like pattern for one projects and the zippers to another project) to your machinesewing projects, my sewingmachine stayed out in the hall all weekend.

I am so happy I brought at lot of other projects to do by hand. Had a lot of prepping to do on the remaining blocks for my Svennebrev x 2. A lot of pieces on the applique blocks…..

and a total mess in my corner LOL

One block finished hand piecing this weekend, and all the other ready to be pieced.

While me prepping and handsewing at the table, the other where doing a lot of machine sewing.

Think all of us had been digging deep in the ufos this time

or working on a BOM

No desing walls in the cabin, but the bed worked well to put these blocks on the right place.

As usual Bjørg did a lot of sewing. Like this beautiful flower quilt,

a makeup purse and 12 placemats, all made from leftovers from a big quilt.

Britt finished this cute strawberry table runner,

and made the top for this bed cover (two similar quilts)

and also a third one. She did a lot of sewing this weekend,
and a lot of quilting left to do.

I finished four blocks for my antique sampler, and prepped two more. It was so fun doing needle turn applique on these blocks.
And I who have big problems working with blue colours, love these colours!!!

And I cut all the fabric for the small dark blocks and the outher border. Have to cut the light fabric now. Homework for next antique sampler meeting we (Bjørg and I) have to finish the six big applique blocks and start making 4 x 3 small blocks.

Another great vitamin Q weekend with good friends. We have already set the date for our next cabin trip

Saying for today:

Friends are those rare people
who ask how you are
and then wait for the answer.
~Author Unknown

Sleeping beauty

2011-08-29T21:29:00.002+02:00

Saying for today:
You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense.
~Jane Pauley

August quilt meeting

2011-08-27T18:23:00.003+02:00

First quiltmeeting after a long summer holiday. Always fun to meet the other ladies at these meetings. Today we had a visit by Wenche and Irene from Northern Quilts.

The ladies came long time before the meeting was supposed to start, and the started to shop right away.

Had to ask them several times to sit down ……..

And then I introduced Wenche
who told all about her design and her Broderusk
(broderusk is a her norwegian word for her stitcheries)

And then we got to take a closer look at her designs

And of course some more shopping.

Last august we started to give the ladies in the quiltgroup patterns for two miniature blocks at each quilt meeting. With the challenge to sew them together as they wanted and to bring the finished quilt or top at this quilt meeting. Only six ladies had brought their tops/quilts to show today.

This is mine. Manage, thanks to Hanne, to finish my top on sunday. I want to start handquilting this very soon.

Look how different the all became. We have all used the same blocks.

Then there was time for show and tell. Looks like there have been a lot of working on UFO’s this summer. Just enjoy the photos

Saying for today:

The best way to cheer yourself up
is to try to cheer somebody else up.
~Mark Twain

Vitamine Q refill

2011-08-21T18:40:00.002+02:00

Saturday morning Hanne came for a vitamin Q refill weekend. We have spendt some time stitching while wathing old movies on tv, chatting and laughing. It feels so good putting the feets up on the stool, just relaxing with a good friend. No stress, just vitamin Q.

And today some time in the sewingroom together.

Hanne stitching on a cute pouch.

and I sewing on my miniatureblocks. I want to have the top on this quilt ready for thursday when we have our quiltgroup meeting.

I finished putting on borders on all blocks, and have picked the fabrics that I will finish this quilt with. Hope I get some time the next day doing it.

Hanne showed me this cute little purse that she readently had finished. And she gave me fabric and a transfer-eze with the stitchery on so I could make my own.

I’ve also done my homework for Antique Sampler that Bjørg and I am sewing together. I like the look of this quilt so far.

And look who is havig fun with their new toy.

Saying for today:

It's really the cat's house
- we just pay the mortgage.
~Author Unknown

Tired

2011-08-17T22:13:00.001+02:00

Long days at work. Boring to stay at a hotelroom. So happy I brought some sewing with me. And the bed makes a great pincushion. Hope I do not forget one there.

Saying for today:

Stitch your stress away.
~Author Unknown

And the winner is……….

2011-08-14T18:13:00.001+02:00

Thank you for all your sweet comments on my 5 year bloggiversary. Some of you are “old” bloggers that I have known since before I started to blog myself. And others are really new bloggers that I have learned to know reacently. All in all, this is all bloggers that I love to visit and get inspired from. I hope you have as much fun with blogging as I have. So I will continue blogging about my quiltinglife. I have so many projects I have to finish (WISPs and UFOs) and SO many projects I want to start. I guess if I shall manage to do everything in my quilting mind I have to live for 400 years. That will be a lot of blogging LOL

On my giveaway guess I had a lot of comments. And when I posted it I had not counted the buttons myself.

So I emptyed it on my cutting mat and started to count. As you see there is a lot of small buttons there. I got totally surprised realizing it was

434 white + 1 black button = total of 435 buttons.

And then over to check all your guesses.

One guess was pretty close with only 3 buttons wrong:

jofridsquilt said...

I think it is 438 buttons. Hugs Jofrid

10:20 AM CEST

Congratulations. Please email me your adress and I will post the prize for you.

Saying for today:

Let us be grateful to people
who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust

A little bit shopping

2011-08-13T23:04:00.002+02:00

Britt and I went shopping today at a store that are soon going to close . Was a clever girl today and bought only what I needed LOL

like this little gripper for my rulers. Have tried it and it works very good. Think I will love to use this one. Did not know I needed it.

And as Hanne and I have agreed when it comes to fabrics, just to buy BBBB (Borders, Backing, Binding and Batting) so I bought some yards of Backing and a little bit Batting.

A very good saturday shopping trip

Saying for today:

Whoever said money can't buy happiness
simply didn't know where to go shopping.
~Bo Derek

5 year of blogging - giveaway

2011-08-10T08:47:00.009+02:00

In august 2006 I made my first blogpost. Never had I guessed that my first attempt of blogging would give me so many wonderful blogging friends all over the world. So far it has been an amazing journey with you all and I intend to continue my blogging. Thank you all for visiting my blog. And I love visiting yours! You all give me so much inspiration.

I love geting comments from you and I try to answer every one. But lately I have discovered that some of the comments do not reach my mailbox. Because of my comment moderation some comments has to be published in blogspot comments, and those I am not able to reply on. Sorry about that. Have no idea why this happends.

5 years bloggiversary and it is time for a giveaway

Do you remeber the makeup purses I made at the cabin last weekend? One is sold, one is given away to a friend and then I have this one left. One lucky person will win this one. And I think I will put some extra surprises inside it too.

All you have to do is guess how many buttons it is in this jar.
I have no idea myself yet. I just filled it without counting them.
I will draw a winner on sunday evening (14 aug) at 18:00 norwegian time.

Update friday morning: I have counted the buttons, WOW, just have to tell you there is a lot of tiny small buttons in this jar LOL.

The giveaway is now ended and the winner is announced :)

Big hug from me to all of you.

Saying for today:

A blog is merely a tool
that lets you do anything
from changing the world
to share your shoppinglist
unknown

Antique sampler–the beginning

2011-08-09T21:57:00.003+02:00

This evening I got a msn from my friend Bjørg asking:
“have you started on our project yet?”
My answer: “No, because you told me not to start it yet. Are you tempted to start it now?”
Bjørg: “I am very tempted to start it soon”
Me: “Perhaps we just do it”
Bjørg: “I make some coffee if you come”

And then I packed my fabrics and pattern in a bag and drove over to visit Bjørg. We have sewed big projects together earlier and it is so great to have someone to discuss fabric choises and have a progress (homework) togther. Our new project is Antique Sampler (design Sue Daley). And believe it or not, I am sewing mine in BLUE and brown, with some adding of red/pink and green.

Bjørg is seriously thinking of which fabrics using in her first block. We have also done a little challenge for eachother. I have picked fabrics for two of her blocks and she have picked fabrics for some of my blocks.

And then we started to trace our first pieces. This quilt is done with a lot of English Paper Piecing and needleturn applique.

I am looking forward to start sewing on this quilt. It is a lot of work, but I love needleturn and after discovering the glue pen and the needles and thread Sue Daley is using, I have started to love EPP too. I am making a smaller quilt than the original. Just 3 x 2 big blocks (the original is 3 x 3 big blocks).

Homework to our next meeting in the beginning of september: Sewing all the EPP for the six big blocks. Hope I manage to do it. There is a lot of other on going projects too LOL

Saying for today:

As soon as you sit down
to a cup of hot coffee,
your boss will ask you to do something
which will last until the coffee is cold.
~Author Unknown

The same thing happends when you start a new project, the coffee gets cold...... LOL

At the cabin with good friends

2011-08-07T21:44:00.001+02:00

Thursday afternoon after work, my car was loaded with my sewingmachine, a lot of projects and my friend Irene. Then we drove up to the cabin where four other friends waited for us.

If I do not remember wrong this is the 12th year we are meeting like this. So it is a tradition for us to have this quilt trip to the cabin

One of the ladies finished this lovely hexagon table cloth this weekend. Looks lovely on the outdoor table.

Every corner of the cabin is used for quilting. A cutting post at the kitchen bench.

I had big plans making a little bag from this hen stitchery, but of course I had not brought the fabrics needed for this project. Even though I had a big bag full of fabric, the one I wanted was back home. Luckily I had brought a lot of other projects to work on.

Hand quilting needs a comfortable place to sit.

We had a lot of rain this weekend, but saturday was a sunny warm day. Sitting outside with handsewing in the sun was very nice. I did some applique on a table runner. It is an old WISP I found in my project drawer when organizing it some weeks ago. Too beautiful not to be finished.

Quilters on a row. Enjoying the sun.

All kind of projects this weekend. A lot of laughter and good conversations. Good food and a lot of card games. This has been a weekend filled with vitamin Q.

I did some stitching, a little bit hand applique on the table runner, finished four miniatureblocks for a mini sampler (forgot to take a photo of them), and I made these three make up purses.

It’s been a wonderful long weekend

Saying for today:

A true friend is one who thinks
you are a good egg
even if you are half-cracked

My summervacation–goals

2011-07-31T21:20:00.002+02:00

Do you remember this post where I planned my summer vacation. These three weeks have gone so fast. Tomorrow I start working again.

Let’s check if I manage to do what I planned

1. Organizing my sewing room.......again

Oh yes, I have done a lot of organizing in my sewingroom. Almost all the shelfs are being organized. I have throwed away a lot!! And it actually feels good.

Today everything in my WISP drawer was pulled out on the floor.

And now this drawer looks more inviting. Found some projects I had totally forgotten. Projects that can be finished in no time I think.

2. Quilt
3. Quilt some more
4. And hopefully have some finishes

I have 8 finishes this month. Some small and some big. I am doing a happy dancing now. Never did I believe that I would manage to have so many finishes. So that just tells I have done a lot of quilting, and a lot of bindings too. With all the rain we have had this summer, a good place to be have been in my sewingroom.

5. So I can start some new projects

In that blue paperbag is all fabrics for project Antique Sampler. I know Sue Daley is coming back to Norway next year so it had been fun to show her this quilt. This time I will join one of her classes. I will be sewing this quilt together with my friend Bjørg and we will start in in a week or two.

6. Relax
7. And quilt some more
8. A glass of red wine

We have had some sunny warm summerdays, like this weekend, and I have enjoyed some time out on the porch (finally) with my sewing, a good book and a nice glass of red wine.

9. And then there perhaps is time to organize my sewing room ..........again

I guess in a week or two I have messed up my swingroom and it is time to start organizing it again. But I guess I am not the only one having it this way LOL

10. Just have fun in my summer vacation

These three weeks have gone too fast. I have had a lot of fun, even though I have had to go to work some days (will get those vacation days later to spend). Been to the cabin with a dear friend (with our sewingmachines of course), had dear friends over for a visit, visited a quiltshop (and shopped of course), relaxed with my sewing and reading, watched good movies and read some great books.

Saying for today:

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time
which every day produces,
and which most men throw away.
~Charles Caleb Colton

More finishes

2011-07-28T06:41:00.001+02:00

July have been a month filled with finishes. And it feels so good. One by one I have found WISP’s (Work In Slow Progress) in my boxes and drawers and started to work on them. Some there have taken me only 15 minutes to finish. Others I have worked on for a couple of days or more.

I wonder why some of these have been put away. Guess I have been thinking that because there is so little left to do on it, I can start a new project, and do the rest of it later.

Or perhaps it is because I have got bored of the old project and just had to start a new one. There is always so much that I want to make. So much inspiration in books, magazines, on net and to watch on other blogs.

I think bindings are so booooooring to sew down. But look at this lovely view I discovered in my shelf last night. While having Hanne and Bente over for a visit, I had decided to sew down bindings on some tablerunners. Boring work in good company makes it fun.

And now I have three new table runners. I do not know yet if they are going on my tables, or in my giveaway/to sell box.

This makes 8 finishes this month (so far, still some days left to make some other finished). It feels so good.

Saying for today:

The past is behind us,
love is in front and all around us.
~Terri Guillemets

New days

2011-07-27T17:08:00.001+02:00

Slowly we have to take back our daily life, but the happenings last friday will make a difference in whole Norway, and will for ever be remembered.
I think Norway have showed the whole world that we can stand up agains violence like this. Not with hate, but with love for eachother.

Monday brought visitors to my house. Nancy and her husband was on summervacation and dropped in to say hello. And of course Nancy and I had some time to sewing too. Here we are comparing the progress on our “A Tisket, a Tasket” BOM. Perhaps I should give this BOM another chance now.

Yesterday Hanne and Bente came. You perhaps remember that Hanne and I made a deal to give eachother a prize for our Tour de Fibre blogging/sewing. Our Tour de Fibre was ended some days too early because of the massakre on friday. It felt so wrong to blog about sewing and other trivial things.

But now Hanne brougth her prize for me and I had one prize for her. Look at those curious faces. So we hurried to open them.

Lucky me My prize is the beutiful tinbox to the left. Filled with georgius new fabrics. LOVE IT. Hannes prize is the jar to the right. You have to visit her blog to see what I gave her as a prize.

We have enjoyed an evening with sewing and chatting.

When Bente tried to do a layout of these blocks she got a good helping claw from Rusken.

Today we went to visit Sy-Sammen. A quilt shop not far away. Long time since last time I visit this shop, but I know I will be back.

She has so many fabrics, and the only shop I know of with this many big backings

No need to say that some backings came home with me

She also have a lot of excellent battings on rolls.

A big smile on my face when I came home with all my treasures.

Saying for today:

Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way.
Stay away from what might have been,
and look at what can be.
Marsha Petrie Sue

Red roses and torches

2011-07-25T20:27:00.009+02:00

This evening thousands of people came together in my city. Same thing was done all over Norway. With red roses and torches. In memory of all the victims of the bombing and Utøya massakre.

Saying for today:
If one man can show that much hate,
think of how much love we can show.

Helle Gannestad
a friend of Stine Renate Håheim

Burning a light

2011-07-23T10:13:00.003+02:00

Norway are in shock after the horrible happening yesterday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that suffer a terrible loss.

Saying for today:
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.
~From a headstone in Ireland

Tour de Fibre – Decissions

2011-07-20T22:43:00.004+02:00

IT WORKS

I am blogging again :)

Doing a happy dance right now.

So here comes my blogpost for todays Tour de Fibre.

Finished this cute stitchery I started yesterday. Want to make something of it real soon. I have used Cosmo seasons number 8042 on this stitchery. I love stitching with Cosmo thread and I love this colour.

But then there is all my UFO, or WISPs (that is a nicer word)

I have pulled out some of my WISPs today.

Bunny Hills “A Tisket, A Tasket” BOM. I started very well in the beginning, making the block each month. Then when the 9th block came I probably found a new project to start.

Took a look at my 8 blocks today and I like them very much. Perhaps I should give these a try again.

Or continue sewing on It Takes Two. It was so fun sewing on it in the beginning. Why did I put it away??

Or do I finish these table runners that I found yesterday organizing the shelf in my sewingroom.

I have challenged Hanne to do a post about decissions too, so visit her blog to see what she came up with.

Saying for today:

A peacefulness follows any decision,
even the wrong one.
~Rita Mae Brown

Tour de Fibre - Problems

2011-07-20T20:21:00.004+02:00

I am having problems with my blog today. Seems that I can't upload any photos now because Picasa have reach the limit for storage and I get the message: You have exceeded your total photo upload quota. So I guess only solution is to make a new blog. I am a bit mad right now.

Will come back to you as soon as I can.

Update: Just ordered more storage at picasa. Only 5 dollar for a year. So it is a cheep investment to continue as before :)

Tour de Fibre - Thor de France

2011-07-19T19:02:00.002+02:00

Today it has been Thor de France. Congratulations to double Norwegian.

Been working on this BOM from Lappemakeriet.

Almost done with all blocks so far.

And got a new package in the mail today.
So I better hurry up sewing them.
Next package will bring borders and binding.

Saying for today:

You’re just jealous because we act stupid in public
and people still love us
-unknown-

Tour de Fibre - Rain

2011-07-18T21:35:00.002+02:00

I am still waiting for summer to arrive.

I want to sit out on the porch stitching.

Finished my Magical Christmas today.

And started a new stitchery. Just had to start something new now :) If you wonder what kind of pattern this is, just visit this blog and take a look at the cute stitchery she has designed. The best of all; she is giving us it free to use in our projects. Thank you Solveig :)

Tomorrow I will continue organizing my sewing room and perhaps pick another ufo from my box. And hoping the sun will shine :)

Saying for today:

Happiness is like a butterfly.
The more you chase it, the more it eludes you.
But if you turn your attention to other things,
it will come and sit softly on your shoulder
-unknown-

Tour de Fibre - organizing

2011-07-17T19:16:00.002+02:00

Are you still with me on my Tour de Fibre?? I hope you also visit Hanne's Tour de Fibres blogposts, because she is doing the same race as me :) Still a week to blog before we reach the finish line and collect our prizes. I have already something in mind as a prize for Hanne :)

Another rainy summer day. I wonder when the sun is coming this summer. On my to do list this summer vacation was organizing my sewingroom, and why not start doing it on a rainy day like this. I guess you like me have a lot of boxes and tins filled with all kind of sewing stuff. Buttons, thread, laces and other "I-am-sure-I-will-need-it-some-day-stuff". But when looking for stuff while sewing, I am always in such a hurry, so those things seldom (read; never) goes back into the box. So my shelfs was such a mess right now. (No photo of that LOL).

So after some hours organizing my shelfs, it looks good again.

I'm in a clean up and throw mood right now. So when this shelf was done , I turned over to the shelf on the other side of the room. A lot of paper, old magazines, veeeeeery old projects and other stuff have gone out in the thrash bin :) And that too feels sooooo good. Don't worry, I do not throw away things that is worthy saving LOL.

Saying for today:

A place for everything
and everything in its place.
--Mrs. Beeton (The Book of Household Management, 1861)

Tour de Fibre - another finish

2011-07-16T22:59:00.002+02:00

Autumn Houses finished.
Sewed down the binding this morning.
4 finishes in July so far :)
It feels so good.

And I decided for the cable border for my Magcal Christmas quilt. Half the way around done while watching tv this evening.

Saying for today:

If you want to be happy,
set a goal that commands your thoughts,
liberates your energy,
and inspires your hopes.
Andrew Carnegie

Tour de Fibre - Templates

2011-07-15T10:58:00.005+02:00

Yooohoooooo!!!!!
Such an incredible race by Tor Hushovde today.
Congratulations!!!!

I have been looking through my templates today. Did not remember I had SO many. I counted them and I have 67 templates right here. As a hand quilter I love templates for borders and I have big and small ones, with flowers and santas, with cables end hearts. I guess a template for whatever I want to quilt.

But I have my favorites, and these two are among those. So which one will I choose to quilt the outher border of my Magical Christmas. Hmmmm.....have to think about that. What do you think??
A new rainy day. Both Rusken and I wants sun. So what have we done today? Sleeping. Both Frida and Rusken, and I too have had a looooong nap on the sofa.

Saying for today:

Tour de Fibre - Reading

2011-07-14T21:25:00.005+02:00

Not a single stitch today. But I have been reading.
I love reading all kind of books.

Long time ago I ordered the new Elm Creek book, and I have saved it so it could be my summer reading. I had totally forgotten it until today when I found it in my bookshelf. Also got a new book in the mailbox today. Ordered it just a few days ago and it looks like a wonderful book filled with quilt history. We have had a wonderful warm summerday today, so this evening I have enjoyed sitting out on the porch with my books and a glass of red wine (after all it is my summer vacation LOL). And tomorrow it is predicted it will be rain again (sewing weather). But I cross my fingers for more summer days. I need some more warm summer days out on the porch.

In my sewing room there is a lot of quilt books. I love to buy quilt books.

I love looking through them searching for ideas and inspiration. Some of them has patterns that I some day want to make. And all the time there is new books with more inspiration and more patterns that I want to make. Thank you to all those talented designers that gives us all this inspiration.

I also love to read thrillers and novels. And I am a fast reader so I am always looking for new books.

And I love my Elm Creek books. Now back to reading my new novel in Elm Creek.

Saying for today :

A good book on your shelf
is a friend that turns its back on you
and remains a friend.
~Author Unknown

Tour de Fibre - attacing UFO's

2011-07-13T22:46:00.005+02:00

For some days my friend Irene and I have been at her cabin. Sewingmachines, red wine and a lot of projects. Sewing from early morning until late night. And I have done a lot these days :)

Finished quilting my Autumn Houses.
All that is left is to sew down the binding.

Right before leaving the house on monday I found an old ufo in my sewinroom. Started on this table cloth several years ago at a class. It took me one hour to sew on the last blocks.

And then out into the "tent" on the porch to baste the quilt.

And with at glass of red wine (or two :) the quilting was done.
And the binding sewed on.
I actually finished sewing down the binding today :)

I love my Autumn Houses and my Summer table cloth.

During these days I finished this scissor holder too :)
It took me 30 minutes to finish this UFO.

I have alse sewed a lot of blocks for my 2 x Svennebrev. Now I have just the applique blocks left to sew. And I will prepare them in the days to come.

This has been som great days, and I know we'll repeat it very soon :)

Saying for today:
Sewing mends the soul.
~Author Unknown

Tour de Fibre - Tutto cat

2011-07-11T08:16:00.002+02:00

Are you going somewhere Mom???

Saying for today:

It is impossible to keep a straight face
in the presence of one or more kittens.
~Cynthia E. Varnado

Tour de Fibre 2011 - Tired

2011-07-10T17:03:00.002+02:00

In Tour de France they are having their relaxing day tomorrow, I've had mine today. The last weeks have been so stressful both at home and at work. Now when I have started my summer vacation I feel so tired, so I decided to have a day just relaxing to load my batteries. Watching Tour de France, stitching and reading (and a little nap on the sofa).

Saying for today:

How beautiful it is to do nothing,
and then to rest afterward.
Spanish proverb

Tour de Fibre 2011 - secrets

2011-07-09T21:03:00.002+02:00

A little bit of a relaxing day today. Felt good to sit out in the sun (yes we really had some sun today, after soooooo many days with rain and bad weather) just relaxing, reading and having a little nap in the chair. Also spendt som time in the sewingroom working on a secret project. It is a pattern for The Norwegian Quiltassociations magazine, so I can't show you yet. Perhaps it will be a tutorial on my blog after when it is published in the magazine :)

Saying for today:
I like the idea of being whoever I want to be
Dita von Teese

Tour de Fibre 2011 - Summer vacation

2011-07-08T22:43:00.004+02:00

Started my summer vacation today. Feels good to think that I now have three whole weeks home from work. Have a list of things I plan to do:

1. Organizing my sewing room.......again
2. Quilt
3. Quilt some more
4. And hopefully have some finishes
5. So I can start some new projects
6. Relax
7. And quilt some more
8. A glass of red wine
9. And then there perhaps is time to organize my sewing room ..........again
10. Just have fun in my summer vacation

Saying for today:

Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless.
Mother Teresa

Tour de Fibre 2011 - getting advice

2011-07-07T21:51:00.003+02:00

Meeting some friends today I got some advices how to continue quilting my Magical christmas. Did a lot of quilting yesterday when I visited Hanne, but I was not sure how to quilt the rest of it. Now I think I do :)

Bjørg had got her Under The Southern Star quilt back from quilting, and had brought it with her to show us.

It is a beautiful quilt with some wonderful quilting done by Merete Ellingsen.

Saying for today:
Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success
-Henry Ford

Tour de Fibre - Friends

2011-07-06T21:54:00.002+02:00

Visiting Hanne today, and we have enjoyed some lovely time stitching outdoors. And of course we both have been working on our Magical Christmas quilts. We have also agreed that when Tour de Fibre has ended we both deserves a prize each. I will buy one for Hanne and she will buy on for me, that way we have some surprises to look forward too :)

Saying for today:

Tour de Fibre 2011 - Quilting

2011-07-05T20:53:00.003+02:00

Must admit that Tour de Fibre is more fun than Tour de France. Tour de Fibre with Hanne actually makes me have more focus on my projects, and my blogging. If you like to join us, you can start now (and please make a comment about it on our post and we'll go and have a look). There is still many days to go. Tour de Fibre ends at sunday 24 July together with Tour de France. We'll try to make a blogpost every day.

Today I have basted both Magical Christmas and My Garden. I am sure that Magical Christmas will be handquilted. Will start right away while watching CSI tonight. Not sure about My Garden yet. Perhaps I will machinequilt it....or not :)

Do you see the little tin box? It keeps my handquiltingthread. And I love that box :)

Saying for today:

Yesterday is but today's memory,
and tomorrow is today's dream.
Kahlil Gibran

Tour de Fibre 2011 - Christmas in July

2011-07-04T20:02:00.003+02:00

Tor Hushovde lost his points in Tour de France today.

But Hanne and I am keeping track of our Tour de Fibre.
Perhaps a little bit competition between us two :)

I guess you all have seen that Hanne have been stitching on
Lynette's Magical Christmas

So has I. Long time ago I started stitching on this quilt. And as usual it has been stored away in a box and forgotten. Pulling it out of the box today, I discovered what was left to do on this quilt.

Just one star!!!!

It took me less than 15 minutes to trace the star and needlturn applique it on the quilt.

Now it is ready to be basted and quilted. The backing is in the washing machine now. And I promise that this time it will not be stored away. It will be one of my July finishes. Christmas in July is great :)

Saying for today:

If you smile when no one else is around,
you rally mean it.
Andy Rooney

Abyquilt

January 2012 quiltmeeting

Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.

Hoping for a finish in OPAM

Love my new quilt books

Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will.

Creative weekend

There comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters, who never did, and who always will.

A quilters brain

Opening of the fabric rolls

2012 - a new year with new possibilities

Summary of 2011

Christmas days sewing

Antique Sampler–progress

More Christmas gifts

There's a star up in the sky, but the light is in our eyes. Linda Pointdexter

My SSCS gift :)

Merry Christmas

Christmas celebration

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

Preparing for Christmas

Christmas is about laughter, love, friends and family.Don't get lost in the greed. Instead be thankfulfor all of the joy around you.

Time to relax

A little Advent gift to you from me

If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.

Christmas baking weekend

Happiness is not a mood .. its a Decision

Voting on Christmas Quilt Show

Christmas baking

Believe you can and you're half way there. - Theodore Roosevelt

SSCS 2011

Relaxing

Christmas Quilt show 2011

Advent mystery

First sunday in advent

It's amazing how one word from the right person can turn your whole day around and make you feel better in a second! - Unknown

“Trådsnella” Christmas party

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it. Groucho Marx

Novermber quiltmeeting

The adventures of Rusken

What’s on the cat-tv

6 weeks until Christmas

New book

Cabin sew-together

Enjoying some time in the sewingroom

Something new

TGIF

Guarding Mom’s sewing

Sewing is healing

Dear Mom

A little birthday celebration

September quilt meeting

It is this time of the year again

Back in sewing

Thank you Marie!

Yesterdays inspiration and treasures

40 ladies and one man

Sewing and baking

Cabin vitamin Q

Sleeping beauty

August quilt meeting

Vitamine Q refill

Tired

And the winner is……….

A little bit shopping

5 year of blogging - giveaway

Antique sampler–the beginning

At the cabin with good friends

My summervacation–goals

More finishes

New days

Red roses and torches

Burning a light

Tour de Fibre – Decissions

Tour de Fibre - Problems

Tour de Fibre - Thor de France

Tour de Fibre - Rain

Tour de Fibre - organizing

Tour de Fibre - another finish

Tour de Fibre - Templates

Friends are those rare people
who ask how we are
and then wait to hear the answer.

Forget about all the reasons
why something may not work.
You only need to find
one good reason why it will.

There comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters, who never did,
and who always will.

There's a star up in the sky,
but the light is in our eyes.
Linda Pointdexter

Christmas is about laughter, love, friends and family.
Don't get lost in the greed. Instead be thankful
for all of the joy around you.

If you see someone without a smile,
give them yours.

Believe you can
and you're half way there.
- Theodore Roosevelt

It's amazing how one word from the right person can turn your whole day around and make you feel better in a second!
- Unknown

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.
Groucho Marx