Melancholy

My mother died in her sleep today, 70 years old.

I wish things could have been different,
and that she would have chosen her grandkids and family,
instead of alcohol and pills,
many years ago,
when she had the chance.

I am glad I  had the strength to be strong for my girls,
and that they have not had to live through the hell with alcoholism and drug abuse!

I have often missed you and the relationship we could have had !
Rest in peace mum.

Salg på Trådsnella i dag

 

I dag, 4 februar, gir Trådsnella, Lørenskog,  50 % avslag  på alle quiltestoffer!

Butikken har åpent til kl. 19.

Today my local hobby shop Trådsnella gives 50 % off all quilting fabrics.

Monday again

Mondays are nice - like white paper and new crayons, ready to be used !
I like weekends too, just in case you think I don't :-)

Today the sun has been shining bright, and even if it is very cold outside, -17 C, it brings promises of spring.
The beloved furball has been sunbathing in her favourite cardboard box and chasing her tail like mad.
Maybe cats are not as smart as one thinks  ;-)

I am done with all the previous focus projects, so today I have picked new projects to focus on for the next 2 weeks:

 
My Gail Pan BOM - I am done with the stitcheries for January and February, but have to do the piecing for both.
Stitchery is so nice to do - and I can keep my left shoulder calm.

The three last blocks for Svennebrevet.

I have 18 more of these blocks to do for this quilt.
Did  I mention they are hand pieced ? :-))
Another BOM from Lappemakeriet!

These blocks are from "the stone ages" and will be turned into a care quilt very soon!

Hanne

Hand piecing is so nice :-)

I have had a mishap with the shoulder that get inflammations very easily, so I am taking it very very easy with the sewing machine until the muscles and ligaments have calmed down again.

Hand sewing with a short thread is perfect relax work :-)

3 more blocks to go - 1 appliqué, 1 English Paper Piecing and 1 for the sewing machine - foundation paper piecing

I LOVE how this BOM is coming together :-)

Hanne

Thursday's add on

I could not help myself - just had to make one more block today :-)

5 more blocks to go, and these are the more work intensive ones - 1 applique, 1 English paper piecing, 2 hand piecing and 1 machine piecing ( foundation paper piecing).

Hanne

Thursday update

Focus and daily stitches are the words :-)

I am done with the first of two stitcheries for the Gail Pan stitchery BOM I am doing with a couple of friends.
I have already seen Bente's  January block done, and it looks gorgeous :-)

One more Svennebrevet block.

This Dear Jane tote has really been a slow one, but now it is DONE :-)
This is the front,

and this is the back side, or the other front, if you like :-)

Hanne

Wednesday update

The block from the weekend is done,


and so is one more block for Svennebrevet BOM :-)


So far, so good :-)


Here is, from the left:  the border fabric, the sashing fabric, the backing and the last 7 block kits for the Svennebrevet quilt.
My goal is to have the top done by next Tuesday, February 9th.


I am juggling several balls in the air these days.
All the blocks for this quilt was done, but the top lacked the 2 last rows.



Now it is all joined and ready for borders.
The blocks finish 4,5"

Never a dull moment in the sewing corner :-)

Hanne

A finish and more focus on focusing :-)

The secret project is done and ready to be mailed off.
I will let you know what it is in the end of March :-)

Then to focus on focus projects again!

From the 4 projects I have been working on so far in January only 1 is not done - if you do not count the DJ top I have just delivered to Merete for machine quilting today.



Here are my focus projects this week:

1. The DJ tote
2. A red and white tote - I need it just in finished parts by Friday
3. My miniature Log Cabin top - I need to finish the top this week.
4. Svennebrevet blocks - just for fun :-)

Hanne

Busy week

The secret project you have not seen a proper photo of yet is nearly done. Just lacking about 30 minutes of work and a label.

In between I have enjoyed these blocks from the BOM Svennebrevet  :-)

I have joined the blocks as I go. If they don't have the proper placement, they are pinned into their right row, and I feel I am making a quilt, not only blocks :-)

I am travelling with Dear Jane and Nearly Insane quilt this weekend.
I am having a lovely time with a  group of wonderful quilters from Sandnessjøen :-)
The area is very beautiful with all the mountains and the sea.

A lot of talented women are gathered here, and I am having a good time!

I have also had the pleasure of visiting the local quilt shop, Bit for bit (Piece by piece)

Now I am relaxing in my hotel, enjoying a glass of red wine, reading  blogs and listening to music on TV, before a group of us is going out for a late dinner.

Life is good :-)

Wishing you a lovely weekend too!

Hanne

I'm doing a happy dance :-)

The first packet for this quilt, Tante Rosa (Aunt Pink/Rosie), arrived from Lappemakeriet in January 2009, and now it is done, quilting, binding and all :-)
It is 94 hexagon flowers, the sides of the hexagon measuring 1,25".
I will not dive into the math of how many hexagons and half hexagons has gone into this quilt, as quilter's math is not my force :-))
I have pieced this quilt by hand, without paper pieces as in English paper piecing.
I have used more than 200 yards of thread just hand piecing the hexagons.

I have enjoyed the journey every stitch of the way, and I am quite proud about this being my first big hand pieced quilt :-)

Merete has done the lovely quilting.
I changed the backing sent with the quilt for this bolder colour variation, just for fun. It adds an extra touch to this soft coloured quilt.

The furball is having a full day's work paw approving all the quilts these days :-)

Fear not - I still have some BOMs  with kits to work on…….. :-)
3 of these  4 are from Lappemakeriet.
Svennebrev. Åttebladrose and Elsker, elsker ikke.

Have I mentioned I absolutely LOVE Lappemakeriet's kits ?
The fabrics and colours are great, and there are always plenty of fabrics in the kits.
Another factor I appreciate very very much is that they always send out their kits on schedule!
You are great !

Hanne

Focus projects tally

2 weeks ago my focus projects were the hexagon quilt and a secret project.
What happened to them ?
The hexagon quilt top is done, it is back from the machine quilter, and I am now working on meters of binding - feels like miles ;-)

The secret project is nearly done.

It is not easy to hand quilt when a cat try your quilt frame on for size :-))
It is a good thing I held the quilting needle in my hand so she did not poke herself with it. This happened in a matter of seconds when I had my attention elsewhere.
I had a well deserved rest with the cat and the frame on my lap.

Last week I added 2 more projects to the focus projects.
What happened to them?

The Dear Jane Christmas top is done and looking good :-)
The plan was to finish the top, as it will be travelling with me in a few days, and a top travels lighter than a finished quilt in an already full suitcase.
The top is going to the machine quilter in a week's time.

Never underestimate a good cat inspection!
Since it has been so cold and so much snow lately, the cat has preferred to stay indoors as good as all the time, which is not normal for her, and as a result of that she is taking her quilt inspector duties very seriously.
It was not to easy to measure and pin the borders during inspection time.

And the Dear Jane tote ?
Weeeeell…………… work needs to be done :-)

So, bottom line - 1 project out of the focus pile and I just had to add another sort of small one :-)

Hanne without a stitchery is like a fish without a bike :-))

My plans for this week is:
Keep on keeping on with the above projects!


I just have to show you my last addition to the good coffee table books collection.
I am interested in quilt history and women history.
Many of my relatives emigrated to America during the 1800s and 1900s , and some also made a new life for themselves in Minnesota.
I wonder if any of them became quilters ?

Hanne

Wednesday update

The Dear Jane Christmas top is nearly done, and looking good,
and the 2 sides for the Dear Jane sherbet colours tote is ready for machine quilting.
The same blocks, and yet so different when you change setting and colours :-)

Goals for tomorrow is to add borders to the quilt top, and I will keep on working on my tote too.

I miss hand piecing already!
I think I have to prep a block for hand piecing tomorrow. I can not do machine work for long periods at a time!

 
I got my hexagon quilt back from the machine quilter today, and it looks GORGEOUS !!

Merete does beautiful machine quilting and I love the pantograph she used, named Pop Corn. 

I also bought a new backing for the quilt from Merete - dark brown, with beige drawings of flowers and butterflies.

When I am done with the goals for this week in the DJ department I will add binding to my hexagon quilt :-)

Hanne

Oooops !

I thought I was very close to finishing this top - but - I really thought I had some more blocks, somewhere……..

Suddenly I remembered where to look and yes, I found more blocks!
I did in fact find 11 more blocks, enough to add one row to the width and one row to the length.

Some frog sewing (rip rip), some more cutting of background squares and some more sewing is needed before I can finish this top.
I do enjoy to work with Dear Jane blocks :-)
This will be a nice lap quilt once it is done.

Hanne

A stitchery BOM

I don't think I have to tell you I LOVE stitcheries ? :-)
I have had a needle in my hand since I was 6 years old, and I am still enjoying it as much as ever.
Cross stitches have moved over for stitcheries, but I still get that lovely feeling of flow when I sit down with embroidery floss and needle.

I am doing this Gail Pan stitchery, Busy Little Christmas Elves, as a BOM for myself this year, just for fun.
This morning I draw all the stitcheries on fabric. and I am soon very ready to start.
I have been discussing with myself which colours to use, and I have been changing my mind a lot of times between Japanese taupe and blue, or Japanese taupe and red.
I have now landed on deep red stitcheries - DMC 498 -  and taupe and red for the fabrics - and I will NOT change my mind again ;-)
This is my inspiration.

I have bought the pattern here, if you will like to join in the BOM.
It is always a pleasure to do business with Lyn :-)
If you are in Norway, you can also contact Siw at Quiltegaarden.

Hanne

Focus projects - results and plans

 

First what happened to the focus projects from last week.

The hexagon top is all done and it is going to Merete today to be machine quilted.
This quilt is bigger than I thought - 70" x 90". I absolutely LOVE the look :-)
The strange feeling of separation blues is gone - now I am so ready to move on!

Miss Cat tried to claim the top as her own when I was measuring for the borders.
No such luck, oh beloved furball!
I think she might know she is very colour coordinated with the quilt, don't you think ? :-)

The hand quilting project is coming along too :-)
It is not done, as the hexagons took all my time, but I will keep on keeping on with it.

After a full week of hand work I will dedicate this week to machine work. I have a pile of Dear Jane Christmas blocks and I have thought about turning them into a top for a long time.
This is the week, and the goal is to finish the top!

Crazy colours, still Dear Jane blocks.
These blocks will be a tote before the end of the week :-)

Time fly when you are having fun!

Hanne

A strange feeling

 
The last hexagon stitch is done for now, and tomorrow I will do pressing and adding the border.

This quilt has been a faithful companion through 2009.
It is both nice and a bit strange to be done.

Hanne

Soon

Soon I am done!
Soon, as in 1-2 days, I will add the border to this quilt.

I have plans for next week, already having picked the 2 projects to work on then :-)

Hanne

Focus projects of the week

Ah - a new year and a lot of new possibilities!

The best way to tackle a full to do list is to do it, one item at a time, right ? :-)
For this week I have picked 2 focus projects -

A quilt that need hand quilting and my hexagon quilt top.

I think I can finish both through the weekend. I have something nice here to keep me ever so motivated !

The new BOM from Lappemakeriet - Elsker, elsker ikke - Sjømann (Loves me, loves me not - Seaman)
I got the first packet today when I was at the quilt café at Lappemakeriet.
I am not allowed to open the kit for the first 3 flowers before the hexagon quilt top is DONE.
It better be done real quick then :-))

To work, oh bold quilter !

Hanne

Stitchery top done :-)

I need a take along hand quilting project, so I thought it might as well be this one, so from 4 blocks done to full top done it has been fast and fun.

The backing will go in the washer today!

I plan to hand quilt this little quilt with perle cotton.
I have used 2,5" strips to make borders for each block and 2,5" for the final border, and I have used all of these 3 fabrics. Just very small scraps left.

Hanne

More thoughts on words

Over the last couple of days I have finished the last 4 blocks of Gail Pan's BOM, and I am searching for border fabrics in my fabric collection.

 

Function: verb
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb 1 a : to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real <ideals we believe in> <believes in ghosts>
2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something <believe in exercise>
3 : to hold an opinion :

I believe that we all are able to make our days as good as possible by being the the best versions of ourselves, not only to others, but also to ourselves!
I believe every day is a gift to treasure.

Function: noun
Date: 13th century
1 : a high degree of gratification : joy; also : extreme satisfaction
2 : something that gives great pleasure <her performance was a delight>
3 archaic : the power of affording pleasure

Take pride in what you make and what you do, and you will both give and receive delight.

Function: noun

Etymology: French noël Christmas, carol, from Old French Nael (Deu), Noel Christmas, from Latin natalis birthday, from natalis natal
Date: 1811
1 : a Christmas carol
2 capitalized : christmas

I like Christmas carols, especially if sung by the tenors. You know me - I like Advent the most, doing the Christmas preparations and listening to Christmas music on the radio. I found in another dictionary that carols also applies to other religious celebrations.
Carols are part of our traditions. Traditions gives continuity through generations.

Function: noun
Date: 14th century

1 a : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces b : magic rites or incantations
2 a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source b : something that seems to cast a spell : enchantment
3 : the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand

Add a magic touch to everyday life by being good to yourself, daily. Warm tea, candles and a daily thread on your favourite stitchery or quilt - need I say more ? :-)

All the words cut to size and put together :-)

 
I have been working on something else too, but I can not show you for a long while yet.

Hanne

Thoughts on words

As I have been working on Gail Pan's BOM I have been reflecting on the words in the stitcheries and how they are important.
These small words that carries the world.

 

Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lufu; akin to Old High German luba love, Old English lēof dear, Latin lubēre, libēre to please
Date: before 12th century1 a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child>

I love my DH and my DDs!
I love my friends, I love blogging, and I love stitchery and quilting.

Love is a feeling you must take care of, if not, it will fade.

 
Function: adjective
Date: before 12th century
1 archaic : giving pleasure : delightful

Be sure to do something merry every day!

Function: noun
Date: 13th century1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires

I wish for you a joyous year in 2010 - I hope you find joy in the small things in life!

Function: verb
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb 1 : to cherish a desire with anticipation

I hope that all that have heavy loads to bear will find relief.
Hold on to the golden rope of hope always!

 
Function: noun
Date: 12th century
1 : a state of tranquillity or quiet: as a : freedom from civil disturbance b : a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom <a breach of the peace>
2 : freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
3 : harmony in personal relations

Peace - a very important word!
Find peace in your own mind and the world will a much happier place. Be the best version of yourself, always!

To all - I wish for you a year filled with all of the above words !

Carpe Diem!

Hanne
 
Dictionary source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/

The last day of 2009

Mother Nature is giving a lovely Light & Frost show these days, and I am enjoying the sights from the windows.
Even the neighbour's cloth hanging rack is beautiful with frost on :-)
Did I mention that the day is now 8 minutes longer than by Winter Solstice? I like that!

 
I dug out this Gail Pan BOM last night - 4 blocks done, 5 to go.
I have since then drawn all the remaining blocks and stitched # 5 and started stitching # 6!

New Year is the time for tallies and resolutions, this year no exception!

 
Well - even if I have both WIPs and WISPs (Work In Progress and Work In Slow Progress), as you see, I am not uncomfortable with it, and the WIPs and WISPs do not take very much place in my house or in my mind :-)

Counting WIPs and WISPs ? Nope, not really - less than 20 by a quick glance, which is Good in my book.

I do not count my pile of finished stitcheries that are not made into anything yet - they are like star shine and sugar in my day - like vitamins!
I will eventually make them in to something - I think :-)

Counting Finishes ? YES :-))

For 2009 I had 44 finishes !!
I had finishes in every month of the year, and average of 3,66 finishes a month through the year.

I will join OPAM - One Project A Month - in 2010 too - it has been great fun - thanks May Britt and Kim for keeping track and giving inspiration.

I WILL NOT join any swaps in 2010 - or thereafter!
It is time consuming, and I don't think it is not as fun as it should be investing all that time and money.
I WILL however send friends mail box joys if I feel like it, when I feel like it :-)

I am looking forward to travel in 2010, and I am looking forward to have a good time with friends offline and online.

I am looking forward to make more care quilts in 2010.
The blue and white Log Cabin blocks you can see on one of the previous photos will hopefully warm a child with a long term disease before long.

I have made some health decisions I have to follow up on.
My body needs some extra care in 2010.
I have had far to many inflammations this year. I can do something about it, and I will !
It will be a long term project - like for the rest of my life, but it will be worth it !!

I am looking forward to spend time with you in 2010,
and I wish you and yours a wonderful New Year!
May all your days be bright and may your load be light to carry!

Hanne

One last finish this year :-)

I made it ! One last finish for 2009 :-)
This Chimney Log Cabin has been very nice to work with, with different textures and my favourite Japanese fabrics with a couple CW repros thrown in.

Merete has done the machine quilting - feathers and swirls.

Tomorrow and the day after I will focus on the hexagon quilt.
I do not expect to finish the top, but I will definitively move it forward and it will be finished very soon :-)

Hanne

A before New Year shortlist

 

I don't know if you are like me, but I tend to take inventory of my sewing of the year during the days between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Did I meet all my goals for the year - not really
Did I add to the WISP pile more than I finished from it - no :-)
(WISP = Work In Slow Progress)
Did I finish something every month - One Project A Month - yes :-)

Can I focus on a couple of projects for the last days of the year and move them forward - yes :-)
Can I possibly finish one more quilt this year - yes :-)

The 2 quilts above are my focus projects until they are done - both of them!

Hexagon quilt - lacks 2 long joining seams and a little more than half of the edge fillers.
I will put the border fabric in the washing machine tomorrow.
I do not think I can finish this top in 2009, but it will only be a matter of days in 2010.

Chimney Log Cabin quilt - lacking only binding. The binding is in the dryer as we speak.
A bad shoulder has kept me away from the sewing machine for quite  a while, but today is the day - I will add the binding so I can sew it down over the next couple of days. I think I can finish this binding in 2009 :-)

Hanne

The Christmas days

Merry Christmas - God Jul - to all!
I hope you have had a lovely celebration!

   
In my area we have not had this much snow falling in so few days since 1973 - that is quite a while……

This is my veranda, filled to the brim with snow, and you can see it is hanging from the roof too.
Never wish for a white Christmas - you may get what you wish for!
It was not me sending that wish though - promise !! ;-))

 
I don't think I ever got this many quilty gifts for Christmas :-)


I am sitting here enjoying my morning tea, with a very soft scarf around my neck - life is Good !

Hanne

Christmas can come!

 

The last cakes are baked over the last 2 days
Julemanna - not looking the very best this year, but the taste is very good!

Risboller - Puffed rice and chocolate - DH's favourite.

Gingerbread cookies - they are soooo good, and nearly gone now, as we had a lot of visits here yesterday :-) We have to make more next year !!

The house is clean and tidy, with Christmas decorations all around.

The last Christmas gift is finished - today :-)

The Christmas tree is decorated and the world outside is white.

Mr. Nisse (Norwegian Santa)  is willingly sharing his mandarins :-)

The pork rib is in the oven, ready to be served in 90 minutes, at 5 pm, as the tradition is.

I wish you and your family the very best for the Christmas.
May your Christmas be filled with love and peace, wherever you are!

Christmas hugs from
Hanne