I wanted to make a pair of pants to go with Lilly's tunic top. I liked the idea of puffy legged pants with a very soft flannel.
I suppose she might use them as pajamas too. Do you see the teal spot in the waist?
She got an L for Lilly and it will help her to know which is the back side when she is putting them on.
Here she is nearly ready for the birthday party and a bit giggly. I hope you'll have yourself a giggle or two and a wonderful weekend!
Thank you to everyone for your get-will wishes!
Here is a very happy girl off to nursery school again! She is sporting her new hat and mittens that I knit up for her this past summer, also made with Borocca's wool and alpaca yarn. They are thick and warm and will hopefully ward off new illnesses.
Both children are still suffering a bit from a coughs and stuffy noses, but are in fine spirits and have resumed daily life. Why does my throat have to be getting more scratchy? I will crawl into bed with a good book and turn off the light early.
We had an absolutly horrifying moment last night when after waking up in a fit of coughing, Lilly seemed to spit up blood. Seconds after when I was carrying her I realized in a flood of relief that it was just a nose bleed. Oh, those little ones really can cause a big scare! Everyone was home sick, half sick or tending the sick today. Even the neighbor called to see if we could take out his trash and pick up a few dinners for him at the grocery store. So my black and white Monday theme seems appropriate somehow.
My dad let me know that he noticed I didn't do a b&w last week. So here's one Dad, some very dried up leaves, still hanging on. How wonderful it is to have the beautiful fall foliage for so many weeks, many of those leaves still holding on.
I put together a basket of embroidry wools and a few frames, ready with cloth. When they caught sight of it the children pounced with such pleasure. This quiet and diligent work helped them to pass several hours over the past few days. At first we were impressed by how Sebastian made a pretty square design, and then we were impressed again by how Lilly followed his lead the following day and made the same design. What a wonder it is how they learn from eachother.
I do hope all the tender loving care, herb teas, vitamins, homemade soup, hot baths, naps and quiet moments today will mean a healthy day for all tomorrow. Wishing you a happy day.
Yes, it is only 9 weeks until Christmas! This sobering fact just dawned on me. I have already delivered several gifts on our visit to the US, but I have a great many ideas for projects as well as people I plan to make things for. I have begun to fill up the shop with Christmasy matryoshkas.
I had Christmas CANDY in mind when I made them! Fru Jul (which means Mrs. Christmas in Norwegian) and fru Stripete (which means Mrs. Striped in Norwegian) are both in my shop.
Speaking of shop, I am having a store wide sale this weekend ending Monday October 26th. I am giving 20% off all items. Now really is the best time to shop with this great discount and it is sure to arrive in time for the holidays!
I had intended to blog more frequently last week but the children have needed more attention than usual as they have both been coughing and waking at night. Since they don't have any sign of a fever it seems to be a cold and not the flu. Thank goodness, but a mother does worry. I hope you and yours are enjoying a happy and healthy weekend!
A huge congratulations to the winner of the Back to Nature challenge for the European Street Team - Carita, also known as Jealousy Design!
If you would like to read more about Carita you might like to check out this interview and give away.
I just wanted to share a few of my favorite pieces that she makes.
If you go to Carita's blog you will find the new challenge she has for us this week: gnomes and trolls.
I haven't the foggiest idea what to do for the challenge yet. I will ponder it while working on these mittens for my husband. The kids likely have more mittens then they need for the winter but my husband is in dire need of a pair or two.
These are knitting up fast on size 3.5 mm double pointed needles with Borocco Ultra Alpaca 50% wool and 50% alpaca. They are a bit thicker and softer than the pure wool mittens I have made. I also find the colorways for this yarn so inspiring, especially the yarns that are mixes of colors. With a little luck and hard work these will be off the needles in a day or two and my darling man will be toasty warm in them. I am also hoping some good ideas will come to me for what troll/gnome thing to make!
People living in or visiting Scandinavia are likely already familiar with the Danish clothing line, Noa Noa.
Mom and I always take a look at the beautiful clothing when she is visiting here in Norway, and I thought I could show you their fall catalogues!
Each seaon they have one with women's wear and one for little girls.
I was inspired by the skirt above and made one a tiny bit reminiscent of it for my little one today.
I hope to show photos of it on her soon.
I would also like to make her a beret similar to this one above.
I hope you too have found this inspiring?
I was inspired by this week's challenge to make a little leaf pouch. I made it with a heavier weight chocolate colored linen fabric that a friend gave me. The leaf is a new very soft flannel fabric that I purchased on my trip home to the US. I actually bought it to make some pants or bloomers for Lilly. There should be enough left for that.
The inside is a very special peice of Liberty of London that I adore, with pretty fall leaves, flowers and berries.
I encourage you to check out all the wonderful things my dear friends have made for the back to nature challenge!
I started this little top on vacation at home in Maine with the competent help of mom. She knows so much about sewing and we had such fun together.
First tracing out the Japanese patterns from the book onto tissue paper, then trying with terrible results to use mom's machine. One does get rather used to a particular machine and trying to use hers felt like I had no sewing experience whatsoever!
This tunic has the nicest little details, like the gentle curve of the pocket and the elastic in the top of it making it pucker so prettily.
Somehow mom and I goofed on tracing the pattern and we had to add a little opening in the back so Lilly would be able to get her head through. That was for the best, because now I have learned how to do that!
A tiny strip of contrasting fabric lines the inside of the opening for the arm.
She likes it.
Here big brother is making faces to help keep her occupied while I take photos and she is a bit uncertain of this funny business.
It is about time I get around to showing off these turquoise and red beauties!
I used nearly 5 balls of yarn on these knee socks.
My 8 year old son selected the colors. On our outing last spring we bought enough yarn to make these knee socks, a headband, and a pair of mittens. None of them match. He seems to like to stand out in a crowd.
The heel is a bit funny, but I am overall satisfied with how they turned out. The best part is that his feet are so big now that these socks fit us both!
He was very kind to sit in various poses wearing them so I might show you. I am almost glad it is getting so chilly now so we can put all my handwork to use!
The sun is getting sleepier and sleepier, waking us up later and later for each passing day. The grass is covered with a fine frost in the mornings and we see our breath on our way off to start the day. The air feels crisp and clear, fresh but not really biting yet. Sunshine abounds and stills warms our cheeks and lights up the yellow and orange colored leaves so brightly.
Fall has really arrived here and I am having fun with the pretty colors and images of the season. I love how these little acorns turned out on the backs of my autumn matryoshkas.
They have fronts too.
Please meet Fru Høst and Fru Grøndal.
Fru Høst means "Mrs. Fall" in Norwegian is really is the epitome of this beautiful season.
I am taking over after Swiedebie, who was last week's boss. Finally it is my turn to get to decide what the weekly challenge is for the European Street Team. I debated and hemmed and hawed wondering should I make it difficult or be nice with them.
The theme this week is
Back to Nature
The fabulous challenge entries:
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by Ravenhill
by ioulia
by Ingermaaike
by Vadjutka
by Barbarix
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by DeerLola
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by DeerLola
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Walk in the woods, tiny mittens pin
by Happyment
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by Swiedebie
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by Suis le fil
by Karuski
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Sleevy Mini - for iPhone, iPod Touch or Zune
by Sleevy
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Romantic Red Poppy Rose Blossom Flower Bobby Pin
by Ayawedding
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Romantic Salmon Coral Rose Blossom Flower Bobby Pin
by Ayawedding
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(Please visit here to see how she made these stunning pieces!)
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Golden Beauty Beaded Headpiece
by Queenece Accessories and Jewelry
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by TooSis Silver Jewelry Design
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Back to Nature Necklace - Turquoise
by Leela Bijou
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by LaTouchables
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by Petit and Cute Design by Sabahnur
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Skyblue Ladybird Brooch...One of a Kind Design
by eviHAN Glass and Silver Jewellery
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Fertility Symbol Wheat Collection...
by Ayca
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by Kreativlink
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by Swiedebie
by fleur fatale
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Pele - Modern Handforged Sterling Silver Leaf Hooks earrings with Genuine Black Lava Cubes
by Arctida
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I wasn't able to accomplish as much this weekend as I had hoped due to interrupted sleep on Saturday night. My little one woke up with a miserable case of sniffles and very croupy. This made her cry and cry and she got all the more sniffly and croupy. Happily for us all she is much better now.
I did have time to stitch up a half dozen or so of these little vintage kimono fabric heart ornaments. I will include one with each order I mail out the remainder of this month. I do hope people will enjoy them.
I have been working on some black and white matryoshkas.
Fru Rybak and Fru Alfstad, the first two in line, are now in the shop.
Whenever I see something like this in the mail my heart skips a beat.
When I opened it my heart started to sing! What an incredibly sweet package!
So nicely wrapped and with a lovely handwritten note enclosed! Kelly and I sent eachother a few handmade goodies last year and now she surprises me again with this delightful bundle!
You should really be here to see and feel them to understand their beauty... all peices of vintage kimono... Oh, my goodness, this is a true treat for a fabric lover! The fabrics are all different, such a nice variety of textures and colors, from rough to silky smooth, and fine, fine thin to coarse and weighty. They are the nicest present!
Thank you so very much Kelly! You might be startled to hear that I have already begun to cut into them and put them to use? I hope to show you more soon.
PS. Somehow I got into the time-consuming habit of making Etsy treasuries again. I think it is my love of gazing at beautiful handmade things... Please have a look at my treasury and do leave a word or two there if you like.
The latest copy of Sew Hip magazine appeared in my mailbox. Just in time for a well-deserved break! I have been busy with filling up my shop!
Fru Hyggen, Fru Dahle, Fru Muri, and Fru Karlsson are all atwitter at the prospect of flying all over the world to new homes!
Now after all my labours it is only right that I make a cup of tea, lie down on the couch and relax, first wtih my new magazine!
One of my favorite sections of Sew Hip is the book reviews. I look forward to checking out both of these books when I get the chance. Tone Finnanger, the author of Sew Sunny homestyle is the lady behind Tilda and is from Norway!
Isn't it cute?
After a good look through my sewing magazine I'll likely work on my crocheted mittens. Anna, my friend and neighbor who offered to help me on learning how to do shepherd's knitting, and I agreed that the old-fashioned and pretty pjoning hook is for the birds. It kept getting snagged on the wool. The modern crochet hook is in use for a good reason and I am using it instead. They are turning out quite thick and seem like they will be very warm. That will be good as the colder days are approaching.
I am not really very good at decorating. Funny isn't it when I make so many decorative dolls? Well, that is just it. I like to spend time looking for inspiration, making things or with my little ones. Home decorating isn't my strong side. But one can try?
I made the fabric basket for my son upon his request awhile back. It wasn't even remotely close to Halloween, but he just loves the bright and spooky fabrics. He brought in a pile of leaves for me that he had gathered outside. He likes to find things for me to take pictures of, isn't that sweet?
Anyway the leaves made me think of the basket and how pretty it would look filled with Rowan berries. I think I have a long way to go when it comes to tasteful home decorating but my kids think it is awesome and that is good enough for me.
Well, it ended up being a tour bus of us filling the shop when all my blogging friends joined me for the excursion. Thank you one and all for all of your enthusiasm over our outing! I will be sure to be asking you again soon.
Thanks for stopping by for Black and White Monday!
Today was a busy day with school and nursery school starting up again, me dashing off to a meeting and then rushing home in time to pick up little one who was bubbly and jolly as can be after her time at nursery. This evening I am listing a few more items in my shop. This needlebook is just one of the new ones I am listing. I am crazy about the Liberty wildflower fabric on it.
The morning started off so nicely with everyone in sunshiny moods. How happy we all are to be finally settling back into routines of everyday life. Then it hit me hard how fast my little chicks are growing up and how quickly each day passes.
Is it just me or is there a whole lot of beauty and joy in the eyes on these guys? I guess it is just one of those days to feel contented and greatful for such a good life.
Yes, let's not let these wonderful years race by too fast. My husband (the tall, dark and handsome man two shots back) took this last photo.
It was the first gray, rainy day of the fall and I decided it was a fine day to take you on a little outing with me.
I thought you would fancy a visit to a Norwegian home decorating specialty shop, ZanZ, in Lillestrøm right outside of Oslo. Their slogan in the window means "Not like the neigbors".
White,
some glitz and glitter,
and some exotic eggs are nice ways to decorate.
They had some handsome antique furniture and the oval dishes in pastel would make a lovely breakfast table.
A sheep skin makes for a cozy and warm seat. I love how they have tied up the silverware.
This would do nicely! I am a very practical person but I just adore chandeliers with all their crystal baubles...
Baby booties are a most irresistable, so dainty and innocent.
Those long lace decorated cones are filled with dried lavender.
I am curious about these, whether or not they are actually old milk bottles?
I have plans on making new pillows soon, but will probably go with bright and colorful. Had I not had children and been able to have a white sofa I would be tempted by these.
I would love to learn how to do nuno felting, the effect is so nice.
I know my little one would love these boxes for her small treasures.
And these are the types of things I really treasure.
I would love to hear how you liked our outing. I hope you found it interesting. Perhaps you learned a bit about Norwegian tastes. If this little excursion made you hungry for more Scandinavian interior you might check out the Danish House Doctor for more inspiration.
xxx
I am in love...
with this new fabric with the cutest frogs on lilly pads...
The oh-so-soft fabric is a loose weave, a double layer of fabric, known as double gauze. This one is by Heather Ross. You can check out more of the Heather Ross Kokka line here.
Rhea's shop is worth a trip to Maine!!! I kicked myself for not bringing along my camera on this shopping spree... And it was one of those shops where everything is so delightfully displayed and every fabric so lovely that selecting a mere few to bring home is so difficult.
I will definitely be back again on my next visit home!
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