Nancys sting og ting

Premier knitting

2012-01-24T22:00:00.001+01:00

Past week I really needed a break from sewing projects and text work for classes and pattern. It actually felt very good to do some simple knitting for premier project Amanda. My Baby Born doll is a great model. (Also used for birthday and X-mas gift projects).

While knitting I enjoyed watching TV and company with DH. We had a nice anniversary dinner on Saturday and I got a nice gift of Pearls. Yes, right! Married for 30 years. I can hardly believe it (or how DH has tolerated all my sewing mess all this years!).

Ok I’m off NLQ on Friday morning for classes. Looking forward to a fun weekend and scrap quilting. My suitcases are just within the limit! I bring as many modells as possible.

Hugs from Nancy

First week of Year 2012

2012-01-08T18:44:00.001+01:00

New Year and new opportunities. This weekend the X-mas decoration stuff was packed in boxes to be stacked away until later this year. Six big boxes!

I have spent several days in my sewing room this week. I can’t show you all off it, a sneak peek have to do.

Looking forward to classes in Nordfjord later this month. I have several models in addition to what you can see out of this photo.

Hugs from Nancy

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T12:24:00.001+01:00

Hugs from Nancy

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T14:45:00.001+01:00

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!

God Jul og Godt Nytt år!

Hugs from Nancy

Snow!!

2011-12-21T01:34:00.001+01:00

Just look at this! I never imagined we would have snow for Christmas this year. I think it would be proper to say “Enjoy while you can”. According to the weatherman White Christmas will not happen in my area. Minde you, a Miracle could happen..

Hugs from Nancy

Christmas spirit

2011-12-18T18:34:00.001+01:00

The Christmas spirit is entering our home. Christmas cookies in the jar and “Fjøsnissen” have done the cookie inspection.

Hugs from Nancy

Getting closer to X-mas

2011-12-11T19:18:00.001+01:00

This weekend weather has been wet wet wet! Went visiting my mom, and there is always something new happening. She lives on a farm and those who have a bit about farming and animals probably know what I’m getting at. This is the season of cows giving birth. I love the experience of watching new life being born. This time I got to be a humble expatiator to one of the cows giving birth to a rather big calf. Some unfamiliar tools had to be used to secure a happy ending. I was so much caught up in the moment that I forgot all about taking photos.

Anyway, today is the third Sunday of Advent. I have a photo to symbolize that.

Hugs from Nancy

Friday fun

2011-12-03T16:55:00.001+01:00

Last night dinner party was a lot of fun. I made this center piece for the dining table and just had a ball while doing so. I love Orchids as you can see. I used two long cake platter, flower decoration equipment, 3 branches from the florist (Orchids, white flowers and Hydrangea) some Holly leaves from my garden, some branches of Ivy and some Spruce twigs nicked from my neighbors garden ;-)

Enjoy your week end

Hugs from Nancy

December 1th

2011-12-01T10:39:00.001+01:00

Let The Fun Begin!

I fell in love with a knitted lamp shade displayed in one of my local stores. I have been working hard this week *smile*.

Enjoy Advent.

Hugs from Nancy

Advent

2011-11-25T19:23:00.001+01:00

I had so much fun this week! Receiving four Advent gifts from a friend is such a treat. We have exchanged Advent gifts for several years. I is kind of Christmas morning every Sunday.

When my boys were kids (up to 16 y/o) I made Advent calendars and 24 packets for each of them. Every day in December was fun.

Well, it is allowed to have fun even if you are “grown up”. Me and my mom have treated each other to Advent calendars for more than ten years. It all started when my mom was going through some hard time and needed some fun in her life. I made a Mystery Quilt of 24 parts that turned out to be Advent calendar. Next year I sent her 24 packets with sewing notion. My mom is a quilter too. I have enjoyed very much preparing this year Advent calendar for my mom.

You are never too old to have fun (my mom is past 70 hihi).

Hugs from Nancy

X-mas spirit

2011-11-15T11:02:00.001+01:00

I did it again! Two new designs from my little studio.

Looking forward to finish some X-mas presents. For obvious reasons there will be no photos ;-)

Hugs from Nancy

Progress

2011-11-06T21:44:00.001+01:00

October came, and went! November is on and that means Christmas planning. In fact I have already bought several x-mas presents.

I must admit I have a concentration problem! My sewing room projects are absolutely in slow progress. It works like this: By the time I have pieced a top for a quilt, table runner etc. than my head is full of new “great” ideas and I’ll rather start a new project than finish the top. The problem is that when I can see how the project will turn out I kind of loose the spirit. Anybody who have a similar sewing room problem? If you have a tip or cure, please contact me.

Still I am very proud of having a finish! This was a kit for a baking cover (for covering bread etc. when rising). The kit was a birthday present from my friend May-Britt. I was joking about not buying kits because I never got to finish them. But look, May-Britt, I did finish!

I have picked out a new kit from my box. This will be my next kit project.

Best wishes for a new week.

Hugs from Nancy

Flowers from my garden

2011-10-08T17:53:00.001+02:00

Today I have spent the entire day working in the garden. DH has been working the chain saw cutting away unwanted bushes. Still some flowers blooming and I picked this bouquet.

If I lived closer to my friend May-Britt I would give it to her. She is going through some sad times as her mother passed away on Monday.

Hugs from Nancy

Friday chat

2011-10-07T10:31:00.001+02:00

Okay, new laptop and new ways of doing things. The method of uploading photos from camera to laptop has previous been by memory card. But do you know what? My new laptop does not have a slot for memory cards! I know my camera came with a variety of cords, but where did I put them? I know where I normally would put extras like that, but after remodeling the living room last fall I had found a new home for that mess in that particular drawer. I did put all that mess in a box, but where did I put that box?

Yes, I found it! In the attic… Very handy place to put it! I also found the correct cord and can upload photos now “smile”.

First photo is a Christmas project. This is a new pattern coming very soon. Sorry only Norwegian text.

Yesterday I did something I never done before but always wanted to try. Dipping candles. I did not have a proper tall dipping cylinder, only a tall preserve tin. It worked fine but the candles could have been taller in my own opinion. I am very pleased with my work.

Wish you all a happy weekend.

Hugs from Nancy

Hurrah

2011-09-20T11:43:00.001+02:00

Hurrah, my new laptop is here and working! I’ll make this story short because I feel my mind boiling just thinking about the ordeal. My laptop had to go for repair twice. Third time I refused to take the same laptop back and got a new one. Things like this take time and all the setup and adding programs every time was just too much for my liking.

Anyway, I’m back on track and this is post is a test of writing and uploading photos.

Hugs from Nancy – still kicking ;-P

Laptop problems

2011-07-07T10:50:00.004+02:00

Long time, no see!

My new laptop turnes out to be just junk. It had to go back for repair after just a couple of weeks. Now it is going back again. It does not work properly. I want a new one!

I got really frusterated over this kind of equipment that is not working proparly. I just had to take a break. Hope to be back on track and back i blog land in a couple of weeks.

Enjoy summer time.

Hugs from Nancy

New Laptop

2011-05-06T11:50:00.001+02:00

My old laptop caved in. Time to get a new one. Looking good but it takes time to install all the programs and stuff from my old one.

Have a wonderfull week end.

Hugs from Nancy

Creativity in Bloom

2011-04-27T20:24:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I released two new patterns. Sorry, but they are only in Norwegian.

This one is a wallhanging with stitchery and Jo-Jo decoration. The stitchery have sayings about being a mom.

A detalj of the mitter block.

Next pattern is a tabelrunner and candelmat with strawberry stitchery.

Strawberries can also be appliquéd.

Patterns for sale at several Quiltshops and Online shops in Norway and Sweden. I’ll make a list in the sidebar.

I am already working on new pattern projects. My next project has something to do with Butterflies

Hugs from Nancy

I got the fabric and Zappa is gone

2011-04-27T19:13:00.001+02:00

First of all, thanks to A Quilt Lady who saved me by sending 20 cm of the missing fabric.

Easter holiday have passed but with mixed feelings. Our lovely and playful cat Zappa has gone missing. He went for a walk on Palm Sunday and has been missing since. We have all over the neighborhood, called his name outside every garage. We have walked several hundred meters along E 18 and even turned a few dead cats along the way. No Zappa in sight. He has been missing for 10 days now. I guess we have to come to terms that he is gone forever.

Hugs from Nancy

Fabric request only in Norwegian

2011-04-15T13:02:00.004+02:00

ETTERLYSER STOFF Har du muligens dette stoffet? Jeg holder på med et prosjekt og kom til å skjære feil :-( Det er et lindegrønnt japansk stoff som er ca 2 år gammelt. Jeg trenger egentlig bare en stripe på 2 inch, men dersom du har 30 cm å selge meg så blir jeg overlykkelig. God helg fra Nancy

Great spring feeling

2011-04-09T16:04:00.001+02:00

This past week have brought me closer to publishing new patterns. I have tested this new product for transferring stitchery, Transfer-Eze. I love it!

I have this great spring feeling! May be I am like a bear and just woke up from my winter sleep. LOL. While doing work in my garden I picked these branches. In just a few days in a vase they looked like this. I don’t know what this bush is called in English. The bush gets flowers before leaves in the spring.

As you probably have noticed, I love my cats. Zappa is a funny and playful cat. Even so, Zappa also have his relaxing moments. Have you ever seen a cat rocking chair? Jepp, Zappa love this oval basket with a rounded bottom.

Have a lovely spring week end.

Hugs from Nancy

Spring

2011-04-03T23:57:00.002+02:00

Yesterday and the day before we had heavy fog in my town. Not very inviting to stay out side. This morning the sun was shining from a blue sky and temperature was nice and rising through the day. I really got his spring feeling and put on my glows, and got to work. I had a really nice spring day in my garden. My ”red wine” bench is in place, all my herbs are cut and prepared for growing. Ok, just half of my garden is prepared, but that is just ok. Still some snow in shadows spots and the ground in the back yard are not totally towed yet.

Anyway, I really got he spring felling today and it felt so good.

Hugs from Nancy

Hallo

2011-03-24T12:47:00.008+01:00

It is great to be back on track!

My absent from my blog have many reasons. I don't really need to go in to it all, but pneumonia, fractured rib and wedding might explain a bit. Yes, DS1 married his girlfriend mid February. Not on Valentines Day, but the day before. They married on their 10th anniversary as sweetharts.

My quilting muse got a bit lost i all the happenings, but now I'm back on track (I think). I have in the past months finished a few projects.

This quilt is a belated birthday gift for DS1 and his girl. They spent 3 weeks in April 2010 traveling Japan. I finished the quilt before I knew they planned to marry in February.

My oldest SIL had her 70th birthday in December. I made this quilt for her.

Most of all I have enjoyed the company of Gizmo and Zappa through my health issues.

Have a nice week end.

Hugs from Nancy

Nytt mønster fra Nancys sting og ting

2010-12-06T16:02:00.002+01:00

New pattern from Nancys sting og ting.

Quilt Festival in Houston

2010-11-02T21:37:00.001+01:00

I can hardly believe it, but my bags are packed and in 6 hours I am leaving for Houston. My mom and two other quilting friends are ready too. Houston here we come ;-)

Hugs from Nancy

Picking mushrooms

2010-09-29T00:01:00.001+02:00

Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I love to walk in the woods looking for mushrooms. It feels so good with the sharp air after the low temperature night. The autumn colors are beautiful. This year autumn walks in the woods have been a necessity as the remodeling of our kitchen and living room is going on. Just started on week 5 but it feels like several months.

This is some of the goodies I brought home last week.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craterellus_tubaeformis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatrellus_ovinus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanterelle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydnum_repandum

http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B8dskrubb

I don’t know if this is a special Norwegian kind of mushroom. Could not find the English translation at Wikipedia. Anyone who can give the English name or does it only grow in Scandinavia?

I had to prepare all the mushrooms in the camper. That is where we make dinners too. The only place in the house we can have a sit down dinner.

Tomorrow I am having a planning evening for our Huston trip. The only place we can stay is in the camper. Love our camper ;-)

My sewing muse is hiding somewhere in my sewing room. However, this 1 ½ inch scrap square box is full and I have started working on reducing this single box of scraps.

Drop buy to see what’s happening.

Hugs from Nancy

My sewingroom

2010-09-21T09:49:00.002+02:00

Last week end I went to Bergen to give classes. It was so much fun.

33 ladies made my little needle keeper. I have never before had so many ladies in one class. I think it went very well.

Saturday and Sunday 7 ladies made my Toilet Bag with lots of pockets.

From my class.

I’m giving classes in both this models at Quilten, Arendal this fall. I’ll blog the schedule in Norwegian later.

Show and tell from classes in Bergen.

Joana Gomes’ “Grisefin veske”

Crazy flowers with Inger Naterstad

Christmas with Kristin B. Johannessen

and my Toilet Bag

Thank you all in Bergen Quiltelag for a lovely week end.

I have also made new models of my folder for Sewing machine needles. This is for a class at Lappemakeriet, Bærum Verk November 19. and 20.

Mommy’s little helpers are doing what they can to keep the sewing room a calm and relaxing zone.

Hugs from Nancy

What is going on?

2010-09-16T11:11:00.001+02:00

I’m back! I am sorry about my absent but sometime life just gets in the way. I’ll give you the short story.

Vacation in our camper was wonderful and a great success. We enjoyed ever single day driving about 5000 km. Seems like the Gizmo and Zappa have enjoyed staying ”Home Alone”. Just look what DS2 caught with the camera.

Home again the vacation mode kept on, but than a phoncall changed it all. We had made arrangements for renovating our kitchen and living room this fall. Second day after returning home the company called and wanted to start in one week. My stomach fell too the floor. So much to pack down in boxes and so much furnisher to move to the garage. On top of that DH had a busy traveling schedule this fall. First things first. I got the company to give two more weeks before starting. Now my house looks like this.

I was not totally prepared for all those small things that had to be taken care of during renovating process. Deciding paint for this and that, handles, tiles, kitchen details, Zink, type of flooring. Shopping for new furnisher is the part I enjoyed J

Our laundry room is our kitchen for the time being. We have a microwave and a water heater. Dinners are things that can be heated in microwave or take-away.

Our TV room is in my sewing room. Yes, can you believe it! DH have moved inn with his big screen and recliner. I’ll tell you, Soccer in my sewing room does not go very well. I miss the peace and calmness that I usually enjoy in my sewing room. However, some sewing have been going on. More about that later.

Hugs from Nancy

Giveaway reflections and birthday giweaway

2010-07-12T23:10:00.001+02:00

Once again I want to tell you that I enjoyed all your comments regarding my giveaway very much.

To Bente and Bev: Congratulation on your belated birthdays. Hope you had great days!

To Chook, Danniele, Quiltgirlie and Handmade by Mai: I grow a few inches reading your comments on my stitchery.

To Jeanne, Pokey, Amy, Shannon, LeKaQuilt, Lillesnuppa and Sigrun R.: I love my cats and you made my heart go soft (again) by your comment on my cats and photos of my cats. They do bring joy in to my life.

To Thimbleanna: I see you in November!

To Helle and Marina: I like your comments on my Star Struck quilt. It works as a bed spread in our new camper.

To Mary Grece, Pen Pen and Val Laird : Thank you for nice comments regarding our new adventure – the Camper. I will give a full report in August.

To all of you that admirers Miss (S)Wine: She is just tacky. I bought the pattern from this Norwegian net shop: http://www.northernquilts.no/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2683

To all of you commenting on my classes and publicized patterns: Thank you so much. Your comment makes a difference regarding to moving forward.

To all of you who read my blog enjoying the mix of serious quilting issues and a variety of everyday life and chit chat. That me.

To May-Britt: Thank you for getting me started in the world of blogging.

Thank you so much for birthday wishes both on my blog and Face Book. I had a calm and relaxing day. No big fuzz.

I have done the second drawing. The winner is:

Sigrun, you are the lucky one! E-mail me your snail mail addy so I can send you a little surprise gift.

On Friday we are leaving for vacation and a new adventure in our camper. I have no idea if I’ll be able to blog. Surprises may happen.

Have a great summer – or winter. Depending of what part of the world you live in. I have figured that summer in Norway is a different story in Australia. One of the big adventures in the blog friendship connections.

I’ll be back with new projects and photos.

Hugs from Nancy

The winner is……

2010-07-11T14:38:00.001+02:00

A surprise visit this morning made it impossible for me to keep my blogging plans. Sorry about that.

Drum rolls please!

The winner is:

Post nr. 15 is ………… Jette

Congratulation!

So please Jette, e-mail your address to me.

For those off you that did not win. You will have a second chance. I was so overwhelmed by the response so I have decided to do a second drawing tomorrow evening. Yes it’s a special day, my birthday.

Hugs from Nancy

Giveaway closed

2010-07-11T00:46:00.001+02:00

Ok. The dead line past half an hour ago ….

I am over the top counting how many vicitors leaving coments. More than I ever had imagined! I am very happy.

In a few hours I will do the drawing. To be accact – to morrow morning. It’s past midnight my time and I have other important things to attend to…..

Stay tuned for tomorrow…

Hugs from Nancy

3 years of blogging

2010-07-07T11:33:00.001+02:00

An anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate. Giveaways is always fun, and I hope you think so too. I am a bit annoyed because my counter is out of order. Now I don’t know how many visitors I have. That is another story.

To celebrate my bloggaversary I have made a surprise bag for one of you to win. All you have to do is leave a message. I would like it a lot if you could tell me something that you like about my blog. A special photo, a post you like or just something in my blog you like. You have only 3 days to enter the giveaway. My bloggaversary is July 10 and the giveaway closes at midnight my time. Feel free to tell your friends.

Stay in touch.

Hugs from Nancy

Summer activities

2010-07-02T09:55:00.001+02:00

This is anew investment for the summer. We never had a camping wagon before so this is a new experience. Yes, I can fit in my smallest sewing machine :-)

Summer so far has been lovely with nice temperature and sun. This is my out door summer sewing room.

Yesterday I made four bags like this. I will use all four in the camping wagon.

Wish you a lovely week end.

Hugs from Nancy

Progress in my sewing room

2010-06-21T22:11:00.001+02:00

I am so happy to stay healthy enough to enjoy nice summer whether, calm moments on the pouch with a quilting project in my hands and exciting new projects on my scribbling pad.

I have finished appliqué work on the four center blocks for a Japanese travel quilt for DS and DIL. I have completed all the pieced blocks earlier. DS have his birthday 1. August, and I have kind of told that this is a birthday gift for the both of them. I don’t know if I can make the date yet. The quilt has to be sent off for long arm quilting. Anyway, I’ll do my best.

The Japanese signs on the blocks have a special meaning. The top block is a greeting from a Tea ceremony and the other sign stands for Hope, Happiness and Harmony.

DH is a Football (Soccer) fan, and for those of you that are not, there is a World championship going on in South Africa. In our house that means that there is only Football on the big screen. Lucky I have a small TV in my sewing room!

My the best team win!

Hugs from Nancy

Good news!

2010-06-12T11:47:00.001+02:00

Yes!!!!! My creative muse is back!

It feels so good. I just had to tell you.

My sewing room is filled with gorgeous fabrics. I’ll spend the entire day working on half done projects and planning new once.

Here are som sneek peeks of new projects

Hugs from Nancy

Time flies……

2010-06-03T12:28:00.001+02:00

I am still here, alive and kicking J

May have been a strange month. I was totally drained after a week with moving my dad to a flat at a center for old people. No sewing, no creative work. Can you believe it? It feels like May never happened.

Well May happened with some beautiful warm and sunny days. The flowering in the garden is beautiful. Look at all the pink flowers.

I got a pink color too. I sat too long in the sun in my new bikini.

Take care, and remember sun tan lotion.

Hugs from Nancy

What I’m working on and update

2010-04-25T19:51:00.001+02:00

I have been working on projects even if I have not told you about it. Last couple off weeks I have done therapy work for my self. So much is going on in my family. In Northern part of Norway we have a saying that goes something like this: Never so bad that it not good for something. I don’t know if it makes any sense translated. I have definitely had that saying in mind lately.

My therapy work last week was finishing the Valentine Heart quilt from a free pattern at Stinas site. Mine looks like this.

I have also been working on A Tisket, A Tasket appliqué blocks. This is a 12 part BOM from Bunny Hill. I am currently working on block 5. I am off cause one year late….

I bought a very interesting pattern from Northern Quilt at our annual Quilt meeting last month.

This is a very funny keeper for a 3 liters wine bag. The pattern is called Miss Svin ( Miss Swine).

I’ll be off to Northern Norway to visit and help my father. He is moving to a senior apartment close to where one of my brothers with family live.

May 8th is an important day. I’ll be back before than.

Hugs from Nancy

Missing sewing report

2010-04-17T16:42:00.001+02:00

This week has not been a good week. It is hard when old folks don’t understand reality and overestimate capability. However I think we are on the road to a good solution. One of the problems is that I have to travel 2000 km and all airports in Norway are closed due to volcanic ashes from Island making big problems for air traffic all over Europe. I hope I’ll be able to travel on Thursday as planed.

I know I promised a sewing report, but all my sewing plans just did not happen this week. Sometime life just gets in the way.

I’ll be back.

Hugs from Nancy

Spring

2010-04-11T23:43:00.003+02:00

Relaxing day in the sun. Sunday!

I could not wear my sunglasses. I need my working glasses to do stitching,

I had a beautifull day!!

Hugs from Nancy

Knitted Socks

2010-04-11T12:42:00.001+02:00

About one month ago I knitted one pair of socks to DS2. I don’t know what he did with the socks but this is what he brought me to repair!

I had to buy a stronger yarn to redo the entire foot. I hope his is happy now and that I don’t have to do repairs for a long while.

I want to sew!

I’ll report my sewing later.

Hugs from Nancy

Focus and more

2010-03-31T13:30:00.001+02:00

Easter holidays have started. For my part I think I’ll spend a lot of time in my sewing room. The weather is not nice. A lot of rain, about 5+ C and quit windy. The good thing is that the rest of the snow is going with the rain.

I’m set with new magazines, books and projects. After all the work with my new patterns I’m definitely ready for a less brain consuming project.

Earlier this week I started making blocks for a Queen Size quilt for DS1 and DIL. They are traveling Japan right now, so I decided to make a quilt from Japanese fabrics. I went for two different 12 inch blocks in soft colors. Now I’m looking for Japanese calligraphy signs to appliqué on. I’m looking for simple words like love, laughter, peace, sun, moon, earth, fire, water and so on. I also want to practice my turn under appliqué. Since I was inn to Japanese fabrics already I designed a ”lovely basket” to practice on. ;-) I’m on track again with this weeks focus, you see.

Happy Easter Holidays.

Hugs from Nancy

Friends

2010-03-31T13:22:00.001+02:00

We have a house guest for 3 weeks while DS1 and DIL are on vacation. Rex their cat has been a regular guest in our house over the years, but not for a long period of time without his masters. He was really grumpy the first couple of days. Now it’s all normal and Rex and Zappa is playing, testing each others traveling bag and Rex is giving Gizmo a friendly groom. They look after each other outside too. It is really sweet to see.

Hugs from Nancy

Last week end events

2010-03-25T00:28:00.001+01:00

Last week end was a nice experience. Our annual quilt meeting took place at this location. The main attraction was Yoko Saito giving classes and lectures. Unfortunately I did not send my application in time for class. However I enjoyed her work at the exhibition. This is detail from two of her quilts.

I bought her latest book and got her to sign it. Very official and nice event.

For those who know me, I did not return home empty handed. This is an overview of the things I found in all the nice stores.

I even won a price at the Saturday lottery.

We have a saying in Norway: Away is good, but home is best. It felt good to get home, sit down, remove socks and rest my feet.

Hugs from Nancy

New Patterns

2010-03-18T13:39:00.002+01:00

This weekend I am going to our annual Quilt meeting. I have been working hard to get my new patterns ready. Phu I tell you, it is not “a walk in the park”. My photo printer did not want to work with me so I bought a new one. But my new printer is eating ink, so I have emptied my local office supply store. I hope it will be enough to finish the patterns I had planed to bring.

This is my biggest project ever. This pattern is made as a 10 part BOM. I enjoyed very much to make this project. I had Merete Ellingsen to do the quilting. I am very pleased.

My first finish this year was a table runner. I have not shown this one earlier because this was also to be a pattern for sale. So, here it is.

I guess you can see where my focus has been last couple of weeks.

See you next week with new projects in mind.

Hugs from Nancy

Focus, Focus, Focus

2010-03-07T12:40:00.001+01:00

I’m back home after spending some days at my mom’s house. Mom has been busy with her sewing, but I have been busy weaving. The result was six new rugs for my house. It’s always nice to spend some days with my mom. Her sewing room is packed with fabrics, patterns, projects and plans. You can visit her blog here .

This week I need to focus really hard! I have to finish papers for my upcoming class. Also I have to work on instructions for my new pattern. It seem like this coming week is going to be a computer working week.

I know at least one little guy who will keep me company while working. He is training to be a big hunter. He hunts paper in my printer. Here you can see him lying on top just waiting for something to happen.

Hugs from Nancy

Olympics and Cinnemon rolls

2010-02-22T20:44:00.001+01:00

Inspired by Anne-Grethe I made Olympic cinnemon rolls today. However, mine does not look as good as Anne-Grethe’s. The taste is delicious so nothing wrong with the taste. DH love both the Olympic Games and Cinnamon rolls.

Focus this week:

- Main focus will be texting a new pattern. I need to have it done by this weekend.

- I also work on appliqué kitchen curtains to match table runner from previous post.

- Some Redwork stitchery to match finished framed redwork stitchery. I ran out of DMC 498 so I started a new stitchery today. Something I have drawn for a new pattern.

Hugs from Nancy

Snow snow and a bit more snow

2010-02-20T14:54:00.001+01:00

I can tell you, we sure have some snowy days where I live. If you look closely past the rare end of the car and the pile of snow you might find our front door.

Our living room windows almost covered with snow.

View from kitchen window to next door neighbor. Hi hi hi yes under all that snow there is a house. From our side only the chimney can be spotted.

This photo is taken from my front door. Yes, ne of our cars is under the snow.

I’ve had it with all this snow. Give me springtime with flowers and sun!!

Hugs from Nancy

Focus this week

2010-02-15T22:37:00.002+01:00

I am working on same projects as last week.

Lappemor was my guardian Angel past week and came up with the brown fabric I needed to complete the tabel runner in my previous week post. Hmmm, same fabrics and design would look great as a curtain for my kitchen window…….. Now I have fabric enough to make it :-)

My BOM pattern project is a lot of work. Not the actual making of the quilt, but the double checking of pattern and text before publishing. I am trying to make this in to a 10 part project including a good fabric & cutting plan for the shops that wants to sell my BOM. The thing is that I have been working on this project for so long that the fabrics are not ”new” any more. What kind of experience do you BOM designers and BOM buyers have? Do you like the pattern and make your own fabric choices or is it those exact fabrics that make the project? I would love some advice from YOU!

The Olympic Games are on and as a true winter sport nation the inhabitants in our house follow it all on TV. It’s a kind of good/ bad situation. DH took a fall on ice a couple of weeks ago. The result was two fractured ribs in his back. He had just recovered from the staircase fall in June with three rib fractures. OK not same side but still... He spends nights and days in”the good chair” in front of TV. I really don’t know if it’s all due to back pain and problem to lay down and get up of bed, or the convenience of being able to watch the Winter Olympics. I know he is hurting. I have suffered from rib fractures my self so I know the drill: You better not laugh, sneeze or do quick moves.

Ï had great hopes for this challenge about weekly focus. Now I have to admit I am such a sucker at it! I have to admit that I kind of ”took a step aside” on Sunday, again.

A pattern for a wool fleece dress caught my attention at my local store. I bought the pattern and wool fleece to go with it. Saturday I cut out the peaces for the dress and got some leftovers. I know I have a heart for scrap quilts, but now I wonder if it is the leftover bug that triggers me. Anyway, I had this nice wool fleece leftovers and they had to be put to good use. I collect Teddy Bears but have yet to make one my self, until Sunday. I browsed Google and found a pattern for a Teddy Bear and off I went. I enjoyed making my first Teddy Bear so much that I have to do it again. Sunday was Valentines Day as well as Mothers Day here in Norway. DH surprised me with lovely chocolates. My cute Teddy Bear has not been named yet, but he looks right on in my collectors’ corner.

Valentino is just the right name!!

Hugs from Nancy

I am like a questionmark....

2010-02-14T20:18:00.004+01:00

I wonder if cats reads blogs. Yes, I do! In that case I think Zappa have read Timbleannas blog and been inspired. The young one learn so easy!!

Funny those cats. Here they are relaxing in the sun on top of the outdoor pillow chest.

And than inside. I can see what's going on :-) Zappa is saying: You need grooming! You smell like sweaty shooes!!

Sunday greating from me.

Hugs from Nancy

More finished projects and this weeks focus

2010-02-08T12:33:00.001+01:00

Last nights post got to be a long one, even if I did not post photos of all my complete projects.

Just to fill you in, here are some photos.

My Friendship Greetings quilt

Zappa’s funny little Mouse quilt

The Star Struck scrap quilt

This week I have decided to focus on one stitchery project that I have been working on for a looooooong time.

I also started making a tabel runner with appliqués to match a tabelcloth I made featured in Quiltemagasinet 01/10. You can have a peek here.

And, just in case I happens to finish stitching by hand, I have this six darling hearts ready. Valentine freebie from Stina.

Stay focused and enjoy every stitch.

Hugs from Nancy

Update on a great week

2010-02-08T00:08:00.001+01:00

This week end is just the top of a great working week. I feel like I have been working so well. I have managed to focus on the Challenge Focus project. In addition I have squeezed bindings and such in between.

My first focus was to finish the redwork projects form Leannes House. Now it’s done. Framed an all ready to be hanged on the staircase wall.

The second focus project was the Rosalie Friendship stitcheries. I had finished the stitchery several months ago. I wanted to make the stitchery into a wall hanging for the entrance. I worked my butt off to put stone tiles on the floor in time for Christmas. Yes, I did it my self (with expert advice by phone from Thor, my mom’s handyman) It was too hard work for me I have to admit, I was too ambitious. I’ll never do it again. Anyway, the tiles are done and look good. Gizmo watched over me doing the work. Or may be he slept over me doing the work hi hi.

Rosalie Friendship quilt will look equally good on the wall on top of DH’s inherited chest. I have no photo yet, but if you peek in next week……..

My cats is just so in to my sewing and my every day life. What is a bit off in this picture??

This box should be filled with logs for the fireplace………

And what happens when it’s getting close to bed time……..

Hmmmmm…………

I got two quilts back from my local long arm quilter last week. That means 16 – 17 meters of binding to do. I like to do my bindings sewn on from front side and then the finishing touch by hand on the back side. I know, it’s a lot of handstitching, but I find it satisfying to do it this way. I put my pried in the finishing touches in my work.

Beside from the binding – that is quit boring to do – but kind of get done during a Saturday/Sunday movie on TV – some more stitching is done.

Zappa, my black cat needed a personal quilt. All cats in my house need to have one. I finished Zappa’s quilt this weekend. I made it from leftovers from the boy’s quilt in previous post. I used leftover batting too. The quilting was very fun to do. Figured that Zappa – the crazy black cat – needed Mice and Loops as a perfect quilt pattern. However, I don’t think my quilting is good enough for a close examination. I had fun making this quilt and that is good enough for me. I’ll get some nice photos tomorrow.

Total work in my favorite room past week is very satisfying. I feel just on top of it and am so ready for next week.

Hugs from Nancy

OPAM update

2010-01-29T10:47:00.002+01:00

No sewing this week, as you probably know from latest posts. My fingers are itching to get going again next week. However, I did finish the scissor keeper last week as planned. Now it looks like this.

This is a class project I worked on and finished first days of January. It is a “Beauty Bag” with one front pocket and several pockets inside to fit all those beauty products that come in big bottles. It also fits your extra make up bag, medicines and a few other things that grown up girls needs. I give classes in March at my local Quilt shop, Meretes Ateliér.

Have a nice week end. Enjoy photos of Gizmo and Zappa’s best moments.

I have always been curious how cats can sleep in such awkward positions.

Hugs from Nancy

No sewing

2010-01-27T10:46:00.004+01:00

This week is not my best. I can not sew. Need to relax my right arm and shoulder. I watch movies, DVD's with gardening plans, study quiltbooks and magazines. Still it's not as much fun as working my sewingmachine. Handpiecing, stitching, knitting or crochet ist not allowed. I really should not type or write either. I hope to be ready to get back on track next week. This is boring!

Hugs from Nancy

Misshaps

2010-01-20T19:04:00.001+01:00

Seriously, today I thought my shoulder was dislocated. I could not straighten my self up properly. My shoulder was kind of hanging forward and it hearted bad. Managed to get out of bed, but not dress. I’ve been sitting in my pajamas all day with a hot pad on, popping pain killers. I felt that the heat made the shoulder feel better so with several hours with hot treatment, I can manage. DH had to help med wash and dress when he returned from work. I still can not lift my arm. Think it have it must have been some strained mussels or similar. The heat made wonders.

Update

2010-01-15T10:37:00.002+01:00

Confession time. I did not keep focus on the planned projects. Started off very good by finishing the Girls Quilt and the redwork stitchery. But than I fell of the wagon.

I had this scrappy top for a boy quilt hanging. So I decided to quilt it since I had the quilting movements in my head. I’m off to Ikea tomorrow to buy frames for the redwork stitcheries and some other stuff.

Enjoy your week end. I look forward to mine. It’s allways nice to visit The big Apple – Oslo.

Hugs from Nancy

OPAM and Week 2 focus

2010-01-11T14:39:00.007+01:00

This is my first finish in year 2010. I received a kit for this table runner in the Advent calendar from my mom. Precut pieses several December days and the pattern at Christmas Eve. The design i made by Merete and was 2009 Christmas mystery at Quilt-Design's webpage.

I have been good and kept focus! However, I have not completed last week's focus projects. I have just a few stitches left on the redwork. I need to buy frames to complete my Trilogy of framed redwork designed by Leanne Beasley.

The girls quilt is alomst done. A few quilting stitches left at the border and than binding. I'm comfident I will complete both projects this week.

Just to be sure I am ready for more stitching, I have already made plans for my next focus.

Anyone recognize this little scissor keeper? Well it needs to be sewn together. This will be my next hand stitch focus :-)

The Machine sewing project will be sewing toghether this quilt made from one of Rosalie Quinlan Designs. I have already done the stitchery. No I need to sew it all togehter, quilt and bind it. I have decided to use this collection of fabrics.

This evening I have several hours available for sewing. DH is going out for dinner so I'll just wipe up somthing really quick. I'll rather bee quilting than cooking :-)

Hugs from Nancy

Weekly focus on project

2010-01-04T22:17:00.001+01:00

I visited May Britt’s blog and discovered her new challenge. Her challenge is to plan on Mondays every week what project to focus on. It looks like a very good idea for me too. Looking back I realize that I am working on too many projects at the time. I’m simply wasting a lot of good stitching time by doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that almost daily. I definitely need to be more effective in my work.

So, this is the projects I will focus on this week. In my sewing room I have a girls quilt on my worktable. The top is done, but I need to do some appliqué on the top border.

As a handy work in front of the TV I have this little redwork project going on. I hope to finish it this week.

Hugs from Nancy

O.P.A.M. 2009 and plans for 2010

2010-01-04T21:58:00.001+01:00

I’m so proud that I finished at least 38 projects in 2009. Some of the projects I’ve finished is not on the list. Pattern you see! Have to keep them a secret a little while longer.

Thank you so much Kris and May Britt for pushing me to finish projects.

Kris is continuing the OPAM challenge for 2010 as well, but with new rules. I’ll look in to it when the rules are posted.

I hope for a new year with love, joy and a lot of quality time in my sewing room. I wish the same for all of you who care to read my blog. It is very nice when you leave a comment.

Hugs from Nancy

Happy New Year and update

2009-12-31T18:07:00.001+01:00

Happy new year to all of my blogging friends. In about 6 hour a new year is starting. Do I have any plans for next year? Yes I do, but I will tell you all about it in time.

I need to update my list of OPAM. I have totally forgotten to take photos of a few things sendt off as X-mas presents. I still hope it can count.

This is a baby quilt I made for my brothers new baby. As you probably can see, it was a girl. This pattern worked well for the fabrics I had in my stash.

You have gotten to know Zappa by now :-) The quilt was approved by Zappa :-)

I also made three tea candlelight bags and three candy bags as x-mas gifts. Sorry I forgot to take photos. The tea candlelight bags are simular to the one May Britt have made. The candy bag type I made you can find at Hannes blogs.

See you all next year!!

Hugs from Nancy

Christmas spirit

2009-12-24T18:54:00.001+01:00

Traditional dinner the day before Cristmas Eve is prepared end ready to be enjoyed. Only tree of us, but beer and Akevitt is a tradition. This was yesterday!

To night is the night! Christmas Bells are ringing and we are ready for dinner.

Zappa is having his first Christmas and boy was he excited with all the dingeling dangs hanging on the Cristmas three.

All animals is in title of a special threet Christmas eve.

Rex is visiting for the holidays and this is how it looks like at feedingtime Christmas eve.

Before feedingtime the cute pets had a nice playtime together.

Gizmo and Zappa playing.

Rex and Zappa playing.

Zappa hideing in the firewood basket. It work incredably well with the tree cats together.

Merry Christmas to all my followers. And a Happy New year!

Hugs from Nancy

Advent gifts

2009-12-24T18:34:00.001+01:00

May Britt, Hanne and Bente have spoiled me with advent gifts. This is what I received from them Third Sunday in Advent.

Last sunday in Advent I receiced a beautifull tin from May Britt, a cute note pad from Hanne and a lovely makeup pouch from Bente.

My mom and I also excange adventgifts. We do 24 days and I will post a separate post about her Calendar gifts.

I’m sorry I have not been good on blogging in December. Life does not go as planned allways.

My dear MIL passed away December 20th after being hospitalized on and off for allmost one year. She passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Peace bee with her memory.

Hugs from Nancy

Christmas spirit

2009-12-13T22:52:00.001+01:00

Last part of November and first half part of December is such a hectic part of the year. I had to make priorities. Sorry about that. Ok, I have made presents, packed and sent off to friends and relatives. I have made some traditional foods and this week the cookies are planed. I try to have a calm perspective on Christmas preparations, but it seem like busyness is a part of my traditional Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I love Advent and all the preparation I love to do from first Sunday in Advent until Christmas Eve. I plan my preparations and I have a strong rule that if I don’t get all my plans come through and all my cleaning done last week end before Christmas eve, it’s not necessary to be able to celebrate the holidays. I stay true to this rule because it makes me relax and enjoy preparing for the holidays.

Advent is a wonderful time. I have some great friends joining Advent surprise gifts every Sunday in Advent. Also my mom and I have exchanged Advent calendar gifts for many years. A part of our tradition.

This are the gifts I opened from May Britt, Hanne and Bente (no blogger) this morning.

This is the gifts I have received the two previous Sundays in Advent.

Thank you so much May Britt, Hanne and Bente.

MIL is in the hospital again. DH is up north this weekend to visit her. Hi did not know she was hospitalized until he arrived in Tromsø. He is returning home tomorrow night.

I have a few Christmas surprises for him on his return.

I’ll tell you all about it in my next post, and I’ll also have new photos of Zappa helping me making Christmas presents :-).

Hugs from Nancy

Patterns for sale

2009-11-16T11:18:00.001+01:00

I love the creative work making patterns for sale. Unfortunately I have only Norwegian text so far. Click on the MY PATTERN button on right hand side to see more of my pattern.

Just a little peek:

This is a perfect pattern for long or short tabelrunner.

In Norway we don’t make the hole in the middle for the Christmas Tree Skirt. That way you can also use the Tree skirt for a tablecloth, if desired.

I have made a nice Power Point presentation, but how do I upload it to my blog? I had hope for a slide show of my pattern in the sidebar. Also I want to make a step by step free pattern by using Power Point slide show so I would really appreciate advice.

Hugs from Nancy

Flu

2009-11-12T10:24:00.001+01:00

Outside the ground is white with snow and the flu has entered the house. DH and DS2 are down with the flu. Tami flu was purchased yesterday and the pharmacist recommended me taking the medication to prevent getting sick. Ok. I hope medicine and TLC makes us all a lot happier next week.

Hugs from Nancy

Zappa report

2009-11-06T23:59:00.001+01:00

This is a little report on how Zappa is doing.

He is such a cute little thing, following me around the house. When I want to sew he follows me to my sewing room and makes a mess of the waist basket and my scrap bag. Here he is watching over mamas toy, the sewingmachine.

Gizmo is very friendly with Zappa, but Zappa is such a naughty little kid. He hardly ever leaves Gizmo alone and wants to play all the time. This photo have “What’s in your bowl?” written all over!

Zappa is playing all the time. Oh, boy! Don’t play with fire!

Come on Gizmo, play with me, please!

Well, sometimes he get tired from playing. I know several others that loves to snuggle around nice curvy boobs :-)

Yes, Zappa fell asleep inside DIL’s sweetshirt.

So cute!

Hugs from Nancy

My Stitchers Angel

2009-11-04T16:58:00.001+01:00

Yesterday this box arrived from Belgium. Thank your so much Evelyne.

Inside was all this wrapped gifts and a lovely card.

Unwrapping gifts is so much fun. Inside was this beautiful needle keeper with my name on, a matching pincushion and a scissor fob attach to scissors, a roll of blue fabrics and lots of delicious tea bags.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Evelyne.

Hugs from Nancy

What I’ve been up to

2009-10-31T11:50:00.001+01:00

I received word about my secret Angel received her gift the other day. I am very happy that she liked the stuff I sent all the way to Australia. Visit her blog and read her comments.

I got word from my Angel about her gift left Belgium the other day. I am waiting patiantly.

Besides working on new patterns I have made this little makeup purse from a pattern that was a free gift from Fabrikkutsalget, Brumunddal at our annually Quilt meeting in March.

Have a relaxing weekend.

Hugs from Nancy

Zappa again

2009-10-18T18:57:00.001+02:00

Having a kitten in my house is a lot of fun. Zappa sems to love naps on the sofa. Here his is testing out the best sleeping positions. If you ask me, I don’t think this the most relaxing position I have seen.

He have a basket to sleep in, but he has never slept in it!

Exploring is his favorit thing to do!

My sewing and knitting baskets is full of exciting things.

And a lovely curtain to climb with all his 7 claws on each paw.

After all this excitment Zappa needs a nap.

This time he just fell asleep where he played!!

Hugs from Nancy

Show and tell

2009-10-18T17:46:00.002+02:00

Our monthly quiltmeeting is held 2nd wednesday every month. So, last wednesdag I went to meet my fellow quilters. I forgot the meeting in september. This meeting had Log Cabin as a focus. As your can see, a lot of different log cabin technics. Every meeting have a show and tell section too:-)

Fun to see all the different ways to use Log Cabin. Small strips, wide strips, off center, crazy log cabin, different colour variations and combinations.

One of our local quiltshops had brought some fabrics and sewingrelated stuff for sale. The shop have a good selection of Japanese fabrics. They also do long arm Quilting.

This is a BOM they sell kits for.

I have some work going on in my sewingroom. Yesterday I was sewing a lot. I finished a makeup purse from a kit. Also stitched nametag and roses for my Stitchers Angel. I’m also working on a pattern for a tabelrunner with stitchery blocks. As the evening light got poor and I realized I had to turn the lamps on, I diskovered a big Boo Boo. Today I have to undo to complete rows!Not fun at all. I might put it on my list for tomorrow instead.

Hugs from Nancy

New pet

2009-10-12T13:56:00.005+02:00

Say hello to Zappa! DS2 brought Zappa home from school last week. He and his classmates found 3 abandoned kitten in a ditch by the school. Zappa is a playfull and cuddly kitten. He is potty trained, can walk the steps to second floor and love tinfood. We have no idea of his age, but he is definitly not a wild cat. All his mannars tell us that he grew up in a house. He is a special cat too. He have 7 claws on each front paw and 5 on each back paw.

Look at the big paws!

Hugs from Nancy and Zappa

Pink Ribbon and quilt

2009-10-12T13:49:00.002+02:00

Thank you to everyone who gave bids on the quilt I gave to the Pink Ribbon auction.

Tusen takk til alle som ga bud på quilten jeg ga til Rosa Sløyfe auksjonen på QXL.

Pink Ribbon Month - October

2009-10-02T13:02:00.004+02:00

I have made this quilt to raise money for the Norwegian bransh of Pink Ribbon.

Denne quilten har jeg laget for å samle inn penger til Rosa sløyfeaksjonen til Den Norske Kreftforening. Du kan lese mer her.

To make bid at QXL click here.

Har du lyst til å legge inn bud på QXL, klikk her.

Quilten er sydd av meg og quiltet av Kikkis Systue. Vi vet begge litt om det å ha brystkreft.

Hugs from Nancy

Happy Birthday May Britt

2009-09-30T00:28:00.003+02:00

Today September 30th is your 50th birthday. Just prepare yourself for a big celebration. As you know we are arriving from all corners :-)

If you want to help me make May Britt's 50th birthday a spesial one, pop over to her blog and leave a note. The big celebration will be on saturday.

Hugs from Nancy

Sneak peek

2009-09-27T19:36:00.005+02:00

This weekend I have really worked hard doing echoquilting on two projects for Quiltemagasinet (a Norwegian Quilting Magazine). I'm very pleased with the result and hope the readers of the magazine also will be when the projects are published.

While doing quiltwork my mind kind of wandered off and I got a great idea for a new project. I wanted to start right away, but got grip of my self and finished quilting before I started drawing.

Drawings are ready and tomorrow morning I'll start right after a visit to to my doctor. No no no, I am not sick (apart from the diagnoses I've already received). Just have to renew some prescription medication.

Hugs from Nancy

Update on projects

2009-09-21T10:09:00.007+02:00

Time to update my list of finished projects in September. The update list is on my sidebar.

This Pillow is from my jeans cutting earlier this summer. Front part was compleated in July, but for unknown reason the back part have been missing. I put it together last week.

Makeing projects for my Stitchers Angel is so much fun. This is a book cover I made for xxxxx. Hi hi. I'm not going to tell who she is. Hi hi. She might read this post ;-)

Cleaning out my attic some months ago I found some cross stitch work I made many many years ago. This one had a misshap in the cleaning prossess. I do plan to make it work in a project. I will get back to that project in October.

Back to my sewingmachine! I have work to complete before Ocotober 1. Sneek peek will be postet during the week end.

See you.

Hugs from Nancy

New Pattern

2009-09-20T15:51:00.004+02:00

Time to give you an update on what I've been working on. This is my latest pattern. Folder and pincushion for sewingmachine needles.

The folder have 12 pockets for sewingmachine needles. Innside it looks like this.

I've used beautifull red & white fabrics from Chelsea Manor by Bunny Hill.

Hugs from Nancy

New pattern

2009-09-14T20:17:00.007+02:00

I'm so excited. I have been working hard on a new pattern. This is just a little sneak peek.

Pattern soon to be published. Sorry only in Norwegian.

Hugs from Nancy

Class - My sewingbag

2009-09-14T19:49:00.007+02:00

10 days ago I went to Tysvær to give classes in making My sewingbag. 9 ladies participated, but only 7 present when this photo was taken on sunday. Great group.

Tysvær Husflidlag had a great location for classes. Absolutly perfect.

Here are some of the bags.

I dropped by my mom on the way forth and back. Stayed a cople of days. Mom had signed up for classes here in Grimstad last weekend, so she came along when I returned to Grimstad. We went for a walk in the woods picking mushrooms and had some days for sewing.

In this photo mom is getting ready for her handbag class with designer André Wallenborg.

Yes, painting her toe nails!

Hugs from Nancy

New pattern

2009-08-28T19:23:00.006+02:00

It's finished!! This is my new pattern.

This is also my finished OPAM project for August. I have finished the model for another pattern, but I can not show you anything yet. Need to do some snapshots first. May be later this weekend.

Have a sew sew weekend ;-)

Hugs from Nancy

Giveaway

2009-08-27T10:32:00.002+02:00

LeKaQuilt is having a giveaway.

Hugs from Nancy

Sneek peek

2009-08-16T21:07:00.003+02:00

As promised a sneek peek on my latest work. Blue Java is my latest pattern. Not all finished yet (as you can se, the buttons are not sewn yet.)

Last night DH and I had a three course dinner at home. Normaly DH cook weekends, but due to poor mobility I had to cook this weekend. I'm so spoiled that I have not cooked weekends in 15+ years! I did not make the intire three course. DS2 brought dessert from our local gourmet resturant where he works. Panna cotta with berries in season. Delicious! DH is allways giving Gizmo treats. He loved Panna cotta as you see :-)

Today I have been walking the woods picking more mushrooms. You know, this is the season :-)

Hugs from Nancy

This is my favorite season

2009-08-13T23:36:00.001+02:00

When I say this is my favorite season I mean it. Walking in the woods picking different kinds of mushrooms and berries is my favorite time outside the house. Iv’e had a few trips to my favorite woods, but liveing where I do, it’s still dry and early season.

I guess autumn is my favorite season. The air is clear due to regular rainshowers, still temperature is agreeable. This is the view from our terrasse. The ocean you see is Skagerak. Next mainland is Denmark, about 80 nautical miles.

Next photo is a zoom in just to show you a bit of our fantactic islands and reefs. Now midt August most of the tourists have left and we reulare habitants can have som peace and quiet :-)

Playing nurse I get a lot of time to stitch. I need to bee available when DH need to raise or sit, need something to thrink or eat. Too much calling and shouting if I lock myself in my sewingroom……..

Anyway, I stitch. I have finished this Leannas House stitchery.

And have started this one from Homespun Magazine. I miss the one with the chickens inbetween. I have the pattern so it will be my next project.

I am working on my new pattern projects too, but this week have not brought me as close to finish as I wanted.

I promice a little peek this weekend.

See you soon.

Hugs from Nancy

Fast forward week

2009-08-10T09:34:00.006+02:00

Past week have been full of surprices. My SIL and kids came to stay for a few days. I enjoyed it very much because they live far up north and I don't get to see the kids often. They are 12, 10 and 2. The 2 year old is such a sweetepie. She helped me rearrange my embroderyfloss and loved playing in my sewingroom. Her favorite was a glass of big buttons and a box of stuffed hearts. I made gymbags with name and photos on for the big kids. I forgot to take photos, but hope to get one later.

This week I get to play nurse. DH took a fall in the garden steps, playing with Gizmo. Result: three rib fractures. He does not move too fast around the house ;-). Poor thing. No golf upcomming weekend that's for sure.

My plan for this week is sew sew sew!

Stay tuned to have a peek later this week.

Hugs from Nancy

Phu, I made it!!

2009-08-01T15:41:00.004+02:00

Yesterday I kind of snapped out of vacation mode and realized that I had not finished a single project for July in the one project a month challange. But have I started many new once :-)

I hurried to my sewing room and dived in my Orphan box. I found this stitchery angel block.

I decided to make a note book cover. It’s a quick and easy project :-)

I made it just in time !!

This week I have done one big rearranging job!! No, not in my sewing room, but in my collection of DMC embroidery threads. I kept them all in plastic bags in a total mess. If you wonder how I managed to find the colour I needed, I didn’t! I think this will work a lot better. All the different threads winde up on paper spools and displayed in a box. Looks very tidy, don't you think.? :-)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs from Nancy

Cuddely Cat

2009-07-30T19:10:00.001+02:00

Gizmo is a very cuddely cat. As you can see he and May Britt got along very well.

He is so spoiled!

Outdoor he has a favorit spot. He loves to spend time on top op the box we keep pillows and stuff for outdoor use. Not just on top of the box, but on top of a pile of pillows.

He is moms Prince. :-)

Last week the wether was kind of nice but we had some heavy local rain shower. Can you see how the raindrops just jump several inches up after hitting the deck?

This is the kind of wether Gizmo does not like. Lucky mom has the right tool to get him dry.

He just love this!

Greatings from Gizmo.

Hugs from Nancy

I did it!!

2009-07-30T16:21:00.003+02:00

Yes, I finished my first block from A Tiskit A Tasket BOM from Bunny Hill. May Britt showed me how to do needle turn applique by useing Roxanna glue.

It was fun. But, as you understand, I have some catching up to do since block seven is already out.

Take care.

Hugs from Nancy

Shop hop with May Britt

2009-07-29T10:58:00.001+02:00

Yesterday May Britt went back to Elverum. We had a great time! Offcause we had a Shop hop to quilt shops in my area. First we went to Meretes Ateliér, my local quilt shop. Then we went to Lydia in Vennesla.

This is May Britt and Lillian. Lillian is the shop owner.

This is a really nice shop and I left with a bag full of goodies.

Next shop to visit was Kreativ Quilt in Kristiansand. This is a great shop too. This is Lise and me. Lise is one of the shop owners.

I did not leave empty handed from this shop neither. In addition Lise had some great tips about shopping clothes….

We also went to Arendal where we visited QuilTe’n. I did not bring my camera, but I’m sure May Britt will post photos from the shop. This is what I brought home from QuilTe’n.

At the time I’m collecting different Japanese fabric from Lecien line to make a Queen size bed quilt.

We also visited another shop in Arendal selling quiltfabrics, Sybutikken. There I found some excellent neutral fabrics for backgrounds.

As you can see, we had a great time shopping more than fabrics.

Take care.

Hugs from Nancy

Stittchers' Angel 2009

2009-07-27T09:18:00.004+02:00

Helen is organizing Stitchers' Angel swap. I have signed up. I did not participate in last years swap, but enjoyd the free patterns. Great inspiration.

Hugs from Nancy

Giveaway winners!

2009-07-26T15:01:00.008+02:00

Ta ta ta da da!! Drum roll. And the winners are:

Anna said...
Grattis till två år med blogg! Vilka underbara grejer du gör!
July 10, 2009 1:55 PM

Congratulation Anna! You won this napkinbox, a triangular jewelry pouch and a Tilda stitchery.

Next lucy winner:

Handmade by Mai said...
Congratulations with your 2 years blogversary. I love give aways
July 10, 2009 10:33 PM

Congratulation Mai. You won two guest towels with applique, a Tilda stitchery and a triangular jewelry pouch.

And the Grand Prize goes to:

barb's creations said...
Hi I'm from Sunny Australia (although it's winter time here at the moment brrrr ) and I also vist May's and came thru another friend Ondrea who told me about your suprise giveaway.I love suprises so please enter me in your giveaway.I'm also having a christmas in July giveaway on my blog so pop over and enter mine if you're interested :) Barb.
July 10, 2009 1:54 PM

Congratulation Barb! You won two placemats with applique, a Tilda stitchery, a triangular jewelry pouch with something inside and an extra surprise gift :-)

Please e-mail me to clame your prizes. You need to give me your snail mail addresses too.

Hugs from Nancy

Giveaway

2009-07-26T12:18:00.003+02:00

Kerry at My favorite Things is having a giveaway. Pop over to her place to leave a coment.

Gail too is having a giveaweay. Rosalie is giving away some of her fabulous fabrics.

Give Away

2009-07-26T00:02:00.004+02:00

Ok! Time is out. Drawing for 3 winners and gifts will be tomorrows post.

Enjoy your evening/morning. We are SMILE.

Hugs from Nancy

Summer guest

2009-07-24T13:54:00.001+02:00

Tuesday a very special summer guest arrived. I’ve been so much looking forward to this visiter. Guess who? Anybody who know this lady?

She have been working hard lately so her back and shoulders neede some massage. DH have a massage seat and this is how it looks when my guest tried it out. He he he.

We are having a ball, stitching, chatting, enjoying good food and wine.

She have tought me how to do excelent needle turn applique. I have started on A Tisket A Tasket BOM from Bunny Tale blog.

Take care.

Hugs from Nancy

Norwegian Grand Prix – Class 1 boat race

2009-07-24T13:23:00.001+02:00

Summer time is nice. Lots and lots of arrangements to attend. Last week end was Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal. Saturday was a wet experiance. It was really heavy rain the hole day end evening. The Pole position race had to be canseled. Sunday was a lot better. Four helicopters was filming the 16 laps.

This is not the winner but one of the Australian boats.

Hugs from Nancy

WOW

2009-07-12T16:53:00.010+02:00

I just say WOW!! I'm so happy that so many have visited, left comments and want to be in the drawing for giveaway. Three of you will be lucky winners!!

I will not respond on entery in prewious post or confirm that you are in the drawing. If you see the message you left listed, you are in :-)

Some of you are having giveaway too. How fun!!
Pop over to Barbs creations, another Barb at Bejeweled Quilts and Khris to enter.

Today the wether have not been the best. Shattered showers but now in the evening the sun is shining through. Hopefully tomorrow will be fit for a new day of recyceling jeans work.

I'll tell your a little secret!! Today is my 51 birthday :-) :-) Nothing to make a fuss about. I have enjoyd the day by relaxing and creating artwork for a new tablecloth.

Life is god!

Hugs from Nancy

Blogaversary and Giveaway

2009-07-10T10:21:00.005+02:00

Yes, to day is the day. May Britt got med started two years ago. I am having a wonderfull time writing and showing photos from my spot on earth. It's hard to belive that my blog to this day have had more than 55000 visits. Most of all I'm having a tonn of fun visiting bloggers all over the world. I have made some wonderfull new friends, been part of swaps, won giveaways and received gifts and greatings that I never could dream about.

I love giveaways! More than receiving I love to give away. All you have to do for this giveaway is to leave a message to this post before July 25th, midnight my time. It would be fun if you stated your town and country in the post.

So, what can you win? I'm not sure yet :-) I promise it will be nice prizes. One main prize and two extras. Winners will be announced July 26th.

Please tell your friends to visit.

Take care and have a nice day.

Hugs from Nancy

Recyceling old jeans

2009-07-09T11:24:00.009+02:00

Some of my sewingrelated work need to be done outdoor. Recyceling old jeans is a messy and dusty work. Lucky I have the perfect spot in the shadow for this. I even bring my sewingmachine outside when I need to.

About a week ago we did a big "spring cleaning" of the attic. You would not belive what we have managed to put into the attic over the years. Mostly junk that should have gone to the dumpster right away. Well I found some stuff that I could not throw away. Toys from our kids, blankets, rugs and 5 bags of old jeans. Yes, 5 big bags! As I looked inside I found DS2 old Turtle jeans from he was about 6 years old. Now he is 22. Anyway, I could not get myself to throw all those jeans away. This is jeans from the first bag.

Last year I made pillows and cover for outdoor use. It turned out nice, so I have desided to make cover for my sunbed, some tablecloths and more pillows. I cut squares in different sizes from the best parts of the legs, normaly the back side.

My mom have made rugs using old jeans. I want to try it too. I use the June Tailor Shape Cutter ruler to make 1 inch wide strips. It worked really fast and well. Later I'll sew strips together.

My plan was to bring the sewingmachine outdoor today, but I don't think it is such a good idea.
The rain is pooring down and I hear thunder rolling close by. I have other projects for indoor. I'll tell you more about that another time.

By the way, my 2 year blogaversary is comming up. I'll post a give away.

Hugs from Nancy

New Patterns

2009-06-29T22:01:00.010+02:00

I'm so happy I managed to komplet my latest patterns last week. First pattern is of placemats. A basic pattern that can be used for several seasons. I have made models for Autumn, Christmas, spring and summer.

My secon pattern is suitcasetags for a Quilter. I had a lot of fun making this tags. Sorry, only Norwegian text.

Lyst til å kjøpe noen av mønstrene mine? Spør i din lokale quiltebutikk eller sjekk nettbutikker. Nå jobber jeg med en BOM og litt jul.

Hugs from Nancy

Hot summer days

2009-06-29T17:18:00.009+02:00

Summer is my favorit time of the year. The wether has been really nice lately. No rain at all so the garden have needed extra wather. The other day I went for a walk in my garden with my camera. So many beautifull flowers. The colors are just beatifull. Gives me great inspiration.

I love Peonys. This red one have lost its glory allready. It's the first one to bloom in the spring.

This soft pink one is in full bloom. I have several variations of pink Peonys. I bought a selection of 6 this sping, but I don't think there will bee any flowers this year.

Roses are another garden favorite. Sorry, but I don't remember names on the different kinds. This one have petals like velvet.

This is rose hip.

This is a pale yellow rose with a devine fregrence.

Tall bush roses.

But hey, who have gone for a nap in the shadow? Yes, right, Gizmo too likes to relax on the veranda.

Take care.

Hugs from Nancy

Busy week

2009-06-13T16:19:00.006+02:00

This week have been a busy but fun week. On Tuesday I had the TSV-ladies for lunch at my house. The sun was shining and temperature was nice. We had a long and lovely lunch with chatting, laughter, sewing and eating. I'm not in the picture because I had work to do, photographing :-)

This is my local TSV-group. We get togheter once a month during daytime to make quilts for TSV. TSV is "Tepper som varmer" (Quilts for kids with canser or long term diseases). A charity I support.

On Wednesday I went to Kristiandsand to the hospital. No, no, no. I'm not sick! I went to the childrens ward to deliver quilts from TSV. One of the few times my hospitalvisits are of pleasent character. Thursday I made the same round to the hospitale in Arendal.

I also managed to squeeze in a visit to DS1 and some quiltshops on Thursday and Friday. Stops in quiltshops and quiltsupplier made my bankaccount gasping for air!! That's what happens when you buy bolts of supplies.

This weekend I need to do some photographing of a quilt that I'll give to another charity, Pink Ribbon (Rosa sløyfeaksjonen) in October. The quilt is to be sold for a donation to the Norwegian Pink Ribbon.

Since DH and I will be off for recration next weekend I have some appointments to keep on Monday. The hairdresser is ok and I'm looking forward to that appointment. I also have an appointment for waxing of those parts of my body that surely need it. I'll tell you, I have put this off for too long. Need I say more....

The rest of the week I'll be dedicated to making patterns for sale. It takes a lot of work to get to the finished product. I am a kind of newbie and are doing all parts myself.

Take care.

Hugs from Nancy

A little report

2009-06-09T01:36:00.004+02:00

Just a little report to tell you I'm working on new patterns. In between I need something that not demanding for my brain or lims. That is where the log cabin blocks come in handy. I have made some more blocks for the quilt I started early May. I layed all the blocks out and look what happende! That cat! Making a mess of all my neetly layed out blocks! Clearly Gizmo want some attention!

Before Gizmo stepped into the picture I figured that I need 23 more blocks to make a suitable size lapquilt. I'll make those blocks in my next "clear my brain" brake from models and patternmaking.

I'm long due my bedtime. Not very smart since I have invited guests for lunsj tomorrow.

More about that later.

Hugs from Nancy