Mona's Creativity

Wood turning

2012-01-14T16:36:00.000+01:00

My son Michael at 14 and his Uncle Tom got into some woodworking last christmas. My son made these mini birdhouses. The color of the wood is natural as shown in the pictures, they are only oiled. My favourite is the left one, but I love the purple wood in the middle too.

For my birthday I got two bowls made by Tom, very beautiful.

And I have a new camera, Canon Rebel! And I got horseback riding classes for christmas too. I am blessed with great gifts.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:57:00.000+01:00

Wanted to show you some hats that I made as christmas presents. For my mom, "Anne's Flower", I used Juvel yarn and knitting needles 2.5. I used the privisional cast-on method, worked very well.

For my sister's daughter, Rauma Cable Hat:

I also made another a pair of felted slippers for my uncle, but I forgot to take a picture:-(

I have finished all the christmas present blocks for Kate Spain's All a Flurry. Should I take out the red block?

I made this angel many years ago, it was on display at moms. Whish I remembered were I found the pattern, very cute. Thinking of making one larger one (this one is only 4cm high!)

Wish you all a Happy Crafty New Year!

Celebrate Christmas Quiltalong

2011-12-22T18:33:00.001+01:00

All the blocks (minus one) are done from the Quilting Gallery's Celebrate Christmas Quiltalong.
See more blocks in the flickr group.
I have also received all my buttons that was awarded during the Quiltalong:

Thank you Incomparable Buttons!

Whising you all a wonderful Christmas weekend with this new "classic" Christmas song:

Nostalgic Hunt Quilt

2011-12-18T15:42:00.000+01:00

The christmas present for my uncle is done. He will get the quilt together with som fur pillows from my sister. The quilt kit was purcsased from Elly's Shared Sheep in Chetek, Wisconsin. The fabric line is called "Nostalgic Hunt" by Debbie Field of Granola Girl (Troy Corporation, Riverwoods Collection). The backing is a dark brown batic fabric.The quilt is quillted on my Bernina QE.
The middle section of the quilt is approx 2 yards times width of fabric. The frames are 2 inch, 3,5 inch and 6,5 inch wide including seam allowance. Finished size of quilt is 59 inches times 75 inches.

Traditional Christmas Ball

2011-12-04T14:44:00.000+01:00

Here is another pattern for Christmas Ball. This pattern I remember as the first one I made when I learned to knit with several colors. The pattern is used in many norwegian traditional designs.

For basic pattern, see the book "55 Christmas Balls to knit" by Arne & Carlos.

The diagram is as follows (repeat 4 times):

For my other Christmas Ball designs, see presentation HERE.

Advent Christmas ball

2011-11-22T19:10:00.001+01:00

Advent is almost here, and I have designed a Christmas Ball (Julekule) for the season. We have a candle lit ceremony every sunday until christmas, with four candles.

For basic pattern, see the book "55 Christmas Balls to knit" by Arne & Carlos.

The diagram is as follows (repeat 4 times):

Enjoy!

For my other Christmas Ball designs, see presentation HERE.

Blogger's Quilt Festival Fall 2011

2011-10-30T15:17:00.001+01:00

I chose to display this quilt "Nicey Jane Crazy Eights Baby Quilt" at the Blogger's Quilt Festival because it gets lots of hits on my blog!
The quilt was completed last year and is a very colorful baby quilt. The fabric and pattern for this quilt was bought on impulse when on vacation in the US. I have started to purchase fabrics instead of regular suveniers when travelling when possible. They are my treasures.
The fabric used is called "Nicey Jane" by Heater Bailey.
The pattern is "Crazy Eights" from Bits'n Pieces. The pattern is great for scrap projects too, and the quilt requires only 8 fat quarters.
The kit was purchased from Charlottes Quilting Web in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Thank you Amy for hosting the Blogger's Quilt Festival!

Work In Progress

2011-10-29T13:43:00.000+02:00

Since my last blog post, I have been working on the Celebrate Christmas Quiltalong, and knitted a hat for my son. The horse and snowman block (Mare'y Christmas by Shelly at Praire Moon Quilt) moved from the praire into the norwegian woods.
I have now completed quite a few blocks, have to start thinking on what to do with them... Any suggestions?

The hat is called "We called them pirates" and I have made about 10 of them. But when your son (14)asks for one in a bigger size, who can say no?
For more info on pattern and yarn recommandation, see my first pirate post. Here I used knitting needles 4 mm.

Mended Hearts

2011-10-22T14:57:00.002+02:00

My local quilt "Sølvtråden Lappelag" guild is having a raffle for the local housing projects, giving local women and children temporarily housing when they are victims of violence from close relations.
The idea was Eva's (good thinking!), and she has chosen very approriately Mended Hearts as the quilt block. I have made the above two blocks for the quilt.
I made a Mended Hearts Quilt several years ago.

Felted slippers, snow and horse back riding!

2011-10-11T19:18:00.000+02:00

I have finished my second pair of felted slippers, first pair to my hubbie, this time a present for my dad. I added leather soles, they wear fast. Free pattern: Drops Design #0-568
Yarn: Eskimo
Last weekend I spent in the mountains with family. Saturday was beautiful.

Sunday, the first snow came. (Møsvatn, Telemark, Norway)

I also made time for my first ever riding lesson. Another dream fulfilled!

Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along Week 2

2011-09-25T13:38:00.001+02:00

Block 6 (right in picture): Road to Retreat designed by Barbara Raisbeck.

Block 5 (left in picture): Holiday Ribbon designed by Ryan Walsh.
I thought this block was too large, it did not blend in well with the other blocks. I did like it a lot when several blocks were put together, it made the ribbon come out better. So I decided to downscale the block. I made 4 blocks each 3,5 inch. To make this block, you need 1 square 4,5 inch in green, 1 square 4,5 inch in white and 2 4 inch squares in red. See Ryans instructions!

Block 4 (middle in picture): Cookies 4 Santa, designed by Kim Hanson.
We feed the Santa porridge in the barn in Norway. But we have a strong tradition on making gingerbread cookies for christmas, so I adjusted the design slightly.

Free Pattern for Georgia Orange Dishcloth

2011-09-22T21:12:00.000+02:00

Last summer we drove from Miami, Florida and all the way to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We had a great time. When travelling I always bring a small knitting project, when its summer I prefer cotton yarn.
I made up a new pattern when driving through Georgia. The peaches and oranges were the inspiration.
Here is the pattern (made with Sugar'n Cream Cotton, Candy Colors):

Cast on 42 stiches, needle 5 mm or US 7.
1 row:Knit
Pattern to repeat: (yo, K4, K2tog in back, k2tog in front, K4, yo)
2 row: slip 1, k1, pattern, k1, pattern,k1, pattern, k2.
3 row: slip 1, k1, purl until 2 stiches left, k2.
4 row: slip 1, then knit
Repeat row 2-4 until desired size of dishcloth.
Cast off after a 4th row in pattern at the same time as you knit:
Slip 1, K5, (k2tog in back, k2tog in front, k9) twice, k2tog in back, k2tog in fron, k6.

During the trip I also made other dishcloths.

My experience from the last years is that Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn is a good yarn to knit with, but does NOT keep the color well when washed. So now I have tried to use Lion Cotton also.

Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along Week 1

2011-09-18T19:35:00.001+02:00

This is my first quilt-along. I like it so very much, but I think it will stress me a bit, but also push me to do new blocks and styles. I have so far done everything from stashed fabric.
The first block (top left); I liked a lot, but I might have to add something more to it to "soften" it up.
In block two (top right) I made the "bow-tie" blocks in a different way than the designer, see below.
In the last block it was supposed to be a stichery, but I have problems with man hand, so I chose to modify the block here too and use a print in the middle.
(The "black" in the picture is dark green.)

If you want to piece parts of the block "Santa's Mittens" here is how:

Picture 1:

Cut 2 squares 3 *3 inches, one in each color. Cut them in half diagonally.

Picture 2:

Make the block by placing the triangles into a new block with the straight corners in the middle.

Picture 3: Attach 2 and 2 blocks. Attach the resulting 2 blocks, see picture.

Picture 4: Trim block down to 3,5 * 3,5 inch.

Make 4 blocks. Cut 4 additional (white) blocks 3,5 * 3,5 inches. Piece block as indicated in the design.

PHD: Frolic

2011-09-15T20:00:00.000+02:00

I had to start another project.... This pattern I purchased from Katrines Quilte Stue this summer. The pattern is called Frolic by The Vintage Spool. It will be my first larger applique project, I am getting bored by only doing patchwork. This will certainly take time to finish. I do not now which block to make next, some of them look very difficult...

Trippleberry Snuggler Tutorial

2011-09-13T17:55:00.000+02:00

Here is my pattern published in the "Norsk Quilteblad" #3 2011.
Finished size: 48 x 76,5 inch.
You need:

1 Hoffman Bali Pops (Mulberry) Fabric Strips (40 flavors, 2 ½” x 44”)
2 1/3 yd dark background fabric for sashing, border, and binding.
3 ¼ yd backing fabric
Batting and quilting thread.

Sort the fabric strips in 3 piles, based on shade (light, medium and dark).

Sew together 1 strip from each pile.

Cut each tipple strip into 6 ½ “ blocks

Cut each block diagonally from top left to bottom right corner.

Take 4 triangles of different colors, and place with straight corner in the middle.

Sew together the triangles. Chain sew the two halves together. (I did not cut them apart yet, so I kept the four triangles together)

Press open, fold towards the long strip.

Cut the thread between the two halves. Pin together the two halves by setting a pin in center first, then pin generously on each side. Sew and press.

Cut the blocks down to 8 ¼ x 8 ¼ inch. Align the 45 degree line on your ruler on the middle line of your block as on the picture below.

(You might be able to make 8 ½ squares, but the pre-cuts are sometimes slightly off in size. By cutting them down a quarter, you are guaranteed a good result.)

Now, let us start the assembly. Cut 2,5 inch strips of the background fabric, and cut them in 8 ¼ inch pieces. Attach them to one side of the block.

Then sew five blocks together, three with strips in the middle and two without on each end. Cut strips of background fabric 37 ½ * 2 ½ inch, and sew a strip between each row.

When attaching longer strips, I usually measure the background fabric to make sure I don’t stretch it, like this

The quilt top has 4 times 7 blocks.

Cut border in the dark background fabric; 6,5” wide, 6 strips. Sew 2 times 2 together. Attach 1 strip on top and one on the button. Attach the long strips on each side like this.

Backing is cut in two lengths and sew together diagonally

Layer and baste your quilt.

Quilt as desired. I have done three patterns, one pattern on the shashing, one pattern on the blocks and one on the borders.

For binding I used is 2 inch wide, cut 7 strips. Sew together in one long strip. Put the binding on and you are done!

If you make this quilt, I would love to see the result!!

Please use Mr. Linky below:

My second published pattern!!

2011-09-08T19:11:00.000+02:00

My Trippleberry Snuggler pattern is now available in issue number 3 of "Norsk Quilteblad", The Norwegian Quilting Associations member magazine. I will try to make a tutorial in English for this blog this weekend!

My Kitchen Cloth

2011-09-07T20:56:00.000+02:00

This quick table cloth was inspired by a block in the book "Schnibbles Times Two Quilting Book - Quilts from 5" or 10" Squares" by Carrie Nelson. The fabric is from John Lewis Departments Store in London; John Lewis Fat Quarter Fabric Roll, Blue/Green. The cloth will be a prize in a raffle.

Helle's Table Runner

2011-09-06T18:16:00.000+02:00

This weekend I participated in a class at Lappemakeriet called "På frihånd med Helle". The instructor was the delightful Helle C. E. Løvenskiold, and she thought us lots of good tricks on applique, free-hand quilting and some finishing tips, amongst others for me a new way to put on the binding. The participants also shared their tips, amongst others I got help with my sewing machine (I have been using the wrong type of needle for my quilting). The finished result from this weekend was Helle's Table Runner in purple, all from my stash. I am very happy with the result!

I have so many projects lined up now. Spending the weekend in a quilt shop did not improve on the situation. I will focus on finishing what I have started before getting into something new. I promise. Dah!!

Coffee and cake!

2011-08-25T20:22:00.008+02:00

Oops, I can not give a tutorial on my new pattern before the 4 issue of Quiltemagasinet 2011 is all sold out. But I can give you more pictures of my samples!

If you decide to make one, I would love to see it, link here to your post!

My first published pattern!

2011-08-22T18:10:00.000+02:00

The long wanted issue of Quiltemagasinet arrived today, with my first published pattern "Kaffe og kaker!" (Coffee and cake!) I will translate the pattern into english and post it on this blog shortly!

Inspiration

2011-08-16T19:02:00.000+02:00

Handbags to inspire a quilter; by Vera Bradley. Check them out!

A gift from my husband, we have been married for 17 years.

Cupcakes!

2011-08-07T20:29:00.001+02:00

How comforting it is to bake, and these tastes wonderful, especially the next day. They do require some effort and time in the kitchen, but they are worth it!!

The reciepe: Devil's Food Cupcakes and frosting: Chocloate Ganache Frosting.

Strawberry Cupcakes (I replaced strawberries with raspberry) was also a success!

The receipes can be found on the internet (links above) or in the beautiful book by Martha Stewart:

Norway July 22nd 2011

2011-08-02T22:21:00.000+02:00

In order to move on with my blog, I have to write about the emotional turmoil me (and lots of others) have been through lately here in Norway. I have spent most of July on vacation in the USA. Last Friday the 22nd of July I attended a beautiful wedding in Wisconsin. I heard at that time that there had been a bomb in Oslo. My sister's office is only 100 m away from the bomb site. It took me a few seconds to remember that she was on vacation, not starting work again before the following Monday. I did not get much more information at that time, since I had no internet or TV available.
The next morning I woke up by a text message, and immediately called my mother. Utøya is only a few miles away from where I grew up and where my parents live. I was in total chock. My father had jumped in his boat and had taken the police to the island since the police boat did not run. He picked up kids from the back of the island before they had verified that there were only one terrorist. He worked with transporting to and from the island. The next day he helped guard the island, trying to prevent journalists from entering.

It was awful to be so far away when such horrible events occurred. I was happy to be home again last Wednesday, thinking I would be able to participate in the grief and heal. But I have not watched much TV or read many newspapers; the events are just too awful. It is hard to sleep.

Last Friday I visited my parents, and they told me additional information about the events at Utøya. It had not only been random shootings, but a stage of terrible psychological torture not imaginable for most people, like scenes from the worst computer games. The terrorist is such a coward; he did not even commit suicide at the end. And now he is in prison making demands for his cooperation. He makes me sick. He is a nobody.

Before the terrorist was apprehended at Utøya, the professional help was held back at Elstangen, a mile away on the mainline. In the time period until the terrorist was apprehended, the people living along the mainland, campers at the close by Utvika campground and other private people in the area did a heroic job trying to rescue the kids on the island. The kids also heroically helped each other, my father told me about one kid who had swam the 550 yards to mainline pulling his injured friend along. Is it correct to hold back professional help, even when it makes inexperienced locals do the dangerous rescue work? Is this a common practice also in other countries?

Utøya will never be the same. Many people insist on rebuilding the island to what it was before, otherwise the terrorist will win. Would you go camping on an island where 69 young people where killed, many more injured and tortured? Would you send your kids there for summer camp? I would suggest using it as a memorial ground. Maybe a long time down the road (20 years?) it can be used for a multi-cultural center.
The terrorist was a right-wing anti-Muslim extremist (not the opposite as Fox News indicated).We has a multi-cultural society in Norway, which will not change. The question is how we can live together in a healthy and productive society.
My deepest condolences go to the families and friends of the causalities. 77*RIP.Thank you to all that help reduced the damages of the tragedy. Warm wishes to those injured physically and mentally.

Perled Frame Washcloth Free Pattern

2011-06-27T21:06:00.003+02:00

I like to use multi-colored cotton yarn when knitting Washcloths. So I made up this pattern, you do not require a lot of patterns when you knit with this type of yarn! This is a perfect project in your travelling bag!
If you use the pattern, please leave a comment!!

Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn Color: Natural Stripes 21010
Knitting needles 5 mm.
Always slip off first stitch on the needle and always knit last stitch on the needle. This will give a nice edge of the cloth.
Cast on 44 stiches.
1 row: Slip 1, knit 1, perl 1 across. Knit last stitch.
2 row: Slip 1, perl 1, knit 1 across. Knit last stitch.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 twice.

7 row: slip 1, perl 1, knit 1, perl 1, knit until 4 stitches left, knit 1, purl 1, knit 2.
8 row: slip 1, knit 1, perl 1, knit 1, perl until 4 stiches left, purl 1, knit 1,purl 1, knit 1.
Repeat until cloth is approx 22 cm /8,5 inches total.

End Rows starts from the back (from the side where the starting thread is).
1 row: Slip 1, knit 1, perl 1 across. Knit last stitch.
2 row: Slip 1, perl 1, knit 1 across. Knit last stitch.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 twice.
Cast off on 6th row.
Weave in ends.

Have a great summer!

Simple Weave Dishcloths

2011-06-19T13:42:00.003+02:00

I am making more dishcloths for my sister-in-law, she bought the yarn, so I better get it done before we meet this summer. 2 down, 2 to go!

Pattern: Nifty Knit Dishcloths from Leisure Arts,
Pattern No: 16, Simple Weave, design by Susan Ackerman.
Yarn: Sugar'n Cream Color: 02017 Desert Rising
Knitting Needles: 5 mm

The crystal bowl is called Marguerite and is from Hadeland Glassverk, Norway.