Frosty greetings

All the trees on my way to the bus this morning had a layer of frosting on their branches - and with the foggy lights from the city it looked truly magical.

Wishing I could go home and sew.. *sigh*

When making things for others

I've not been one of the most eager to join swaps and similar things - with some exceptions, of course - but when I do, I generally try to make something I think my swap partner might like. But in some cases, you end up with a partner which is a little mysterious when it comes to what he or she likes (perhaps there are few blog posts showing what he or she has made or likes - or perhaps your partner hasn't blogged in quite a while.. maybe he or she doesn't really have a crafty blog at all!).

In most cases, selecting the project or colours for a swap can be quite easy, but when it comes to situations like the ones listed above (and similar) I've decided to simply make something I'm proud of - something I'd like to receive if it was being made for me.

What do you do when/if you find your self in such a situation?

First meeting in 2013

Lest Wednesday was this year's first meeting in Tåsen Quiltelag. It was the first time I'd have time to come since November, so I thought it was really nice to get some much needed vitamin q's and inspiration - plus meet up with a bunch of friendly and talented people. I went together with Anne Ida, and we both had a good time.

And look! There's even a couple of pictures of my things on their blog!

Candlemat, pattern/kit from Bareroots.



Leftovers from a Cinderberry Stitches-project
ended up as a tablerunner.

 I may not alway have a new, finished project when I come to these meetings, but I really like the response I get when I do.

***
I'm currently working on a bunch of secret stuff - something for a competition, something for an exhibition - and something for a swap - so it might be a little while before I can post a finished project (or one of the above items..).

Tuesday night FO

Yup, surprice! A finished object (FO) on a Tuesday night.

Bought a kit to make this candle mat (pattern by Bareroots) from Lille Stasjon when the store visited Tåsen Quiltelag a few months ago. Prepped the felt shortly after - and left it on a shelf seemingly forever.. Started working on it a couple of weeks ago - and suddenly it's done!

Now let's see what else I've got that can be finished.. Hmm..

When something deserves to be celebrated..

It calls for cake!

Swedish chocolate cake, this time as american size cupcakes.

Yum!

You know..

It's time to start dinner, when your stomach is growling louder than the sewing machine..

Threadcatcher or basket?

First finish in 2013 - a project from FQS's booklet of patterns for the mini charm packs. I love the colours - and the simplicity. Will make another one soon.

But.. Is it a basket for "stuff" or a threadcatcher..? I'm currently using it to collect leftovers and threads from my current projects - most of them a bit secret (but I might share a sneak peak of some of them soon, if you'd like to see?).

Had to share this..

Saw the picture on FaceBook.. One should follow a good advice - especially when it comes from The Avengers. ;-)

First day after Christmas and New Year..

Was spent with this little guy. The kindergarden had a planning day, so we met up with Emma and my mom, did some shopping, and enjoyed a sunny winter day.

Tomorrow's back to the office.

Happy New Year!

This is what greeted us here in Oslo on January 1st. 2013 - clear blue sky, not too cold, and most of the snow has rained away and turned into ice.

Wishing you all a creative New Year!

SSCS 2012 - What Elf Nemo sent..

Yea yea, I know.. you're probably all sick of the SSCS-posts for now, but I have one more, one final post that I need to write - and that is to show you what I sent to my "victims" this year. ;)

Once again I was lucky enough to end up with two lovely ladies to create and send parcels to. Both residents in Australia, and both very talented.

The first parcel was sent to the lovely Sue. I knitted her an ornament (Arne&Carlos' design, as usual) and made her one of my favorite Christmas stitcheries (I think I must have made this about 3-4 times now.. just can't get enough of it). It's a Nancy Halvorsen/Art to Heart-design. Also included in the parcel, was - but not pictured - some Norwegian chocolate (yum..) and a miniature calender with pictures from Norway.

Sue's main gift and ornament.

And the second parcel was sent to the talented (and funny - your posts about Peg and Dale made me laugh!) Patricia. Once again, a knitted ornament (I saw on your blog that you had some similar ornaments already on your tree, and figured one more couldn't hurt), and a Christmas stitchery designed by Gail Pan. Also included in the parcel, was - but not pictured - a few pieces of Norwegian chocolate and a miniature calender with pictures from Norway.

Patricia's main gift and ornament.

And to Chookyblue - it cannot be said often enough, or with deeper feelings of happiness and joy - thank you, Thank You, thankyouthankyouthankyou for hosting yet another wonderful and fun swap! It wouldn't be Christmas without it or you!


Signing off (for this year),
Elf Nemo.

SSCS parcel from Santa Deb

This is what Santa Deb sent me, as part of Chookyblue's SSCS2012, haven't I been spoilt?

A gorgeous notions roll - I absolutely adore the colours! - and cute DMC threads (I think I have the perfect pattern from Cinderberry Stitches where these would be just right. (Hmm.. I think I need to pull out my box of patterns and background fabrics soon..)

This will be perfect to carry and keep my sewing stuff together for when I'm going to my mom's house in a little while.

Thank you so much, Deb - and thank you, Chookyblue, for another wonderful swap!

SSCS parcel from Santa Lynda

This is what the wonderful Santa Lynda sent me as part of Chookyblue's SSCS2012 :

A hexagon-tablecloth with adorable stitcheries from the Moomin-world, a small pouch, some gorgeous embrodery thread, the cutest ribbon and a cute little kangaroo (and as you can see, there was a little guy who was very interested in the kangaroo, and could barely keep his fingers away long enough for me to take the picture... ;) ). Lynda also included a stickerbook and some stickers from Australia.

Thank you so much, Lynda - and Chookyblue!

SSCS2012 - parcels

I've been very spoilt by my Secret Santas this year, and I will post pictures either later tonight or tomorrow. Right now I've got an apartment which has been empty for 5 days, with the heaters turned low.. It's freezing inside..

SSCS2012 - Parcel 2 arrived

Look what Lynda B. sent me - isn't it gorgeous?

The tree's decorated - and our bedroom's full of parcels. Only a few more sleeps left..

*counting down*

It's beginning to look a lot like..

Christmas!

Last night - and the whole day today - it's been snowing. Sitting inside, we can hear the trucks and tractors removing the snow from the roads and sidewalks. Going to the post office this morning was not very much fun - there was just too much snow to manage the stroller, so Peder stayed at home with his dad while I ran some earrands and mailed the Christmas cards. It's still snowing, pretty to look at, but I'm glad to be inside now.

Tomorrow's the third Sunday in Advent. Only a week left..

SSCS2012 - Parcel arrived!

A parcel arrived the other day, from Deb R.

Look at the gorgeous ornaments!
(Don't worry, the other parcel is safely hidden away..)

*phew*

Hubby & son have gone to a Christmas fair - and I've got Christmas music on Spotify and the Aurora humming. Actually tried freemotion-quilting for the first time. Jeeze.. fun! But it's killing my shoulders..

What are you doing this Sunday?

Friday's music

Just remembered this song by Spin Doctors. I really loved it when I was younger. I still do.

Enjoy! And happy Friday!

Still hooked..

Adding the 18th colour now.

In other news, completed the SSCS-parcels, just need to take a few pictures and wrap them in.

Winter's come - the first snow came, and rained away. Managed to take a picture the other day. It's been a quiet stay-at-home week for Plutt - he's got the chicken pox. Seeing the end of them now, but he's still got some spots left.