l i l l e - u r s u s

Kiki in the Meadow

2012-02-01T19:15:00.002+01:00

Source: frokenskicklig.blogspot.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Some months back I started collecting the pattern and tutorials for wonderful little Kiki in the Meadow. Maybe you can already tell who designed this lovely doll - it's sweet Juliane aka Frk. Skicklig.

The pattern has been a free gift in the magazine Handmade Living - along with very fine and useful tutorials. Thoroughly prepared and presented in a easily understancable way. Such a wellknown characteristic of Juliane's work.

I have enjoyed it so much to be able to see the talented and gorgeous work from Juliane's hands again. I have really missed her blog, and her always surprising ideas...but probably most of all her sweet mind.

Hopefully I will get Kiki made this winter or spring. Her hair is simply too irresistible...

I'm still here. . .

2012-02-01T00:06:00.000+01:00

Hopefully I will get more posts written in the time ahead of us, than I have lately. January has been a very hard and busy month, and I simply haven't had the surplus energy and power to keep my blog rolling.

BUT lets see if February will turn out to be better for me. I'm still here. . .

I always knew. . .

2012-01-12T14:51:00.001+01:00

. . . that Anne-Sophie's 20th birthday would have a bit of a different touch to it. Well, first of all it's special because she turns 20, but also because of the fact that at the exact same age, I gave birth to Anne-Sophie.

It's strange to imagine that I were 20 years old - 20 years ago! So much has happened and somehow time has gone far too fast, and yet suitable slow.

I remember how happy we all were, when we saw that little girl for the first time. And we have felt the same way about her ever since . . . an unexplainable, never ending love, which contains so many feelings. (What a joy it is for us to feel this paramount kind of love twice).

Later we are going to visit Anne-Sophie in her new apartment, and celebrate her. We did start the day with a birthday song on her cellphone. And as we didn't catch her the first time we called, she now has the birthday song on her answering machine. . . maybe not a good thing at all. ;)

I must admit that it still feels a bit strange not to set up the breakfast birthday ritual with presents, birthday mats, the orchestra and candles. But it's a very heartwarming delight that Anne-Sophie's boyfriend Tim made his very own birthday ritual for her this morning - they are both so good at remembering and pleasing each other.

So, my dearest Anne-Sophie - if you see this, I send you a warm happy birthday and my very best birthday hugs.
Love mom,
xoxo

I had better get started...

2012-01-08T19:02:00.001+01:00

...looking for gorgeous books in this new year we have in our hands.

And what could be better than a bit of crocheting? I didn't get all satisfied with myself and my crochet skills last year, but I took a few steps up the ladder. I intend to go even further this year - it's still a big dream of mine to make a granny blanket.

These 2 books are a suggestion on how to work on my skills and get new ideas. They are both French, but hopefully we can translate ourselves out of that problem..

Granny Folies à crocheter is written by Cécile Franconie and will become available on the 2nd of February.

Crochet Premières lecons is even closer to become published - it can be bought from the 19th of January. Véronique Chermette is the author .

Maybe the 2 frontpages have tempted you too?

Old patterns for a new year

2012-01-06T17:27:00.007+01:00

Just before Christmas I were lucky to get some old knitting magazines from a very sweet woman. She had been cleaning up her cellar and came across them. What a treasures they were - and what a great thing that she thought of me instead of throwing them away!

There were lots and lots of wonderful patterns, all presented by little chubby babies.

And they have become modern again, the patterns that is. There were some which are to be knitted and some to crochet.

The magazines were published sometime in the late 70ties and I just love the fact, that I remember seing some clothes made by similar recipes in my own childhood. (Worn by babies, of course).

Starting off the new year with old inspiration is absolutely marvellous. It doesn't always have to be brand new ideas.

I hope that you all had a gorgeous holiday time with your loved ones.
I certainly did - it was busy but so nice...

A warmhearted hat

2011-12-29T21:23:00.001+01:00

Today our niece Johanne got her hat. You know the one with hearts which I mentioned the other day.

I like how it turned out to be girlish and oh so soft - thanks to the yarn. Stash yarn to top it all off.

I'm not quite sure of what Johanne thought about it, though, because she was definitely in a bad mood when we visted her and her family today. Maybe she will have a look at the hat tomorrow.

However, I liked knitting the little Hjertelig hilsen hat designed by Anna & Heidi Pickles, and wouldn't mind making it in their original choice of colors. Maybe even for myself. I'm not a hat person what so ever, but viewpoints are meant to be shaped over the years, aren't they?

A little extra gift

2011-12-26T21:32:00.009+01:00

Enkelt Luemønster hat, a photo by lille-ursus on Flickr.

I made this little hat with Pacman pattern for our nephew Thorbjørn, who's 6 years old.
It's knitted in Navia Duo in black and white, and the green bit is Cascade. The pattern is from here, and it didn't take long to make something which can warm our nephew's ears.

The fact that I started 2 days before Christmas Eve mattered on the (for me) fast tempo as well. Something which I tend to do far too often...the starting late bit, I mean.

As far as we have heard, the hat has been approved by it's new owner. That is the most tricky part by knitting for children (do they love or hate it?) - and the most rewarding part if it turns out to be a success.

Now I'm knitting this for Thorbjørn's bigsister Johanne. I haven't told her that I'm making it, so I hope that all the purple hearts will please her.

I never thought . . .

2011-12-21T23:46:00.001+01:00

. . . that I would be in a spin over tea towels! But I am.

The other day I bought these 2 beauties from HAY.

Of course I were beckoned by the combination of the colours when I saw them, but when I got to touch the fabric they were made from, it got even better. And the graphic designs in the fabric!

A little box with 2 different towels cost 129 Danish kroner - about 22 $. Not bad for tea towels in that fine quality.

I'm not sure that I will ever get to dry any dishes in the lovely towels. I wouldn't have the heart. But what I do know is, that I want to buy the orange and paleblue set as well.

Or maybe I get lucky and get them for Christmas . . .

For our hands - and eyes

2011-12-18T21:43:00.002+01:00

Anne-Sophie has been busy with her studies for a long time, but she has spent some of her precious sparetime on making the most beautiful Christmas ornaments I know.

A whole bunch of Froebel Stars were among the things she showed me, when she was home this weekend. She's going to use the lot for a mobile. And the ones you see here are not all of them - many more were folded in her hands while she was here.

It didn't take her many minutes to finish a star. My skills, on the other hand, are a different story. I'm not good at making the stars - they always tend to look inaccurate and somehow I manage to get the paper shreds wrinkled. As a side befinefit my temper usually gets the better of me.

Today we had a wonderful afternoon, playing with self-hardening clay and listening to so far unheard Christmas music from the radio. Both of us enjoyed it (apart from the music).

It's a magical feeling to mould the clay in your hands and get things to come out of it.We mostly made ornaments for Christmas, but also a bit of jewlry and some signs to put on jars containing flour, sugar and the likes of it.

Anne-Sophie didn't get to bring home her things made from clay this time. They hadn't dried up yet, and I think that the items need the night to set completely hard.

Maybe we are going to paint some of the letters which we put into the clay...and of course add some string in different colours to the ones which need that.

It's was almost too late to begin with the Christmas stuff, but we are absolutely not done playing with self-hardening clay.

For marks and x x x x

2011-12-15T14:33:00.003+01:00

Once more Maileg has come up with new and wonderful things for those of us, who like the whimsy stuff.

I might have to get myself one of their new calenders. It seems as if each month and day have plenty of room in which we can write down the plans and appointments of our family. That is indeed a necessity, because I have become so forgetful over the recent years.

I haven't seen the whole calender yet, but from the photos I'm pleased with the fact that Dorthe Mailil's characteristic figurines have made their entry in there as well.

So now we wait for 2012 . . .

Klip-selv-ark

2011-12-11T13:22:00.003+01:00

I tell myself that I haven't bought new Christmas ornaments for several years - no new Maileg nisser or any Noilly Noël figurines like I used to. And it's actually true.

So with that in mind - and forgetting all about the beautiful angles from Karina Bækkelund (which arrived yesterday and they are SO lovely!) - I bought the most wonderful knitted and felted Christmas DIY set from Sort Lakrids.

I know that I will love to look at it all for many years ahead, without getting bored of it. And most importanly it will make me smile.

Photo from Sort Lakrids

The Christmas set is made by Theresa Jessing and Line Dyrholm. Both artists whom I love for their unique way of expressing themselves.

Hopefully I will be cutting and sewing in a matter of days...

Photo from Sort Lakrids

Laz(c)y day

2011-12-10T15:33:00.004+01:00

It's definitely a lazy day today - in more than one way.

Emil and I slept through the morning and I barely heard Christian go off to work. Now we are having a cosy time doing absolutly what we want to, and maybe I can find a little moment in a while, to do some more knitting on the Lacy Baktus I'm knitting. And some flicking through the magasin RUM.

I have a thing for mustard colored scarfs at the moment. And ever since I saw the Lacy Baktus made by Terhi on flickr, I have wanted to have one of my own. With holes and everything...

Later on we are going to spend time with some of the people we love the most - my sister and her family. Not a bad day in the middle of December.

The little red pig is Christian's from his childhood and the angel is my childhood favourite at Christmas.

She's back!!

2011-12-09T15:12:00.004+01:00

It was with much joy that I read this post on Ida's blog Midtimellem . ( An inspirering and wonderful blog by the way).

Because Ida had fabulous news to tell about the illustrator Karina Bækkelund, whom I admire tremendously for her brilliant work.
A while ago Karina closed her Amio shop and I thought that it was a huge shame, but I'm sure that she had a good reason to do so.

Photo from Karina Bækkenlund's Amioshop

BUT now she has reopened her shop! I'm really delighted that Ida told about it on her blog, because I have been keeping an eye on Karina's shop for months, but at a point I stopped checking it out.

Today it was time to act immediately before all of the beautiful things were sold out. So hopefully these 2 fine angles will hang in my home in a little while.

Photo from Karina Bækkenlund's Amioshop

If you like Karina's gentle angles and gorgeous squirrels, you have the exclusive opportunity to win some of her work in the giveaway, which Ida is having at her blog at the moment. You can enter the competition right here...

Brave new (sewing) world

2011-12-08T23:00:00.001+01:00

Have you ever seen anything like this pair of scissors??? With a laser light to show you how to cut straight!

It's absolutely a first time for me...and I think that it will stay that way.

If this technological marvel all of a sudden has become your most wanted Christmas wish, you can find it right here. ;)

Little pink cardigan...off you go!

2011-12-07T22:42:00.007+01:00

By now it has been wrapped and ready for several days, the little pink Christmas presnt cardigan. And I had completely forgotten about the photo of it. Until tonight.

Not that it's a very good photo at all.

The neckline didn't turn out the way it was supposed to, so I had to come up with an idea to make it look better. It was far to wide for a baby neck.
So I decided to knit a long row of holes, and then crochet a white string to pull through them.
And because of that, I left out buttons.

Now I just hope that Agnes only wears the cardigan when supervised, due to the string...

A wonderful day is almost over

2011-12-06T21:02:00.004+01:00

After a wonderful day spent in Århus with Anne-Sophie, I'm full of happiness, love and loads of new impressions.

We talked and talked, and laughed and laughed...Anne-Sophie took me to the architecture school, where she spends a huge amount of her time now. We had food - which undoubtedly was a not so delicious experience - and we did some Christmas shopping.

Photos from COS

Anne-Sophie has a few favourite shops, which she likes to visit and wanted to show me. I were particular thrilled about COS.

It has been ages since I have seen a selection of so much beautiful clothes. The colours were stylish, the details were elegant, and it all resulted in simple and gorgeous looks. All clothes which were able to be used for several years, due to style and quality, if you ask me. And for many occassions, too.

There were things for women, men and children. Anne-Sophie and I both loved the little A-line dress with all the colours - it made us think of Marimekko. And the Gingham shirt was (of course) just the kind I think little boys should wear.

Photos from COS

I also got the chance to visit Ingers lovely yarn shop. Oh, what a place. I could have looked at the beautiful yarn and other goodies for ages. But I ended up buying 100 grams more of the soft Duo silke/merino. I chose the pale pink - it's going to be used for a stripe on a hat for Anne-Sophie, and for a third scarf made from Theresa's pattern.

Photo from Design-club.dk

Finally I saw a recently published book by Elisabeth Amdisen - it looked so interesting that I have to add it to my own wishlist (the one from me to me). It's an embroidery book called Tusind og én nats broderier, and in the shop's window the book was presented with little pouches made in colourful Arabian inspired x-stitches.

What a lovely day - now it's time to rest...

I still LOVE...

2011-12-05T23:39:00.001+01:00

Photo from Kate Wilson

..the way Kate Wilson's little birds keep on exploring life - always looking so chic.

Cocoon would be perfect for me

2011-12-01T00:49:00.001+01:00

I bet that I'm far from the only one, who wants to cuddle up in warm jumpers and blankets during winter days. To be in a kind of warming cocoon.

But now I no longer need to wrap things around me, because I have found a marvellous knitting pattern this evening - Cocoon!

Photo from Sunday Knits

For the small amount of 37 Danish kroner, the pattern Cocoon was placed in my ravelry library. It's designed by Carol Sunday and has an inviting and elegant look. And while keeping the comfy feeling, it still maintains it's elegance through the sideways garter ribs - and the bobble accents. Bobbles in the back of the neck and down the front. I love bobbles!
(And do take a look at Carol's Sunday Scarf as well - it's lovely!).

The colour shown in the photo is very pretty, I think. Charcoal will go with lots of my clothes.
So maybe I will have a look at some yarn for my Cocoon. Lately I have been very disciplined about finishing some of my ongoing knitting projects, so I will buy new yarn with a smile on my face...

Rie Elise Larsen Julekugler

2011-11-26T20:05:00.005+01:00

I will soon have to try this little tutorial from Rie Elise Larsen.

I love the result...and since tomorrow becomes windy and rainy, I will have the perfect reason to stay indoors doing a bit of playing with paper.

Fir or wood??

2011-11-24T20:23:00.005+01:00

I just love the sight of an Advent wreath made from fir, 4 white candles and 4 red bows.

It reminds me of my childhood and the feeling of joy and excitement, when my mother lit the first candle on the first Sunday of Advent. (And along with that day came another big thing, which I liked as a child - our town put up all the outside Christmas ornaments in fake fir(!) and plenty of white light bulbs all the way through the main street).

I almost wish that I wasn't as tradition-bound as I am, about how our advent wreath looks like. Because then I would absolutely buy this gorgeous one from Ferm Living...

Photo from Ferm Living

It's so cool! The wooden balls, the colours and the leather string - and when Christmas is over you can make it into a long row of pearls, which will look like a completely different candleholder.

Photo from Ferm Living

How about you? Are you as tradition bound as me with your Advent wreath??(Well, many of you might not even have this tradition in your country).

I desperately need...

2011-11-22T22:06:00.002+01:00

...a new pair of glasses. For far too many months have I threatened myself to buy some new ones. But somehow one day after another goes by, and I haven't gone to the optician's yet.

Maybe it's because I don't quite know which pair glasses I'm going to look at this time. I do have an idea about shape and colour, and I'm aware that I'm not getting red ones again. That's all.

But then all of a sudden I spotted the perfect ones this evening - in fact I saw 2 spectacle frames which were right for me. (At least I think so - one never knows before trying them on).

Source: katespade.com via Ulla on Pinterest

I just adore the stripes on the inside of the side bars. Elegant and dark purple on the outside and with a little surprise on the back.

While I studied I had glasses which were a bit similar to the ones below - I loved those glasses. But our acquaintace promptly stopped the day that I dropped them on the floor, and they broke into 2 pieces.

Source: katespade.com via Ulla on Pinterest

Both pair of glasses can be bought at Kate Spade - sadly they are only reading glasses!! But now I have come a bit closer to what I want...

Tankestreg dress

2011-11-20T19:47:00.004+01:00

Another Christmas gift is done, a photo by lille-ursus on Flickr.

Another Christmas gift is done. Now I have two...and many more to go.

I finished the Tankestreg dress for our niece Sarah. It's made in size 6 years.
It has been such a fun and fast knit to make. Knitting stripes has always been a great thing for me to do, eventhough I know that many knitters find it boring.

Originally, I had chosen two shades of pink for the stripes, but after making the order at Geilsk, I recieved a phone call from the shop. They didn't think that the two pink colours would go well with each other, and wanted to know whether I wanted to change the colour of one the skeins.

At first I had picked colour 32

Photo from Geilsk

and 33 in Geilsk Tynd Uld,

Photo from Geilsk

but I ended up using 32 and 30 - a dark purple.

It was nice of the shop to call me, but I think that I want to try my original mix sometime. For another Tankestreg.

Hopefully Sarah will like the dress in these colours. i think that it will be so nice to wear over a longsleeved t-shirt and some tights.

I'm waiting for Tusindfryd dukker

2011-11-19T10:06:00.003+01:00

These days I have been thinking a lot about Wenche. The sweet, sweet woman who has the much inspiring blog Tusindfryd, and whom has made a deep impression on me with her caring and heartwarming personality.

She's a very talented dollmaker, and has just had her first book about dollmaking published. In fact it was released at Klematis the other day, and that's the reason why I have had her in the back of my mind lately.

Photo from Klematis

I'm so happy for Wenche - to see one's hard work and beautiful ideas in a book, must be such a fantastic thing. I know that she will have done her utmost to make the book, so it will present itself in the very best way - both for the eyes and the mind.

I have already ordered my copy of the book Tusindfryd dukker - I couldn't wait until Christmas!
And I'm convinced that we can learn and enjoy from the minute we turn the first page in Wenche's book. I can hardly wait...

Something old and something new...

2011-11-16T19:05:00.002+01:00

The other day Anne-Sophie and I went to our local thrift store. We didn't find any treasures like this one, that day besides an old Christmas curtain. I only bought one of them, because I'm not going to change my curtains for Christmas (!)
I fell in love with it due to the neat and lovely x-stitch pattern on the curtain. Soon, I will write down the positions of each stitch on squared paper, so I can embroider the star (or snowflake) on to a crisp new piece of linen.

The same day my fabric order from the USA arrived. Pieces of cotton with bikes and circles printed on to them.
Somehow I must have a partiality to red-ish patterns at the monent.

Fabrics haven't been on my shoppinglist for a long time now, and that suits me just fine. I need to use some of the many metres from my stash instead.

Have you heard of Coupé Couzu?

2011-11-13T20:23:00.003+01:00

My excitement was huge when I found a - for me so far unknown - French shop with sewing patterns.

The same love I have for delightful and elegant French patterns for children, is like the one I have for similar patterns for adults.

Clothes which will never grow too old and become out of fashion in my eyes. Well, it can get washed-out in time and be suitable for the bin, but that is a whole different matter.

I bought myself 2 new patterns. They are both for tunics which I can wear on weekdays. And that's excactly what I need these days. A lot of my tunics are with short sleeves, and even though I'm not a freezing kind of person, it's still nice to wear long sleeves when temperature is low.

One of the patterns is Blue Light Blouse. The neckline is the reason why I chose that pattern - I like how it's lines go.

The other pattern is Blouse Attache Moi. Tie-strings in front of a blouse or tunic have always been something which I'm fond of. I like that you can make it look more casual in this way. And pick cool fabric for the little bit you use to make the tie string. Making the right - and daring - choice, can make a tunic change it's expression in a second. I love that!

A few of the patterns were actually also available in children's sizes.

Finding the Pochettes patrons collection from Copué Couzu was so nice. Now I have signed up for their newsletter, and will know when they send out more gorgeous patterns in the future...

First a fine necklace...

2011-11-11T19:54:00.004+01:00

...and then a lot of beautiful felt and some gorgeous buttons.

I can hardly believe the luck I have had lately.

It was at Jeanette's blog that I won the fine the necklace - and a lovely pair of earrings which she added in the package.
Jeanette creates jewellery and buttons herself in all kinds of shapes, patterns and colors. She uses polymer clay for her work. I have dreamt of making buttons in polymer clay, and I remember buying premade rolls, which I just had to cut into slices to make buttons. (It sounds simple but somehow my buttons turned out very poorly. I have no doubt that I was to blame and not the clay!).

So isn't it wonderful that people like Jeanette can create beauties in polymer clay for us to buy?

Photo from Katja's blog

The beautiful felt and the buttons, I won because of an idea I left in a comment at Kajsa's blog. You all know that I absolutely adore Kajsa's work - her ideas and the way she chooses colours for her amazing quilts and little Tomter.
Kajsa's sponsor Kirsty at Big Fish had generously donated the fine things for a give away, and to enter the contest one had to describe what one would make with the materials.

And fortune smiled upon me.

It almost feels a bit like Christmas...

Dotty tree

2011-11-11T10:28:00.005+01:00

I couldn't help showing this fine little tree from Pinterest...I know that we haven't entered December yet, but I promise that this will be the absolute one and only Christmas thing for now!

Putting on the many tiny dots of felt doesn't demand much, and I could easily see this as a project for tiny hands...

Source: giverslog.com via Malena on Pinterest

Update on the poncho pattern

2011-11-05T20:07:00.003+01:00

Do you remember this??

Yesterday I got the English version of the lovely red, white and blue knitted poncho from Dutch Recht & Averecht.

The designer of it, Marijke Lennards, was so kind that she suggested to translate the pattern into English, if I wanted to buy it. I happily accepted and now I have it here in my briefcase full of future projects.

I could have bought a whole kit including the needed yarn, but I want to use some from my own stash.

In my 1st post about the poncho some of you were interested in the English version as well. Good news for you too - if you follow this link, you will get to the shop and the pattern.

For only 25 Danish kroner

2011-11-02T11:54:00.002+01:00

...you can buy the new 2012 calender from Skals - Højskolen for design og håndarbejde.

Photo from Skals - Skolen for design og håndarbejde

It's always a highlight to me, when their calender gets revealed. And I truely enjoy having the calender, and it's numerous beautiful photos and recipes, hanging on my kitchen wall throughtout the year.

The calender can be bought directly at the school for 25 Danish kroners, which is about 4-5$. To that you must add shipping costs as well.

I'm recycling a layer cake

2011-11-01T15:32:00.002+01:00

For quite a long time I have been making a jacket for Agnes.

It's the kind which has a thin layer of warming cotton batting in between the 2 layers of fabric. A quilted jacket - something which is used by both children and grownups here in Denmark at the moment. And years back too. I have always loved the look of these particular jackets.

I got my pattern from the book Børnetøj du selv kan sy, and when Anne-Sophie was little I made her a jacket from the same pattern.

The fabric for the outside is two shades of grey and with tiny flowers. The linning is striped and in two shades of rose. To keep it simple I chose some fabrics which were not that busy, but still I don't want the jacket to be too boring. So that's where my recycled layer cake comes in.

For at least 5 years ago I embroidered the little cake, and put it on a bag I knitted for myself. But since we are having a major clean-up and move around due to Emil's new room, I threw out the bag, which had become tired and strange.

However, I didn't have the heart to throw the layer cake embroidery in the bin - it has taken far too many hours to make - so I removed it and saved it in my sewing desk.

Today I found a new way of using it and soon it will be placed on the back of Agnes' jacket.

And now it's red!

2011-10-27T10:56:00.002+02:00

- Do you know what I saw when I walked through town the other day, mom?? Our pocket dress in red! That's what Anne-Sophie said to me the other day.

And by saying our pocket dress, she means the classic Marimekko Ilonen Takki dress designed in 1960. Happy coat is what the name of the dress translates to in Danish, and what an appropriate name. It does makes me happy when I wear it. (I have worn it so much, that I have thought about buying myself a new one in black again). Children always love to look in my many pockets, and they think it's so funny that the dress has small pockets and big pockets.

Photo from Marimekko

If I got it in the new red design - Kurkistus tunic - it would certainly make me even more happy. So it's actually not an if I get the dress - it's when I get the dress. And with Christmas ahead a red dress is practically an essential part of a woman's wardrobe. At least that's what my husband must know when I show him the dress. ;)

I know beforehand that I will wear it over and over...even after Christmas!

By the way - I need to tell you that the classic dress also comes as a spencer now. It looks like this...can you see that it doesn't have any sleeves?

Photo from Marimekko

It has been far too long ago

2011-10-27T09:23:00.001+02:00

...since I made a flickr favourite mosaic. So here you go - a little view of the things I love at the moment.

1. Owl Family, 2. free-motioning, 3. Tjulahopsasa..., 4. Little Snowy, 5. Untitled, 6. Periwinkle Monster and other monsters4, 7. love... !, 8. chicken brooch, 9. Usynlig eller..., 10. Thanksgiving, 11. Les filles onomatopéiques, 12. tweedy stripes..., 13. ., 14. Lovely Design's Lovely Little Forest Quilt, 15. pop bottle curtain, 16. dress shirt, 17. patchwork pincushions in progress, 18. HIMYM top, 19. Abby Jacket, 20. Tula Pink tunic 2, 21. dots 002, 22. Stella's summer outfit2, 23. Stella's top1_1, 24. Wearing a Scarf II, 25. <3

Cool cowls

2011-10-25T17:21:00.002+02:00

I don't think that one can have too many cowls - and scarfs for that matter. Especially when the weather gets cold and the wind seems to crawl in through every layer of clothes.

Cowls are a brilliant idea, if you ask me. It is not a new and ground-breaking invention. When I was young we had similar ones - only they were called skorstensrør (chimney stacks(!!) - if it's directly translated!)

Photo from Phildar

At that time only girls and women wore them, but nowadays men use them as well. And it suits them.
I wouldn't mind if my husband asked me to make him a cowl like the one above. It's from Phildar - and so are the rest of the ones you see in this post.

Photo from Phildar

Boys can wear them and still look cool. Sadly I will never get Emil to warm his neck with a lovely cowl like the greyish one above. Maybe I would get more luckily if I asked Anne-Sophie whether she would like to have a cowl with the most gorgeous patterns.

I really like the pink and the blue together - eventhough I think that the wristwarmers in the same pattern are a tad too much.

Photo from Phildar

At least I know that I would adore wearing cowls myself. I have faved an unknown number of patterns for cowls on ravelry, but they have mostly been in one colour only. Using several colours of yarn is tempting indeed - and just using two also make a whole lot of a difference.

Photo from Phildar

All the recipes can be bought individually as kits on Phildar's website. And if you want to see more winter accessories you might like this.

A gorgeous American guardian angle

2011-10-22T16:30:00.004+02:00

The day after Anne-Sophie left for her holiday in L.A., there was a flickr mail waiting for me, when I popped by flickr to have a look.

It was written by this sweet and talented woman. (She's amazing at sewing and makes the most beautiful clothes for her lovely daughter).
In the mail Sarvi told me that she would be more than happy to help Anne-Sophie, if she had any questions or problems at all, when she arrived in L.A.

I can't tell you how happy and very touched that mail made me. It really moved me to tears - and my husband too. (And that's not an easy thing to do).
At the same time it gave me a feeling of peace at mind. The kind of peace of mind a mom likes to have when her children take off to new adventures in foreign countries. (Even if they are grown up too!) ;)

It's so fantastic that a woman who practically lives on the other side of the earth, and whom I know from flickr, sends a couple of flickr mails full of warm and caring words, her phone number and her email adress. So many of us could learn from her way of embracing and acting, and how she meets new people with an open mind and heart.

Anne-Sophie was happily surprised and very grateful to hear about Sarvi's mails. - How absolutely sweet of her, she said to me when we spoke on the phone.

I have written it to you already Sarvi, but it can't be said enough - thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful way of being, and for caring. That, I will keep in mind for a long, long time.

Lots of love to you too...

Stripes for Kalle

2011-10-18T21:40:00.001+02:00

Washed, blogged and dried. The scarf I have been making for my dear friend Kalle is now done. I have wrapped it as fine as possible along with the book I bought for him, and now it's all tucked away in a big brown envelope. With Kalle's name and adress written on the thick brown paper.

I have put the envelope on top of our old chest of drawers in our livingroom, so I don't forget to bring it with me to the post office tomorrow. So it can begin the long journey to England where Kalle lives.

And then I will go back to my pale pink yarn...

Lili Points

2011-10-16T14:34:00.003+02:00

Through a French blog I became aware of some funny x-stitch patterns. I don't like them all, but a lot of them were nice, and made in a way I haven't seen before. More modern if you like.

Lili Points is the name, and at their website you can see loads of patterns for all kinds of occasions. I think this one is funny

Photo from Lili Points

Mère poule means mother hen - the kind of mother who takes too good care of her childen and wrap them in cotton! But all beacause of amour as the embroidery says...

I bought the pattern below. I can easily see it on a kitchen towel or perhaps a cool table runner.

Photo from Lili Points

I wouldn't mind making this one sometime.

Photo from Lili Points

But so far I will keep my hands on the cow and the milk bottles...

Late night shopping

2011-10-13T13:45:00.001+02:00

Late last night, while I was waiting for a text message from Anne-Sophie to tell that they had arrived, I surfed around the internet. It's such a fine way to make time pass and let your mind flow.

Of course I had to go to knitting and sewing sites to see if anything new and interesting could be seen. My way went by Tanterne as many Danish knitters and crocheters prefer to call this lovely shop. I haven't actually been at the physical shop, but I have visited their online shop - Tante Grøn - many times.

And look what I saw in their children's category - Pippi i blomsterfrø. Those of you who went to Fanø for the Dansih Knitting festival this September, probably already know it. (I read that Tante Grøn brought the pattern with them to the wonderful island).

But I think that it's beauty has to be shown again - at least for those of us who didn't have the pleasure to well in knitting paradise for a whole weekend.

Photo from Tante Grøn

It's a knitted version of the kind of scarf dress I love for little girls. I have sewn quite a few during time, and I don't think that I will ever get tired of the look.

So it was almost the formula for success when I saw the Pippi Blomsterfrø scarf dress - and it had stripes as well!
This is how it looks like seen from the back. I adore those colours.

Photo from Tante Grøn

The yarn is Bio Blomsterfrø - a 100 % ecological yarn in beautiful dusty colours, and the pattern is designed by Tante Grøn. I bought the kit for the sizes 1-2 years + 3-4 years. It requires the same amount of yarn, so I haven't decided which size to make yet.

Not a bad outcome of some late night shopping.

Yesterday Otto wasn't my favourite name...

2011-10-12T12:48:00.007+02:00

Because my beloved dog decided to put his paws and teeth in my lovely custommade cardigan, which I bought several years ago (for 2000 Danish kroner) from knit designer Christel Seyfarth.

OTTO

I was NOT pleased at all. Sadly there is nothing I can do about the many holes in the cardigan. I can't seem to figure out any way to save it...
So, if any of you have a great solution, then do let me know.

Actually I'm mostly annoyed with myself for leaving the cardigan in a place where a curios and happy dog was attrached to it.

The most ironic part is, that I took of the cardigan when I was going to give Otto food. I didn't want him to pull out a thread of yarn!

And off she goes again - for a while

2011-10-11T19:33:00.001+02:00

It will not be long before Anne-Sophie and her boyfriend Tim take off to Los Angeles. They have been wanting to go to the USA for a long time, and all of a sudden they decided that the autumn break would be a suitable time to travel.

I totally understand why they look forward to their 10 days in the country. I really hope to go there sometime in the future.

It's truely interesting to visit a new place and meet other people. What is their culture like, how is the weather and how do the local people deal with the many issues in life??
Besides that, it's always lots of fun to get to use a foreign language. And Anne-Sophie loves speaking English as much as I do.

When Anne-Sophie and Tim come back, I know that they will tell us all about their adventures, and probably show a bunch of lovely photos as well.

I can hardly wait for them to come home.

Glimpses of a Sunday

2011-10-10T10:02:00.002+02:00

On a rainy Sunday afternoon I did a bit of knitting...

Made the frosting for cupcakes....

Enjoyed the sight of my new old owl...which only cost me 10 Danish kroner...

And felt happy that I now get to wear colourful, shiny, wooden beads around my neck.

Recht & Averecht poncho

2011-10-05T23:28:00.000+02:00

Photo from Recht & Averecht

I'm totally in love with this poncho from Dutch Recht & Averecht.

The pattern reminds me of beautiful white and blue china and Norwegian sweaters. I adore how the colours are knit together to give different parts a tweedy feeling. And the string at the neck is a brilliant detail.

I could easily imagine myself wearing a poncho like this, and the high polo neck would keep every bit of biting cold away from my neck.

Sadly the pattern is written in Dutch, and no matter which resource I try to use for translation, I don't think that I will understand that language. Especially not in knitting terms.

But that can not keep me from admirering the wonderful piece of knitting...

Photo from Recht & Averecht

The Mega-mussel tunic

2011-10-03T12:11:00.005+02:00

I don't think that I ever got to show you the Megamussel tunic when it was done. It has been done for a while but somehow I forgot all about it during summer.

So here it is!

I have loved wearing it so far, probably because it's one of my favourite patterns. The neckline was made looser than on the purple tunic, and I'm satisfied with that.

The pattern is once more the same old one from a magazine I have. Next time I think that I have to cut the pattern in a smaller size. Because I know that there will be a next time.

Perhaps it's slightly boring to use one pattern so many times, but I try to give each tunic it's own and unique look. So I choose different fabrics and embroideries to encourage the diversity.

Amio favourites

2011-10-01T19:41:00.005+02:00

I must admit that I often turn to etsy when I need something special. Whether it's jewlery, craft supplies, paper items or patterns.

I always tend to forget that we have our Danish Amio as an option.
Of course Amio doesn't have the amount of items as etsy, nor does it represent a vast variety of artists from all over the world. But nevertheless it's very possible to find exiting and beautiful things handmade by talented people.

A few of the favourits below have been on my wishlist for quite some time - maybe you have a bunch of favourites on Amio too?

This beautiful, beautiful dress made by Lis from Karlssons Kludeskab was one of the very first things I loved on Amio. I had better let you know that the dress has already been sold, but that doesn't keep me from dreaming about it - even though it was made for children.

Photo from Karlssons Kludeskab on Amio

The necklace has been in and out of my virtual shopping basket in Fragment Jewls more than once. I was immediately tempted by the lovely colours and different shapes. It's simple in a gorgeous way. But my common sense tapped on my shoulder time after time........until today - so now the necklace is on it's way.

Photo from Fragment Jewls on Amio.dk

The fluffy look and the choice of colours, were the reasons why I faved this lovely hair clip from LisBethlys. It will probably be too much for my short hair, which is every which way (purposely I might add!), but I could easily see it in Anne-Sophie's beautiful long hair.

I will have to show it to her on the computer the next time she comes home.

Photo from LisBethlys on Amio.dk

Finally I must show you this wonderful baby blanket from Butik Pilphinger. I love that it has a bit of another style from the blankets we normally see for babies. It's not so cutie pie like.
The printed insects are just fabulous...

Soft yarn for soft skin...

2011-09-29T11:43:00.003+02:00

It will not be long before our niece Agnes turns 1 year old.

I can't believe that she's that big already, but it probably seems harder to understand when she lives in Copenhagen, and we don't get to see her that often. It would much likely have been different if we saw her frequently. Then we could see for ourselves that she grows and grows.

Nevertheless a cardigan is being made for the little lady - hopefully I will be done by her birthday. If not, then I will use it for Christmas. I'm making a size 18 months just to prevent it from becoming too small while I'm knitting it (a thing which has happened to me far too many times in the past...)

The pattern is from Sandnes and so is the yarn. What a soft yarn. Perfect for delicate baby skin.

If you want to have a closer look at the details, you can find them here.

A scarf + a beard

2011-09-25T22:45:00.002+02:00

The o o o scarf is now complety done. I'm not fast at all but I'm done and that's a huge joy for me.

On the photo you can see that I still needed to crochet about 45 centimetres of the edge this afternoon, but that's taken care of by now.

I also have a new model on my hands - I persuaded my husband to wear the scarf while I took the photos. He only agreed to participate if I didn't tell that it was him, who wore it. But how could I not tell you. You might think that I had grown a beard, when you saw the photo!!

Tomorrow I will wash and block the lot, and then put it on the shelf in our little hall, until the really cold and windy weather begins.

Birthday apples

2011-09-22T17:44:00.004+02:00

This Saturday our niece Sarah will celebrate her birthday.

She's very fond of paiting in colouring books, so we got her a Mandala book. (If you would like to try out some Mandala colouring for your kids or yourself, you can find a lot for free right here. I love paiting Mandala patterns when I relax or speak on the phone).

We thought that Sarah should have a fun story as well - one she could have her mom read for her. So we bought Per og bette Mads, a wonderful happy story written by the late Danish author Ole Lund Kirkegaard.

I couldn't miss the chance to sew some children's clothes either, so an apple dress is on it's way to Copenhagen too. Sarah can also use it as a tunic if she likes to.

In the front of the dress, I put 2 embroidered buttons. And if you have a closer look at the photo, you can see that the embroideries are 2 tiny apple trees - at least that's what I like to think.

Making the edge

2011-09-21T20:26:00.003+02:00

Finally I reached the point, where I could begin crocheting the edge.

I have had some specific colours in mind since I started the scarf, and luckily I'm satisfied with the way the stripes look.

It's quite a lot of stitches to get around the entire scarf, but I can only blame myself for making it so long.

I hope that it will look good when it's blocked - I'm a bit worried that the edge will be flappy...

A mail with proof

2011-09-20T12:18:00.003+02:00

Yesterday I got the sweetest mail from Anne-Sophie and it also contained this photo.

Have a look at the attached photo, mom. I'm using it...

She's busy at architecture school with a project she and her group is making in between lectures.

They were told to make a piece of furniture for storing from two items, which were not optinal. Anne-Sophie's group had to make it from an armchair and a hoover!

It's so interesting to see the different stages they are told to go through, in order to create their new piece of furniture. Anne-Sophie has made so many drawings, and in order to make a new item they had to completely take apart the hoover and the chair.

By now it's looking really good, and in the photo Anne-Sophie is at the school sewing a piece, which is supposed to be used on the project.

I'm so glad that she feels the need to use my old machine.

Yeah!!

2011-09-18T16:20:00.001+02:00

Lovely, lovely!! I won the book above in this competition - such a fine thing to discover on a late Friday night....

Today is a special day...

2011-09-16T13:51:00.001+02:00

...for my niece Ida.

It's the day where she gets to hold a photo exhibition - PERSONLIGT FOTOGRAFI - along with her fellow students. If you live in Aarhus, I think that you should go have a look at the many wonderful photos.

Or else you could take a look at the beautiful website Ida has made. She also have a flickr.

Today I'm definitely one extra, extra proud aunt. (I always am...)

Photo from Ida Velling's flickr

Ready for a second life

2011-09-14T15:26:00.007+02:00

Yesterday Anne-Sophie came to pick up her new machine - or should I say new old machine.

When I got my new sewing machine a few years ago, I promised Anne-Sophie that she could have my old Singer. (Actually Emil was supposed to use it as well, if he ever had the need for it! I have a feeling that it might never occur again. I think that we must see it as a thing he loved to do, once in a while, when he was a very little boy). ;)

The old Singer has been standing at home waiting for Anne-Sophie to need it. And so she did yesterday.

She is making a project at the architecture school, which needed just that kind of tool. Now I hope that having the sewing machine close by, will inspire her to sew again. She used to sew when she lived at home, but in recent years she has been too occupied by her studies.

The Singer was my very first sewing machine and a graduation gift from Christian. I still remember how happy it made me, when I opened the present. A gift he knew I would cherish and use a lot.

By now it's time that it starts a new life, with new hands operating the buttons and buttom thread - and another person who finds out about all the many funny advantages and - not so funny - disadvantages such an old machine has.
I know that it will do a good job, even though it has become a bit more yellow over the years.

I couldn't be more delighted about the new owner...I hope that she will get as many wonderful hours of creating with it, as I have had...

Have you seen Beltsy??

2011-09-10T18:54:00.004+02:00

Or Cincinatti?

Two wonderful new patterns from French C'est Dimanche.

Photo from C'est Dimanche

The patterns came in the mail from France yesterday, and I can't wait to find the right fabrics, cut out the pattern parts and start sewing - in a while.

Beltsy will most likely be made in Gingham like the model on the photo - that absolutly works in my opinion. Dark blue & white squares or black & white.

Photo from C'est Dimanche

Cincinatti has some well thought out details like all of C'est Dimanche's clothes. Especially the pink piping trim on the pockets, makes the dress have a cool twist, and not look like any other piece of clothes.

I also have to mention the little girl who wears the clothes in the most lovely and sweet way. C'est Dimanche often use her on their photos, and that they stick to that choice is a wise decision.
She is SO pretty and somehow I can't see anyone but her in the dresses.

I sure hope that she got to keep them after the photo shoot was over...

Dragging it on

2011-09-09T20:50:00.003+02:00

Oh yes, I'm still making the little colourful circles. I don't know if you can tell that the scarf has become longer. The photo looks a lot like the one I took a while ago!

I almost don't know what to do, when I finish the scarf. It's been such a cosy job. So now I have decided to make it a wee tad longer.
Even though I look forward to making the border, which will surround the many circles.

Maybe it's time to reveal that I have bought the Jawoll Magic yarn in a green version. One wouldn't know whether I got the urge to make another circle scarf some day...

Dogs, dots and Gingham

2011-09-08T11:28:00.003+02:00

Dogs, dots and Gingham, a photo by lille-ursus on Flickr.

These trousers are also for my little friend. It's a gift from me to him because he has been feeling poorly lately. I have thought a lot about him and his family...

Maybe it will be enjoyable for him to point on all the dogs on the fabric, and maybe he will even have fun saying woof as well.

It was nice to sew a bit again and since it was baby size, it was a little and manageable project. Perfect for me right now.

I'm so tired

2011-09-06T16:43:00.006+02:00

I don't know if you have noticed, but it has been such a long time ago since I have made something at my sewing machine.

Some how everything has taken a turn towards yarn, knitting and crocheting. The patterns I find are for knitted dresses, cardis and that kind of stuff. And lots and lots of crochet items seem to overpower me whenever I go to Pinterest, etsy, flickr and those places.

And of course embroidery.

It's not that I don't feel like sewing anymore, I simply haven't had the energy to do whatever it takes of preparations and other acts in order to sew something. Then it's much more easy to crochet a tiny circle...

My energy level has been low and I have been SO tired for months and months. I usually don't sleep that long, but I think that I litteraly could sleep a whole day, if I didn't turn on my alarm clock! It actually came to a point where I got a bit worried about all that tiredness...But then - in it's own strange way - it became a habit because it had been there for so long.

The other day I had a doctor's appointment on another matter, and by accident my sweet doctor found out that I had a very low haemoglobin count. So there was the answer to my lack of energy - and need to sleep much more.What a relieve! Lovely that something could be done about it.

Hopefully I will feel more spunky in a while, and feel that my energy for sewing and many other things gradually comes back.

I did however manage to start on a little pair of trousers a while ago for a friend of mine. Now they are finally done and soon I will send them in the mail.

Another thing I would love to make before long, is this embroidery by Cathy Gaubert (again).

It's this month's Stitchalong on Feeling Stitchy, so if you want to take part in the stitchalong you can download the pattern for free right here. And of course remember to show your result in the flickr group when you are done...

At least I'm very busy finding new and funny projects in my mind...

For the home

2011-09-02T22:02:00.006+02:00

Knitting for my home hasn't been something I have done - at all. But my point of view on that matter changed when I was surfing on both Marianne Isager's and Helga Isager's sites.

Together they have created a new book about knitting items for one's home.
It must have been such an exiting project to make together - especially as relatives. And being at different stages of life, have probably also had a huge impact on their process with the patterns.

Photo from Amimono

Pillows, a baby blanket, a napkin for a breadbasket and a plaid - the one above - are some of the things the book contains. I'm totally crazy about the colours they have used and I don't have a problem about seing it all in my home!

But if I get to knit just 1 thing from the book, I guess that I should consider that as a victory...

Photo from Amimono

Getting inspiration from the book is actually almost enough for me. I often wonder about the thoughts which have gone through a designer's mind while creating. What inspired them to pick the colours, the shapes and the materials? But getting the patterns as well is definitely not a bad bonus.

Below is a photo of the book. I bought mine here and you can also buy it on this site.

Photo from Amimono

Memory jar

2011-09-01T15:15:00.012+02:00

Source: inchmark.squarespace.com via Ulla on Pinterest

This . . .
. . . is an idea that I want to make for my little family. A beautiful jar full of paper notes about our everdaylife and funny episodes through a whole year. And when New Year's Eve is reached, all the notes are read out loud to the family.

Eventhough I have books - one for Anne-Sophie and one for Emil - in which I continuously write about anything and everything in their lives, I still think that the jar is brilliant. It's an easy way to remember to get the little joys in life on paper, and it's also more practicable. . . and best of all it's much faster than having to pull out books from shelves far away.

I'm off to find a big jar in my kitchen cupboard...

I have a question

2011-08-31T21:59:00.001+02:00

Has anyone seen these fluorescent embroidery floss colours here in Denmark? And if you have - where can I buy them?

I have managed to find them in shops abroad but with shipping fees and all, the floss becomes rather expensive.

But I really do want to embroider some cool details with a neon pink and some of the other fabulous shades...

Do you love baby blankets as much as I??

2011-08-30T22:27:00.021+02:00

I definitely have a soft spot for lovely knitted blankets for babies.

Far too many times have I clicked on the favourite button on ravelry, when I saw a tempting pattern. And that without having a baby to warm with stitches in wool.

Now it's time to fall in love with another fabulous pattern. And so I did - right away - when I read the blog post Rosanna wrote yesterday.

She has knitted the most beautiful blanket for her little niece. It looks extremely fine and delicate with the neatly knitted lace pattern. Perfect for a soft baby to be swaddled in, and a luxurious gift for baby and parents to enjoy for many years.

The pattern is designed by Rosanna herself, and I love the idea she had about making something auntie-made for her sister's daughter.

And take a look at what Rosanna generously offers to us - the Savannah baby blanket pattern - for free!!

Photo from Rosanna's blog Eaviola

My thoughts ...

2011-08-28T15:30:00.003+02:00

...are with this beloved girl of mine today.

Because eventhough she's nearly 20 and a clever, sensible, indepentent and warmhearted grownup, she's still my little daughter whom I'm never stop caring about.

Today she starts a new and important part of her life at the architecture school, along with 150 other young people. Well, the official start is on Thursday, but the next 3 days are RUS-days.

I know that she will do just fine, and luckily she's good at connecting with other people - eventhough she's a bit shy. Still, I remember what it feels like to start an education...so many new and unknown people and places to figure out.

But tomorrow everything will be a whole lot easier, and seem a tiny bit more familiar than from the day before.

Anne-Sophie has been very exited to begin, and that really fills my heart and mind with joy. To hear her talk so enthusiastically about using her creative side along with her academic skills, tells me that she made the right choice for her future. I hope that the education will live up to her expectations.

Just 3 more books. . .

2011-08-27T16:19:00.003+02:00

I know that it hasn't been that long ago since I mentioned some new books. But now I have to show some more wonderful reading matter.

And this time they are even in Danish.

When Lene Holme Samsøe has made a new book full of her spectacular ideas, I simply need to have it. The title is Vild med Garn and this is how tempting the cover is.

Photo from Politikkens Forlag

Those kind of crocheted hangers have been haunting me for a while - but in the good way! I wish that my wardrobe would burst with hangers as lovely as these, when I opened it to pick out some clothes! Maybe I get to make them by myself after reading the book.

Photo from Gads Forlag

The idea behind the book Til kaffeslabberas is a mix of photos, conversations and knitting. 7 wellknown Danish artists and designers meet with 7 experienced women, and together they collaborate on creating different knitted items.

Finally I need to show Homemade. A book made by Rachel Søgaard, Stine Hoelgaard and Karen Marie Dehn. All interesting and talented women.

I especially love Stine's blog...

Photo from Politikkens Forlag

So there you are! And no more books for a while on my blog...

They are back! Or is it just me who is slow?

2011-08-26T17:00:00.002+02:00

I remember when I, as a young girl, flicked through the pages of the Danish magazine Femina, to find the knitting patterns of the week.

They were always trendy and funny to make, and the patterns have often been the source when I knitted new things in my youth.

All of a sudden the magazine stopped bringing knitting patterns, and the crafty part became a less important factor. That really dissappointed me, but as time went by I forgot all about it.

But then I googled something about knitting, and there it was: a link to lots of beautiful and free knitting patterns from Femina's website!

Maybe it's old news to you, but I got happy. And why on earth didn't it strike me before, that this particular magazine might have a crafty part on their website, like so many other magazines??

So now the little top above has already been printed for future projects, and so will the pattern for the white baby and toddler vest be.

Sadly they are all written in Danish, but maybe they can be an inspiration anyway.

Some etsy love on a Tuesday

2011-08-23T23:50:00.001+02:00

Cuplight candleholders from German etsy shop snug.
I adore when people think crazy brilliant thoughts, and make well-know things into something completely different.

And while we are talking about cups, then have a look at this fine cup birdfeeder from CMonetGarden - another etsy shop. I have seen some before around cyberspace from time to time, and wouldn't mind having one in my own garden.

I would love to find a vintage cup and saucer myself, and make it into a garden dining place for little birds.
How to keep the water out of the cup when it rains, is however an unanswered question!

+ 1

2011-08-22T20:02:00.006+02:00

5 elephants were not enough. 1 more had to be added in order to make the pacifier holder long enough.

I didn't mind that at all. I adore embroidering those little creatures, and now I find myself trying to find new items to make elephants on...

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 little elephants

2011-08-20T21:42:00.001+02:00

I'm making the preliminary preparations for a little embroidery I have been meaning to sew for months.

So I found all my embroidery floss, tried to pick out some colours and got to change my mind more than 4 times, before I thought that the right mix of colours was there.

5 little elephants are on the pattern I'm going to be making. One in front of the other they will get to walk on the white linen in a long row. In colours which can be used by both boys and girls.

And what is it for you might ask yourself??

A kind of chain to hold a pacifier from falling to the floor - eventhough babies at one point in life think, that it's the best kind of fun to throw their pacifier as far away as it can go. I can't help loving that they throw it down over and over, and keep laughing every time.

I found the pattern in my own copy of the wonderful book Gavebogen - written by Theresa Jessing from Sort Lakrids.

If our little niece Agnes has begun using a pacifier, I will send it to her. And if not, then I simply put it in my box with baby presents...

Book-elicious

2011-08-13T12:04:00.004+02:00

I don't think that I have ever looked more forward to this autumn's and winter's new books, than I do in 2011/2012. So many talented people have been busy making books for the rest of us to enjoy - and of course to learn and get inspired from.

Many of you probably already know this fantastic woman from her blog Tusindfryd.
Wenche Steensen is going to release her new book about making dolls. She makes the most wonderful custom made Waldorf dolls for children, and following her blog is a magical thing.
As far as I can tell from the online bookshops, it will be here some time in the beginning of 2012.
I can't wait to see her work and all the many ideas on making dolls.

Another woman whom I admire so deeply - both as an artist and as a person - is my blog friend Cathy Gaubert. Maybe her name rings a bell since I have written about her several times before. Her embroidery patterns are some of my all time favourites.

Cathy is making a book too. A book about patchwork doll quilts - a thing she does so brilliantly herself. Oh, how I love the work from her hands and head!
The book is called Pretty in patchwork - doll quilts and contains different doll quilts from several talented women.

My sweet American blogger friend Amy is actually going to be in 2 books this autumn. She has quilting blocks in the book Modern Blocks and you can definitely look forward to seing her work. She's really talented and makes all her things with such dedication.
The book will be in the stores by October 2011.

And she has things in the book Zakka Style, which has contributions from different crafters. This one will be available in December, so there's a clear cut idea for a Christmas present.

Finally, I know that I will love the first book from brilliant Fiona Dalton. Her patterns - which I have bought and sewn this bunny from - are simply genius and the expression on each animal she makes is so good.

Her book is called Hop, skip, jump - the same as her blog. The book will be in stores about the end of October 2011.

So with all these fabulous books coming, there's one good reason for summer to end a bit faster - eventhough I don't really want it to end at all!

Making progress...

2011-08-11T21:42:00.003+02:00

Just a little collage to show you that I'm making the scarf longer - slowly but nice and quiet I add more circles.

I quickly decided to add some other yarns as well. Somehow I needed a bit more of the vivid colours.

So in my stash I found some of the yarn I have bought from Garnudsalg.dk - so far I have used Blodappelsin, Blå Polkagris, Polkagris, Retro Blå and Retro Bordeaux (and some other bits and pieces from my stash). I absolutely adore the Polkagris yarn! And the name...it makes me think of lovely days in Sweden eating Polkagris candy.

To remember Piccadilly Circus by

2011-08-08T15:30:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I saw an amazing program about the super talented artist Stephen Wiltshire. His story is so heartwarming and full of hope, and I couldn't stop thinking about him for the rest of the day.

His art work is extremely fantastic and he has a partiality to drawing buildings in metropolises around the world - and old American cars.

I decided to buy a print made of him and chose a beautiful drawing of Picadilly Circus in London. It shows the exact spot which my friend Kirstine and I went to every Sunday, when we were off work while living in England.

A fine way to remember a part of life during my youth - and hopefully my modest buy can be a tiny help for Stephen, so he can visit new cities and create new and fantastic drawings.

No words needed...

2011-08-06T22:37:00.004+02:00

...the beauty of the paper from Minimega speaks for itself. Underneath you can see the paper on a beautiful photo from the shop, since my photo was taken at night time, and I don't think that it does justice to the actual colours of the paper.

How can I ever have the heart to use such pretty paper?

Photo from Minimega

New inspiration for x-stitches

2011-08-05T23:02:00.001+02:00

I'm over the moon about the 2 new books about x-stitches, which I recived today. Well, I actually got 4 books, but the other ones are fiction and not about stitches (it's Berlinerpoplerne and Eremitkrebsene by Norwegian Anne B. Ragde).

I bought the embroidery books in France, and they are both full of inspirational ideas for making logos and pictograms with needle and thread. I'm almost certain, that I will get hooked on sewing edged people and traffic signs.

France really have a whole lot of fantastic books about x-stitching in a new and different way. I would never have discovered it, if it wasn't for the wonderful people I have been so fortunate to get in touch with through flickr, blogs and etsy.

I wonder where it has been??

2011-08-04T22:03:00.004+02:00

On a little Sunday trip I bought this cardboard box. It has 2 sweet girls drawn on the upper lid - the kind of drawing which makes me have a second look at it, whenever I see something like it.

The girls reminded me of some paper cut out dolls I had as a child. And actually I expected to find that kind of dolls in the box when I opened the lid.

Instead it revealed 2 pieces of lined writing paper...with tiny dolls walking across the buttom of the paper. Perfect for the kind of letters only a child can create - and which I love.

I wonder who put the paper in there? Maybe a girl who wanted to save the final pieces of paper for something special - but who never got around to using them anyway.

Now, the paper wasn't bad either. And the box has already pleased my eyes several times. It only cost me about 7½ $. What a cheap pleasure...

o o o o o o o

2011-08-02T23:36:00.003+02:00

Circles, circles, circles.... I'm crocheting this.

With the many little circles which are needed for the scarf, I will most certainly get a bit more experinced in this particular kind of handwork. (At least I hope so). And maybe then I can take a wee step ahead in the wolrd of crocheting. But first things first - the scarf must get done.

I have decided to make the scarf 3 circles wide contrary to the recipe, where they have used 4.

The easiness of making the cirles, the size and the convenience of bringing it along, suit me perfectly. Especially in these days, where the warmth has finally hit us.

I like to sit in our little patio in our old garden furniture with Otto runing around. He loves to look for the titbits I hide for him. And since he doesn't possess the patience of an angel, I think he's rather satisfied with the fact, that a half-finished yarn circle can be put at the table in no time...

My intensions were good...

2011-07-26T22:16:00.010+02:00

When we packed our bags to go on holiday, I also prepared a fabric tote and a plastic bag with items for all the crafting I was going to do in the cottage we rented at the North Sea.

I brought linen, embroidery floss, cotton yarn, the 2 new embroidery kits I recently bought, more yarn, hooks to match the yarn, a pair of scissors, large pieces of extra thick carton and 2 different knitting books.

As usual my husband laughed at me when he picked up my stuff, and put it in our car.

But I knew that I would get to make loads of things from all my supplies, so I didn't mind him laughing...

However...

The things you see in the photo, are what I got around to making in the 7 days we were there! 3 lousy attempts at crocheting cirlces and a tiny pile of carton hexagons for a patchwork blanket.

Never before have I made so little handwork during a holiday...I wonder what happened?

Well, I know the answer to that question myself. I simply enjoyed being with my family (I always do that!) playing, talking, bathing and all the other lovely things you make with your loved ones, when everyday life has been put on standby for a while.

And I loved it - SO much.

Details

2011-07-14T16:58:00.002+02:00

Not the best day to take photos - it's far too dark (and windy and rainy) outside.

But that doesn't change the fact that the pale pink linen tunic no longer has a spot. It's hidden under the orange embroidery floss, and hopefully you wouldn't know that it was there if I hadn't told you so.

Now I just have to sew the final hem, so the tunic will be ready for days with more sun.

I haven't been to Paris....

2011-07-09T20:34:00.000+02:00

...yet! But I'm sure that my little Paris doll will bring me just a tiny bit closer to the beautiful city.

I couldn't help myself from coming back to Miko design's etsy shop after I had seen her fantastic dolls.
The rabbit was just about to pop into my basket, but the typical white and marine blouse with stripes made me choose the girl instead.

Photo from Mikodesign

My Parisian doll comes on a piece of screenprinted cotton fabric, and it's up to me to cut her out and sew her together. And make sure that her Souvenirs tote bag can be done - so she can put it on her shoulder and look smart.

In the making...

2011-07-05T22:41:00.002+02:00

Stof & Stil had a sale and I bought some very cheap and light fabrics to use for summer dresses. For me.

The pattern was one I had already and today I started the cutting of the different parts.

I love the feeling of feathery and airy dresses when the weather is warm - and that is how I hope these dresses will be.

The embroidery on this tunic is almost done, but I'm out of orange embroidery floss, and have to wait until we go to a bigger town where I can buy more.

Lots to do...and hopefully soon lots of new dresses and tunics to wear.

I have bought myself some Forest Hearts...

2011-07-02T16:46:00.003+02:00

...and also The Singing Tree.

It's for my wall collection which I'm working on. It's going to become bigger and bigger as time goes by - full of beautiful and unique artwork prints from various artists from all over the world.

Photo from Arts & Ghosts

The artist who made the 2 new ones is Louise Robinson from the UK, who has the shop Arts & Ghosts. I have admired her work forso long, but I have really had a hard time deciding which ones to get.

There is something special about her work. She manages to combine beauty with something a bit scary. And I just adore her use of colours, and the fact that many of her pictures have a fragile and misty elegance.

Photo from Arts & Ghosts

When a bit brings a lot of joy

2011-06-30T20:59:00.006+02:00

New bias tape, a photo by lille-ursus on Flickr.

I haven't had any new bias tape for a long, long time. (I really wish that Danish shops would carry more interesting bias tapes).

But a while ago I saw these beautiful ones on Dawanda. Especially the green sparkly one, was super cool. It would be great at the neckline of a dress - and I wouldn't mind if it was my dress. Or maybe at the top of a pocket?

I love it when tiny things creates big smiles...

A fine, fine summer market to visit

2011-06-29T12:04:00.005+02:00

Do you like beautiful handmade treasures and cool vintage things? And a sweet and happy shop owner who has made the gorgeous crafts? Then you had better go to Tulipaner og Tomater's summer market and find it all...in this address,

Sommersalg på Helgenæs

Asgilhøjevej 59

8420 Kongsgårde

If you can't wait to go, then have a look at their webshop in the meantime and enjoy the many lovely items in the shop.

Mark the dates with a cross in your calender - I'm sure that you will not be dissapointed.

Maybe it's a pattern she likes?

2011-06-28T13:08:00.004+02:00

All the time during studying for her exams, Anne-Sophie has been dreaming of knitting.

When I'm done I would love to knit a sweater, mom. She said that several times - but she kept on reading and didn't give in for the urge to start knitting.

Photo from Familie journalen

She hasn't decided on any particular pattern yet, so when I saw this lovely and simple sweater on ravelry yesterday, I thought that it would probably be something for Anne-Sophie. It's designed by Lene Holme Samsøe.

The pattern is from the Danish magazine Familie Journalen and is sadly only written in Danish. But it isn't a difficult pattern at all, so I think that you might be able to figure it out just by looking at the sweater, if you are an experienced knitter.

Now I only have to wait until I see Anne-Sophie again, so I can ask her whether it's her future knitting that I have found...

NB! A big thank you to Guro who told me, that the pattern actually is translated into English. You can find it right here. How lovely!!

2 pieces of fabric

2011-06-27T23:03:00.003+02:00

And yes, it's about fabric once more...

Photo from Hawthorne Thread

The top one is soft and gentle in it's colours. The fabric's name is almost marvellous and could have been taken from a fairytale - Rosette in Violet. It's designed by Valerie Wells and is a part of the fabric collection called Wrenly.

Photo from Hawthorne Thread

The powerful and happy fabric in orange and pink is designed by Helen Dardik (who's work I absolutely adore - remember??).
It's from the collection Too Muchery and this particular print and colour mix is called Damask in Pink.

I always choose fabrics which have a long-lasting design in my eyes, and colours I know that I will keep on liking.
Taught by experience I know that my fabrics may very well end up in my pile of for-me-to-make-tunics-from fabrics!

But it doesn't bother me. I know that I will like them just as much, when I take them out in a little while. And one day they will end up becoming tunics for me. . .or maybe even dresses.

Such a cool idea

2011-06-24T22:57:00.002+02:00

Whenever we have some batteries which don't work anymore, I always move them around the kitchen several times before I find a place for them.

This usually involve a boring plastic bag and a place in our drawer. There they will lie - and annoy us - until we take them to the battery storage place at our local grocer's. He makes sure that they get to be taken to the right place, so they become reused in the right way.

But the other day I saw this brilliant solution for battery storage. How cool is that! Little batteries in a big battery...

A student

2011-06-21T18:34:00.003+02:00

A student, a photo by lille-ursus on Flickr.

Today Anne-Sophie finished her exams, and finally she could get the white and bordeaux-red hat on her head. She is so happy and reliefed (but also very tired. The last 1½ month has been really hard on her - so no more studying for her for a while).

She has been so luckily to be celebrated by dear family and friends today - it really is heartwarming that so many people thought of her on her special day.

Anne-Sophie has made such a great result, and her very fine grade point average has given her a wide range of options in the future. Her choice of higher education can easily be fulfilled and if all turns out as expected, she will start on architecture school when the summer is over. That really makes me happy on her behalf. Happy that she can choose her future education with her heart, and that she can go the way she wanted the most. . .

But for now she is going to be celebrated - and the next couple of days she will celebrate along with her fellow students. In Denmark it's a tradition that one's class visit each student's family, and all the visits are made in one day. On Thursday we have the pleasure of seing them in our home - I know by experince that this day is rather hard. With all that food and drinks they are presented to in every home.

Then it's graduation on Friday (early in the morning - poor students!) and on Saturday another little party for her family and friends.

After all that it's finally time for Anne-Sophie to enjoy her summer holidays. She has definitely deserved every minute. . .

Measuring tape

2011-06-20T22:50:00.007+02:00

The lovely ceramic items from Laila Stenderup were not the only things I had to bring home from Det Smukkeste Marked on Skals Håndarbejdsskole - or Skals Højskole for design og håndarbejde as the school has been renamed last autumn.

Every year they make the most gorgeous embroidery kits for the exhibition - like this one which I made a long time ago.

This summer I picked a year linen napkin in white, with the number 11 to be embroidered on it. (Last year there was a number 10 napkin and next year a number 12).
And I also got a magnificent linen napkin kit with a cool measuring tape to be made on it.

Both kits have already had each of their the motifs transfered on to them, and the kits come with the necessary floss, a needle and of course a piece of paper, which tells you which stitches and colours to use.

I love to start on a kit like that - no preparations from my side at all. I just have to read the description and begin the embroidery...so easy and so convenient.

I have a soft spot for letters

2011-06-18T16:15:00.005+02:00

So this beautiful, unique letter sampler designed by Alicia Paulson is right up my alley.

The pattern gives me a good reason to try out some of the stiches, which I don't get to use that often.

And furthermore it will be perfect to make something with the lovely letters, for a little girl who adores pink and romantic style.

At the moment it's only possible to buy the pattern as a PDF-file, but later on the whole thing will be available as a kit.

I have another idea on how I want to use the letter sampler, so - luckily - I didn't have to wait for the kit.

Love these

2011-06-18T00:14:00.003+02:00

All made by the Dansih artist Laila Stenderup - I bought the things on the market at Skals Håndarbejsskole.

No rain, please!

2011-06-16T16:41:00.002+02:00

Photo of the Skals brooch from Skals Håndarbejdsskole

I can hardly believe that we have reached this point of the year already - tomorrow and on Saturday it's time to enjoy the exhibition on Skals Håndarbejdsskole again. They open at 10 o'clock in the morning and close at 5 o'clock in the afternoon on both days.

All the many beautiful things made by the students will be neatly and elegantly presented, and in the garden Det Smukkeste Marked (The Most Beautiful Market) will be held in fine white tents. Some of the most talented artisans in Denmark will bring their work to Skals, so we can admire it and be tempted by it all...and maybe bring home a little something which we couldn't live without.

Photo from Skals Håndarbejsskole

So no rain - or strong winds - the next 2 days, please...

Oh, and by the way. I finally decided on the kitchen machine. But it was not an easy choice. Because after seing this one which Anne (who is trained as a professinal cook) recommended, I really, really had my doubts.

BUT this one is coming to live with me soon. Along with an ice creme maker to put on it. A horrible and dangerous piece of accessorie which my husband chose - I didn't complain, though.

I forgot all about it!!

2011-06-14T13:21:00.012+02:00

That lousy little spot on my beautiful rosy coloured linen. It had totally left my mind, when I cut out the pieces for my new summer tunic.
Now it's placed as bad as possible; right at eye level on the tunic's front piece. How clever is that!

So I had to come up with something to cover it up, and thought that an old Danish china pattern would be great inspiration.

Actually I used the new version of the old Mussel pattern from Royal Copenhagen - Mega Mussel redesigned by talented Louise Campbell.

My version is drawn in freehand so it's not completely like the Mega Mussel pattern, but never mind.

I'm quite pleased with the interaction between the pastel coloured linen and the strong orange embroidery floss - it did concern me a bit when I started out the embroidery. But somehow the orange keeps it all from becoming too fastidious to look at.

I hope to get the tunic done, so I can wear it when we go to Anne-Sophie's graduation in about 1½ weeks.

2011-06-14T12:49:00.007+02:00

I know this looks a bit weird, but something happened to the text size, so I couldn't make it big! So I had to write the post again, but Heidi had already left a sweet comment, and I didn't want to erase it.

That's why there are 2 comment areas.

Waiting for some love-love-love

2011-06-13T17:57:00.003+02:00

As I have mentioned before, I'm a huge fan of Helen Dardik and her fantastic and happy illustrations and paintings. I love how her lines are soft and curvy - how the colours she choose and mix, make me amazed and full of joy. Her whimsy way of looking upon the world is just how I like it.

I have some of her work already - among other things this great embroidery book - but the last month I have been returning to her etsy shop over and over.
There are a least 8 prints which I would happily put on my walls if I were a millionaire, but particularly one print has been popping up in my mind's eye.

The one called LOVE.

Photo from Helen Dardik's etsy shop

Now I'm waiting for it to arrive, and in the meantime I check out which spot in my house will be the best to put a little extra love...

Converse + Marimekko!

2011-06-10T12:15:00.008+02:00

SPRING collection 2011

Isn't it cool??

Marinekko + Converse must be the most ideal collaboration ever.
In fact all of the fabulous boots and shoes will leave me in a state of utter confusion and indecisiveness.

There is a Spring 2011 collection which became such a huge success that they decided to make an Autumn 2011 collection as well.

FALL collection 2011

I'm not at the buying stage yet - but hopefully I will get there sometime once I make up my mind.

I need to invite The Jet Set Pets

2011-06-09T11:25:00.002+02:00

Mibo has done it again! This gorgeous little group of animals - ready for vacation - is more than welcome to come to my house...

And I don't mind if they bring along the funky Fox Tea Towel!

I actually finished something!!

2011-06-07T19:28:00.004+02:00

Do you remember the yellow & purple numbers I were making a loooong time ago??

They have finally become something - they have been made into 2 pillows. From the very start I had a very special purpose which I wanted to use them for.

I made my own test to see whether the fabric and colours were okay with the recipient - without her knowing of course - and then I started.

The embroidery took many hours but was so fun to make, and I know that I will have to do these little stitches again. Amazing how a mess of stitches can end up looking like something...

The biggest issue in this project was to find the right pillows to put inside the cushion covers. I searched high and low for them for ages and ages, but I never managed to get them. I could have stuffed the pillow cases with cotton batting but I wanted to use feathers, and that made the whole thing a bit more difficult.

2 pillows in this size - 40 centimetres x 60 centimetres - had to be turned into the size I needed (30 x 50). I used my sewing machine to minimize them and then I started cutting. Oh my!! There were SO many feathers in my kitchen! No matter how careful I did the transformation they kept flying around - tickling my nose.

At last I finished the project. That does happen to me sometimes, you see....

Salon Elfi at Pippikakka

2011-06-07T13:20:00.003+02:00

Photo from Pippikakka

Who can not love these wonderful and happy candleholders for a little party?? I'm totally crazy about their fine colours and motifs, and I know that they would fit in very nicely on a birthday table in my house.

Photo from Pippikakka

They are from the brilliant German company Salon Elfi. Enjoy their website and see all their fine things for children.

Photo from Pippikakka

I had to show you these wonderful wooden toy bricks, too. So many magnificent castles could be built with them. And think of the patterns one could make.

I adore when people make a great effort to produce toys for children - like Salon Elfi.

Photo from Pippikakka

All the toys can be found in a shop called Pippikakka - and many other shops I guess. A dream shop for those of you who still have smaller children (and for those of us who love the whimsy and childish stuff).

A little bit of etsy love

2011-06-06T22:41:00.003+02:00

Photos from Rocket and bear

So many ways to keep a little baby warm...and to do it with style. Go have a look at Rocket and Bear.

Practising...

2011-06-05T23:49:00.004+02:00

...my plait skills on Anne-Sophie's long hair - while she's wearing some of Emil's confirmation clothes!! (I honestly don't know anyone who freezes more than her - always wrapped up in clothes, blankets and socks.)

I'm trying out new ways of doing the plaiting. I can tell by the look of the photo that I'm not quite there yet. Plaits have never looked good when they have been through my hands and fingers.

But most of all I was plaiting Anne-Sophie's hair because she needed a little break and some tender care, while spending hours and days preparing for her last 4 oral exams.

Time for your opion on the kitchen machine matter!!

2011-05-31T21:05:00.001+02:00

Okay, here is the matter which we debate, my husband and I, when ever the subject kitchen machine comes up. Is the Kitchen Aid machine as good (or bad) as people say?? My husband is not positive about it at all!

Is it just the design and the brand which you pay - a lot! - for, or does the machine really work as well as some people say??

We are going to get some kind of kitchen machine, so I can start baking some more again. I can't knead dough very well any longer, and that annoys me so...I would much rather have my hands in the dough and do the work myself.

I would really love to hear your opinion and experiences with this machine. Or maybe you can tell me about a totally different machine, which is much better. :)

Vogue pattern sale

2011-05-29T20:00:00.002+02:00

While looking for beautiful sewing patterns on Vogue patterns, I became aware of the fact that some of their patterns were on sale.

The black one above is a dress which I have been fond of for a long time. We looked at it as possibility for Anne-Sophie's gala dress, and I remember that a Hanne made the dress once for her niece.

This time I had to have the pattern - and that without a special occassion in mind.

Another dress caught my eye. It was the extremely elegant white dress you see below. The fabulous fit and the lovely collar are both things which convinced me that i had to buy that pattern as well.

Sadly it was rather expencive to get the 2 patterns shipped to Denmark, so I ended up paying more for that than for the actual items!

I have a secret dream. I really would like to sew a white dress for Anne-Sophie for when she becomes a student, but I haven't decided wheter to do it or not. It should be a surprise.
But on the other hand I think, that she should have the possibility to decide on a dress herself.

Hmmmm...I will have to think long and hard to figure that out. Maybe I'm ready when the patterns reach my mailbox.

Dr. Martens in lovely outfits

2011-05-28T16:15:00.004+02:00

Okay, I promise not to mention Dr. Marten boots ever again, if only I can show these amazing versions of the old boots!

I'm totally in love with the lime coloured ones, the dotty ones. . .well, all of them.

And how about these?? Aren't they fabulous??

See for yourself how many pair of Dr. Marten boots you can be tempted by...

I changed my mind

2011-05-27T18:23:00.004+02:00

Originally I had decided that these new materials, which I got today, were meant for certain projects.

The gorgeous, Italian yarn in cotton and flax from Garnudsalg, was going to become a summer something for me, and the grey fabric with flowers was for a tunic - for me as well.
The fabric is from Free Spirit and is called Shadow Play Pink. (I had expected the flowers to be tiny so I got a bit dissapointed when I saw that they were actually as big as a screw cap on a soft drink).

But to get back on track,this is what happened when I put the things on our little table after unpacking them. I accidently put the yarn on top of the fabric, and right away I saw tiny baby trousers and a fine little knitted sweater before my eyes. The materials go so well together with their dusty, pastel colours.

Now, I haven't decided what to make - I need to give it an extra thought. But isn't it funny how planned projects change to something completely different in the blink of eye?