I have tried machine embroidery :o)

And not just on any machine, but the new Pfaff Sensation! This weekend our store hosted a class on making blocks on embroidery machines (with Marit F Johannessen). We were 14 ladies making runners, and Marit brought a couple to show us.
 

And there were a lot of different beautiful variations.

Beige

Grey

Purple

Pink

I was a bit nervous, because amongst all these skillled ladies, I was a real newbie. I had only tried a few embroideries before, and didn't know much :o) But they were so kind to me and encouraged me! I wanted to make a runner in brown and beige. 

Sensation in action

And wow - this is fun! We used laces and put on sashing and the result was really nice. 

I managed to finish two blocks, almost 3 and assembled two of them. So all in all, Im quite satisfied :o)

So in the next few days I have to finish the 3rd block, make one more and assemble them. I hope to finish it fast so I remember how to join them:o) 

Wishing you a joyful week!

Washed and dried

In the last post I was searching for some experience regarding drying a quilt in a dryer. And Im so thankful for all the great advices, both as comments and in mails. So during this last week I did finish the quilt and was ready to try drying it! I was quite excited, as I had never done before - and this was a gift... And yes - I do agree - its stupid to experiment on a gift, I know.... But I did it anyway.

This is the quilt before washing it

As you can see its quite plain without wrinkles. The thing with this quilt is that the top and batting is cotton, which is organic and the backing is fleece which is synthetic. So I was a bit worried that the cotton would shrink too much compared to the fleece. I washed it in 40 gr C and it looked fine. Then I put it in the dryer for about 30 min and had a look. Still no problem! It was not quite dry, so I put it in for another 30 min. Then it was completly dry and it looked just fantastic :o))

It has a bit more wrinkles, especially on the fleece on the back. You cant see it very clearly on the picture, but its there. Not too much, just a little. I would say its just the way it should be :o)

I like the colours!

And, of course, I have to show a picture of it when its folded - it looks so nice :o)

And now it is on its way to Oslo to its new owner :o)

Wishing you a wonderful week!!

I know I said...

I was going to do the rest of the blocks... But the urge to quilt one of my tops came over me! And since I have to finish it within less than two weeks, I couldn't ignore it :o)

I quilted with straight lines along the stripes, simple but nice.

I chose fleece for the back. It was easier to quilt than I thought, I thought maybe it would be thick to sew. But I had no problem :o)

I also made the binding, so its all ready to finish the quilt tomorrow.

Because Im giving it away to a little babygirl, I want to wash it. And put it in the dryer, because I finally got one :o) What are you experience with quilts in the dryer - anything I need to be aware of??

How happy can a girl be......

I'll tell you - unbelievably happy if she gets to sew from time to time....

And so was I today! It has been a while since I had the time to sit down and enjoy my sewing room. I have fallen behind on the two quilt alongs that I do, and my goal is to minimize the gap as good as I can. So I sat down today to do some of the blocks, 4 to go on one of the QA's and 2 on the other. To chose what fabric to use is the hardest part I think and that takes some time. So I only got to finish these two blocks today, hopefully more tomorrow :o)

To all my blogging friends - wishing you a wonderful and creative weekend :o)

Wishing all of my friends a happy and prosperous new year :o)

Hugs from Merete

I have something to show you :o)

No, I havent forgotten about you, and I certainly hope you havent forgotten me... Its just that December has been really really busy, so I havent been able to make much - or blog about the things I didnt make :o)  I have some days off after tomorrow and will have a loong new year's weekend :o) And then I plan to catch up on the two BOM's that I joined and doing some quilting.

But today I was in the shop, enjoying myself. And I took some pictures that I want to show you, proud as I am :o) I used my phone, so I see its not the best quality....

Welcome to my world!

A little table with this and that

Some of the fabrics

The sewing machines

And a few of the beautiful quilts on the wall

So this is where I spend my days, I bet you can understand Im happy :o) We also have a web-shop, www.quiltekroken.no. Once I have learned how to manage it in full, it will be constantly updated and filled with all the new stuff we get! There is already a lot of goodies there, so have a look :o)

Wow, how time flies.....

when you are having fun :o) I am almost two months into my new dream world ( that is my new job) and I can tell you - I love it, love it, love it !! Its busy and lots to do, but I come home smiling every night, having had yet another great day :o) But as strange as it may seem - working in a store filled with fabrics, notions and sewing machines, tons of inspiration every day, I get less time for sewing..... So, today I decided I wanted to make room for some sewing - I wanted to try a new pattern.

And Im quite pleased with it. A lucky girl will get this for x-mas - can you believe its only 2 weeks away! I will have to make a few more.

Wishing you a wonderful week!!

Silk roses

I have been making roses, beautiful roses :o) As I told you, last monday I learnt how to do it, and its actually not too hard.

I used 7 mm silk ribbon, you can use all sizes to vary the size of the rose. To make more life to the rose, the ribbon was variegated. You can choose not to use this, but I like the effect. You may see it easier on this picture. Its fun, and you can make almost any kind of flower - when you have been practising a while... :o)

Christmas is getting closer and closer, almost too fast.... Soon, very soon I have too start buying little presents for the girls for their calender - december is only a few days away :o/ We will soon have a baking workshop at my sisters house, have to start thinking of making the x-mas cards, next weekend we will make our traditional gingerbread house, and not to forget getting all the presents ready. Fortunately this is all things that I love doing :o) The clue is NOT to make a stress out of it - and usually Im good at that !! I have at least started making one present....

Now Im ready for a new, exciting week - Im having so much fun in the shop with the girls :o) Imagine a table filled with lots and lots of 'yet to come' - fabrics, getting to choose your favorites and order it for the shop - couldn't be better, a dream come through :o) Have a look at our web site, www.quiltekroken.no. Or like us on Facebook if you want :o)

Wishing you all a lovely week!!

On a rainy Sunday....

its nice to be cheered up by lots of beautiful fabrics and sewing along :o) Thats how my day has been - wonderful!!
And tomorrow will be good aswell. After an exciting day at work ( I've just changed my occupation and are the proud co-owner of a quiltshop in Bergen, Norway!!) I will attend a class learning how to make roses of silk-ribbon. We have to be prepared and make something to practise on. I want to make a makeup-purse and have made this. I will make the roses along the leaves in the middle.

And, of course, I have made some stars....... I believe I will show you my stars until you cant take anymore :o) Please bear with me !! Here we go.......

Fat Quarter Star QA

Blogger's BOM (which is also a star this month....)

And this little purse was just for fun :o)

So, my friends, a brand new week ahead of us - carpe diem and enjoy :o)

Last progress

Some days ago we got the 3rd block of the Fat Quarter Star QA. It was a lovely start block using several fabrics. Im using Soul Blossoms by Amy Butler, which is lots of colors and big prints. Too show them off and not make too busy block I will have to make my own little twist from time to time. And with this block I used only 2 prints (and the background) and Im very happy with the result.

The star table topper have been fun making, and I think I will be using the stars another time aswell. Thanks for all the advice you gave regarding the sashing. I decided to go for the brown, I thought it gave more life to the top. 

Have a great week :o)

                                        

A knitted finish :o)

Wow - its been a long time since I have finished a sweater. But today I did .......

Its a birthday present for a little charming boy,

soon to be four years :o) Hope he and his mom will be satisfied !

Its used Fabel, a wool yarn from Garnstudio.

I have also made all of the stars for the runner Im about to make. Originally I was making a wallhanging with 4 stars, but Ive changed my mind, Im making a tablerunner instead. For me its more useful.

But Im not sure what to use in the sashing, a dark beige or a dark brown.

Maybe you can help me??

Wishing you all a wonderful evening :o)

A new star is born......

Its time to show you the next star in the Fat Quarter QA :o) I have been looking at it, thinking and looking again, because Im not sure if I like it or not. Is it too much? I think I will make one more with just two fabrics, just too see if I like that more.

What do you think?

I've started a class in my LQS, making a Star Block Quilt. I havent decided how big I want to make it yet, only I will not make a big quilt this time. 

I love the smooth colours and fun print, its designed by Lynette Anderson.

Wish you all a peaceful afternoon :o)

Show your quilts, crocheted or knitted blankets

Liv, at 'Livs lyst' is having a challenge to all the creative bloggers - show us the blankets you have made, sewn/crocheted or knitted.

This is her wonderful blanket made of leftovers - I love it :o)

So head on over to her blog, Livs lyst, and show us what you have made. Just leave a link in the comment field on her post, and she will put you on the list. Already a lot of lovely blankets to see :o)

Wish you all a great evening!

Fat Quarter Star Quilt Along

The first block of the Fat Quarter Star QA, using Soul Blossom by Amy Butler.

I am a bit worried how the big prints will work in a star, but I think it will be fine :o) At least I like the first star :o)