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Saturday 4 June 2016

A week in Norway

I recently spent a week with my gorgeous friend Liv in Oslo. We met ages ago in Singapore at the ANZA (Australian and New Zealand Association) quilt group and have been friends ever since. She moved back to Norway - after 15 years in Singapore - a couple of years before we left, so it was very special to catch up again. 

Of course I couldn't go empty handed and made her a "sew together bag". 


It turned out quite cute and I think Liv liked it. 



We had a wonderful week of sewing and crafting together as well as some sight seeing. As it was just the two of us, we  made room on our cutting mats when we got hungry, so we could continue as soon as possible! 


Of course I had to try the famous cinnamon buns which they call kanelboller and I must say it was delicious. Yum!



I showed Liv how to make a sewing box and I made one as well.


Liv sent me this little box last Christmas. She made up the pattern herself and devised a clever way to hide the zipper. 


Of course I wanted to learn how to make it too, so we each made one. I made mine with Japanese fabric and instead of a decoration on top, I added a little handle, 


and Liv made hers with denim. I need to make another one sooner rather than later, so I won't forget how I made it, maybe a bigger one next time. 



I was lucky to be in Norway on their National Day and the flags were flying everywhere, in gardens as well as on every house we passed.  It was a gorgeous day, sunny and warm. Nature was definitely behind by at least a couple of weeks compared to Switzerland as all the gardens were in full Spring bloom.


I was amazed to see a lot of people wearing the absolutely stunning traditional national costumes, called Bunad. Apparently every region of Norway have their own distinctive designs. They are made from wool fabric,  are beautifully embroidered and decorated with silver buttons and adorned with silver jewellery. They are often made by earlier generation and handed down.


This is a sample we saw in a quilt shop where they offer classes for those brave enough to tackle making their own Bunad.


We also also went on a few outings, mostly to quilt shops ;)! I got a few bits and pieces like zippers - which were quite a bit cheaper than they are here in Switzerland - and of course some fabric including a few fat quarter of Jen Kingwell's new "Behind the Scenes" fabric line. 


And this is something else I bought at the quilt shop (yes at the quilt shop!)


a rubber spatula with the typical Norwegian pattern called Marius. I love collecting kitchen implements from all over the wold. Now you have to excuse me as I have to go back to my kitchen to finish that cake.

Have a lovely weekend.
Vreni x

11 comments:

Barbara said...

Du scheinst es ja prächtig getroffen haben mit deinen Ferien in Norwegen, liebe Vreni. Und wunderbare "Behältnisse" hast du gemacht....ein dickes Kompliment! Der Gummischaber ist witzig...du scheinst das Gleiche im Ausland zu sammeln wie ich....aus Norwegen stammt mein Schab-Käsemesser, das es damals vor mehr als zwanzig Jahren in dieser Form hier bei uns (noch) nicht gab :-) ! Frohe Sommertage und liebe Grüsse,
Barbara

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What a fun trip. Sew nice you got to spend so much time with an old friend. Cute stuff you made (and bought). Enjoy that cake and scraper.

Geckoboxes said...

How lovely you went to stay with Liv! I am sure you had a blast together, the pictures are telling it all! XH

Julimond said...

Ich schmeiß mich weg, ein Patchwork-Teigschaber, Genial.......

Wie schön, daß du so tolle Tage in Norwegen verleben durftest, liebe Vreni. Und fleißig warst du auch noch. Norwegen wäre ein Land, welches ich gerne einmal kennenlernen würde. Es fasziniert mich einfach und verschlinge alles an Filmmaterial, was nur im entferntesten mit Skandinavien zu tun hat.

Ich wünsche dir guten Appetit bei dem sicherlich gelungenen Kuchen.

Alles Liebe

Iris

conny's quilts en creaties said...

Great trip you made Vreni. So good to visit old friends. I love your new kitchen tool. I collect some myself from countries I visit. Have a nice day, greetings, Conny

HeathersSewingRoom said...

Loved reading about your trip and seeing the interesting things you made. Sounds like you had an awesome time. Wasn't our time in the quilt group so special with fabulous friendships.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Nice post, Vreni.
My mom used to do that embroidery. She was increddddible.
What a blast you had. I just love that bag you made so much. It is the cutest thing ever!
Well, thank you for sharing your massive adventure and fun good times. I loved the pictures, and now I know that you have been a useful human being. That is good
♥️

Cattinka said...

Das nenne ich ein gelungenes Wiedersehen! Schön dass ihr euch nicht aus den Augen verloren habt.
LG
KATRIN W.

Lynda said...

What a fun vacation with a friend! I love all the cute things you made. I especially enjoyed the rubber spatula. I've never seen anything like it. I've always wanted to visit Norway since that is where my ancestors are from. My Grandfather taught me a little prayer in Norwegian but that is all I learned of the language. What fun to get to spend time with Liv.

Radka said...

What a wonderful time you had! And to be so lucky to be there for Norway Day!
We too have friends in Norway and visited several times, but never for Norway Day, although we keep promising ourselves (and them) - one day....
xx

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said...

Hi Vreni. I used to have a dress like that when I was a little girl. My dad's Aunty met and married a Norwegian whaler when they came to Stewart Island (southern most part of New Zealand) to catch whales many years ago. She went back to Norway with him and lived there. My grandparents went to visit her in 1970 and bought back a pattern, clasps and braid so my mum could make me a dress like that. I love it and wore it on special occasions. They also bought us a red shiny aluminium kettle, and an electric waffle maker. Very exotic.