Love what you make - a quilt VOILA!

Do you fall in love with projects you are supposed to give away? Well, I do. Almost always. That is a good sign, right?

I sometimes joke and say: "I am my greatest fan!", which in a way is true. Actually my husband invented the expression years ago when he in the most modest way could shout out: "Darn, that was a great meal. I should cook for a living so good I am." Now, my husband is a top shot chef. The best you can get. Seriously. He is top top top (me bragging a bit here...). And I kind of like the self confidence in this phrase as it isn't really bragging or showing off, just a modest but straight forward twinkle way of saying "I am proud of myself and what I do and hope you like it too." So to build self confidence - I am my greatest fan!!! Do you tell yourself this too?


I love all my quilts. Even the green and black one I made in the beginning of my quilt making adventure and that I wasn't to sure about. Now looking back at it I think it is awesome. When this quilt was finished I just had to take a "family picture" of all my latest quilts together before I gave away this one... It is a nice happy picture. I will miss this quilt. Ann-Louise's Quilt.

I used fabric from my own stash and some fabric I was given from another crafty colleague of mine. The color theme is very calm but warm. Timeless. New prints mixed with old in simple squares, 4 square blocks of 6 inch squares and larger 11,5 inch squares. 

For the first time I have used sashing and I really like how it makes the blocks pop out and how it gives this quilt a little more of a modern twist. The quilting was simple. Straight lines in the sashing and the border. The lines are a bit wobbly at places, which I like. It makes the quilt perfect in its imperfection. It gives it personality, life.

This quilt was given to my colleague Ann-Louise who was laid off before Christmas after working 14 years in the company,  and it makes me very happy to know it will stay in Ann Louise's home for years to come and keep her warm on chilly evenings.

Thanks for popping in. And thanks for digging my stuff. Hold on now, my ego might get to big. Bigger than my head. Ha ha ha! Have a lovely day.

Kärlek
Annette

Word Verification follow up AND crochet

Thank you all for your input on the Word Verification for comments. I am not shutting anyone off but for a while now, until I have figured out something different, I will continue to have it on.

For you who are Anonymous, I have found out another option for you to use on blogs who are excluding the Anonymous commentators. Use the option Name/URL, write your name, press OK and then leave your message. Very simple. No trace back to you more than a name. This is great news, right? The only negative thing I've noticed when experimenting with this is that the comment gets published immediately instead of me having to moderate the comment like I do with all others... Thank you everyone for your great advice and help and keep saying hi when you are around.

Now lets add some crafts to this blog tech post (it is a necessity isn't it?) Darn! I ran out of yarn. So typical now when I am so closed to being finished. Don't you just hate running out of yarn like this? The color bath of my new order better be the same as this one... Sigh...

Kärlek
Annette

The much hated Word Verification

Today I moderated all your comments with one click!!!! Yay! This just shows how good the silly, not liked and annoying Word Verification actually works. From receiving at least 30-40 spams a day with links to penis enlargement, drop 20 pounds in 24 hours, maximize your boobs, fix my truck, cats r us or anything else annoying down to a good ZERO. I am happy.

I know you are not so happy though. I hate the Word Verification too. Sandra from Cherry Heart gave  a good tips that I will try out. And if that doesn't work out I might follow Mammka's advice and stop allowing Anonymous comments. And maybe it will soon be smooth as butter to say Hi over here at my place. In a second. In a whim. While baby is screaming on your hip or the dog is harassing you to go out for  a leak. Simplicity rules and I am trying to make my blog space as simple and user friendly as possible. Thanks for popping in and taking your time figuring out those weird-looking letters and numbers...

Kärlek
Annette

Home Sweet Home

 

Home Sweet Home. We are unpacked and the laundry is done. A colorful bunch of tulips keeps the spring bulbs company on my window sill. I have opened all the bills and surprisingly received an unexpected letter with a fabulous issue of Country Home & Interior from a dear friend in Cornwall, England. A handwritten little note... Snail mail is truly the best to receive and to send.

I have tidied the house a bit as it was left in a terrible state (and I will never leave my house in a mess again when going on holidays...) and while cleaning I through myself into organizing my fabric which has been thrown around pretty much everywhere and nowhere for quite some time now.  During my folding and piling I found a gorgeous stack of fabrics I purchased quite a while ago for a special quilt idea. Happy Days!!! I am inspired again!

We had wonderful late Sunday breakfast, Papa's pancakes (American pancakes that is...) with maple syryp and fresh fruit, fruit smoothie and tea. I finally dealt with a custom order I've been dragging my feet about... It took me a good 3 hours, a lot of ripping, re-cutting and countless attempts on how to make mitered corners... In the end this seat cushion came out alright... Not great but okay... This was way out of my skills and my comfort zone... I will Never Never Ever make another one again...

That is the sum up of me coming back from vacation. So nice to hear you've been longing for my blog posts. You sweethearts!!! What have you been up to? Any excitement to share? See you around. This week is a catching up week.

Kärlek
Annette

PS Sorry lovelies but I had to turn on the silly word verification of comments again... The amount of junk is taking over my computer. If there was anyway I could avoid the junk harassment... Any advice??? Please be patient and continue to comment anyway. I love your sweet messages.

Down the hills we go!

The snow was superb, no icy spots, no slushy snow, no bumpy small snow piles everywhere. Just the absolute perfect snow. Blue bird sky, ideal temperature, amazing views, lots of fun, a few tumbles, lots of progress. What a great time we have had.

After-ski drinks at the top bar, getting all tipsy and feeling like 24. In good company and fabulous mind blowing views!!! Kids playing "fussball" on 1700 meters and sharing sodas... We could sit in that spot forever... It has been one of those holidays you will remember for life. We just didn't want this vacation to end... But it did and I am back here in blog land! HELLO!

Kärlek
Annette

PS Sorry lovelies but I had to turn on the silly word verification of comments again... The amount of junk is taking over my computer. If there was anyway I could avoid the junk harassment... Any advice??? Please be patient and continue to comment anyway. I love your sweet messages.

Cheerio!!!

Oh dear oh dear oh dear. What a week... I am so happy right now though. My dear friend is making incredible progress. Remembering everything, talking and recovering. It is a miracle. It is freakin' amazing!!! It truly is.

I am taking a bit of a break for a few days so don't be surprised if it will be a bit quiet around here. It is school break and we will go skiing. I see you all when I come back. I have a bunch of stuff to share; my quilt is finished, a mini flower tutorial, some anecdotes and other crafty updates. All the best to all of you. I am still around so pop a line if you want, I just won't be posting as often as I usually do for the upcoming week.

Cheerio!!!
Annette

Pottering around...

The last couple of days my mind has been on hold a bit. Thank you for your dear comments and all your support in tough times. Every word is comforting.

I've been pottering around, accomplishing LOTS of things although it feels like I have only done nothing...

I've planted some spring bulbs in cute tea cups and the hyacints are now spreading their wonderful scent in every room of the house. I have ordered Tilda yarn for my winners in the Scrumptious Tilda Yarn Give Away.

I have been crocheting small flowers (tutorial will come...) to accompany the big Maybelle crochet flowers in the baby mobile project. But I haven't really figured out where to find a large ring to attach them to... Maybe an embroidery loop will do? Any suggestions?

I added the binding to my latest quilt. It is finished - YAY! And I guess that is a BIG accomplishment after all... And I started on a new Folksy Pillow Case. This one is very girly in pink. Another pillow front is on my design wall waiting to be sewn together. It is so soothing to make pillow covers. Can't get enough of making them...

We are packing up for school break next week, which will be spent in the mountains skiing. No sewing. Only crocheting. I ran out of yarn for my Gypsy Blanket border... So typical... Well, I guess I have to bring another project. I am not lacking projects... There are so many unfinished WiPs on my shelves...

Well, Charlie the cat knows how to relax, that is for sure. Wish I could find the same peace inside as him at times. Moving on now. Seeing progress with my friend back home. I feel positive. He is going to make it. Because I say so. Today he spoke some to his wife. Told her he loves her. That is a good sign of health. He is with us but the recovery will take a loooooong time. A miracle. My hopes are for continued progress and no relapses. Keep your hopes with me.

Kärlek
Annette

I can't find the words...

I am not sure of what to write, what to say. The last 24 hours has been very confusing and overwhelming. It just doesn't feel right to share any cute anecdotes, WiP progress or any trivial (but beautiful) crafty supply pictures... It is just not the right time.

A good friend of mine suffered a heart attack Monday morning in front of his wife and two young children. I don't really want to go into details but he was saved after 27 minutes of cardiac arrest... Today he amazingly has woken up briefly. We can see hope. But still we don't know in what state he is. We receive updates through an email thread regularly, phone calls have been made to near and far. We are such a large group of good old friends, it is amazing how this terrible terrible tragedy brings us all together no matter where we are in the world, no matter how many years have passed by since we met last... We are like a big family, praying, talking, supporting each other the best we can.

Suddenly all the everyday whines, complaints, analysis and questioning seem completely out of order. See what you have and stop focusing on what you don't have. What do you want to do or say today if tomorrow isn't there? I am a very lucky woman. I have lots of love in my life. Every moment is precious... This is so scary...

My thoughts are with my friend and his family every minute. I can't really focus on anything right now. So today I am not sharing anything colourful, pretty or inspiring... Or maybe that is just what I am doing by sharing this with you. I don't know. I am tired. I think I will go to bed. Tomorrow is another day. Carpe diem.

Kärlek
Annette

A Folksy Scandinavian Pillow

I have been playing with lace, ribbon and folksy fabric and here is the result.  I love this type play. It gives my mind the freedom to create whatever it wants. I am a sucker for anything folksy, I have to admit, and this fabric has been waiting for its opportunity to turn into something special for a long time.

The fabric is a designer fabric panel from Kaffe Fasett, Field Bouquet, and I decided to quilt it with tilted squares to add interest.  I then added some cute classy folksy ribbon and delicate cotton lace. I made a simple envelope closing at the back and the white fabric is a home decor fabric.

This pillow shines folksy spirit and Scandinavian style and I call her Linnéa (an old fashion Scandinavian name after the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus). Pillow Linnéa will add imaginable tunes from harmonicas and violins to your home, as well as the sent of wild flowers picked on the big fields and the sound of stomping clogs dancing on wooden floors. It brings some authentic homespun spirit to any home, modern or cottage.

Soon Pillow Linnéa will be accompanied by more folsky friends in my shop, every pillow unique in her own appearance and personality. No one like any other. Handmade with love and pleasure. For orders or purchase contact me directly or visit My Rose Valley - Scandinavian Homespun Shop.

I would like to take the chance to welcome any new follower to My Rose Valley. I hope you will enjoy your visits and please don't be shy. Drop me a line and I will pop over to yours. Thanks for visiting today.

Kärlek
Annette

Instagram - Are you doing it?

I came across this hilarious videoT when visiting Popetotrora the other day and couldn't stop laughing when watching this... I am a mad Instagramer since I received my iPhone for Christmas. It is so fun, so easy and yes, You easily fall in to the addiction in no time.

The recognition factor in this video is high... For you who do IG you just have to check this out. We all do this even if we never would admit that we do... Well, I never do it. Naaaaah, not me... That would be just to embarrassing, right? :D

Let me add that this is a promotion for joining a Military Defence program for Human Rights. It is truly genius actually... Questioning the importance of what we do... But Instagramming IS hugely important, right girls? Translation of the text as follows:

What ARE you DOING?

We are defending human rights in war zones all over the world.

Sign up for a place in the Military Defence program....


Kärlek
Annette

The winners are...

Did you know that your top favorite colors are all blue and green? I could never have guessed. I have had so much fun reading all your comments and looking through your choices of colors. I absolutely thought pink would be a favorite but naaahhh, I was wrong. Your favorites are the ones above: All shades of turquoise, lime and mint green. Not far behind these top champion colors came purple and then pink. Surprised? Well, I am.

97 people joined this Give Away and I want to thank everyone for playing the game. I have had thoughts about selling my favorite Swedish yarn through my blog and this Give Away have given me some valuable information to think about. Thank you for that. And I gotten to know you all better. :D Let me share what I have found out:

• You are a mixed bunch of Grandmothers, middle aged and young girls, crochetoholics, crochet beginners, amigurumi fans, mothers to be, mothers of many or few, workers or stay at home girls...

• You come from the worlds all corners; Australia, New Zealand, England, USA, Holland, Spain, Brazil, Portygal, Hungary, Poland, South Africa, Sweden......... and so many many more places. Wow!

• You want to make granny square blankets, scarves, pillows, hats, baby outfits, amigurumis, gifts, doilies, Maybelle flowers and much much more.

Okay, enough rambles... You are waiting right? So here we go. I know you are eager to find out the results...

The winners are:

No 51 - Brooke

"Hard to choose but I want to make a Winnie The Pooh amigurumi.
I was gonna attempt to do this without a pattern due to not finding one I like so,
my three colors would be 33, 46, and 70.
Thanks so much for the giveaway!!! "

 No 72 - Hazel
"86 88, and that first deep red one 45. I keep forgetting the numbers!!!
Its so hard to choose as they are all gorgeous. It would be lovely to try some new yarn.
I think I would make a nice granny square cowl with it or a new granny square cushion. " 

(PS The deep red is no 46 Hazel. //Annette)

Congratulations!

I will soon contact you via email and ask for your shipping details and give you more details on when you will receive your yarn. Thanks for playing along and I hope you will enjoy working with this wonderful Tilda yarn.

Thank you everyone and Happy Friday!

Kärlek
Annette

Ribbons, lace and fabric play

Last weekend I decided that now it is time to play and figure out a new set of pillows to add to My Rose Valley - Scandinavian Homespun Shop. It seems to go in waves my shop. I stock it, sell and it is very intense for a while and then it becomes quiet for a while.Right now there is not so much to show but Ia m working on it and will stock it up within the near future.

However, I've had this idea about a folksy theme since a long time back... I got some great fabric panels in my stash already and dragged out my box of lace and ribbons and got started. I was in heaven. It was so much fun. I'll show you when it is done. For now, this is just a sneak peak.

Later today I'll draw TWO winners in my Scrumptious Tilda Yarn GIVE AWAY... Tomorrow you will know if it is you or not... :D When writing this it is 10.08 in the morning, you still have 1 hour and 52 minutes to join in. Go!

Kärlek
Annette

♥ Thank you wonderful person! ♥

"What a lot of phooey some of these people do talk. Don't they know that you are quite someone in the blogging world? Tell them there are blogs and there are BLOGS and that you definitely have a BLOG. Don't they know who you are!!

Very nicely written post and never forget all the skills that you put in one place on your blog. If ever you a looking for a different type of job don't forget to show off about all your many skills as they are totally transferable. Basically it's your own magazine you are running. Some do it better than others, it is true, but the good ones, well they are really very good and absolutely professional in standards and far more interesting than a lot of purchased media. Everyone has a right to blog whatever, but those that shine, well they are really special.

Yes, you are one of those really talented bloggers - good, intelligent, interesting and with honest writing, lovely pictures, great crafts and lots of things of interest you tell us about. Keep on blogging on please!"

Anonymous, January 18, 2013 at 9:28 PM on Blogging - a self-indulgent act?

Dear Anonymous
I am humbled, flattered and my cheeks are blushing from your kind words. I should have posted this many days ago but life somehow got in the way.

Your words are very kind and encouraging and I feel proud reading this. And the fact that you think I shine as a blogger is just fabulous icing on the cake. :D I never thought of myself as being that shiny... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you read this (you seem to be a loyal reader...) and please don't hesitate to contact me via email - myrosevalley@bluewin.ch - that way I can thank you in person.

Kärlek
Annette

A Scrumptious Tilda Yarn GIVE AWAY!

Today I need to share my delightful relationship with the yarn Tilda, this delicious yarn I've used for my Maybelle Crochet Flowers I blogged about yesterday.

This is a cotton/acrylic fine yarn that I have worked on a 3 mm hook. The yarn is matt, not mercerized, which I like a lot. Because of it being a blend of acrylic and cotton (50/50) it is very soft and flexible to work with. I usually think that cotton is kind of tough to work with as it is lacking just that, flexibility, and I always advice beginners to start with wool or acrylic instead of cotton because of this reason.

Another plus is that it keeps the shape very well even after wash. I used the same yarn for my Granny Square Crochet Belt last summer, and I have washed it twice without it loosing its shape at all.

Tilda yarn comes from a Swedish yarn distributor called Svarta Fåret,  in over 50 different shades... Just look at all those colors!!! I would love to have them all... but that is just not possible. I think I will purchase some pastels next time... And when I was trying to make up my mind I thought to myself: Lets order some extras and throw a scrumptious yarny Give Away. So here it goes:

Scrumptious Tilda Yarn Give Away!!!

Simply tell me your 3 favorite colors in a comment below, and what project you would use them for.
I will draw 2 winners and each winner will receive the 3 skeins of yarn she/he has wished for
as soon as my yarn delivery arrives.

Give Away is open until 12 noon (CET) Thursday 7th of February

Winner will be announced Friday 8th of February

Make sure you leave a valid email address to contact you on.

THIS GIVE AWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
Winners will be announced tomorrow Friday 8th of February 2013!

Thank you so much for all your sweet comments in my previous blog posts lately. It has been a lot of commenting over here and I want you all to know that I read and smile at every single word you write. I do my best to respond and if you had a question that I haven't replied on yet, please remind me. It might have gone lost in everyday life chaos.

Kärlek
Annette

The Maybelle Crochet Flower

So here it is, the Maybelle Crochet Flower. I just can't stop making these lovelies. They are super simple and pure bliss to make. The pattern can be found at 6ichthusfish in both UK and US terms. For you who like the visual part of a tutorial you can see my step by step picture tutorial above. SVENSK version av mönstret kan du hitta här. Beware, you might get the Maybelle Crochet Flower bug, just like me. I am thinking bunting, window decorations, baby mobile, decoration for pillow, bag, clothing...

Actually it was mostly this baby mobile that I saw over at Emma Lamb's blog that got me going on the flowers, but once I started making them my mind started to come up with one idea after another. When indulging in my flowers during coffee break at work with a colleague I suddenly could see a shawl take form from these flowers when we put them together in a pyramid... Who knows where this will end. I just keep on making them. I just can't stop myself. Every other crochet WiP (including my poor Gyspy Blanket...) is on hold for these.

I'm using a 4ply/sports weight cotton/acrylic mixed yarn (Tilda yarn from Svarta Fåret) and a hook size 3 mm for the flowers I have made so far. However, when going down to a 2,5 mm hook the flowers are more dense in their appearance which could be good for garlands and such. Tomorrow I will tell you more about the Tilda yarn and host a "Scrumptious Tilda Yarn Give Away". Don't miss that if you are a yarn lover like me. :D

Have a wonderful day exploring the Maybelle Crochet Flower. Enjoy the ride!

Update to post: I have added a square to this flower for endless possibilities of creations. Follow the links: ENGLISH: Maybelle Square Crochet Pattern.  SVENSKA: Maybelle rutan på svenska.

Kärlek
Annette

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Granny Square join as you go - a tutorial

Joining your Granny Squares as-you-go saves you a lot of time and lets you see your crochet creation grow right in front of your eyes. I think this is a fabulous way of making a larger blanket. And when working with a larger variety of colors like in my Gypsy Blanket, it naturally gives you the chance to see, as you go, what colour to use next time to find the right balance of dark and light, bright and faded colours.

There are many tutorials out there already but many of my readers keep asking me to make a tutorial and so here it is.

I actually took these pictures last summer so enjoy the sunshine in these pictures and allow yourself to long for spring time. It is right around the corner. :) Okay, lets get started.

Start up facts:
This blanket is made of 3-row granny squares. I generally have 1 chain in between my granny clusters and 3 chains in my corners and that is what my Join-As-You-Go Tutorial will be based upon.

I preferably join my squares in rows as this makes it easier only having to join with 2 other squares each time. I am right handed and naturally I then work myself from the left on my blaket to the right, always having my joining squares on my left and at the top.

I work my patterns/tutorials in UK terms. See my conversion table under My Tutorials for US terms.

Step 1

I start my 3rd row in a corner, feel free to start on the side if you want. When you reach your upcoming corner you make 1 granny cluster of 3 tr (UK) and then you find the place in your blanket where you will join your square. I will add this square to the apricot square on my left, the red in the corner and the baby blue at the top.

Step 2
You start by making a chain like you normally do in a corner. For your 2nd chain, lead your hook from the front to the back to fetch yarn in the light blue corner, pull it through the corner and then your loop. This is your 2nd chain that you usually make in the corner.

Step 3
Next you make a chain without joining, just like normal.

Step 4
Make your 2nd 3tr granny cluster in your squares corner. To join on the side of the light blue granny you repeat the joining procedure in every space between granny clusters: Lead your hook from the front to the back to fetch yarn in the space between granny clusters, pull it through the space and then your loop. This is your chain that you normally make between your granny clusters on the side of your granny. Make a granny cluster... continue.

Step 5
Now you come to the tricky corner with 3 granny squares to join into. The trick is to only join into your upper square and the one to the left and skip the (in this picture) red one in the corner. Like this: lead your hook from the front to the back to fetch yarn in the light blue corner, pull it through the corner and then your loop. This is your 1st chain that you usually make in the corner. Make a chain without joining - your 2nd chain that you normally make in the corner. Lead your hook from the front to the back to fetch yarn in the apricot corner, pull it through the corner and then your loop. This is your 3rd chain that you usually make in the corner. Now make 3 tr cluster in your corner and continue to join to the apricot square like you did in Step 4.

Step 6
Join your last corner like you did with your first (chain -join-chain), finish your 3rd row, close it with a slip stitch and VOILA! All nice and neatly joined. In the picture below of the tricky corner, you can see the stitches and where they are joined with help from my notes.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If anything is unclear, please let me know. I am happy to share. Enjoy the Join-As-You-Go ride.

Kärlek
Annette

Note: Yarn used is Ideal from Bergere de France and is available at LoveCrochet.com who offers quick and smooth delivery worldwide.