I am so excited about a beautiful fabric collection that Fort Worth Fabric Studio recently sent me. It’s called Nordic Stitches and it was designed by Norwegian fabric designer, Wenche Wolff Hatling, for Moda Fabrics.
The traditional Scandinavian colors and festive prints take me back to my childhood, and memories of my paternal grandparents discussing their early days of farming in southwestern Minnesota. Their rural township was settled mostly by Norwegians, but there was also a rogue Swede or two. (My Grandpa Ray was one of those rascals, he would tell us with a grin!)
My Grandma Audrey was quite proud of her Norwegian heritage, and she was a fabulous baker. Her Christmas treats were scrumptious, made even more delicious by their splendid names . . . krumkake, kringle, spritz, and lefse.
In the photo below, you can see the classic Norwegian details: knitted stitches, jumping reindeer, winter snowflakes. You will also see one of Grandma Audrey’s recipe cards for Norwegian cookies. In the top right hand corner she has written, “Arlyss.” No doubt this was a recipe shared from her neighbor and church friend, Arlyss.
I am planning a sweet project using Nordic Stitches, and Fort Worth Fabric Studio will have kits available! For today, I wanted to share a little peek of the fabric and why I feel such a connection to it. I have no doubt I will be making some trips down memory lane as I sew with Nordic Stitches!
If you would like to know more about the designer, Wenche Wolff Hatling, Moda has a “Meet the Designer” page on their blog: http://blog.modafabrics.com/2016/02/meet-moda-designer-wenche-wolff-hatling/
Please pop on over to Fort Worth Fabric Studio and check out all of the fabulous products that shop owner Jodie has in store. They also have a terrific blog site with numerous free tutorials and patterns. I’ve made several of them!
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. Until next time, get carried away quilting!
~Taunja
Note: Since my original posting, I have received a request for the full recipe. Here it is! 🙂
Note: Since my original posting, I have received a request for the full recipe. Here it is! 🙂
Thank you for a wonderful memory filled post for me! My grandmother was from Norway and I can still hear her say \”Tanka\” and \”Ja\”. I too had Spritz, krumkake, julekake, and lefse and make some of them still. It is not the same without her though. I have been wanting some fabric for Christmas and can't wait to see what you make.
Hi Taunja – – I was excited to see the Cookie Recipe – – any chance you would share it? I couldn't read all of it and thought it looked similar to one I got from my Grandma. Thanks!!
Hi Karen! Such good memories (and thanks for the one you shared on IG too!) Every time I come across my Grandmother's recipes, I kick myself for not keeping these traditions alive better. I remember it like it was yesterday, going into her kitchen to spy the array of Christmas goodies she had laid out. Of course, as a girl, it never dawned on me how much time she must have taken to make all of that! This fabric is really pretty and will take you back! It reminded me Norwegian trinkets one of our neighbors had, as well as the rosemaling some of my dad's cousins did. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing! 🙂
Hi Susi! Thanks so much for stopping by. I scanned the recipe and added it to the post! 🙂
I did a \”Nordic Mini Quilt Along\”with Julie at the Crafty Quilter a couple years ago. You may have interest in checking this mini quilt out 🙂 I currently subscribe to the Ft. Worth Fabric Studio (as I'm also in Texas) and currently working on the Halloween Mystery Quilt she is doing. I enjoy all her projects she shares and seeing what is created weekly with the fat quarter bundles. Can't wait to see your WOW project! Thanks for sharing a sneak peak of the fabric and your family recipe, I will have to give it a try.
Always a pleasure to read your posts…excited to see what you've done with this fabric:)
Hi Monica! That Halloween Mystery Quilt looks so fun! I wish I would have had time to squeak that project in too! I'm sure the final quilt will be darling! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks so much Hannah! The fabric is even prettier in person! 🙂
Yes, the rosmaling! In my grandmother's belongings that I have is some old books with rosmaling patterns. And I agree with you about the time it took to make all of the Christmas goodies! My grandmother's home in Minneapolis had a walk up attic and of course it was always cool. She stored her cookies in tins on the steps. So I do that too but living in NC I do not have that nice Minnesota cold that I love so I have to adjust some but if cold enough at Christmas the tins I have kept from her and my mother go on the stairs to my bonus room that we don't heat in the winter unless the room is used for the evening. I hope you get to try some, maybe when you have grandchildren! And I am going to make your grandmother's cookie recipe. I love to bake!
You've painted a picture of your memories that I can totally relate to! My other grandma, Arlene, kept one bedroom in her home very cool and stored things there. And the tins! I remember Grandma Audrey's tins. Thank you for connecting with me on this, Karen!