Apple Blossom Dreams: April 2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

Rosemaling Camp

The NVO and I just returned from *Rosemaling Camp in Alta, California,

where we learned to paint these clocks:

The NVO's Astri's

This is how it all went down with the NVO's project:

The progression of the NVO's clock.

This is the Os style of rosemaling.

So pretty!!!

The NVO's work station.

This is Karen, the NVO's teacher.

Karen is one point away from being a Gold Medalist in Rosemaling!

She was such a good teacher with a great sense of humor-

perfect for the NVO.

And this is how it all went down with my project:

The progression of my clock.

This is an old Telemark design.

I definitely needs some stroke practice and I would have liked to lighten it up a bit. :-)

And this is my teacher, Mardella, holding her finished clock.

An incredibly talented lady,

and a truly a beautiful project.

I learned that it is just as important to paint the back of the project. :-)

I like that idea!

*This is the 54th Rosemaling Seminar at Camp Norge and our second time attending.

It is held twice a year; in April and September.

59 students including 3 men, bless their hearts!

Rosemaling started with a man so I love that the tradition lives on.

We just can't say enough about this fun-filled weekend...but for me I just can't get over that this weekend is only $85 and that includes the project, the instruction and the FOOD!

And $16 a night to stay in the dorms.

(Nevermind the $4.11 per gallon for fuel to travel there- a nine hour drive for us.)

For posts from the last years seminar click here, here and here.

Thanks again, Camp Norge...

See you next time!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Hippie Baby Skirt with Granny Roses

The Granny Rose Mania Continues

A skirt for a new granddaughter expected in May. :-)

*Modified from the adorable "Hippy Baby Dress" pattern that was purchased from

the Wild About Color blog.

Visiting this blog from "down on the bayou" will certainly put a smile on your face;

it's full of warmth, love and crochet!!!

This will fit the little one when she is about 9-12 months.

Crocheted with "Ella Rae Classic" wool and "Stitch Nation - Washable Ewe".

*Granny squares to include the roses were added and turned into a skirt by

eliminating the straps and adding a slightly decreasing waistband.

Now we are headed out for a nine hour car ride to "Rosemaling Camp";

a great opportunity to work on a newborn dress.

Small stuff crochets up fast!

Small stuff grows up fast!

Once again...

BABIES....

A REASON TO CROCHET!!!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Check out my dear blogging friends journey on the

"Granny Rose Crochet-A-Long"

I am so very delighted and proud of all of you.

Everyone single one of you got these dead on:

A sweet rose from
Beth at Bluebell Wood
Click here for the post.

Mum in the UK used a striking color palette to make these gorgeous rose squares.
You can find her post here.

Everything thing is coming up roses for Sandy at Teacup Lane.
She has finished her travel pillow here...

...and is now working on a Christmas afghan here.
I love, love, love the red and green!

They keep rolling in and it is so exciting...
Here's a feminine square from Crafty Caffeine.

Here's Jacqueline's primo modification from the
366 granny's project 2012 blog.

More from Sandy at the Teacup Lane blog.
How cheerful!
Sandy is covering a travel pillow; what a good idea!
Click here for her current post with more pictures.

Sandy at the Teacup Lane blog has made these cuddly soft roses
and has a very funny story to tell about her first try.
Click here for her blog and story.

Take a good look at Olga's roses from
"There Where is Soleil" blog.
She modified the pattern to make them more lush and I love it!
She has a knack for bringing on the sunshine!

Carole at Stardust Gems and Ribbon
has finished her magnificent cushion and plans to make more cushions.

Maggie's pretty roses from

Flowers in the Window blog.

Get a load of this amazing variation by Linda in the U.K.!
I think the picot edge is so delicate and pretty.
She has posted about this grand finale on her blog with more photos;
you can check it out here.

To see roses done in nice blues from timeshift posted on Ravelry.
Here's the link.

Even more roses from Anne in Kenya
These look so soft!
Anne is also using yarn from her stash,
and great choices at that.

This terrific cushion was all made from scrap yarn by:
Patta's at the
Hooks and Books Blog

Wendy from The Giggle Works Bead Studio has made this fabulous pillow.

The back side of the pillow sports white roses with a the base row of changing colors. A creative variation - and oh how I love white!
Thank you for crocheting along, Wendy!

Monique from Holland has finished her pillow in a 4 x4 square.
These colors are magnificent and I love the 5 coordinating buttons.
I learned a valuable thrifty lesson from Monique - the buttons do not have to be the same and it adds some interest to mix it up a bit.
Thank you Monique!

Sweet Petunia's Baby's Baby has finished her cushion
to match this amazing afghan.
Wow - what a pretty coordinating set!

Here's the back side of her cushion with all roses the same color.
The pillow can be turned over dependent on the mood; I like that!
I like the brown yarn used in joining and edging, it is a very nice contrast.

Holy cow!
Sweet Petunia Baby made, an entire luscious afghan out of
the rose granny squares, in less than one month.
Now that's dedication!
I am so proud of the Petunia mother-daughter duo; warms my heart to the max.

Carole at Stardust Gems and Ribbon
Aren't these amazing!
LOVE the colors!!!

More from Anne in Kenya
I love the light blue and red together.

Sweet Petunia Baby's Baby's contrasting single crochet join.
LOVE the contrast!

Sweet Petunia Baby is now up to
140 completed squares.
I love how the red catches your eye and flows through the blanket.
Good job SPB!