Dinner in Bergen

We arrived in Bergen in the late afternoon.

After checking into our hotel, we were taken to a restaurant, "Lyststedet Bellevue",on the top of a hill.

Our travel agency made the reservation and the view was fantastic!

Many Japanese people order beer first before having other drinks, so we ordered Norwegian beer called Hansa.
The name is meant to reflect Bergen's history as one of the Hansa trading cities.
The brewery was originally situated in a part of Bergen called Kalfaret, at the foot of Mount Fløyen, which we visited a couple of days later.

It's a group of twenty (20) ladies!

It was wonderful to enjoy dinner while looking at this view turning into night.

Emi

One day in Oslo

On the 15th of September we had some free time before our flight to Bergen. So we toured around the center of Oslo in the morning.

First we visited the city hall. It's open to the public and free of charge!

This is the hall where Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held.

Who could expect a quilt displayed there?

When Japanese people are asked what comes to mind when hearing the word of Norway, we will probably say "the Scream" of Edvard Munch. A glance is enough to engraved it in your memory. 

My mother and I missed an opportunity to view it because the museum which we wanted to visit was closed on Mondays!

But luckily there was a painting of his in the city hall. 

A department called GlasMagasinet.

A funny show window.

Aker Brygge is a trendy area where you can enjoy shopping and a meal.

According to a Japanese guide who lived in Norway and accompanied us, an apartment or condo costs 8,000,000 USD. What?! It must be a joke!  

How much do you think this simple hot dog is? It's 7 USD, although it tasted good under the gorgeous weather!

Emi

Show and Tell

Masako was asked to give a speech in Norway with the topic being what motivated her to embark on her quilt journey.

To help illustrate her speech, we showed photos and quilts. We were very surprised to see the size of the audience!

Right before going on the stage with Lynette.

They are the teachers invited to the show.

Now it is our turn.

We spoke about our project called "Patch for Japan". 
The purpose was to provide handmade quilts, consisting of blocks with messages, to victims of the March 2011 tsunami.
Crocheted blankets were made in Europe as well and sent to a quilt shop in Ishinomaki. 
Quilting brings people together and unites them no matter where they live.

Emi

Glass Factory

As a treat, the organizers took us to a glass factory on a day before the show began.

It was located one or two hour drive away from our hotel.

There was a factory, shops, cafe and restaurants so it looked like a complete village.

We had gorgeous weather every day!

At the factory you are able to view craftsmen at work blowing glass tableware.

Masako could not resist buying the mushroom family!

Emi

"Norsk Quilte festival"

My mother and I returned home on the 21st of September from a two week trip to Scandinavian countries. 
She was invited to the First International Quilt Show which was organized by Kathrine, Asne and Siw, three Norwegian quilt shop owners.

We gave workshops for four days and taught different projects each of which focused on a particular technique, such as punch needle, trapunto and paper piecing.

Each class had almost thirty people. This is the maximum in a class taught by Masako in order for her to be able to give each student individual attention.

The students were great. They were very enthusiastic, friendly, hospitable and polite. They were always eager to learn as much as possible. 

You might notice that there are some Asians in the picture of the fourth day of classes.
Yes, they are our students from JAPAN! 
We arranged a tour to go to Bergen to visit the fjords and shop in Stockholm.
They joined us on the final day and sneaked into our classroom. 
When they entered, the Norwegian students welcomed them. Many of them were carrying handmade bags which were made in our classes in Japan.
They opened their bags and many other small handmade pouches came out, one after another! 

We had an interpreter each day. Unfortunately I forgot to photograph the second and third day interpreters. All of them were so helpful and knowledgeable about quilting. Thanks so much!



From left to right are Kathrine, Asne and Siw.
They came into the room, unannounced, to surprise the students.

The show had an exhibit area as well as a commercial area for the vendors.

There were more than twenty Norwegian quilt shops represented.

Two Masako's quilts were exhibited.
Emi

AC14 Summer Collection ~Creations CRIB QUILT students made~

Tokyo is absolutely boiling hot with this heat and humidity, which is really annoying.
But it seems that our students don't lose motivation to make things at all!

Here are their creations using the latest fabric collection "American Country 14".

Nice dresses.

She used 30872-71 fabric. It's a setup. I believe she made the crochet cardigan too. 

The dress matches up with the bag. 


They are beautiful examples to show how to use the new panel fabric 30870-70.

Some stitches along the designs.

I'm sure they will help you to get back into the mood for quilting!


Emi