Sophie and I finally got out to see the movie "Frozen" this weekend, and I was so charged up by the beautiful winter imagery. Of course I realize that many of you are buried in snow and ice and might relate more to the frigid story line, than the gorgeous visuals of this movie…but I loved seeing the Scandinavian costumes and architectural details…even though it was animated! (like the wool applique designs on the princess' dresses)
The movie is (very!) loosely based on "The Snow Queen", a Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. We couldn't get out to see it until now, because of all the snow and ice we've had here!
I've been saying for awhile that we are due for a Scandinavian design trend to hit our industry, and I am starting to see more of this in the artwork previews for 2014. With the Viking influences that will come with "How to Train Your Dragon – 2" later this year, and the lingering design inspirations of "Frozen" and the Winter Olympics, I am hoping to see a fresh expression of Swedish, Norwegian, etc. art influences… beyond Ikea and Marimekko! I have been seeing that Scandinavian influence in Japanese quilts for awhile, so it is fun to see how these design influences start and grow.
Registration is OPEN for our fantastic Polar Bear Tour to Churchill in Manitoba, Canada!
Space is very limited for this exclusive adventure, so if you are interested, read through this information page and itinerary carefully, then contact our adventure specialist Aly at NatHab.
These tours all sell out in advance because there are just not enough hotel rooms for everyone who wants to come to Churchill during the brief Polar Bear viewing Season. With Quilt Market and Festival right in the middle of this season, I snagged reservations for us at the beginning of the season so as not to create a conflict for anyone else who is going to Houston. Last year I went the last week of the season as the bears were heading off across the ice, but this year I hope to also see the caribou before they head south.
October 1st I will be at the US Embassy in Rome again, attending the opening of a Hunger themed exhibit in conjunction with the UN. I will keep you informed about this exhibit as the date draws near.
Check out our 120 videos from international quilt festivals, Quilting Arts TV and Quilters Newsletter TV on our eQuilter Video Page.
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2014 Quilty/Design Travel:
Feb 18-19 Las Vegas
Mar 24 Quilting Arts TV
May 1-4 SAQA Conference Wash DC
May 16-18 Quilt Market
July 15 Quilt Colorado
Oct 1 Quilt Exhibit, Rome
Oct 13-19 Polar Bear Tour, Churchill
Nov 14-16 Color Marketing Group, Orlando
Well, now I’m going to have to watch the movie… 🙂 I’m all for more Scandinavian designs! My mom does some rosemaling and lots of woodcarving, I’ve been experimenting with translating some designs to applique and thread painting. The “Dala” reindeer quilt on my gallery page may need to be turned into a pattern…. So many ideas, so little time! 🙂
Beret Nelson
On The Trail Creations