Thursday, October 05, 2006

Vaasan Tilkkupatteristo

That's the name of the local Finnish-speaking quilting group. I went to their meeting on Tuesday night and enjoyed myself. Even if I understood little of what was said (I'm still learning my numbers and foods), we all speak quilt (and many of the women speak English, too).

After chocolate cake and coffee, there was some business to discuss. Fortunately people bring books and magazines to share, so I just looked through those at this point! One member demonstrated how she makes baskets and bags from woven and stitched plastic coffee bags. A good choice since I've recently learned that Finns drink more coffee per capita than anyone else in the world! There was some discussion of what to do with a collection of redwork squares on tea-dyed linen that will eventually become a raffle quilt, as well as when and where to hold the Christmas party. (Is it that time already?!) It's being held here.

A highlight was a visiting suitcase exhibition from the European Quilt Association. The page hasn't been updated forever, but the links to the individual organizations are good, as is the description of the suitcase gallery project (link on the left side of the page). The theme was something like Fire & Ice and the quilts (wall hangings of about 20 inches) were very diverse and very cool!

I brought along The Color Purple and Love Beads to introduce myself.

I didn't have a camera with me, but here is one more photo of the leaves here in Vaasa (this one is outside the university library).

16 comments:

Tazzie said...

Sounds like you had the very best time, quilt group is super fun! Getting out and about and immersing yourself is also the best way to get into the language. I should read back further, but I keep forgetting to ask, what are the circumstances of your being in Finland?
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Jenni said...

Sounds like an interesting meeting - it must be weird not being able to speak the language. But as you say, they all speak 'quilt'.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

Thankfully, we all do speak "quilt". I go to a group in Austria (also part of the European Quilt. Assoc. It is really fun to meet with other quilters even if my German isn't very good - but a few speak English!

Cheers!

Evelyn

Jeanne said...

How nice that you've connected with a group! The coffee shop for the Christmas party looks lovely.
Jeanne :)

Jenni said...

It's a miracle! You have just shown up on my bloglines for the very first time. You're back in favour with Blogspot!

Carol E. said...

I love your quilts, Color Purple and Love Beads! I am always amazed at the endless, unique quilts people create... no two are ever alike.

May Britt said...

I am sure you had a great time with the quilt gropu. Finnish can be a very difficult language. I know. When we were visiting Helsinki in mai at the nordic quilt meeting I had a hard time understanding what they was talking about. And I noticed actually that few finn were talking english, nor svedish. But I had a great time in Helsinki.
Love "the colour purple" quilt. I have made one too in my colours.

Tonya Ricucci said...

Hurrah for spending time with quilters no matter the language!

Deb Geyer said...

I love the Color Purple!

Judy said...

Sewing and quilting is still quilting in any language!!

Penny said...

Even if you could only speak "quilt" it must have been fun to speak in a language you know.

Linda C said...

Both lovely quilts and a great way of introducing yourself. I know you saw May Britt's version in scrappy colors. Gotta love purple!

Cynthia said...

glad you enjoyed your time at the quilt group.
I went along to the two Craft groups i attend this week and we decided on where we would have our Christmas breakup and our Kris Kringles for this year.

ForestJane said...

Did you get a picture of the woven coffee bag things? Sounds interesting!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh the leaves are beautiful! And I what great quilts to introduce yourself with! I hope they liked them!

Anonymous said...

Hi!
I found your blog by accident. I am the one that sat opposite you in the meeting =)