Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Garden Gnomes

I love garden gnomes. I have a 'miniature' set of them in my flower pots. It got me thinking about the history of garden gnomes. Did you know some of the first terra cotta garden gnomes were produced around 1841 in Germany. Garden gnomes, or gobbi's have been around even earlier than that, as early as the 1600's. Gnomes are a symbol of good luck. I think my love of gnomes comes from my Norwegian ancestory.  I found this folklore about the Norwegian 'gnome';

"The Norwegian "Nisse" is not like his American relative Santa Claus. The Norwegian "Nisse" differs from both Santa Claus and St. Nicholas. In modern Norway we actually have two types of "nisser".
The name  "Nisse" probably derives from St. Nicholas. But "nisser" - which are elves (or gnomes) are old figures which existed long before the birth of Christ. There are several types of "nisser" in Norway. The most known is the "Fjøsnisse" which is a "nisse" who takes care of the animals on the farms. The "Fjøsnisse" is very short and often bearded and lives in a barn or a stable. He wears clothes of wool and often has a red knitted hat. The "Fjøsnisse" often plays tricks on people. Sometimes he will scare people by blowing out the lights in the barn or he will scare the farm dog at night. You can hear the dogs bark! He can become very friendly with the people that live on the farm, but one should never forget to give him a large portion of porridge on Christmas Eve - or else he will play tricks for example move the animals around in the barn, braid the horses' mane and tail, and other tricks like that.........


(http://skygnome.blogspot.com/2012/05/norway-and-gnomes.html)


I also read about 'gnoming', where groups of people rescue garden gnomes from lawns and return them back to the wild. My dad's set of gnomes disappeared years ago, he was heartbroken over their disappearance. Maybe they were victims of a gnoming group. 

I love them so much that I've designed a sweet little gnome applique pattern this spring. It's cute on a tea towel, but it's super cute as a mug rug.

To make a mug rug, I used some leftover fabric and cut a 7 1/2" x 10 1/2" square
one for the front, one for the back and then one piece out of batting. Iron the gnome pieces onto the front and layer it all together. I like to applique thru all of the layers using a buttonhole stitch. Then add on the binding. Sew on some buttons and embroider on the eyes. It's a quick and easy project, makes a wonderful gift paired with a coffee mug.

 I hope that you enjoyed my little bit of folklore and gnome project.
Happy quilting,
Cindy


12 comments:

  1. Now if he isn't just the cutest!

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  2. Hi Cindy love the Gnome. He could even be a wizzard with that hat and beard!!!! Susie x

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  3. That is so cute. I love the little flowers with him.

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  4. Such an adorable little one! I enjoyed reading the history too as I am captivated by elves, faeries, greenmen, etc. It's rather amazing how ancient these tales and creatures are...

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  5. Your gnome is so cute, Cindy. I just love him.

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  6. Thanks for the information about gnomes! So interesting

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  7. Well that little guy is just so darn cute! My quilting group has a tea towel exchange. Hmmm.... wonder who's going to get this one. I'll have to make 2, one for me and one to give away.

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  8. I Agree...he is totally cute! I too love gnomes, so especially enjoyed this read!

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  9. He is cute! I am planning on getting back into applique on my quilts...something like this would be great to accent the personal labels I put on each quilt. Followed you from Show Off Sat!

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  10. your gnome is so very cute sitting among the flowers! thanks for sharing the bit of folklore :)

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  11. Looks like a fun project. I have not done applique for a while. Your mug rug is tempting me to get back into it! Great job!

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