When
Lori of Humble Quilts posted photos of her nisse last year, I fell in love with each one. (No Danish or other Scandinavian ancestors here that I know of, just a love of dolls.) Soon after seeing hers I found a pattern to make one but knew I couldn't get it done before Christmas, so a few weeks ago this year (before sciatica) I stitched together this character. She has been sitting here since, awaiting embroidered eyes and mouth and a stitch of clothing. (Her current eyes are pinheads and her mouth is a penciled line.)
The pattern came from
Shabby Art Boutique and is based on
Maileg pixies which are created by Dorthe Mailil. Most of the original dolls have red and white striped arms, legs, and bodies, with red hats, mittens, and boots, and are dressed in red, grey, or other natural colors. I used twill fabric for this doll which, it turns out, was not the best choice when it comes to stuffing.
A nisse is Danish folk character who helps in the barn or house
. If a nisse receives a bowl of rice pudding or porridge with a pat of butter on top on Christmas morning, he or she will be happy and helpful for the rest of the year. If not, expect things to go at least slightly awry or have outright trouble.
WinterFrost by Michelle Houts is a chapter book
with a cute story about a nisse who didn't get his rice pudding one Christmas morning.
My One Monthly Goal for December is to embroider or otherwise add the nisse's features and make a dress. Embroidering features is always a challenge for me. I hope it goes well.
I'm linking this post to
December One Monthly Goal at Elm Street Quilts. Thank you for hosting, Patty.
--Nancy.
Really cute, Nancy! My husband is of Danish heritage, but he knows nothing of these creatures. I have enjoyed seeing them on Lori's blog, and now yours, too. It sounds like you have really done your homework, and I think your Nisse turned out very well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet. I don't know how wide-spread the folklore of the nisse is. Perhaps it's a geographic tale? Or maybe it's know by a different name in some locations -- tomten is one I know of.
DeleteBest of luck finishing off your adorable nisse doll, Nancy!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyful! She's coming along well, so far.
DeleteYour nisse is adorable! I'm sure she already has adventures planned-are you ready?!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat. She may have adventures planned but I hope she behaves herself!
DeleteI have not heard of Nisse, interesting story. Yes, getting this one finished is a great goal for December.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jocelyn. I hadn't heard of nisse till I read Lori's blog last year.
DeleteWhat a lovely Nisse you've sewn!! Sorry to hear of your bout with sciatica--not fun is it? I am slowly able to do a bit more here...but it is a long, slow process...hugs on a rainy day Julierose
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julierose.
DeleteOh, sciatica is miserable! Is that what you have? I've been reading about your experiences. I guess I didn't realize. I hope you continue to feel better and sooner than later.
This is delightful. I'm not Danish either but seeing this makes me want to make one. You come up with great ideas. One of my favorite things, in years past was making doll clothes for the Christmas dolls. I can remember staying up late on Christmas Eve, many a year, sewing away. Now when I think of making those little Barbie clothes, I just shake my head. Have fun. . .
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin. I used to make doll clothes, too, but only for American Girl dolls. Thank goodness neither of my daughters enjoyed Barbies. I would not have made clothes for them! Just too tiny.
DeleteYour Nisse is darling! I too loved Lori's dolls but it never occurred to me to make one. Yours is so cute and you'll have fun making her dress. Be sure to show us!
ReplyDeletelizzy
Thank you, Lizzy. I've finished the dress and am trying to decide between a scarf or a pinafore/apron. And I still have her eyes to add--the hardest part!
DeleteOne that does chores? So much better than Elf on a Shelf!
ReplyDeleteBut you could move your nisse around the house to look for as a daily game. She could be reading a recipe, or holding a needle in her hand...
How I wish she did chores! I would be in much better shape if she were really helpful. Maybe she just needs her eyes stitched.... That's acute idea to give her different things to do.
DeleteYour little Nisse is so very sweet. You will have fun fashioning a pretty dress for her.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. It was fun to make her dress.
DeleteI'm so sorry to be responding to your comment so late. Somehow I missed it when you first posted.
Adorable! Thanks so much for sharing the link for the little Nisse.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed responding to this comment, Angie. So sorry it's so late.
DeleteThank you and you're welcome!
Look amazing!
ReplyDelete