Garnet Primrose And The Rest Of Sweden

Garnet Primrose Flower Quilt Pattern | Whims And Fancies

 

Purchase Garnet Primrose Pattern

 

I continue to work on my Downton Abbey stained glass flower quilt.  Garnet Primrose is the last of the four flowers I designed for this quilt.  Since the rest of the flower quilt patterns look like mineral crystals, I made the tips of the primrose petals less curved to keep with the theme.  I have always loved the deep red colour of garnet, plus, I also find schist – the metamorphic rock in which garnet is found – fascinating.  So I had to name this flower after the mineral garnet.

 

The Garnet Primrose flower quilt pattern is also in my shop.  Just like the other flowers, it is also a 12″ block.

 

 
Downton Abbey Stained Glass Flower Quilt Patterns | Whims And Fancies

 

Purchase Stained Glass Flowers

 

Here is the initial set of blocks for my quilt.  I have already printed out more copies of each pattern.  Now I need to work on the quilt layout so I know exactly how many of each flower I need to make.  Thank you for your lovely words on these quilt blocks and many thanks also to those who have purchased the blocks already.

 

I also have the last few photos of Sweden that I want to share with you.  Last time I left off at the Lerkaka windmills in Öland.

 

 

Eketorps Borg Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

The next day began at Eketorps Borg.  It is a reconstructed Viking fortress, which is closed during September.  My husband emailed them about a private tour.  We were very surprised to get a reply back and we were not disappointed. Gabriella and her friend, who are both archaeologists, were waiting for us when we got there.  While her friend got busy with getting ready for the last celebration of the season, Gabriella gave us an extremely detailed tour and answered all of our many questions very patiently.  We even got to see the meticulously created props for the festival which are usually off-limits to the public.

 

 

Eketorps Borg Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

This is the back wall of one of the reconstructed huts.  These replicated wall hangings are modelled after fragments that were found during excavation.  There is a reconstructed loom on the right side of the room.  After the tour the four of us spent more time chatting about the history of that area over coffee.  That completely derailed our tight schedule, but we were having so much fun that we didn’t want to rush out of there.

 

 

Gravfalt Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

We finally forced ourselves to say goodbye to the two lovely ladies.  On our way to the Borgholm Castle we stopped by Gettlinge Gravfält – a prehistoric burial site.  This is one of the many burial sites on the island.

 

 

Kalmar Runestone Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

There are also many rune stones in Öland.  You could literally spend days spotting them!

 

 

Borgholm Castle Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

It was a fairly long drive from Eketorps Borg to Borgholm Castle.  Due to the extra time spent at Eketorps Borg and at the burial site, we only had an hour at the castle before they closed.  It was a rushed visit, but we managed to see all of it.

 

 

Borgholm Castle Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

It is a castle ruin, most of the flooring is now missing.  There are four towers, one at each corner.  I took the photo of this tower from the top level.  We were desperately hungry by this time since we had skipped lunch to get here on time.  So it was time to forage for some food.

 

 

Ismantorps Borg Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

Light was starting to fail as we drove toward Ismantorps Borg.  We walked through a short path through an extremely quiet wood at this remote place during dusk.  I could almost feel the spirits of the prehistoric people in that place.  Ismantorps Borg is a ruin, but remnants of leftover structures can still be seen.  It is suggested that it was not used as a fortress, but as a place for worship.  There is an alter-like area in the middle.

We clambered up on a wall, speculating about the area over a coffee break.  As I was coming down after taking this photo, my ankle twisted and I took a spectacular fall.  Luckily I was able to put my hands out in front of me and my face didn’t meet the rock underneath.  I got away with a limp and some bruises.

 

 

Kalmar Castle Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

We spent the next morning at Kalmar Castle.  It is an impressive renaissance castle that faces the sea on one side.  We walked all around the ramparts and also alongside the castle wall.  This photo is taken from one of the ramparts.    It was such a beautiful day, sunny, cool and lightly breezy.  A group of four young boys and girls were having a small picnic up here.

 

 

Kalmar Castle Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

The rooms were beautifully decorated with panelling and paintings.  We were really happy about our decision to spend the whole morning there.  After lunching at Kalmar Cafe inside the castle we started on our drive toward the west.

 

 

Lund Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

On the way to Malmö where we would overnight, we stopped at Lund to see the astronomical clock inside Lund cathedral.   Very much like Uppsala, the university here is also located close to the cathedral.  It made for a very nice afternoon walk.

 

 

Ales Stenar Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

In the morning we drove from Malmö to Ystad by the seaside to see the stone ship, Ales Stenar.  It is a megalithic structure shaped like a ship.  It may have had astronomical significance as well.

 

 

Malmo Sweden | Whims And Fancies

 

 

We were going to spend a little time in Malmö before leisurely taking a train back to Stockholm airport.  Unfortunately, on the way back from Ystad, we got stuck in a road closure due to a traffic accident.  That and the returning of the rental car hardly left us any time at Malmö.  A few rushed minutes at the town centre and it was time for us to depart Sweden.

Thank you so much for travelling along with me.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing about it.

We explored Sweden in 9 days, across 1500 miles, 22 cities and 1111 photos.  We had to forgo visiting a few places in favour of spending more time at others, but we are very happy with the choices we made.

 

 

Previous Sweden Travel Stories

Kiruna To Umeå

Umeå To Falun

Falun to Öland

 

Happy Holidays Everyone!
-Soma
 

 

22 thoughts on “Garnet Primrose And The Rest Of Sweden

  • Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter January 15, 2016 at 21:51

    Your flower blocks are gorgeous. I was staring at them and then I read your post and realized why they seemed familiar…I designed a quilt using Downton Abbey fabric as well, and so it was familiar to me. But wow, it is wondrous in those blocks! Great, great job. Here’s a link to my Downton quilt if you’re interested. http://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2015/2/2/my-faves-monday-downton-abbey?rq=downton

    Reply
  • Lisa January 15, 2016 at 12:27

    Those are beautiful blocks and your photos of Sweeden are calling my name.

    Reply
  • Preeti January 13, 2016 at 10:23

    Your flower blocks are so pretty and your travel pictures are wonderful! A Scandinavian holiday is on my bucket list!!

    Reply
  • Janine December 22, 2015 at 13:30

    Sweden really is an extraordinary country. I’ve so much enjoyed your posts and photos, I would love to go there one day…
    And your blocks are looking great. Thank you for sharing your beautiful sewing and art and for your inspiration throughout the year. I hope you have a lovely Christmas :) x

    Reply
  • susie December 21, 2015 at 18:22

    Look how beautiful and delicate your mineral crystal flowers are all together! They remind me of stained glass windows!
    I have so enjoyed seeing your photos from your Sweden travels!

    Reply
  • Connie Campbell December 19, 2015 at 20:03

    Thank you so much for sharing this with us Soma!! What a fantastic trip. I am so glad you didn’t get hurt when you fell!

    Reply
  • Carol December 19, 2015 at 09:09

    I love those flower blocks…gorgeous! You took so many amazing photos of Sweden. It was obviously an incredible and memorable trip!

    Reply
  • Carla December 19, 2015 at 06:43

    The history of those places is amazing. I love all the old stone buildings and ruins. What a fabulous trip. Your purple flower is gorgeous too!

    Reply
  • Kim Sharman December 19, 2015 at 03:51

    Oh my, you have done it again, Soma. Your Garnet Flower blocks are looking beautiful; the fabrics are so pretty. And as for travelling through Sweden without even having to rise from my chair…it has been a delight…it is almost as good as being there….almost. =) Eketorps Borg is fascinating. Wow that loom is rather large. I love Kalmar Castle and the astronomical clock at Lund is astonishing. What an adventure you and your husband have had. I can’t believe you visited so many cities in 9 days.

    Reply
  • Cheryl December 18, 2015 at 20:03

    I so need to go to Sweden, your pictures are so inspiring!

    Reply
  • Karen H December 18, 2015 at 17:32

    What a fascinating trip. I particularly liked seeing the Viking fortress and the megaliths. Thanks for sharing such great pictures….they make me want to visit Sweden!

    Reply
  • Dixie December 18, 2015 at 16:42

    Your block designs are fabalous. I can’t wait to see it all come together…you have so much talent, Soma!
    Sorry to hear you took a fall on your trip; so scary before you got your hands on the rocks I am sure.
    Thanks so much for the wonderful tag along journey to Sweden. What a feast for the eyes and a treat for the soul.

    Reply
  • Ruth December 18, 2015 at 09:17

    Looks like a brilliant trip and really lovely weather too! I really like your flower blocks. Something really vintage about the colours and modern in the shapes somehow to me!

    Reply
  • Mary December 18, 2015 at 07:50

    ;-( I am so sorry to have our visit to Sweden come to a close. I think you should be a travel agent. It must have been such fun to have a private visit and chat. I can see why you would want to linger there before venturing off again.

    Your garnet primrose is just as beautiful as the rest. That is my mother’s birthstone.

    Reply
  • krislovesfabric December 18, 2015 at 06:02

    Your flower project is coming together beautifully. I love your shots of the castles, what beautiful places. So nice to know they have enough value to the population to restore and maintain these treasures! You have wonderful pictures, so sorry that you were injured for your art. I can tell from your picture that it takes elevation to properly see those ruins as structures. Thanks for sharing your trip, Sweden is not a place I am likely to see and you are good to share and give us a taste of what it is like.

    Reply
  • Kaja December 18, 2015 at 04:38

    How beautiful your dainty flowers look together. Your photos are again fabulous and like others I am adding Sweden to my list of places I’d like to visit. Thanks for sharing your trip!

    Reply
  • Susan the Farm Quilter December 17, 2015 at 21:43

    Thank you for the beautiful mini-tour of Sweden!! So beautiful! Glad you weren’t hurt further by your tumble and were able to carry on through your trip!

    Reply
  • Kathleen December 17, 2015 at 20:46

    I had a lovely time traveling with you ;o)

    Reply
  • Lorna McMahon December 17, 2015 at 15:02

    Your blocks are so dainty and beautiful, Soma. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for a layout. And those photos of your trip are incredible! What a wonderful time you must have had!

    Reply
  • Lara B. December 17, 2015 at 14:40

    I love your new Garnet Primrose flower Soma! The four together, combined with your fabric choices,are so delicate and beautiful.
    This last batch of photos makes me want to travel to Sweden even more than ever. You and your husband sure know how to pack a lot of interest into a trip! How amazing that you had a private tour of Eketorps Borg! It must have been so wonderful! I love seeing the recreated wall hangings and loom. The old, ruined places speak to me most.
    Soma, have you ever read “A String in the Harp”, by Nancy Bond? It is written for young people but it has a haunting beauty about it that seeing your photos brings to mind. I especially thought of it when I read what you wrote “I could almost feel the spirits of the prehistoric people in that place.”
    Thank goodness you were not hurt badly in your fall. That was the wrong kind of trip to take. I am so glad you both had such a wonderful vacation!

    Reply
  • Wendy December 17, 2015 at 12:37

    Another beautiful crystal flower block Soma. Garnet is my mother’s birthstone :)

    Really, REALLY, loved the tour you have given of Sweden!! What a fascinating place to visit! I think (if I remember), I’ll take some time over the holidays to look up these other visits you have written about. Watching TV the other night, I noticed those little red houses you spoke of previously and asked my husband “where is this?!” and he said “Sweden” (it was an auto show and I only popped in to watch for a few min.).
    Enjoy your weekend!
    Wendy x

    Reply
  • Kim December 17, 2015 at 11:02

    Sounds like you had a phenomenal trip, Soma, confirms my thought that we need to explore Scandinavia, although Norway is currently top of my list. Hope you’re fully recovered from your fall, and I really like your mineral crystal flowers, can’t wait to see how you make these in to a quilt.

    Reply
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