"Hygge is in the Air"
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| Tanya Whelan's Rambling Rose |
You may have heard the term "hygge" a lot lately. It
seems to be everywhere this year and especially this time of year. Hygge is a
Danish concept that is often translated as coziness in English. From what I
understand it basically just describes a feeling or atmosphere where the small,
simple things in life like warmth, good food, family and friends are
appreciated and celebrated. Though the Scandinavians undoubtedly do coziness
incredibly well, I think every culture and perhaps even every person has their
own version of what makes for coziness and warmth in a home. Maybe it's a New
England cottage by the sea on a snowy day with a roaring fire, or a little log
cabin in the mountains with pot belly stove, or even a walk up brownstone apartment
in New York City with a perfect little Christmas tree with it's twinkling
lights that represents a refuge of warmth and coziness to you.
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| Tanya Whelan's Rambling Rose |
For me, where ever I happen to be, quilts have always brought home
the feeling of coziness. I loved the quilts I would see in antique stores when
I was growing up. I loved the bright colours and floral patterns pieced into
intricate designs. But I especially loved the idea that these beautiful quilts
were put together over time using leftover fabric from worn clothing or
feedsacks out of necessity and that they were made by hard working women to
keep their families warm and safe. I loved the quilt that my mom made in the
seventies out of leftover fabric from sewing projects. Though she always
intended to, my mom never got around to actually quilting it. The top was
pieced and tied to keep the batting in place but it made no difference to me as
a little kid. It simply made me feel safe and warm. Years later I wrapped my
own baby boy in that same quilt. Similarly the baby quilts my mom made for each
of my children still bring me that sense of warmth and love. As does the
perfect pink, expertly hand quilted quilt my grandmother made me which kept me
warm in my first apartment New York City as a young adult.
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| Tnaya Whelan's Rambling Rose |
I think all of my fabric collections are inspired by my love of
homeyness, of coziness, of hygge and this newest collection, Rambling Rose, is
no exception. So, at this coldest time of year I just want to wish you lots of
hygge and lots of snuggling under that perfect quilt.
xoxo
Tanya
