Pah Homestead

While at the retreat in Auckland at the weekend we walked through the park over to Pah Homestead in Hillsborough. What an amazing place, the building is gorgeous and would have been absolutely amazing when it was a residence. It now houses an art gallery and cafe and while they were enjoyable I couldn't get over the sheer size and grandeur of the place.

 The fireplaces were amazing, including the hearths.

This staircase blew me away.

The side view and very impressive.

This is the floor in the entrance - some quilt ideas here for sure.

The entrance.

The whole front.

The side.

The floor in the main hallway - this is timber!

This side view shows the sheer scale of this building.

There were heaps of people enjoying the Sunday sunshine at the cafe.

This is definitely a place that I will revisit in the future - if you ever get the chance I recommend you take a look for yourself.

Retreat ...

Wow ... what a fantastic weekend with some special friends. I took off on Friday afternoon to Auckland to meet up with a bunch of girls for a quilting weekend and boy did we have some fun.

In March of this year some of us attended a retreat at the St Francis Retreat Centre and we loved it so much that we booked this last weekend so we could repeat the experience. It is so quiet and there is a feeling of peace and tranquility at the centre, the food is exceptional and everyone has their own room, you can check it out HERE. 

I worked on a quilt as you go quilt project that I am making through The Apple Basket at Kaiwaka. (You can check Apple Basket out here).

Here is one of the four blocks that I made with this block design.

Here is one of four blocks I made with this block design.

I was able to attend a Monday class today at The Apple Basket with Ngaire and Teagan where I learnt to join the above two blocks together, very impressive. I spent a lovely day there working on my project and I also have to say that Teagans Chocolate Biscuits are to die for! Thank you so much Teagan for making them for us.

I am really looking forward to getting this quilt together. There is probably a little more planning earlier on than I am used to, however once you have the individual blocks sorted it comes together quite quickly.

That is it for now so until next time - happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Where is November going...

November is racing along ... 
Our eldest daughter has returned to Perth following visiting New Zealand for her week here so she could attend a friends wedding. It was just lovely seeing her and being able to have conversations as a part of daily life, even if it was short lived. Don't get me wrong Skype is fantastic and it is awesome having that option but it isn't quite the same. The best part was having her totally to myself as we drove to Auckland for her to catch her plane. Although the saying goodbye bit wasn't easy.  Her and her partner are coming home for Christmas this year and the countdown has started until they arrive.

Auckland on our way to the Airport.

Driving through town yesterday, the scent from the summer flowering plants was just awesome. The port wine magnolias have flowered here at home scenting the air with bubblegum like smells. I noticed returning from town last weekend that some of the pohutukawa trees have started to flower - a sure sign that summer is nearly here. The temperatures haven't been that high yet, we have had a bit if a slow start to the season. The vegetable seedlings in the kitchen garden are growing well though so clearly there is enough heat for them.

Some of the roses at our place.

I am currently supervising NCEA exams at a local high school and it blows me away seeing how much potential is sitting in one room. This is the fourth year that I have done this and so I have seen these girls sit through all levels of their exams. Knowing that they are about to embark on the rest of their lives and their journeys are about to change direction is exciting. I wonder how many will reach their full potential and how many will be involved with making decisions not only for themselves but the future of our country.

That is all for now, until next time. Happy stitching everyone.
Donna-Maree

Stitching update

I thought that I would give you a stitching update as I have been chipping away at things.

I gave up on the idea of doing a little sewing and tidying the sewing room at the same time and spent a big chunk of time at the weekend moving and reorganising the sewing room. It is not completed but you can definitely see where I have been and it already feels like a more positive and motivating space. I don't have much of a stash at the moment, but I did take time to fold my yardage to fit the shelf in my cupboard based on the idea by Bonnie Hunter, check it out HERE.

Here is my first complete stitchery. I just need to make it into something now. I keep changing my mind about what to use it for - a cushion or put it in a bag. That might need some more thought.

The first house block completed for Home Coming Lane.

I have my stitching group this week, a trip planned to an exhibition on Friday and club day on Saturday. So come back soon to hear all about them. Until then happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Fireworks!

The end of October or beginning of November always brings Guy Fawkes and the fireworks display. We don't always go to the public display, but we decided to this year. It was held last Saturday at the rugby stadium and it was great. There was a great crowd with people picnicking with their friends and family, bouncy castles and some good entertainment. We got to see some local talent with the dance troupes and the band playing was great too.

The stage where the band was.

The fireworks went for 21 minutes, yes 21! They were spectacular and well worth the money that we spent to attend. There is no way we would have had as much enjoyment if we had purchased and let off our own fireworks. The extra plus is that profits go to local charity, a win win all round I think.