The End of 2016

Wow, here we are staring down at the end of 2016 and into the beginning of 2017. 2016 has been a mixed bag of a year and this last week in particular has brought a string of curve balls that we could definitely have done without.  I cant wait to see what 2017 has in store but one thing I know for sure is that there is going to be change, lots of change.

My word for 2017 is going to be 'embrace' and it isn't just a word but an action and a change of attitude. Since I have become chunkier I have stopped doing certain things like swimming at hot pools, but I have bought some swimwear and I am embracing who I am now and not letting things stop me from enjoying experiences and making memories with my family. I am embracing opportunities and where they may take me, I am not letting fear rob me from experiences, I still have a lot that I want to do and accomplish

We had a lovely Christmas with our family and created many memories, we did some things the same and changed up other things.

Pavlova that my 2 3/4 yo granddaughter and I made for Christmas, definitely one of the best yet.

Scarlett and I on Christmas Day

Take care everyone, happy stitching and we will see you on the other side of 2016.

Open Weekend continued

Our open weekend was very successful with many people through the doors checking us out and seeing what we have been up to. It was a fantastic opportunity for our community not only to see what we have been doing but also to see what quilters as a group have been doing in New Zealand as we had the Aotearoa Yellow Challenge on display as well as the Floral Challenge. These quilts are small by quilters standards but when they are hung together enmass they make for an incredible display. 

The Floral Challenge

The Yellow Challenge

Our merchant was Wise Owl Quilting with some beautiful fabrics available to purchase. 

My purchases, just couldn't resist the colours and designs.

Can't wait to use these tapes to brighten some future projects, rolling them into empty spool should keep them tidy.

It is Labour Weekend here in New Zealand this weekend which is the official time of planting your vegetable garden if you are wanting fresh produce for the Christmas table. While I haven't planted a lot so far I do have seedlings coming along nicely and have planted a courgette or zucchini as they are known and our lettuce and strawberries are doing well. Hopefully we will make some more progress with getting things planted over the weekend although I am working tomorrow and are catching up with family on Sunday so Monday might be quite busy.

Have a great weekend everyone and we will catch you back here soon, until then happy stitching.

Donna-Maree

Open Weekend

Day one of our open weekend has come to an end and what a fantastic day we have had with lots of people through today. Here are some pics of some of the quilts on display.

Some of the Presidents Challenge quilts

Results from Rosemary Rush class

Some of the goodwill (charity) quilts that have been made

Another gorgeous goodwill quilt.

If you are out and about in Tauranga tomorrow, Sunday 16th October come in and check us out and you just might be treated to fresh homemade scones with jam and cream and an amazing display of quilts.

See you there

Donna-Maree

Papamoa Quilt Show

Papamoa group had their quilt show last weekend and it was a lovely show. Here are a few of my favourites

Jacobean Journey by Carol Andrews - machine embroidered and quilt as you go, each 8" block took approx 3 1/2 hours to stitch and there are 120 of them. Simply stunning from a distance and close up.

Vase of Flowers by Barbara Proctor, quilted by Jenny Allen - a nice layout for a scrappy quilt

Close up of some of the quilting.

Spring Bouquet by Pam Signal, quilted by Sandra Bentley of Wiseowlquilting - BOM through Grandmothers Garden

Some detail of stitching and quilting.

Tsunami (Storm at Sea) by Lily Nicholson, quilted by Glenys Shallard

I liked the colours used in this quilt especially the light, it looks white in this photo but it a light in keeping with the tones used in this quilt which was more subtle.

Pennsylvania Star by Pam Signal, quilted by Wiseowlquilting - an Edyta Sitar design from the Fat Quarter Shop, USA.

Some detail.

Pacific Wall Hanging by Kay McNeill, custom quilted by Judi Schol - from a class with Hazel Foot

To me a measure of a good quilt is one that catches your interest from a distance but doesn't disappoint close up either. That is all for now, so happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

September Overview

September was definitely busy enough but not a lot in terms of the stitching around here.

The Chris Kenna class was definitely the highlight of the month and I have seen some beautiful work from the girls that attended both classes held by our local club. The paper foundation piecing can definitely be addictive and the choices of colour combinations keeps you trying new arrangements.

Here are some of the variations of the block that were created in the first class.

Isn't it fantastic how the same block can look so different by changing the colours and value placement.

We are definitely going to have some fantastic quilts come out of these classes in the future. Well done ladies.

Until next time, happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Hello October

I can't believe that we are into October already and we are about 12 weeks to Christmas. Daylight saving happened last weekend and we have adjusted well this year although the first few mornings were a bit of a challenge but we have got there and we are loving the longer evenings already.

Spring is definitely here in Tauranga, New Zealand with new growth everywhere and the usual changeable weather patterns we expect at this time of the year. 

Yes, we will have new potatoes for Christmas, fingers crossed.

Flowers on my Bay tree, don't recall it ever flowering before.

New growth on my hybrid Clematis, very early for this plant.

The Clivias look amazing this year, best they have been since we moved here three years ago.

Miniature Pohutukawas flowering already, although these miniatures do tend to flower earlier than the larger varieties that flower around Christmas time. 

I have spent a bit of time in the gardens over the last week weather allowing, tidying up and starting to get ready for this major growing season and I have sown some veggie seeds but nothing to show there yet.

That is all for now but check back soon as I joined some friends at a local quilt show yesterday but that will follow in another post. Until then, happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree