A trip to Opotiki

I love it when I have the opportunity to have a day out and see new things and places in this awesome country that we live in.

I had the opportunity to go to Opotiki yesterday and having never been there I jumped at the chance. The first thing I came across was the Motu Trails, a series of walking and cycle tracks with four options ranging from 19kms to 91kms.

These boards shared some history of the area

This board was 7km away near the site of the battle, with the help of GPS I found it.

Back in town there is a monument which acknowledges those who fought in 1914-1918, it was then added to acknowledging those 1939-1945.

More history

I love seeing the old buildings in our towns, they are so grand and I often stand looking at them trying to imagine what life was like back when they were built.

These were the Women's Rest Rooms

These are the new unisex toilets right next door, such a big contrast.

Such a lovely day out and I enjoyed checking out some local history and until next time, happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Presidents Challenge Results

Friday night saw the members of our club gather together for dinner and the Presidents Challenge Presentation. The quilts were on display and they looked amazing hanging all together.

Here they all are hanging in the club rooms.

Challenge quilts with their owners.

1st prize was won by Alison

2nd prize by Sandra

3rd prize by Melanie

Merit by Lauren

Merit by Helen

by Dorothy

by Cynthia

by Shirley

by Robin

by Jocelyn

by Liz

by Gail

by Lois

by Betty

by Julie

I still find it amazing that from one idea fifteen wallhangings have been produced, all different and all so colourful, a fantastic effort by everyone.

Until next time, happy stitching everyone
Donna-Maree

Bits and pieces for July

Quilters really are the most amazing people, they are sharers. They love good food and don't hesitate to share recipes when someone compliments them on their food. Recently I acquired a recipe for ANZAC biscuits which is different to the one I normally use and I have made them several times just lately which included a double batch to take to Whangarei with us this last weekend when we visited the girls. Scarlett, our granddaughter just loved them as I had put raisins in them.

ANZAC biscuits with raisins 

Last weekend our youngest daughter Georgia had her school ball and she was totally over the moon when it was announced that she was the Queen of the ball! Here she is with Trae who was chosen as King of the Ball.

Georgia and Trae

I have been reorganising my sewing room and it is working much better, however I do still have some more to do in there before it is presentable to the world. I am really enjoying spending time in there and will often just wonder in and then think that I will just squeeze in some more stitching. As a result of this the quilting on Home Coming Lane is coming along very well and the end is indeed in sight. I can't wait to get this quilt up on the wall and I am working exclusively on this quilt at the moment, which is unusual for me. I am quilting it in four sections and when the quilting on all four sections is complete I will show how I intend to put it together.

Home Coming Lane under the needle

The two gridlock quilts - the blue one and the purple and green one are about to begin their journey to their owners. Both of the quilts are gifts for my nieces in Australia and although they are the same pattern the quilts look totally different due to the colours used and the placement of the colours. I really loved making these quilts and I am sure that the girls will love these quilts as much as I do. I love blue and put in some of my very special fabrics into the blue quilt. I adore purple especially with pink and love how this quilt turned out especially with the green. I will miss these quilts.

Both quilts have 36 different fabrics, however the blue has the constant fabric in the t's where the purple quilt has different greens which gives it a completely different look.

My machine is calling me, so until next time - happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Coromandel road trip

It has taken me a while to get the photos downloaded from the camera to a laptop - our laptop needs replacing so I have had to use my sons. Anyway here are some pics of our beautiful Coromandel Penninsula. I love road trips and checking out our favourite places and finding new ones. We always meet awesome people too.

Overlooking Cooks Beach which is where we stayed, a lovely little beach seaside settlement and the plaques with the relevant history if you are interested in that kind of thing.

Down at Cooks Beach

Next is Hot Water Beach

Last but not least is Waitete Bay

Such an incredibly beautiful part of New Zealand that I never tire of visiting. Hope you get to visit sometime soon.

Until next time, happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree