New Years Eve 2017

How did we get here so fast? It only seems like yesterday that we saw 2017 in.

Like all years 2017 has had its ups and downs and it kicked off on a low but thankfully has ended on a high. It has been interesting going back through the photos taken this year and reflecting on things. A lot has happened in the past year, to me personally, my family, the extended family and especially my quilting. 

There haven't been a lot of personal completions this year (an increase of days working has impacted there) but through the club more than 48 quilts have gone to two local charities with 18 of those going to Homes of Hope. There were a lot of Tuesday's spent cutting, measuring and stitching and a special thank you to my friends for supporting me through all of this. 

My blogging has become spasmodic while my instagramming has been consistent and while I do enjoy both I will continue to Instagram more than I blog but will work on being more regular with the blog posts. Sometimes it is hard to find the hours in the day to share what's happening in the moments.

Binding going on Harlan's quilt

Visiting Maroochydore and catching up with my sister and her family and meeting the youngest member of the family, Harlan, my great nephew was a highlight for 2017. It has been a while since hubby and I have ventured far from home and it was great to have some time away and relax. I'm one of three girls and we are now all Nana's. Being a nana is my most favourite thing in the world and seeing my sister become one was very special, knowing she is now experiencing similar moments with her grandy that I have with mine. Here is hubby with Harlan...

Something that has had a huge impact on my daily life for the second half of the year at least has been the arrival of our newest family member Milly Molly Mandy or Milly for short. She is the sweetest, most laid back, good natured dog I have ever met. She is an absolute delight to share the house with. Milly also loves walking on the beach as much as I do and we get there as often as we can.

Symposium held in Christchurch at the beginning of October was definitely a highlight for 2017. What an amazing experience, catching up with old friends and making new ones in a week of quilting classes, lectures, exhibitions and entertainment. I can't wait for Symposium Auckland in 2019. 

My painted piece ready for some thread sketching, lots of learning for me and definitely a change in perspective. I take a lot more photos now of a range of subject matter that may make interesting pieces. I love learning new things everyday and also seeing what tomorrow will bring.

Have a Happy New Year and keep yourselves safe.

Happy stitching everyone.

Paint and stitch from original photos

Wow, I don't know where the days are going, they are spinning by so fast.

As mentioned in previous posts my first class at Symposium was Paint and Stitch from Your Original Photos with Susan Brubaker Knapp. I haven't attended a three day class before and I was concerned that I would get very behind and I did. I tried very hard not to let it get to me and to work through it. I focused on why I was there which was to learn more about the painting process. 

Paint going on... Slowly but surely...

Shading and detail happening - finally

End of painting in class.

I have started thread sketching this piece but appreciate the amount of work ahead of me. I will continue to chip away at it until it is done. Check back later to see what else I have been up to as I am behind in my posts.

Happy stitching everyone

Donna-Maree

Christchuch Quilt Symposium 2017

Wow, I am sitting here in the lounge at the hostel waiting for our shuttle to the airport wondering where the last six days have gone. They flew past in a flurry of busyness, including classes, lectures, exhibititions, events and catching up with friends. It was my intention to post daily but there just wasn't time, so I will do a catchup over a series of posts.

Symposium was held at St Andrews College with several exhibitions also around the city. Here are some pics of the school.

Us out to dinner at Tutto Bene. 

Will post more once I get home, until then happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters Exhibition Part 3

This last week has been very busy and after a wait here are more pics from the exhibition.

General overview shots

The following two photos show some of the detail of the butterfly of the winning Challenge entry by Sandra Bentley, isn't it amazing.

Absolutely stunning, Dance of the Dragonflies by Sandra Bentley

Flight also by Sandra Bentley

Two pieces by Dorothy Dixon, Feathers and Myrtle

Various entries from our Rosemary Rush class. 

Check back soon for the next group of photos from the exhibition. Until then, happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Tauranga Patchwork and Quilters Exhibition Part 2

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day here in Tauranga and that combined with the election meant that it was a bit quieter at the exhibition. 

Here are a few pics but I will get lots today on my camera.

Quilters produce others things than just quilts and this dress is simply stunning.

There are four gridlock quilts in the show (more pics of those coming) however this one caught my eye and I had to have a closer look at it as I was walking past.

At first I thought the streaky colour was in the background and then I realised that it is the quilting thread and what a fantastic effect it gives the quilt.

My friend Denise Lee made this quilt and it has been a pleasure seeing it being created, however this is the first time I have seen it in person totally complete and it is simply stunning.

I love it when you discover something that adds to your quilting experience and on Friday I discovered Fusamat which is an applique ironing mat designed by Sharon Bradley of Waitomo Sew Worms, that I have tried out already and I love it. Check out Sharon's website Here

You can put your pattern sheet underneath the mat and then you assemble your applique on top like you normally do and press to fuse your applique. This mat stops the glue from the vliseofix from spreading and squishing out from under your fabric and getting on your iron or ironing board and therefore there is no need for baking paper or silicone sheet. 

The extra bonus is that because you can see through the mat and you have your pattern underneath you know exactly where to put the pieces when building your applique. The mat can tolerate very high heat which makes it perfect for the soldering iron for those creative projects.

The mat also has an unusual texture which stops pieces from moving around as you go to press things. The mats come in six different sizes depending on your needs. I love mine already and the mat is making applique so much easier and enjoyable, so here is to progress on another WIP (work in progress).

Milly, the puppy is now seven months old and she had her first proper groom the other day and is looking so much like a dog and less like a puppy. I just had so share a pic.

Don't forget the exhibition is on again today, with merchants, refreshments, club sales tables including a special babies and tots table - come on in and check it out today.

Happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

Tauranga Patchwork and Quilters Exhibition part 1

Our club exhibition opened today and what an awesome collection of quilts we have on display. 

Our challenge was to use a recognisable amount of a particular fabric that was provided

with a 'Pacific Passion' theme. These are the results...

1st Sandra Bentley (that butterfly is 3D)

2nd Marilyn Muirhead

3rd Lynda Warn

Merit - Melanie Martin

Merit - Jill Whitcombe

Other entries were...

Julie Eagle

Rae Champion

Dorothy Dixon

Chris McIntyre

Julie Cufflin

Lauren Heale

Lois Parish-Evans

Rose Hansett

Denise Lee

Gail Dumbleton

The Rust Dyeing 12" X 12" pieces by our stitching group hanging together.

I will post more quilts in exhibition tomorrow and Sunday, so stay tuned folks.

Happy stitching everyone,

Donna-Maree