UFO Day

I wrote the following after attending the UFO day but alas I did not publish it, so here goes...

While we are having sunshine the wind is very cool and the last couple of days it is nice for a brisk walk but not for working in. I have not spent any time in the garden in the last week but maybe today if the wind stays away.

I attended the UFO Day yesterday although I arrived mid morning due to other commitments but enjoyed the time with the ladies that chose to come and sew. I find the opportunity to focus on the task at hand without everyday distractions too good not to take advantage of. The companionship is lovely as well with the opportunities to see what others are working on and the ability to have a conversation about it. It is lovely seeing everyone at club, but you don't always get the opportunity to have conversations in a more relaxed manner.

I didn't think to get any photos yesterday as I was very busy making the most of the time that I had available to me. I chose to take the new BOM Home Coming Lane, as I got the pattern last week and are very eager to get this little beauty on the wall in the new front entrance. I will post a photo to show progress when there is some.

Cheers
Donna-Maree

25 Years on and still going...

Our local club The 'Whangarei Patchworker and Quilters Club' had their 25th  Anniversary this month and we had a lovely day which included a shared lunch, a few bubbles and cake.

The cake being cut by Relda and Gaye (our eldest and youngest club members present) with our President Jocelyn on the left. 

The image on the cake is our club emblem.

Spring is definitely showing its arrival with new growth on a lot of plants, some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I am pleased to see more sunshine than we have seen for a while, it always makes me smile. There has been quite a bit of illness this winter, not in our household but in our community. My mother is sick for the second time in a short space of time and isn't sounding too good. She is visiting the doctor this morning so will hear all about that in due course.

We have created what we are calling 'the mother list' which is a list of things that need attention or finishing. Having had ongoing renovations we are wanting our weekends back and to not have the 'to do' list hanging over our heads all of the time. Everyone has contributed to the list and has come on board with it, so that is promising.

I have done some of the stitchery but need to pick up some more cottons, funny isn't it how you think you have enough colours only to find out that you don't have the colours that are needed or that there isn't enough of the popular colours. So some enforced shopping will happen today, then I will have to do the grocery shopping as the cupboards are nearly bare. 

Isn't it cute, I have really enjoyed this so far, just have to get the cottons to complete it!

      

I have a UFO day this Saturday through the club and I am trying to work out what to work on, it is not like a don't have a choice, it might just end up being what is going to be the easiest to take with me. I will let you know how I get on and what I end up working on.

Happy stitching everyone
Donna-Maree

Hello to Spring

Well hello everyone,

August has gone and September has arrived. The mornings are getting lighter earlier and the evenings are beginning to stay lighter longer. We had our daughters last soccer game for the season today and while we have enjoyed it, it will be nice to move onto other pursuits on Saturday mornings. The birds are definitely more active and vocal which is lovely to hear. I am enjoying working but really appreciate my time at home more now as a result.

The beginning of August saw our local club exhibition which was great. It was awesome on the opening night seeing all of the quilts for the first time, all hung and looking gorgeous. We really are a talented group, well actually I can't speak for myself as I didn't have anything in the exhibition having spent the last three years studying. But the other ladies are absolutely awesome and I was blown away with their entries. Here are some photos of the exhibition:

There really was a huge selection of quilts to cater for most peoples taste or style.
These are the raffle quilts: aren't they gorgeous.

First prize:

Second prize:

Third prize:

This quilt was made by my friend Leeann: Remember you're a Kiwi. 

I have spent Friday afternoons for the past five weeks at the local school taking an electives group making cushions. Seeing the confidence and skills grow in the girls as the weeks have gone on is truly inspiring. None of the girls had used a sewing machine before and they were quite apprehensive about using them. I have seen benefits in other students from the choices that they have made and the things that they have participated in as well. I certainly wish that we had had these opportunities back when I was at school.

I spent some time in the vegetable garden yesterday tidying and taking stock so that I can do some planning about what seedlings I want to raise for this next growing season. I find this time of year exciting with the promise of summer even if eventually and the thoughts of summer produce and activities is always motivating.

Have an awesome day everyone.
Donna-Maree