Slow Stitching a Sea Bird

 My quilting club had a "Stitching Day" and I tool along this big bag of slow stitching to do.  I made this bag in a class  many years ago when we lived in Upper Hutt, and I think it might be called a pumpkin bag.  I can't manage my heavy sewing machine these days, it's much too heavy for me to unplug, put in the case, carry it to and from the car, then the return trip home.  So I always take some hand stitching along instead.  Plus a packed lunch - that's most important too.

  Mmmm, what's in here

After quite a long time I decided to work on my Land and Sea Panel, which I am big stitching.  I really like this panel, and plan to hang it above the sofa in the sitting room, where I rotate seasonal quilts.  It really doesn't matter how long it takes me to stitch, I'm enjoying the process.

Land and Sea panel

There was plenty going on during the stitching day.  Two of the ladies were finishing up their table runner tops from a recent club class.  Another was hand stitching a Sue Spargo design bird using wool, so pretty.    Hexagons were tacked up ready to stitch, and as usual there was plenty to chat about.  

I finished stitching the sea bird, he might be a gull, I think, then stitched some of the surrounding background.  It certainly was slow stitching,  but peaceful and enjoyable.  The gecko will be next, I think.

Big stitch quilting

It was a lovely day indeed.  One of the ladies brought along some freshly baked muffins to share at morning tea, and another had a big bucket of feijoas to give away.  How kind.  As for my hand quilting project, I'll have to make sure that it is not tucked away, out of sight - out of mind, again.

Donation Time and Mother's Day

 It was time to send a few more items off to new homes.  You may remember the crate of knitting my granddaughter got down from the loft for me, it contained knitted jumpers I had done for future great grand children.  It was time to let two of them go, plus a several knitted hats I had finished recently.

Off to new homes

The pink jumper was knitted recently with yarn I had purchased from an Op Shop, and the navy one is a reknit of a pattern I made for my first baby Michael many years ago.  He is now 61 years old!  And the little hats were made from ends of yarn I wanted to use up.

What else?  I sent along this little blue and yellow cot quilt too.  I think it is so pretty, cot quilts are quick to stitch and enjoyable to make.

Cot quilt

I took these along to show the ladies in my monthly knitting group.  Not everyone knits, some have hand issues and come along for the company and a chat, which is nice.  We meet in a local church, which collects donations for The Nest Collective, who distribute items for new mothers and their babies, a New Zealand wide organization.  A very worthy cause and one I'm happy to support.  

Today is Mother's Day here in New Zealand, and I met my daughter for lunch.  I drove up to Foxton and she drove down from Kiwitea.  It was just as well that she had booked us a table as the cafe was really busy.  Mind you, that cafe is always busy, the food and service is great, but today it was especially busy with families out celebrating with their Mums.

Out to lunch

Nicky had brought me a gift.  What's in here, I wonder

It was some pretty sock yarn, self striping in pink.  "Breast Cancer Awareness Special Edition".  I had only just thought of starting a new pair of socks for myself, so this is very timely indeed.

Sock yarn from Nicky

After a delicious lunch, and coffee each, plenty of chatter, we went back to the cars.  As usual, there was a bit of swapping to do.  I had two good quality travel bags found in the loft which Nicky was taking off my hands, so they went home with her.  These had only been used a couple of times, and as  I mentioned to her, we purchased these for overseas travel as cabin bags, before we realised that pull along small cabin sized suitcases were so much easier to cope with.  And I had found a pair of hedge clippers in the shed which I was donating to granddaughter Megan to use in her  garden.

Nicky had things in her boot (trunk) to pass over to me as well.  A bag of lemons from her tree, and a big bag of feijoas, much appreciated.  The two granddaughters had sent along a little something - one of Megan's butternut pumpkins from her first crop, and a pumpkin pie from Emma.  Didn't I do well.

Pumpkin and pie

So I had a lovely day.  And I've had a phone call from my son Michael too, so that was lovely.   Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful ladies too.

Two Orange and a Yellow

That's all I needed for one of my current RSC projects.   Just two orange blocks, the colour for May, and one extra for the corner, which I stitched in yellow.  Nice bright colours to go with the black on grey  funky dinosaurs.

The last three blocks

That was nice and easy, so then I set about webbing the blocks together.  Somehow I got one row tangled up and around the wrong way, goodness knows how that happened.  It all worked out fine in the end though.  The borders were added over a couple more days, as I don't want to spend too long at the sewing machine at a time.  And finally, this afternoon, it was all done.  Here it is on my display bed.  This will make a nice donation quilt for a boy, eventually.  

The dinosaurs are now a top

Luckily I found two pieces of batting which I stitched together today which will be big enough.  And I'll probably use some more of the dinosaur fabric as the back.  This started life as a duvet cover which I rescued from the OP Shop, so there is plenty of fabric left.  The next step will be to layer it all together, and make the binding, maybe not this week, but shortly, I imagine.  I like to have the binding prepared before I start quilting a project.

The Autumn mornings and evenings are certainly getting cooler, but we are still having quite nice days.  It's time to start wearing my wooly socks.  I like to hand wash these and lay them across a couple of lines to dry outside.  

Sock washing time

I've got plenty of socks, but that won't stop me knitting myself a few more pair, it is such an enjoyable project.  But I haven't got as many as a knitter I was reading about on the internet this week.  After she has changed her socks, she wrote that she puts them in a bucket and has an annual sock wash, and showed long lines of socks hanging outside to dry!  I couldn't do that - I've got a reputation of being a bit of a washerwoman, I love doing the washing!

Binding, Knitting and Reading

I've pleased to have finished the quilting on the final  (third) quilt I'm  making for a special family.  I really struggled with the quilting, and couldn't understand why the tension was wrong and the machine was really struggling.  My  Bernina had just come back from a service so should have been running fine.  Eventually, after rethreading yet again, I decided to change the fancy embroidery thread I was using to standard cotton.  What a revelation, no tightness in the tension, no strange noises, and the final quilting line ran smoothly.  When I sent my machine for a service I told them that the pick up thread area was really tight, but just send ordinary thread along.  Guess the moral of the story is, my machine doesn't like that fancy thread!  I'm a slow learner, and struggled with the quilting all along.  

But now the binding is on, and I can enjoy hand stitching it down.  Today is a wonderful calm, sunny Autumn day in my part of paradise.  I sat outside on the patio with my box of trusty binding clips, and started stitching the binding down along the first side.  Such an enjoyable pastime. 

Binding time on a sunny May afternoon

Just like my quilting projects, I seem to have multiple knitting projects going on as well.  I've almost finished stitching up a little toddlers jumper, using the last of the natural coloured brown wool, which was hand spun by my late friend Merilyn.  After looking through my button jars and not finding anything suitable, I'll be off to buy some brown buttons this week.  I'm pleased that I've still got a couple of balls of Merilyn's white/cream wool left which I will use in my 12ply winter socks, knitted with some 4ply sock yarn.

Just finishing the stitching 

And just because I could, I started something new.  With just one 50gr ball of this blue wool left after knitting a toddler jacket a while ago, there seemed to be enough left for a donation beany.  I'm doing a bigger size than I usually make so I hope there is enough, otherwise I'll just have to pull it out and start again, a size smaller.

Blue beany

My summer cotton top that I'm knitting has come to a standstill.  I need to sit down and work out the front neck shaping - because the pattern I'm using is a summer cardigan, not a top.  I'm sure with a bit of concentration and taking some notes it will be OK.

I need to get back to this project next

As you know, I love to read, and there is nothing I like better than a fast paced book about serial killers.  After discovering Angela Marsons books featuring DI Kim Stone, I'm devouring every one in the series in the library that I can find.  There was  so much going on, multiple murders of young sex workers, an abandoned  baby, and modern day slavery all taking place at the same time.  

And for a change of pace, I've recently finished Phillipa Gregory's books two and three in her Fairmile series.  Book two is set in Venice, where dark deeds take place, in America where the early settlers and indigenous people are headed for war, and back in England in the docklands.  Book three tells of the uprising against Roman Catholic King James, and the sugar slave trade in Barbados.  All written with Phillipa Gregory's flair for historical story telling.  To me these were "Can't put down" type of books.

A trip to the library tomorrow is a must, I've finished my books!  I'll be getting withdrawal symptoms.  

South Island Holiday - Lots to do in Dunedin

Who doesn't enjoy a train ride - I know I certainly do.   We arrived at the glorious Dunedin Railway Station, with no time to take a few photos of the Flemish Renaissance style building.  Built in 1906 the booking hall is decorated with Royal Dalton tiles and has a beautiful mosaic floor.  Robin and I had been here several times over the years, so you will just have to take my word for it that the Railway Station is an amazing building indeed.  Our train was waiting and it was time for our group to jump aboard.

Our group took over one of the vintage carriages, with about 10 extra people as well.  Off we went, traveling through the city centre, to the Tairei Gorge, and back.  What an adventure.

All aboard the Taieri Gorge train

The Tairei Gorge is a dramatic 40km canyon, carved by the Tairei River between the Manioto Plateau and the Tairei Plains.  The railway line was started in 1879, built to connect Dunedin with Cromwell to support farming and the gold rush in the area.  Demand for this rail link dropped as roads improved, and this 60km section through the gorge was saved from closure and now is a popular tourist attraction.    The scenery was spectacular and the journey started with us travelling through tree covered hills.

Tree covered hills with the river far below

We passed the remains of several tiny settlements.  There must be a story behind this sign.  Maybe gold was found in "them thar hills" on Christmas Day?

Christmas Creek

The train trundled along and I swayed as I walked up to the cafe carriage.  What to have, a nice hot coffee and a sandwhich will do me nicely for lunch.  Eventually the train pulled in to Pukerangi where engine was moved to the other end of the train.  Some enterprising locals had stalls set up selling all sorts of things.  No, I didn't go and look, I was more interested in watching the engine being moved, although I couldn't really get too close to the action at all.

At Pukerangi

I was looking out the windows on the other side of the train for the journey back, with great views of the rugged landscape.  Surely no one could live and work in this sort of country?  There were only a few hardy goats around.

Rugged landscape

So back we went, retracing our steps.  Going through 10 hand carved tunnels and across 12 viaducts.  It's amazing to think of the men doing that work way out here in those early years, using hand tools to chip away on those tunnels.  And the effort it must have taken to construct those viaducts.  The workmen would have stayed on site, no doubt in very rugged conditions, to get this work done.  

One of the many viaducts, taken through the carriage window

We were so lucky with the weather, it was a lovely sunny day.  As we headed back to Dunedin Station I reflected on the day, how we had both enjoyed our previous trips in earlier years, and how great it was to be doing it again, one more time.  

But the day was far from over.  Back at our hotel there was a little time for R&R before getting changed, back into the coach for yet another adventure.  We were heading to Larnarch Castle for dinner, about a 13km drive from the city.  There was time for a look around the garden.

Larnach Castle

We had a guided tour of the castle and were told stories about the family history.  Larnach Castle was constructed in 1871 by William Larnarch, with the very best of materials specified.  Marble from Italy, slate from Wales, roof tiles from England, and glass from Venice and France.  New Zealand timbers were used and a 3,000 sq ft ballroon added several years later.  

William had six children with his first wife Eliza.  His daughter Kate died in her 20s, which greatly affected William.  He was a cabinet  minister in the New Zealand Government for 25 years.  He took his own life in the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in 1898 after facing bankruptcy and the loss of his seat in Parliament.  His family faced turmoil following his suicide in 1898 with disputes over his estate and the sale of the castle in 1906.  The Barker family purchased the property in 1967 which was in a very poor state, with sheep penned in the ballroom!  After years of dedication, hard work, and no doubt huge  sums of money, the castle and grounds have been returned to their former glory. 

On the Castle steps

Dinner was a very Gaelic affair, with a kilted Scotsman reciting Robbie  Burn's "Ode to the Haggis", which was then sliced up and distributed along the tables.  Yes, I did try some, and finished it - not quite to my taste but I persevered.  After all, I do have some Scottish blood in my veins, my maternal grand father was a full blooded Scotsman who emigrated here from Glasgow.

Whisky and Haggis

After tasting the haggis, or not, some decided not to try  it, our meals were served.  My choices were scallops, followed by lamb, and cheesecake for dessert.  Very tasty indeed.

All ready and waiting for dinner

Then a couple of fit young men gave us a sword dancing display.  

It was such an enjoyable night.  Beautiful surroundings, and lovely food, plus the entertainment.  And yes, Robin and I had been to Larnarch Castle many years ago.  I remember we had  afternoon tea in the gardens, and a tour of the castle.  But certainly not an experience like this.  

So it was a big day in Dunedin, first the Taerei Gorge trip, then dinner at Larnarch Castle.  I climbed in the coach for the trip back to our hotel tired but happy, with so many thoughts of the day buzzing around my head.  Just a couple more days of travel, and the trip will be over.

Mt Lees and Carry on Quilting

 The caravan club had a rally at Mt Lees over Anzac weekend.  With a museum visit and lunch planned on Sunday, I decided to drive up and join in the activities.  Fellow member Geoff was planning to go as well, so I asked if he could give me a ride.  The only problem was that President Owen had called a called a committee meeting at 9.00am, and Geoff was on the committee.  So that meant we both had to set our respective alarm clocks, and I had to be ready to go at 8.00am, with Geoff leaving home even earlier.  Just as well it was a nice pleasant  morning for a drive.  

After the committee meeting it was time for morning tea.  The usual way, chairs in a circle outside,  making the most of the nice Autumn weather.  And hot cross buns were provided, that was nice.  It was nice to catch up again, and there were several new members who had joined the club since my last visit.  Although my caravanning days are over, Robin and I were granted Life Membership some time ago, so I still like to keep involved, although it is on the sidelines these days.

The caravan club camping at Mt Lees

Then we headed off to OWMAC, Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre, housed in the Ohakea Hall.

Ohakea Hall once had a life of community dances and meetings, but ended up derelict and empty.    Surprisingly OWMAC has not been operating very long at all.  Greg Bradley, retiring after  20 years at RNZAF Base Ohakea had a passion to share the history of the Air Force and wanted to open a war memorial aviation centre.  The Manawatu District Council helped out with keys to the hall, and his dream finally came to fruition.  The hall was tidied and transformed and with the help of friends, and these personal collections tell the history of war and the role that aviation played.

Gold coin donation

There was a whole rack of uniforms, plus several on mannequins.  All quite different from modern day uniforms, I imagine.

Uniforms on display

Many cases of model planes on display

The volunteers gave us a tour, pointing out items of interest.  It was only a small hall, but it was packed with all things aviation.  

From there we went back to Bulls for lunch at Mint Cafe.  There was plenty of room for our large group, and it was a busy place, with plenty of other  customers popping in for lunch or coffees as well.  I ordered some lasagna, it was delicious.  I don't often make lasagna at home, so it was a treat to find it on the menu.

Mint Cafe, Bulls

After lunch, we said goodbye to the club members and started the drive home.  What's this?  Geoff wanted to call in to Viv's Kitchen at Sanson and take something nice home to Eileen, who couldn't make the trip today.  I wasn't going to miss out, so we both went in, queued up at the end of the long line, and made our purchases.  I really wanted a chocolate eclair, but couldn't see any left in the cabinet.  No worries, the staff were happy to oblige, and I was duly presented with a freshly creamed chocolate eclair in a bag, all ready to take home.  Many thanks to Geoff for the transport, much appreciated.

I'm still busy machine quilting, and I aim to stick at it till completion.  I have to pace myself and not spend too long at a time sitting at my machine, or my back gets uncomfortable.  Guess I'm about half way there now, and I'm marking diagonal lines with this handy Clover chalk pen.  I think these are great, but a closer look tells me I'm running out of chalk powder.  So I'll need to get another one shortly, or maybe they do refills?  Not sure, I'll have to enquire.  But I'm carrying on quilting, till the job is done.

My ever so useful Clover chalk pen

Anzac Day and a little Stitching

Anzac morning dawned calm, clear and crisp.  I took myself out for a short walk.  The ranges are snow free today, but just a couple of days ago, they were covered in snow.  Sadly, I didn't get a photo then.

Anzac Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) is celebrated on April 25th and is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand commemorating all those who served and died in war.  It marks the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landing, where so many soldiers from both our nations lost their lives.  The red poppy, worn proudly on Anzac Day,  is a symbol of remembrance, and represents the blood red flowers that grew on on WWI battlefields in Flanders.  Our local library has a wonderful large hanging of red poppies.  Hundreds of local ladies knitted poppies in various shades of red, with black centres, which were stitched to the backing and is dotted with green felt leaves.  Goodness knows how many knitters took part in this wonderful creation.

Poppy wall-hanging in the library

My brother Brian is the soldier in the family and served in Vietnam with the 161 Battery Royal NZ Artillery.  He has written a book about his tour of duty.  He now lives in Australia and no doubt attended Anzac commemorations today at his local RSA.

Glimpse the Fear

I've collected my Bernina sewing machine from the shop after it had a clean and service, it is rather like a long lost relative come home again.  We certainly miss our machines when they are not here. don't we.

Home again

So today I've started machine quilting using the Serpentine stitch on another secret project.  I have mentioned before that I'm making three children's quilts for a special family.  Two finished, this is the last, then I can pass them over.  I have to get up from the machine and move around, I find, as my back gets uncomfortable if I sit and sew for a long period.   No doubt the joys of getting older!

More secret sewing