More Binding

I've been on a bit of a binding roll lately.  On Saturday I went to the monthly Stitch In day organised by my quilt club.  I always like to have some hand work ready to take along, as it is difficult these days for me to take my sewing machine along.  Binding fits the bill quite nicely.    So my dinosaur quilt came for a ride, the binding all clipped up, ready to hand stitch down.  I haven't quite finished all the machine quilting yet, but that doesn't matter, I can catch up with that at home, during the week.

Stitching black binding

It was quite a chilly day, so the heat pumps were going, we certainly needed them to warm the small hall up.  Our stitch in days are nice and friendly, although there was only a small group of us there.  One of our ladies always brings a batch of freshly baked muffins to share for morning tea.  Tea and coffee is available and we  all bring a packed lunch along.  Someone else had brought along some mandarins from their tree to share at lunch time, so that was nice.

There was plenty going on, sewing machines were whizzing along, and several quilts were pinned up.  Other  binding was being stitched as well as mine, and some pretty cream on cream embroidery happening.  It is always a nice, friendly day, with plenty of chatter going on.

Today, Sunday, is still cold, one of those cloudy still days where the sun doesn't come out and the temperature stays quite low.  Thank goodness for the heat pump to warm up my small home.  It is also the birthday of  my late friend Merilyn, who passed away last year.  We had been best friends forever, from school days.  I can remember us as two young girls, sitting on the garden swing at her house.  Growing and climbing up on the trellis behind the swing was a huge passionfruit vine, and we enjoyed eating passionfruit in season.  We chopped off the top of those wrinkly fruit eating the delicious flesh with a tea spoon each, while sitting side by side on the swing.  So delicious, like nothing I'd ever tasted before.

We always had plenty to talk about, but being young, we never ever contemplated the future, it was just the here and now for us.  We didn't know that our friendship would last forever,  that our final telephone conversation would be about our upcoming 80th birthdays, or that Merilyn would pass away suddenly just a few days later.  She died five weeks before her 80th birthday.  

Happy Birthday to Merilyn, in Heaven

RSC Finish - Baby Quilt

 It's always exciting to have a finish.  Even a small one.  I've been making easy small blocks this year in RSC colours each month, for a small baby quilt.  It all started when I decided to use up some donated strips of white fabric  printed with tiny blue flowers.  There was just enough to cut 25 five inch squares from the strips, so that was what I worked with.   Each month I added two strips of the nominated colour, starting with blue.

I stitched a few easy blocks each month

Last month I got the top completed, pinned out and started on the machine quilting.  I had a piece of white cozy fleece so used that on the back.

Pinning, then quilting

And here we are, all done.  A baby quilt, to be donated.

Nice cozy backing, using what I have

I met a friend for morning tea during the week, and we went to the Courthouse Cafe, in the old court house from years ago.  This is a very popular cafe, with plenty of customers passing through.  I had noticed an ambulance outside the building while I was finding a car park, and wondered what was wrong, maybe one of the customers had collapsed.

Courthouse Cafe

There was no problem at all, as I found out, chatting to someone I knew while waiting for my friend to arrive.  Seems the local ambos like to pop in for a morning coffee, they have a nice comfy corner where they like to sit.  If they get a call, off they go, quick smart!

I saw this interesting piece of art/craft hanging on the wall of the cafe and thought it was so unique that I would like to share it with you.  A picture frame, filled with colourful pom poms!

That's different

Out and About to Wellington

I had a day out recently, which was very enjoyable.  When I saw this Tranzit day trip advertised, I knew I really wanted to take part.  It was a trip to Wellington, to visit the Te Whatu Stardome, Observatory and Planetarium.  Robin and I had been there with friends, more years ago than I can remember.  The small coach collected me from Levin, on the way down from Palmerston North,  and I climbed aboard, settled down to enjoy what the day would bring.  After stopping at nearby Otaki for morning tea, off we went to Wellington.  

It was a picture perfect May day.  As we drove along  along the coast road, I spotted Kapiti Island off the coast.  And if you look carefully at the horizon on the left, you can just make out the mountains of the South Island away in the distance.

Kapiti Island

A little later Wellington, the capitol city of New Zealand,  came into view.  There is a saying in these parts, "You can't beat Wellington on a good day".  And this day certainly was a good day.  Wellington sometimes shows a quite different face. Because of it's position in the "Roaring Forties" and being located beside Cook Strait, the city acts as a natural funnel for passing storm systems.  It is not named "Windy Wellington" for nothing! 

Wellington, on a good day

Up, up, up the bus climbed, right to the top of the Wellington Botanic Garden in Kelburn, and close by the Cable Car Terminal.  Just look at that wonderful view, looking over the city and the harbour.

Stunning view

This sign on the path guided us on our way.  Just a short walk and we were there.

Walk this way

And here we are

Our group was warmly welcomed, and we were free to wander around to check out the exhibits, before it was showtime in the Planetarium.  

There were plenty of interactive boards, press buttons to discover the full story.  

Myths tell of the god Maui fishing up the North Island.  But I hadn't heard of this story of Maui and the sun before.  In ancient times, the sun raced across the sky very quickly, leaving very little time for the people to hunt, gather food, weave and cook their meals before it was dark again.  Maui decided to catch the sun, weaving magical ropes out of harakeke (flax).  Maui and his brothers travelled to the pit where the sun rested at night.  As the sun began to rise, the men threw the flax ropes, tangling the sun in a snare and holding him fast.  The sun thrashed and struggled, scorching the men holding the ropes fast.  Maui left forward, beating the sun with his enchanted club, until the captive cried out and begged for mercy.  Maui demanded that the sun slow down and never again dictate the length of the day.  The sun agreed, the ropes were loosened, and the sun crept slowly across the sky, leaving the land with longer days.

The story of Maui and the sun

I climbed up the stairs to check out the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, manufactured in 1867.  This is used on clear nights when the public can come and look at the heavens

Thomas Cooke telescope

Then it was time to go and see the show.  We were ushered into the theatre, sit anywhere, we were told.  The seats sloped back to enable us to look at the dome above us when the film started.  We were shown a film about the moon landing in 1969, and the build up and planning to make it happen.  "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind".  I certainly remember those words when we watched the wonder unfold on our TVs way back then.  My camera was put away, no photos allowed during the show.  I must say, the film was most enjoyable, reminding us again of this momentous happening. 

  

Inside the theatre

 Those reclining seats were necessary to tilt us back to gaze at the dome, but goodness me, was I in pain when it was time to leave, both my back and neck were rather sore.  But then, we all know I'm not as young as I used to be!

A short walk to the bus, but I just had to stop and take another photo.  There was a cable car waiting to make the downhill journey.  This is such a fun trip, but not on the agenda for our group today. 

Wellington Cable Car

Down we drove to the bottom of the gardens.  We were booked in to have lunch at Picnic Cafe, and our tables were set up and waiting for us.  Our choices had been prebooked so the service was quick.  After lunch we had time for a look around, or just to sit and enjoy the sunshine.  Then it was all aboard for the last time and we were homeward bound.

Transport for the day

I certainly enjoyed my day out, my first with this company, and will check to see what other day trips they have on offer.  

Binding, and a Knitting Finish

Quilters are in two camps about quilt bindings, they either love it or hate it.  I love hand stitching the binding down, it's the last job to do and then you have finished.   Like this little baby donation quilt with the cozy fleecy back, all clipped up and waiting to go.

Binding time

I have a knitting finish too.  Remember this?  I was stitching it up back in April.  Then it got put aside for a while, don't ask me why, it just happens.

Stitching the sleeves in to the body

Then once it was all stitched together, it took me a while to go and buy some brown buttons.  This little cardigan was looking at me accusingly every time I passed it by - just get on with it, it was saying!  For this knit I've used hand spun wool from my late friend Merilyn.  I'll tuck this one away with the others in my great grandchildren crate for a while.  Maybe I'll donate it later, I'll just have to wait and see.

Finally finished, made with hand spun wool

And I've started knitting the  sleeves for my cotton summer jumper.  These are short sleeves, so won't go on and on as a pair of long sleeves seems to.  I like to knit two at the same time.  Most of my knitting is done in the evening while watching TV, but Gemma has been extra friendly lately and likes to jump up on my lap.  That puts the knitting on hold as she thinks those moving needles and balls of wool are there for her to play with.

Two short sleeves

I've just finished a book, and goodness, this was a scary one, all about a rather nasty serial killer and his followers.  I had to put it down and take a breather every now and again, and it had a finish I never saw coming.  This is the second book by this author, so I need to check if the library has the first book.

Don't read this if you are easily frightened!

Orange RSC Stitching, and South Island Memories

I'm running a bit late with my orange stitching, but this is now the last of it.  For someone who doesn't particularly like the colour orange, I think I did quite well.  It was time to have a dig into my bag of "bag bits" of fabric pieces, linings and cord to make drawstring bags for foster kids again.  And I had enough for seven  bags.  I found a rusty orange floral fat quarter with strips pinned together for the cord casings, and made two bags from that.  Then there were chickens clucking around, so they got made into a bag as well.

Florals and chickens

What's next?  Two bags featuring orange and yellow kiwis topped with bright orange, and two smaller bags made with clown fabric, and the same orange bands on top.

Kiwis and clown

And if you think that kiwi fabric looks familiar, you are right.  It was given to me by my friend Eileen quite some time ago now, and I used it on the borders and back of the table cloth I made to commemorate our 3 month 2012 South Island caravan  trip with three other couples.  Gemma is having a snooze on the dining chair under the edge of the tablecloth.  I'm pleased to have finally used up that last piece of the fabric in the two kiwi  bags.

Gemma is hiding under the tablecloth

Each day I wrote with a Micro pen on Rail Fence blocks of our adventures

What a great trip we had, way back in February 2012.  Here we are, aboard the Interislander, ready for our adventure.  Sadly, both Robin and Geoff C have passed away.

Robin, Jenny, Dot, Pauline, Eileen, Geoff T, Derek, Geoff C

And just one more photo from this long ago trip.  Here we are at Slope Point, the Southern most point of New Zealand.  My goodness, it may well have been summer, but it was blowing a gale down there.

Jenny and Robin at Slope Point, March 2012

Sew Wot Tuesday - Two Birthday Celebrations.

 It was such a lovely Sew Wot morning,  with both Helen and Mary celebrating their birthdays.  With us all there to help of course, it was so nice that we could all make it, no appointments got in the way this time.  And Helen's sister Rosie was visiting from Auckland, so she was warmly welcomed too. Carol was the hostess with the mostest.  

Helen had brought along a family gift to show us.  It was a framed poster with her birth year, showing all sorts of things which happened back in 1956 - what a great idea for a gift.

1956 was a good year

Just look at this wonderful pile of birthday gifts, waiting to be opened.  I think we all enjoy seeing those presents opened as much as the birthday girls do.

There were so many exciting goodies to oooh and aaah over, pretty soaps, plants, tea towels, various sweets  and fabrics.  Even a lovely pair of pillowcases, hand knitted slippers and a pretty crochet face cloth.  This wonderful wool cushion made from a recycled blanket was passed around for us all to see how it was constructed.  This was one of Mary's gifts, from Helen.

Very clever and much admired

And lastly, Mary presented Helen with a very special gift, her 70th birthday quilt.  So special, and it certainly brought a few tears too.  Helen had made one for Mary when she turned 70, so the favour was returned, this quilt was made with much love.

Helen's 70th Birthday quilt, made by Mary

Whew - after all that excitement it was time for morning tea.  The table was set, we settled down, and candles were lit on the shared birthday cake.  After singing Happy Birthday to the two girls, the Eat-a-Lots enjoyed their morning tea.

Morning Tea is served

Show and Tell was next.  Jude proudly showed her finish,  I remember when she was working on it a while ago.  Such a pretty quilt, made with a variety of neutrals and assorted colours.  

Jude's lovely quilt

And Carol had some baby knitting to show, before being donated to the Neo Natal ward.  She had made three little vests with matching hats, and a knitted teddy.  Such a lovely selection.

Carol's baby knitting

What a wonderful morning we had, celebrating two birthdays, chatting away as we do, and enjoying morning tea.  Many thanks to Carol for being the hostess, and  Carol's hubby kindly took a group photo of us all.

Jenny, Carol, Heather, Helen, Jude, Mary, Susie, and Sandra in front

Another Lovely Day

I can't believe this run of calm, mild, sunny weather we have been having lately.  No complaints of course, but Winter is starting tomorrow 1st June!  I've been sitting outside for an hour or two, once again, making the most of the gentle warmth.  Gemma joined me too, once she woke up from her afternoon nap.  She is always very interested in this small bark garden when she comes outside, especially in the far corner.  I can't see anything which would catch her attention, but maybe there are some tiny ants running around in the bark, who knows?  But it certainly holds her interest.

Wonder what she can see?

I was working on my New Zealand Land and Sea panel again.  The other day I went to my favourite quilt shop, Foxes Cottage, In Foxton, and purchased two skeins of Perle no 5 which I needed.  But I still needed a couple of shades of turquoise which I couldn't find on the stand.  The helpful staff member then directed me to another stand, which had reels of Sue Spargo threads, including the colours  I was looking for.  I didn't realise that this brand was available, so that is certainly another option  for me in the future.

Filling the gaps for my stitching

So today I worked on finishing up this gull, he needed his head, face and feet completed.  Slow stitching indeed, but so restful, and nice to be sitting outside.  And I gave my thread bag a tidy up, so that is good.

Hello, Mr Gull

How about a knitting finish?  This was easy and simple and was my evening TV knitting for the last wee while.  Some time ago at my Monday craft group, one of the ladies bought in a box of stuff she was going to take to the Op Shop, she wondered if any of us would like to check the items out first.  We certainly did, we were like bees around a honey pot!  There were all sorts of goodies, I selected a pink fat quarter and  some eyelash yarn to take home.

Eyelash yarn

Then I cast on 25 stitches on very big needles, and set about knitting a scarf.  Each evening I would knit some more rows, and it grew, and grew, till I had used up all the yarn.  It's a little bit prickly so I'll give it a wash and maybe add some fabric softener to the rinse.  I will be donating this to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and maybe a pre-teen girl might like it.  When I met the co-ordinator Fleur last week, she told me she was starting to gather up Christmas gifts for all the children, so the scarf may be just what someone will love.  

Pretty white scarf

So that's what I've been up to lately.  It's time to wish Autumn goodbye today and say hello to Winter tomorrow.  I do wonder how much longer the weather will play nice and allow me to sit outside?