Kiwi Quilters get-together in Ashburton

We spent a very pleasant evening last night with Marie and her husband Murray here in Ashburton.  Marie is a fellow member of the Kiwi Quilters internet group and made contact prior to us leaving on our South Island Odyssey trip, and invited us around for an evening meal.  We arrived and could smell delicious aromas wafting out from the kitchen, sat down and got to know each other.  We had plenty to chat about, and enjoyed a delicious meal.  Murray kept us entertained with tales of his motorbike adventures, and the four of us shared stories of our travels  throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Marie with her Bargello quilt

Marie and Murray have made a couple of trips to far off Paraguay and she showed me some of the beautiful Nanduti lace hand made by the Guarani Indians.  It is constructed in circles and made from very fine thread.  These examples are in beautiful glowing colours.

Nanduti lace from Paraguay

Like any quilter’s home, there were quilts on the wall, just waiting to be admired.  New Zealand has a reputation for making award winning wines, and Marie made her “grape” quilt in a class with Ruth Blanchard.

Marie’s grape quilt

Disappearing Nine Patch quilts are all the rage lately.  Marie’s quilt in shades of green and a touch of orange will be hung in her workplace, the local hospital.

Disappearing Nine Patch to be donated to the hospital

We had a great evening, and a lovely meal.  (All this after Marie had a full day at work too).  Thanks so much, Marie and Murray, for inviting a couple of travellers into your home, it was so nice to meet you both..