How often would this happen to strangers, I wonder? While still on holiday, there I was, waiting for yet another load of washing to finish its cycle at the laundromat. It was a typical very hot Hawkes Bay day so I decided to sit outside while I did a little knitting. Along came young woman who had the same idea, it was so hot inside with all the machines, that we were pleased of a gentle breeze wafting around. Her name was Louise, and she had brought her knitting along too, to while away the waiting time.
Knitting while waiting outside the laundromat
Louise's knitting skills were obviously much better than mine, as she was doing clever things with circular needles and fancy patterns. As we got chatting, I told her I did quilting. “Would you like me to rush home and show you the quilt I made which was part of an overseas exhibition?” she asked. Of course I would, and she was back in a few minutes.
“Survived Extinction” is an original design and was curated by Anne Scott of New Zealand Quilter magazine as part of a group to be exhibited in Seattle, in 2003. The label reads:
“Imagine being the last of your species on earth. I am Tecomanthe speciosa. I was the last plant of my species when discovered in the 1940s. Found on the Three Kings Islands north of New Zealand, I traveled across the water to the Land of the Long White Cloud, where I am grown in your garden. I have traveled around the world, I am now growing in other countries. I am Tecomanthe speciosa, I have survived extinction”.
Survived Extinction
Louise also brought an amazing crochet rug to show me. “Mandala Madness” was worked in the round, and is full of colour, texture, and different patterns. I have tried to crochet but failed miserably, so I’m astounded that something like this could be made.
Mandala Madness
Such a delightful meeting with a wonderfully talented young woman, and so kind of her to go out of her way to show me her beautiful creations.
29 comments:
What a wonderful and unexpected meeting. Beautiful work.
I love the mandala blanket. It’s great to share the craft joy
Jenny, that was one of life's memorable experiences!
How lovely that she shared these treasures with you!
An amazing encounter. We quilters love to share. Thank you for sharing Louise's quilt and her story.
I love how hand work tends to invite people to chat! She is quite a talented artist and lucky you to have met her and was able to see her work.
What a wonderful encounter at an unexpected place.
Amazing who you meet when you knit or stitch in public!
How fun for you! I love hearing about complete strangers making a connection through knitting, or quiltmaking. It's nice that you were so accommodating about seeing her pieces, which she is obviously, and justifiably, very proud of. Now you can't ever complain about going to the laundromat to wait for clothes to be cleaned. You just never know who you might meet!
such a wonderful way to pass the time while needing to stop and do the dreaded laundry I bet that made the time pass by so much faster - what wonderful work she did - I have seen the crochet that she does and it is amazing - I haven't tried one of those Mandela rugs before but they look lovely
How neat is that? What a lovely person to talk to while waiting...that crochet rug is simply astounding!! And a lovely quilt also...hugs Julierose
Oh how fun!! Kindred spirits meet at the laundromat. Beautiful work by both of you!
Oh what a great way to spend time while waiting for laundry! Beautiful work for sure!
Amazing how we meet kindred spirits and just by keeping our hands busy? It happened to me at the airport in the transit lounge, we could not speak each other's languages, so we pulled out our Passports and showed each other our names. Then with lots of pointing we showed each other how to do the crafts we do.
What a great meeting! Louise does beautiful work!
lovely spot to progress your projects and serendipity to meet a talented new friend
Knitters and quilters are friendly souls. How wonderful that Louise fetched the quilt and the rug to show you.
Wonderful mandala blanket andgreat meeting, what a surprise!
I love this post! It's amazing how kindred spirits gravitate to each other, I know you both had laundry going on but I still think it's a lovely show and tell story!
How fabulous to be sitting there knitting, at the laundromat and along comes a like-minded soul and joins in the fun. I love happenstance moments such as these. My goodness, Louise has fashioned some beautiful makes. Such a gorgeous quilt but it is the "Mandela Madness" that has caused me to gasp. It is gorgeous isn't it. The colours and patterns seen there are astonishing. Even waiting for one's laundry can be a fun and delightful experience.
Oh wow, how wonderful to meet such an interesting lady. I love what she shared. Isn't it funny, I can crochet a bit but I tried knitting and I was miserable at it. Great fun reading about all of your adventures.
How wonderful to meet a fellow stitcher while at the laundromat and on vacation. She makes beautiful items.
What a fun and unexpected encounter with a fellow crafter! She makes amazing things!
Amazing who you can meet. Love that quilt, and the rug is magnificient.
God bless.
Wonderful to have met up with Louise and that she went home and brought two amazing projects.
Keep enjoying your travels....
So amazing that you met Louise and that you could share a common interest in needlework. So nice that you got to see the beauty she had made.
Such beautiful projects that Louise shared with you, Jenny. What a marvelous encounter.
I so enjoyed seeing your ice cream sundaes, chocolate drinks and barbequed pork, Jenny. Yum! Lovely caravan days for the two of you. You so resemble your sister. What a stroke of luck that you chanced on this talented young lady in the same spot at the same time. She is indeed accomplished esp. with crochet. Impressive.
( I never knew you could clean out dryer lint in those laundromat places...learn something new.)
It’s delightful when something like happens. She certified talented.
Post a Comment