First Sew Wots of the Year

 Yesterday was our first Sew Wot get-together of the year, and what a busy old time it was.  I was the hoste4ss and welcomed everyone to our home.  Gemma had a little look around then quietly did her own thing, away from the hustle and bustle.  There was plenty of chatter as we all caught up with each other's news, and such a lot of show and tell.  Several of our ladies had recently had entries in the  A & P Show Home Crafts category, and come away with awards.  Carol won a prize with her knitted doll, and Helen won  awards for several of her entries.

Hand knitting by Carol and Helen

As well as all the excitement of the fair, we brought along our Sew Wot Challenge items.  Late last year we took our choice from a selection of doilies with the instructions to make something.  Most of the somethings came back, and what a variety there was.  Jude had crocheted around the edge of her large doily and made a mat for her vintage tea trolly.  Carol had made a house runner, incorporating her doily into one of the houses.  

Made by Jude and Carol

Sandra made the most beautiful cushion cover in pink and white.

Mary and I made little pouches

There are still a couple of more doily projects in the works.

And then..... more show and tell.  Mary had been working on finishing off some lovely Op Shop finds.  She is a very talented embroiderer indeed.

Mary's embroidery

Heather had made a cot quilt for a family member, always fun stitching up this sort of thing.

Heather's cot quilt

Then there was baby knitting from Helen, more dolls from Carol, and I had shown my finally finished navy cardigan.

Helen's baby knitting

And then, Sandra showed a quilt top made for the quilt guild, they were planning to stitch up some in manly colours.  This design certainly looked great.

Lovely design for the quilt club top

After all that, it was time for morning tea.  I had been busy baking the previous day for the ladies visit.

 Morning Tea is served

It was so nice to meet up with everyone again.  Here's to another year of Sew Wot gatherings.

A Knitting Finish, Chookshed Challenge

 I'm notoriously slow at knitting, and even slower to stitch the items up.  Taking part in the Chookshed Challenge was the push I needed to get this completed - this was my number six on my list of ten for this challenge.  All in  all, my navy blue cardigan has taken me just over a year to complete, not bad going for me.  It was started when I wanted a knitting project to take down to the South Island early last year when we were embarking on a 10 week caravan trip.

Most of my knitting took place while we were driving around, going from camp to camp, or out sightseeing.  The South Island of New Zealand has  magnificent scenery, mountains and plains, lakes and rivers, and stunning coastline too.  I had worked away slowly on this when we returned back from our trip and was was up the knitting the collar and sewing the seams when I joined the Chookshed Challenge.  And now, it's done - sucess!   Although I did need a quick trip out to buy some buttons.

It's still Summer here in  my part of paradise, but I'll be all set when the winter arrives with my  new cardigan, knitted in 100% New Zealand wool.

Not another new RSC Project, surely?

The  Rainbow Scrap Challenge colour for January is green, and I thought I had already completed my RSC stitching this month.  But another project sneaked in.  Hiding in plain sight was a bag of 2.5in squares, and I had thinking of doing a project I had seen in blogland, but that didn't happen.  To be quite honest, I don't really like working with little squares, and was considering donating the bag to the Op Shop.

Perhaps I'll do something with them after all, I thought.  So I rummaged through the bag, pulled out all the soft green squares I could find, and stitched up some green hollow nines.  I had admired this block on RSC last year, so thought, why not do some myself, and use up some of the never ending squares.

I'm jumping on the Hollow Nines bandwagon

As it is green month, it seemed a good opportunity to work on a green UFO which was hanging around.  There were a couple to choose from and I selected a green and lemon hued cot quilt top I had made from 5 inch squares.  It wont take me too long to machine quilt this, I imagined.  Well, as it happens, I'm still working on it, so it wont be finished this week.  But I'm getting there, hope to finish it shortly.  

Working on the green cot quilt

As well as time spent at the sewing machine, we went out to check on a newly opened cafe this week.  Robin and I are part of a friendship group which meets monthly for lunch, and my turn to organise a day out is coming up soon.  I had actually been there for coffee just prior to Christmas, but not for a meal.  So we drove to Foxton to have morning tea and check out the lunch menu.  

The lunch menu looked fine, with plenty of cabinet food available too, for those who would prefer something lighter.  I was delighted to find Ginger Gems in the cabinet, who can remember these?  One of my favourites, but seldom seen these days.  They are the sort of thing made by grannies using  heavy gem irons a generation or two ago.  Mine was delicious, as was the coffee.  So yes, we will bring our friends here for my lunch outing shortly.

Morning Tea at Foxton

So that's what I have been doing this week.  Our hot spell has finally broken with rain all day today, not too heavy, just falling steadily over several hours.  I'm sure the farmers love rain like this.

Whanganui and Back

 Last weekend we had a caravan trip away to Whanganui, stopping overnight on the way at Duddings Lake.  What a pretty, peaceful place this was.  We decided to camp off power so left the crowded motor camp behind and parked up around the lake on a large grassy area.  There were several caravans and campervans parked here, but plenty of room  between is all.

Our lakeside camping spot

The lake must be very healthy as we noticed plenty of bird life, and the frogs serenaded us in the evening.  How often do we hear frogs, we commented.  Their calls are quite soothing really, soft croak, croak, croaks.  Gemma enjoyed quite a happy time outside safely on her lead all afternoon.  There were ducks to watch, and then she rather liked settling down under the caravan, I imagine she feels safe and secure under there.  Then for a change, she likes nothing better than sitting in the caravan doorway, snoozing, or taking in the sights.

Gemma in the doorway

The following morning it was time to move on from Duddings Lake to Whanganui Racecourse for the Vintage Weekend, with two other vans joining us there as well.  Four of us walked the four blocks into town to view the vintage cars parked up on Victoria Avenue.  It was another very hot day, and we joined the crowds all admiring the various cars on display.  People were everywhere, some in 50s costumes, some with dogs and children, and plenty of vintage age people on sticks, all intent on checking out the cars.

Someone's pride and joy on display

There was plenty of entertainment too, to keep the crowds happy.  Some were dancing to the music, and we noticed that others had brought their folding chairs along, to sit in comfort and enjoy the music.  It was such a hot day that after lunch in one of the cafes we were pleased to return to camp for some rest and relaxation.

One of the several bands performing

On our last full day in Whanganui, we invited Maureen and Russell to join us for a drive to Pipiriki and a picnic lunch.  It was many years since we had driven this road, so long ago that in those days it was a gravel road, although it is now sealed.  Narrow and windy, it took us through tiny settlements with interesting names, rather like those associated with the Grand Overseas Tours taken by young men of the aristocracy in earlier years.  These interesting little places have now reverted to their Maori names.  Athens, now known as Atane, Corinth, now Koriniti, London, now Ranana, and Jerusalem, now Hiruharama.  We stopped at a lookout point along the way for a lovely view down the river.

Looking down at the Whanganui River

One of the places we were keen to revisit was the Kawana Mill, in fact, we wondered if in fact it was still there, after all these years.  This mill has not been operating for many years but the water wheel is still in place.  Luckily the building has been well cared for by the NZ Historic Places Trust.  This is the only remaining one of six mills  dotted along the river to mill corn and wheat grown by the Maori people back in the day.

Kawana Mill

From here we continued on to Pipiriki and found a nice shady spot in the picnic area to eat our lunch.  This little settlement is the hub for jet boat rides up the river.  We met up with friendly young German tourist who had arrived with her bike off the boat and was planning to cycle to Whanganui - wonder if she realised just how hilly the road was?  She kindly agreed to take our photo for us.  

Robin, Jenny, Russell and Maureen

On the way back we stopped to  admire the Raukawa Falls at the lookout.  It was a lovely day out, traveling on roads we had not driven for quite some time.  

Raukawa Falls

Whanganui is an area with a very strong connection to the river.  There is a saying here which sums it up.  "The great River flows from the mountains to the sea.  I am the River, the River is me,"

Since returning home I have been doing a little of this and that.  A little time working on a pair of socks, and a few hours sitting at the sewing machine doing some machine quilting on a donation quilt.    And today, once the heat of the sun had eased, I spent a little time working on my stitchery project.  But....... nothing completed so far.

Stitching on the patio this afternoon

So that's what I've been up to over the last week.  A weekend trip away in the caravan, and its always so nice to take some time to work on a project or two.

My List for the Chookshed Challenge

 I'm exciting to be joining in the Chookshed Challenge.  It seemed simple enough - pick ten challenges and number them 1 - 10.  That was sobering, I had so many bags of UFOs and  items I wanted to start that taking my my ten selected things out of the mix made barely a dent!  So.... what did I choose?

1:  Unicorn Cushions.  I have made a Unicorn quilt recently using these small panels, which will probably be donated, if I can bare to part with it.  I thought I would make 3 small cushions with the remaining panels to donate to Foster Hope for young girls in foster care..

Unicorn cushions

2:  Elephants on Parade.  Having left over pink and grey strips from another project which I want to incorporate into a strippy quilt of some sort,  and found this elephant pattern I had tucked away for a future project.  The idea should work, I think.

Elephant project

3:  Selvedge Bag.  This was started several years ago as a RSC project, just needs finishing.

Selvedge Bag

4:  Panel.  I have several panels waiting in the wings so selected a horse panel to make into a child's quilt.  Young girls love horses, don't they?

Horse panel

6:  Navy Cardigan.  Yes, I know it's not P&Q, but as I was starting later in the month and number 6 had already been selected, this was my number 6.  I wanted to choose something achievable   Just a few more rows on the collar, then it needs stitching up.  

Navy cardigan

7:  Embroidery, Travel Threads Caravan.  I purchased this kit on our 10 week South Island caravan trip early last year.  This will be a little different for me, as it has felt applique.

Caravan embroidery

8:  Christmas.  Plenty to choose from here.  In the end I decided to go with my "All Through the Night" project.  I have already embroidered the pre-printed panel squares, now it needs to be assembled.

All Through the Night

9:  Houses and Trees.  Another long term project which had stalled.  I stitched the houses from 2 1/2in strips, made a few trees for variety, and there it was left, all those blocks sitting in a little basket.  Why..... I don't really know, so I will be pleased to move this one along.

Houses and Trees

10:  Train cot quilt.  I purchased this fabric to make a simple cot quilt for a little boy.  Somewhere along the line I also embroidered a little engine, which would make a nice little cushion to  go with the quilt.

Train cot quilt and cushion

So that's my list, 1 - 10.  I'll be looking forward to getting on with these long forgotten projects, and seeing how everyone else is getting on too.  Many thanks for letting me join in too, and thanks to the organisors.

Jenny

New Year for Rainbow Scrap Challenge

 For several years now, I've enjoyed taking part in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, run by Angela of So Scrappy.  I've got a backlog of RSC projects still to be completed from the last year or two, so didn't want to commit to too many projects this year.  So I've decided to work on three easy blocks sets.  Tucked away I found a set of girly four patch blocks I had stitched previously, plus some colourful pirate squares for a boys I had cut out all ready to go.  These would both be bordered, I decided, and the colour this month is green.

Four patch and pirates

Four patch blocks bordered in green

Pirates, bordered in green

As I've still got plenty of 5 inch novelty squares tucked away, I'm also making more Happy Blocks, this one using some of the many girly squares I have.   What did I find?  Leaves, butterflies, swirls, birdhouses, creepy critters in the undergrowth and sheep!  That's a good start.

Happy blocks for a girl

With keeping to these simple blocks I'm hoping to get time to get some previous unfinished projects over the finish line this year.  Have to admit that I'm quite concerned to have so many RSC UFOs.  Wish me luck, please.

Looking Back at 2023

It’s always interesting looking back over the last year to see what has been achieved – or not.  So how did I do?  I finished six children’s quilts, all for  donation.  Let’s have a look, shall we.  First up was the second Flag quilt I made, nice easy blocks using up bits and pieces.  Each block in   the green froggy quilt were made the same cute fabric, but framed in different colours, and finished with a lime green border.  I’m keeping this one for a while, as there is a new arrival coming soon in the extended family..

Flag quilt and Froggy quilt

I finished the red, cream and blue Transportation quilt, using fabric donated to me from my elderly neighbour Dorothy’s stash, after she moved into a Rest Home.  The blue fabrics feature helicopters and tractors.

Boy’s Transportation quilt

Next was a four patch variation and a boy’s Happy Block quilt, both for donation.  I like to make a few boy’s quilts too as I feel they are often overlooked with all the pretty girly fabric around.  This boy’s quilt is backed with cozy fleece.

Four Patches and Happy Blocks

And the last quilt completed was made from Unicorn panels donated by Sew Wot friend Helen.  I’m really pleased with how this one turned out, and will probably keep it for a while.  Who knows, I may get a great grandchild from one of my horse mad granddaughters one day, she says hopefully

Unicorn panel quilt

I’d done quite a bit of knitting too.  Two little jumpers, two woolly hats and a Bunny Blanket Buddy for donation.  And five pair of socks, including Robin’s first ever pair.  Maybe his last pair too!

Robin’s birthday socks

We've had quite a busy year, spending ten weeks at the beginning of the year on our South Island caravan holiday.  We had a marvellous trip, exploring new places, revisiting old favourites, catching up with family and friends.  We got caught up with the Cook Strait ferry cancelation problems on both our trips there and back, these problems seemed to go on and on for months and put the holiday plans of so many people into disarray.  Transport of freight between the two islands was quite disrupted too.

Once we got back, we attended monthly caravan club rallies, went to various club meetings, and out to lunch with friends.  I kept busy with my quilting life, and met up with the Sew Wot ladies very fortnight. 

Robin had his second knee replacement  in August which kept us close to home and away from caravanning for a couple of months as he slowly recovered and got on with his rehab.  Luckily he was able to drive and tow the caravan again in time for our 40th Wedding Anniversary trip to Rotorua in November.  Highlights of this trip was High Tea at a posh hotel, a marvellous anniversary dinner at the restaurant at the top of the cable car and the Redwoods Tree Walk.

Redwoods Tree Top Walk

We've had a good year in 2023, and looking forward to another good year in 2024.  Thanks to all readers and fellow bloggers who take an interest in the happenings of my life, it’s great to have you here.

Looking Back at 2023

It’s always interesting looking back over the last year to see what has been achieved – or not.  So how did I do?  I finished six children’s quilts, all for  donation.  Let’s have a look, shall we.  First up was the second Flag quilt I made, nice easy blocks using up bits and pieces.  Each block in   the green froggy quilt were made the same cute fabric, but framed in different colours, and finished with a lime green border.  I’m keeping this one for a while, as there is a new arrival coming soon in the extended family..

Flag quilt and Froggy quilt

I finished the red, cream and blue Transportation quilt, using fabric donated to me from my elderly neighbour Dorothy’s stash, after she moved into a Rest Home.  The blue fabrics feature helicopters and tractors.

Boy’s Transportation quilt

Next was a four patch variation and a boy’s Happy Block quilt, both for donation.  I like to make a few boy’s quilts too as I feel they are often overlooked with all the pretty girly fabric around.  This boy’s quilt is backed with cozy fleece.

Four Patches and Happy Blocks

And the last quilt completed was made from Unicorn panels donated by Sew Wot friend Helen.  I’m really pleased with how this one turned out, and will probably keep it for a while.  Who knows, I may get a great grandchild from one of my horse mad granddaughters one day, she says hopefully

Unicorn panel quilt

I’d done quite a bit of knitting too.  Two little jumpers, two woolly hats and a Bunny Blanket Buddy for donation.  And five pair of socks, including Robin’s first ever pair.  Maybe his last pair too!

Robin’s birthday socks

We've had quite a busy year, spending ten weeks at the beginning of the year on our South Island caravan holiday.  We had a marvellous trip, exploring new places, revisiting old favourites, catching up with family and friends.  We got caught up with the Cook Strait ferry cancelation problems on both our trips there and back, these problems seemed to go on and on for months and put the holiday plans of so many people into disarray.  Transport of freight between the two islands was quite disrupted too.

Once we got back, we attended monthly caravan club rallies, went to various club meetings, and out to lunch with friends.  I kept busy with my quilting life, and met up with the Sew Wot ladies very fortnight. 

Robin had his second knee replacement  in August which kept us close to home and away from caravanning for a couple of months as he slowly recovered and got on with his rehab.  Luckily he was able to drive and tow the caravan again in time for our 40th Wedding Anniversary trip to Rotorua in November.  Highlights of this trip was High Tea at a posh hotel, a marvellous anniversary dinner at the restaurant at the top of the cable car and the Redwoods Tree Walk.

Redwoods Tree Top Walk

We've had a good year in 2023, and looking forward to another good year in 2024.  Thanks to all readers and fellow bloggers who take an interest in the happenings of my life, it’s great to have you here.