Memory Tablecloth

 Memory tablecloths, and memory quilts, seem to be my thing, as I've made several over the years.  My latest one was to commemorate a trip away up to the far north.  Robin and I had been planning to go there next Christmas/New Year, but with losing him,  that would not be happening.  So when I saw the "North of the North" coach trip advertised, I decided to be brave and go on my own.  

Bay Tours Coach

My bag was packed, and I included blocks I'd stitched for my memory tablecloth plus a Micron marking pen.  My blocks were from fabric  featuring New Zealand designs, mostly batiks with a few prints, and a centre white square to write on.

Ready to go on holiday

Those blocks traveled to the top of the North Island with me and back.  It was fun to get them out at the various hotels we stayed at and write where I had been, and what attractions had been visited.  Special places were walking the track down to Cape Reinga, the Hole in the Rock cruise, and visiting the magnificent Tane Mahuta Kauri tree again.

Writing messages on each block

Once home again I stitched the blocks together, added a pale green border, and pinned it with backing, no batting required for a tablecloth.  Then sat down over several days doing the quilting, and finally the binding and label.  

The label on the back

All finished

So now it's having a turn on the dining table.  It's always fun to read the messages again.  And I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

My new tablecloth on the dining table