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Saturday, June 6, 2026

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

14 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

Interesting and fun memories brought back to mind by a certain fabric. The same thing happens with me. My current hand quilting project includes a piece of fabric left over from a dress I made 37 years ago. I wore it on our honeymoon. Lovely pictures of your trip.
Isn’t it satisfying to make something useful from our scraps?

Gail at the cozy quilter

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Those little bags are great, so handy to hold all sorts of things.

Sara said...

Those bags are such a good idea to give to foster kids. The kiwi fabric is adorable, and I'm sure whenever you see that tablecloth the memories pop right up of friends and that wonderful trip.

Cathy said...

It’s curious how fabrics, like music, can evoke such strong memories. It’s one of the blessings of life to have these little triggers to open wonderful mind doors for us. The bags are delightful, Jenny!

Jackie said...

Well done on getting the last bit of use out of the kiwi fabric. You actually found lots of orange in your stash.
You both look pretty cold by that sign.

God bless.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Such lovely photos of you and Robin. The beautiful quilt is a wonderful reminder of the 3 month caravan that you both took. The drawstring bags are darling and will be a enjoyed by the foster children. Warm Hugs.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I love your drawstring bags, especially the kiwi ones! I always thought your tablecloth made to remind you about that amazing trip was such a great idea. Memories in fabric - perfect!

Nancy J said...

Wonderful to have those photos. Orange, I would struggle to find m uch in my stash. The bags are lovely and so handy.

Lyndsey said...

The ;ittle bags are great and I like the fabrics espesially the kiwi. i love the photos from your trip.

Kathy S. said...

I love that tablecloth EVERY time I see it. Great fabrics for your bags. Oh Gemma--I love the pics and posts of you too. :)

FlourishingPalms said...

Those bags are adorable. Do you follow a pattern? I like the slash of orange at the top, though orange is one of my favorite colors. :-) You must have a good stash of cording too, for all those drawstrings. They would make good gifts too. Isn't it nice to go down memory lane? I'm sure they give you warm feelings.

Susie H said...

Your bags are adorable and wow, the kiwi fabric sure brought back sweet memories. Looks like you had a great trip with some wonderful friends.

Karen S said...

I think you have done extremely well with your collection of orange fabrics.
The little bags are delightful.

Allison said...

What wonderful memories Jenny. The little bags are a great idea. I wonder if there is similar in Australia.