Presidential Highway and Dunedin

We went out exploring one afternoon, driving an oval shaped route from Gore and back through the countryside, a road we hadn’t previously traveled on.  And goodness me, on reaching Clinton we discovered this sign, we had just driven along the Presidential Highway!

This stretch of highway between Clinton and Gore acquired unexpected fame in the 1990s when Bill Clinton and Al Gore were respectively president and vice-president of the United States. When President Clinton visited New Zealand in 1999, a photograph of the road sign was presented to him by the United States ambassador, Josiah Beeman.

Hello, Mr President

Tiny little Clinton has a sunflower oil business and we drove past many paddocks of happy yellow sunflowers, with their flowers growing brightly in the sun shine.

Blooming sunflowers

Our stop for the next two nights was Dunedin.  The main reason for our visit to this very Scottish city, was to spend time with my old school friend Merilyn and her husband Colin.  Dunedin was founded in 1848 by the Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland.   The city has a rich  Scottish connection. It’s name comes from the Gaelic word for Edinburgh, and Thomas Burns, nephew to famous Scots poet Robert Burns, was among the early settlers.

We spent an enjoyable afternoon/evening with Colin and Merilyn at their home the day we arrived, and the following day they came and collected us to go out for lunch.  But first, they took us for a look around the Otago Settlers Museum.  I’m sure I’ve mentioned that I have Scots blood in my veins, from my Scottish grandfather.

Dunedin was founded by Scots emigrants

Fire Brigade carriage and early tram

I always enjoy finding textiles in museums, and this was an apron made from sacking, with applique and embroidery on the hem.  Sadly it was displayed above head height so didn't photograph at all well, but I’m sure you will get the general idea.  This is an example of a housewife turning a mundane heavy duty sacking apron into an attractive item.

Applique and embroidery on a sacking apron

There was also a display of early wedding gowns.  These two were worn by early settlers to the region, and would serve as “best dresses” later on, I’m sure. 

Early wedding gowns worn by Dunedin settlers

A roast lunch was next, and Colin and Merlyn took us to a local pub – what a popular place,  but luckily we managed to find a spare table.  The roast of the day was pork, so that’s what we all ordered, and very tasty it was too.

Me and Merilyn in the pub

Next we were taken for a drive up to the headland overlooking St Kilda Beach. We went and peered over the cliff edge at the pretty beach below.  But my goodness, it was blowing a gale, and we could hardly wait to get back inside the car.  That blew any cobwebs away!  Just as well that Robin took his cap off before he stepped outside, otherwise it could have been blown down to Antarctica!.

St Kilda Beach

We enjoyed a final coffee  together at the local garden centre to finish off our day.   Merilyn and Colin had grand-dog sitting duties to do over the weekend and had to hurry back home.  It was so nice to have such a great catch up with them both, hear all their news, enjoy a lovely meal in their beautiful home, and lunch out the following day.  Old friends are great friends indeed, and Merilyn and I go back to primary schooldays.

Colin and Robin

Time for a little stitching, and Pancake Rocks

We have moved on to the tiny settlement of Barrytown and I had an hour or so sitting under the shady awning doing a little stitching. We are camped up on a hill and have a wonderful sea view.

Not only did I finish this tiny little dove from Noah's Ark stitchery, but worked a little longer to start the next design – two kangaroos waiting to hop onboard the ark.

Just a small finish

Sitting outside in the balmy evening with our camping neighbours, we were chatting away and waiting for the sun to go down into the horizon on the Tasman Sea.  How spectacular that turned out, well worth the biting insects making a meal of us, regardless of the repellant we had put on.

Sunset at Barrytown

The next morning we back tracked 16km  to arrive at the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.  The pancake rock formations were created by the wind and rain eating into the softer layers of rock between harder layers of stratified limestone.  The sedimentary rock was formed on the sea bed millions of years ago, before being uplifted and eroded into the pancake rock pattern that is marveled over today.  This attraction is looked after by the Department of Conservation and entry is free.

The start of the boardwalk is an attractive walk through nikau palms, and then glimpses of the pancake rocks appear.  We both took our sticks for this walk for safety in the crowds, what a pair of old crocks we are.  And there certainly were crowds of people everywhere, all jostling for the closest positions at the photo stops.   The pancake rocks were just as spectacular as we remembered.  There were information boards dotted along the paths.   Tourists were out in force, we heard all sorts of languages spoken around us.  A young woman kindly took our photo for us.

Pancake rocks

We saw some white fronted terns on the rocks, and Robin’s larger camera captured them much better than my point and shoot camera could.  These birds capture small fish by plunge-diving from a hovering flight a few metres above the sea.

White Fronted Tern

After our walk around this interesting place, it was time for lunch at the Pancake Rocks Café.   We chose a table out in the awning and I mentioned to the young man clearing the tables how much cooler it was out there.   I did feel sorry for him when he replied that he didn't notice, he was too busy working!  The serving of pancakes were huge, too much for me to finish.

Lunch at the café

I visited the adjacent gift shop, really expecting to see items aimed at tourists to New Zealand.  There was plenty of that, but I did find something which took my fancy, an apron for the caravan.  I’m sure I've mentioned before that I always wear an apron while I'm cooking or preparing food – because I’m a messy cook!

A little something for me

A little Sewing, and Physio visit

I did a little sewing over the weekend, something that I’d wanted to stitch for a while.  With a good supply of donated children's fabric on hand, I wanted to make some little girls pinnies (aprons).  Sew Wot friend Heather lent me her delightful pattern a while ago, and I traced a copy off.  She used to make the dress and pinny for her own girls when they were little, she told me, all those years ago.

Such a cute pattern

Gemma wanted to help too, and showed interest as I was stitching away.  It’s nice that she wants to keep me company,and luckily doesn't get too close to the needle while I’m stitching away.

Gemma is such a good helper

I made two little pinnies.  The red and white fabric was part of the haul I received from my neighbour Dorothy’s stash when she was moved into a rest home.  And the pretty blue I picked up last week from Heather, when she had a box of goodies for the Sew Wot ladies to pick through and take what we fancied.  The pattern is two pieces, front and back alike, which slips over the child's head, and ties at the sides.  Just the thing to keep their pretty dresses clean while they are busy at play.

One blue, one red

These will no doubt find their way into the Foster Hope donation bag, but they are so cute I just may keep them for a little while.  I’ll certainly be making more from this pattern.

Robin attended his first physio class today, a little nervously I must add, as he had been warned that it could be rather difficult and painful at first.  This is a weekly class arranged by the hospital for knee replacement patients.  As other men were also attending the class, I made my way to the café and let everyone get on with it.  The coffee was lovely and hot, and I savoured every sip.  Then I made my way back to the Physio waiting room sitting quietly with my knitting waiting for the session to finish.  One by one the other men completed their exercises and departed.  One of them commented that his wife was waiting in the car for him, doing knitting as well to pass the time.

Knitting on my lap in the waiting room

Robin was the last one there, as I peeked around the corner, and saw him walking up and down the wooden steps.  Then he climbed onto the small trampoline and walked on the spot – this was to mimic walking on uneven ground, we were told.

The last exercise of the morning

Anna the Physio was pleased with how things went on Robin’s first session, and the advice was to go home, put an ice pack on the knee, have a hot drink and relax.  Do the exercises during the week, he was told, and come back next Monday morning!  Fair enough, he can do that.  It may well be a bit painful, but it’s all for a good cause, to make that knee stronger and more flexible.

Be Grateful, and Daylight Saving starts

Spring has sprung here in my part of Paradise, and last night was time to turn the clocks forward one hour for Daylight Saving time.  Our evenings will be  little longer, more time to enjoy the balmy early evenings.  It must be said that I love Summer.

I’ve been a bit preoccupied lately with several appointments in the lead up to Robin’s knee replacement, and his operation last Tuesday.  It went well, I’m pleased to say, and he was home within a few days.  He wasn't allowed home until he could get out of bed and back in unaided, attend to his ablutions, and walk up and down a few steps by himself.  Now he is home he is resting up, doing his exercises, walking slowly around, and healing.  I’m sure he will improve day by day.

This is something I finished earlier, but hadn't yet blogged about it.  My second apron using another lovely transfer from Stitcher’s Revolution.  Be Grateful is from the Cute Kitchen Sayings series.  It started off looking like this.

In the beginning

I’ve been stitching along bit by bit, and I’m really pleased how it turned out.  I do my stitcheries using Perle No 5 (no thin stranded cottons for me)  and the purchased apron is made with something like a drill fabric.

All finished

This is the second of these aprons I have made with stitching on the front.  The first was made for the caravan, and this one will be used in the kitchen at home.  I have made a start on another stitching project, so will work on that next in my slow stitching time. 

Have a great day, and happy slow stitching to everyone.

Slow Stitching and Knitting

My slow stitching this week has been a little work on another apron.  Once again, I’m using a design from Stitcher’s Revolution “Cute Kitchen Sayings”.  This one is Be Grateful.

Another apron

I’ve also been working on another pair of socks.  These were the very first pair I ever knitted, but I’ve found them much too short, the pattern has them finishing just a couple of inches above the ankle.  I wasn't happy wearing them, so decided to unravel the rib down from the top and lengthen them.  That was easier said than done, I’m not sure if it was because I was trying to undo it this way, or because of the ribbing, but it took me ages.  Of course, there was none of the original wool left, so I cast on some similar blue yarn and started knitting.  The socks even came to the hospital with me when Robin had an appointment.  I was surprised when several ladies commented on my knitting as they walked past while I was in the waiting room.  Guess there is always some interest in handwork.

Knitting at the hospital

Finally, the socks were lengthened to my satisfaction, and I sat and sewed up the side seams today.

Seam stitching time

There, all done.  I’m so pleased that I was able to alter these socks, and be able to keep wearing them, instead of chucking them out in the bin.

Waste not, want not

Another Finish

It’s taken a while, with this project put in time out for a while, while I’ve worked on other things.  But at last I’ve finished the stitchery on my caravan apron.  The design is from Stitcher’s Revolution Camping Adventures patterns, and I certainly enjoyed working on it.

I remember purchasing two of these aprons while on a trip to Hamilton.  Just what I was looking for, the lighter coloured front bib would be the  perfect place to add an embroidery.

Camping apron now finished

This  was so enjoyable to do, I’ve now got the second apron prepared and ready to stitch.  Perhaps I’ll leave it for a while, as I also have another stitchery project I want to start.  But then, there’s no rule to say I can’t do two at once, is there? 

Just A Little Hand Work

It’s winter here in my part of paradise, with wet, cold, windy weather most days.  But believe it or not, the sun came out, the wind dropped and I managed to spend an hour outside on the patio one afternoon this week.  Gemma joined me, and she sat on the wooden seat soaking up the sunshine, while I sat at the patio table.  My task was to do some more stitching on my latest pair of secret socks for one of the granddaughters.  I knit my socks on two needles, so have to finish them with a seam up the side.  And, to take care of the dreaded “second sock syndrome” I always knit both socks at once.  My first pair of socks were knitted one at a time, never again, I decided.

Stitching up the sock seams.

The weather gods have since remembered it is winter after all, and sent back the rain and cold temperatures, so no more sitting outside.  But it’s been nice and cozy inside on Slow Stitching Sunday today and I did some more on my apron stitchery.  I’m not quite finished yet but every hour spent quietly stitching away means I’m getting closer to the completion.  This pattern is from Stitcher’s Revolution Camping Adventures series, and I’ll be wearing this apron while away on caravan trips.

Getting there slowly

What happened in April

Looking back, it  seems that April has been a very productive month.  Mind you, we have all been in Level 4 Lockdown here in New Zealand, just moving to Level 3 with similar restrictions, so hardly any tripping around at all.  I remember that I often used to comment on my lack of stitching endeavours, saying something like “not much time for sewing as we will be away in the caravan this weekend etc”.  Well, during Lockdown that hasn’t happened for a while and all weekends lately have been spent at home, including Easter and Anzac weekends.  So….. a quick recap of the month.

First up was number 4 on my list.  I completed an apron and placemats, using caravan themed fabric I had received a birthday or two ago.  Wonder when we will get to go away for a caravan trip again, could well be some time, I think.

For the caravan

Then I assembled my “Under the Sea”  Block of the Month stitchery designed by Willowberry Designs in 2010.  These blocks had been hanging around much too long so I am  really pleased they have seen the light of day again.  The layers are all safety  pinned together now, so I’ll be ready to get on with the machine quilting soon when number 5 of the dice roll comes around again.

Under the Sea

Tane Mahuta was number 6 on my list.  Inspired by the Tiny Tree stitch-along by Temecula Quilt Co  the idea for this project evolved and grew.  Using two New Zealand batik designs, kowhai tree and ferns, I decided to make the blocks a little bigger and stitched pinwheel blocks instead of the multiple block designs which were offered.  I like to imagine the two fabrics show sunlight filtering down through the branches of this magnificent tree.  My little wall hanging is a tribute  to Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest, which is New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree.  Growing in the Waipoua Forest of Northland, New Zealand it is  estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old.

Tane Mahuta

Christmas Coins tablecloth was not on my list at all, but soon became my next finish.  All the Christmas coins were small scraps and strips hanging around, some longer than others, wider strips, and narrow ones too. Originally this started as a leader and ender project, just sewing strips together while I was working on something else.  Why not just keep working and finish it, I thought, so I did.

Christmas Coins

After reading about making covers to put on the handles of supermarket trollies, thanks to Cynthia Cynthia, on her blog “Quilting is more fun than housework”, read about it here,  I just had to have a go myself.  They didn't take too long to make, and I chopped up and used an existing small table topper.  Luckily I had some Velcro tucked away to use for the fastenings. It seems a great idea to use these, take them home to wash, and pack away till the next visit,  not only protecting us from Covid 19 but also from coughs, colds and other germs.

Two covers for supermarket trolley handles

And lastly, I’ve assembled blocks from my supply of neutral string blocks.  I had stitched quite a few of these for  when I started on “Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll”, a Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt.  Then I decided that Bonnie's quilt have too many little pieces for me to deal with, and the blocks were tucked away.  This is the second child’s donation quilt using these blocks, and this time I’m using teal blue sashing.

Neutral strings quilt top

What else has happened this month?  I’ve kept up to date with making blocks for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects.  We celebrated both Easter and Anzac Day at home, and Gemma had a birthday, she is now two yeas old.  I’ve made a several different pots of soup, so comforting I always think,  tried some  new recipes for dinner, and done some baking.  Many thanks to the gift of a big bag of flour sent down from my daughter Nicky as none could be found on the supermarket shelves.   It’s certainly been a busy month!

Christmas Coins

I blame Jocelyn who writes as Canadian Needle Nana for this, check out her version of Christmas Coins here.  Such a great idea, I thought, so why not make something similar for myself.  All the Christmas coins were small scraps and strips hanging around, some longer than others, wider strips, and narrow ones too, so nothing Christmassy was cut from stash at this stage.  I’ve never been what you would call a scrappy quilter, so with mixing up all sorts of colours and designs, and different widths too, this project was a real adventure for me.  Originally this started as a leader and ender project, just sewing strips together while I was working on something else.

Lots of various strips

With all the pieces stitched, and trimmed to a uniform size, I then worked out how to assemble it, deciding on four rows of coins separated by strips of a green and white festive print.  I’ve no idea where this print came from, not something I purchased, so I must have picked it up somewhere as a give-away.  I finished it with a Christmassy border.  This little project was always going to be a Christmas tablecloth, I decided, so it is quilted with just two layers.  Here it is on the caravan table to see how it fits, not too bad, really.

Christmas tablecloth in the caravan

And talking of caravans, we are not sure when we will finally get away for our next trip.  With being in the Covid 19 Lockdown, non essential travel is not permitted, which means holidays of course.  Here in New Zealand, at this stage, we are only to travel locally for food or medical supplies.

Here’s an outdoor shot, to show it a bit better.  I used up most of my Christmassy scraps, but there are lots of other strips hanging about.   Maybe I’ll make something similar for a donation quilt one day.

Outdoors photo shoot

How about a “Blast from the Past”?  I remember using that Christmas print on an apron some years ago, so I’ve had that fabric for a long time.  I rummaged around looking for the apron, and also looking back through the blog to get the date.  This was made for the  Christmas Apron Challenge for my club, Pinestream Quilters of Upper Hutt at the time,  way back in November 2009. The challenge was to make a Christmas themed apron, of our own design. I am definitely a wearer of aprons, so this challenge certainly took my fancy. I used a commercial apron pattern (tissue paper) that I knew I had from years gone by, (Butterick 4066). I decided to stitch the selvage from the Christmas fabric across the apron bib. The print was used for the straps, pockets and the apron hem, teamed with cream homespun. It didn’t turn out too bad, if I do say so myself.  Although I didn't win a prize for my apron that night, I was thrilled when it was shown on the Selvedge blog, read about it here.   https://romanyquilting.blogspot.com/2009/12/im-so-excited.html

Robin took a photo of me wearing the apron, and his comment was “You look like you are in the Sound of Music”.  Goodness me, I think I do – such a shame I’m not much of a singer!

I’ve been wondering why the design Chinese Coins is so named?  Did they really stack lots of colourful coins one on top of each other in a big pile?  Someone is sure to know.