Chookshed Challenge completed

I'm so pleased that I have my Chookshed challenge for June completed - especially as  May was a non event for me.  I started with this, all the little blocks embroidered and ready to go.  I really enjoyed stitching these little beauties.

Starting point

This kit also provided a pattern to make a wall hanging, so that is what I decided on.  So I added some red/green/gold sashing and started assembling the blocks.  This was a little tricky as the middle row was a bit too long compared to the outer rows.  So it was unpicked and just a smidgeon cut off the middle row blocks.  Whew, luckily they now fitted together nicely.

Next was the outer border, and I decided to keep it simple with a green and gold patterned fabric.  I contemplated hand quilting but no, although this was small, it would still take me a while to complete.  And I wanted it finished in June.  So, a little while quilting on the sewing machine, adding the binding, and I was almost there.  Then it was just a matter of hand stitching the binding down, adding a hanging sleeve and a label, and this little project was finally complete.  This is the first time I had worked with felt applique.

By assembling the blocks together as a wall hanging, there were two blocks left over.  So I used one as a label on the back.

This kit was a gift from my pen friend Carol from Dakota several years ago, thanks so much Carol.  The little blocks were stitched a while ago, and I'm pleased this project is finally completed.  It will now be ready to come out and be displayed at Christmas.

Stitched Sewing Bird for Kate

 My great niece Kate is turning 25 and having a get together to celebrate this milestone with friends and family.  Sadly we are unable to travel up to Hastings to join in the fun, as we had planned.  My son Michael turns 60 this month (gulp, how did that happen?) and we will be having a short caravan trip  down to the South Island to see him.  

I made Kate a cushion for her birthday and sent it up by mail.  She received it the following day, that was really quick, I though.  Kate likes blue, and she is one of those clever girls who can stitch hexagons together with ease - I'm sure I couldn't do that.  

The cushion features a pretty little stitchery of a sewing bird, which I had done some time ago.  It was sitting waiting patiently to be made into something and I'm sure it is one of  Michelle Ridgeway's lovely designs.

Happy Birthday to Kate

Hand Stitching

I've been busy doing a little hand stitching lately.   On Saturday I attended a stitch-in day, organized by my quilt club.  The weather was miserable, wet and drizzly, but the hall was nice and toasty with the heat pumps working hard.  Others were machining away, but I don't like to take my sewing machine away from home theses days, it is just so heavy for me to load into the car and take it out at the other end.  So I make sure I have plenty of hand work instead.  Yesterday I starting  hand stitching the binding down on one of the big quilts I had commercially quilted a while ago ago.  I didn't get it all stitched down, but I've made a good start on it.  

Binding time

Eight ladies braved the wet and cold conditions to come and stitch for a while.  We stopped for a mid morning cuppa, and a lunch break.  It's always nice to stitch with company, isn't it.  By 2.00pm we all decided to pack up and head home.

Today, Sunday, I decided to make blueberry pancakes for breakfast.  I'd found a Jamie Oliver recipe, knew I had some frozen blueberries in the freezer, so whipped them up.  It was a nice simple recipe and I served them with whipped cream, extra blueberries and a drizzle of genuine maple syrup, all the way from Canada.  They didn't turn out perfectly round, but I must say they were absolutely delicious!

Blueberry pancakes for Sunday breakfast

I've been stitching away on a quilt label today, almost there.  I had just written the info with my pigma pen, but decided to stitch over the words.  Then I can attach it to the backing and share a photo of my completed quilt.  

Stitching a quilt label

As for my socks, they have come to a bit of a standstill.  I'm up to the heels, but need to spend a bit of time, sitting quietly on my own, while I read the pattern and mark off each row.  I've knitted heels plenty of times, but really need to concentrate.

Perhaps you remember the oven mitts I completed recently?  I posted them to my granddaughter Megan last week and received a thank you snap chat.

Thank you from Megan

My daughter Nicky has asked if I can make her oven mitts for her birthday, so I'm not finished with them yet.  That's next on my list to do.

Kiwi Blocks done

 My stitchery kiwi blocks are finally finished, just in time for the Chookshed Challenge in May.  I purchased a kit from Millie Mac Studios comprising of printed panels and stranded cottons.  These were a bit small for what I had in mind, and I'd rather work in Perle number 5 rather than the embroidery threads.  So I got the patterns printed larger, and sent the original kit up to my daughter to stitch at her leisure.

The designs show Mr Kiwi sporting his Christmas cap enjoying a variety of Kiwi Christmas activities.  Cooking on a BBQ,  and over a fire beside his Combi van, decorating a tree for Christmas, and delivering a sack full of Christmas gifts.

What to do with the stitcheries?  I didn't really want to make a wall hanging with them, and decided on place mats to use in the caravan.  The first two I bordered in a New Zealand tree design, and thought I could use this set  year round.

Kiwi busy cooking his dinner

Pohutukawa flowers border the second two blocks, and the embroidered designs are a little larger on these two.  I'll use this set over Christmas.  This tree is often called the New Zealand Christmas Tree as it flowers over the Summer.

Christmas Tree and a sack of gifts on top of a fine looking ram

It's always good to have a finish, and I'm certainly enjoying taking part in the  Chookshed Challenge.  It's been fun listing my UFOs for the year, and this was number 5 which was selected this month.

Where is my number five?

 Number 5 is the number chosen for the Chookshed Challenge for May.  But I had two problems with that.  I checked my list of 10 challenges to find that I hadn't anything listed for number 5.  My list went from 4 to 6, very strange.  Then I remembered that I had made kiwi blocks my number 5 challenge, to join in with some of the others who were making kiwis too.  However, mine are embroidered, not pieced.

After sorting that little problem out, I went hunting for the elusive kiwi blocks.  They weren't in my bag with all the remaining challenges, so where were they?  I finally tracked them down to my block roll - there they were, hiding away, and waiting to be found.

My elusive kiwi blocks

This set of stitcheries show Mr Kiwi enjoying a Kiwi (New Zealand) Christmas.  Cooking on the BBQ, toasting marshmallows, decorating the tree, and r4iding on a fine looking ram delivering Christmas gifts.  

What to do with them, that is the question.  This challenge will have to wait for a few days as we are away from home, to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial for a family member.

Stitching, Knitting and Shopping

 A little stitching, knitting, and shopping, that's what I've been up to lately.  I always seem to have a pair of socks on the go, and these are my current triple knit (12 ply) pair.  Made with white/cream home spun wool, a gift from my friend Merilyn, with added speckled yarn, they are coming along nicely.  Once past the heels, I'm now on the homeward stretch.

Nice and cozy for winter

The final of four Kiwi Christmas stitcheries has just been completed.  This shows a Kiwi carrying a large bag of gifts riding on a rather well muscled ram.  Surely such a handsome ram must be "Mr Stud" on the farm, I'm thinking.

Kiwi Christmas stitchery

As for the shopping, we had a quick  trip to Pete's Emporium the other day.  This shop stocks all sorts of goodies, and Robin was after another New Zealand flag to fly on our flag pole. 

Pete's Emporium, Lower Hutt

There is quite a large craft area too, selling fabric, buttons, lace and cords, wool too.  As I didn't know we were going to Petes, I was not at all organised for a shopping trip.  In the end I purchased just a couple of balls of Sugar and Cream knitting cotton to knit more dishcloths.  They always come in handy.

Knitting cotton

So that's what I've been up to lately, a bit of this and a bit of that.

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.

Holiday Knitting and Stitching

My knitting and stitching bags have come  away with me on our caravan trip.  I like to do easy knitting on car trips and I’m working on my blue socks.  Once past those tricky heels, the foot portion is all straight knitting till I reach the toes so doesn't need too much concentration.

Sock knitting in the car

Summer holidays means sitting outside under the shady awning working on my stitchery.  I’ve spent several pleasant hours working on one of my Christmas Kiwi blocks, and have now completed the kiwi and the BBQ.  That’s two finished, and two more to go, but I’m not in a hurry for this.

Kiwi cooking on the BBQ

Our caravan friends Helen and Owen came to join us for several days here at Napier.   I went out with Helen and her family to visit the Sunflower Farm on their Open Day.  So many people had the same idea, all vying for a car park.  We joined the hordes of people all walking up  the path, getting up close and personal amongst the tall, nodding sunflowers.  I had never seen so many, and everyone was entranced with them.  It was free entry to wander amongst the flowers, and when leaving the sales table was very busy with customers.  At $2.00 a stem, two sun flowers came back with me.

Helen and Jenny amongst the sunflowers

I’ve finally purchased some cherries,  I love summer cherries, so I’ll really enjoy these.  Robin doesn't care for them, so I’ll get to eat them all myself!

Cherries for me

There’s just a couple of days to go on this trip, then we will start heading home again. 

My Quilt Ladder, and Christmas Slow Stitching

Just in time for Christmas, I've received my new hand crafted quilt ladder.  Robin had found a plan to make one of these on the internet, and asked his Menz Shed builder friend for advice.  While he was in hospital getting his second knee replacement, and the subsequent eight weeks recovery time, Brian the builder took the job over for him.  He measured the timber, cut and assembled the ladder for Robin - how kind of him.  Once Robin could comfortably stand on his knee again, he took over the sanding and the wood staining.  And then brought it home to me.  As you can image, I was thrilled, I’ve wanted one of these for such a long time.

Christmas quilts on the quilt ladder

I haven't any slow stitching this week to show you, so I thought you might like to have a closer look at my Christmas Alphabet quilt which is displayed on the quilt ladder.

Alphabet Noel

Alphabet Noel was designed by Australian Michelle Ridgway, and I enlarged the designs.  I also changed a couple of the pictures on the alphabets to better suit me, and added four more of of Michelle’s designs in each corner.

So  what else have we been doing?  We received another Covid booster last week – no trouble at all afterwards, luckily.  And we had our final pre Christmas get together with friends.  We met our friends Calvin and Helen at Boulcott Golf Club Café in Lower Hutt.  The large car park was very full indeed, and we drove slowly around looking for an empty car park.  As well as people coming out for lunch, there were obviously plenty of golfers out enjoying their time on the golf course.

We pursued the menu and checked out the cabinet food.  There were several large tables full of other pre Christmas diners too, so the service was a little slow as the staff worked hard to serve the meals.  What to have – I chose Bubble and Squeak (don’t often see that on a menu) with a side of sliced salmon, and Robin had fish and chips.  With so many people dining, I decided not to ask the busy staff to take a photo, so we did it ourselves instead.  As always, there was plenty to chat about, our plans for Christmas, family, and our absent friend Trish, who sadly had just come home from a week in hospital.

Jenny and Robin, Helen and Calvin

This area is of historical significance from the early years of settlement.  The golf club is situated off Military Road and there is a large stone memorial on the corner of the road marking the site of Boulcott’s Farm Stockade.  This tells the story of the attack on the stockade during the Maori Wars.  On 16th May 1846 over 200 Maori warriors from Wanganui attacked the stockade and were fought off by a garrison of 50 men of the 58th Regiment.  The bodies of six Imperial soldiers who fell were buried nearby.

Memorial Stone

With just one week till Christmas I’m pleased the social commitments are over.  I can do with some spare days at home to get ready for our time away, do some baking, and pack the caravan.  The countdown to Christmas is always very busy, isn't it.

Slow Stitching Sunday

It’s a good day to spend inside today, it’s been raining all day.  Mother Nature is a bit tardy as the season has changed over to Summer, so where’s the sunshine?.  My slow Sunday stitching is coming along well, and I have now finished my first block of four of a cheeky Kiwi enjoying his Christmas Summer holidays.   Kiwi is camping in his Kombi van, cooking over the camp fire.  Yes, we celebrate Christmas in the Summer season here in New Zealand.

Kiwi cooking his dinner

I’m also stitching up a pair of birthday socks.  These were finished a couple of months ago, too late for the birthday girl unfortunately, so I’ll keep them for next year.  Knitted in home spun double knit with 4ply sock yarn, they will be nice and cozy.

Secret birthday socks

With Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to get some festive quilts out.  This one is “All the Love of Christmas”, a Bronwyn Hayes design, and is hanging above one of the sofas.

All the Love of Christmas

I also placed a Christmas quilt across the back of the other sofa.  This as yet unnamed quilt was a Secret Santa Sew Along I found on the internet several years ago, but I didn't take a note of the  name of the designer.

Another Christmas quilt

Robin has been up in the loft for me to retrieve several Christmas crates, so I’ll be putting some smaller Christmas quilts and ornaments out soon.  Although we are usually away in the caravan and seldom home over Christmas, I still like to get my special treasures out to make the room look nice and festive.  How is your Christmas decorating coming along?

Noah’s Ark, and a New Start

It’s another step forward with Noah's Ark – it is now pinned up and awaiting its turn to be quilted.  I went to a sewing day on Saturday and used one of the handy tables for this job. It sure beats crawling on my hands and knees on the floor at home.    Jude shared some of her batting off cuts with me, so one long piece was cut in half and Frankinbatted with my sewing machine.  And low and behold, just the right size.  The navy gingham for the backing was donated from my neighbour Dorothy’s stash when she moved into a resthome.  The three layers were smoothed and pinned, and is all ready for the next step……..sometime soon I hope.

Noah’s Ark quilt

With that job out of the way I settled down to work on my new stitchery project.  I’m starting a set of New Zealand themed Christmas designs from MillyMac Supplies.  This one is a kiwi bird camping with his iconic VW Kombi van.  

New stitchery started

Although these stitcheries are Christmas themed, I'm certainly not aiming to get them all completed for Christmas this year.  Maybe next year instead?

Noah’s Ark

I’m pleased that my Noah’s Ark stitchery blocks are now a top.  They were such fun to stitch, and this project traveled with us during our two months caravan trip around the South Island.  Stitching at lovely campsites after a day of sightseeing over the summer months, it was a very enjoyable project to work on indeed.  Not that they were completed during our holiday – but were slowly worked on when we returned home.  The designs were stitched on two large pieces of fabric, then  cut apart and bordered in different colours. 

While on our caravan trip I visited a quilt shop in Blenheim and found a great fabric to use for the border of this quilt.  It reminded me of the colours of the rainbow so I just had to have it, in fact I purchased the last on the board, just short of 2 metres I think.  And to think I only went shopping for black Perle no.5 thread, I did very well indeed. 

This fabric took a bit of finding last week, I had put it away safely somewhere – but where?  Luckily I found it and stitched up the quilt top.  And here it is, the completed top. 

Noah's Ark quilt top

Lynette Anderson-O’Rourke designed these lovely blocks and I found it as a freebie on the internet.

Noah's Ark on top of the mountain