Binding, do you love it or hate it?

I’m in the “I love hand stitching the binding down” camp, and that's what I've been doing on this warm Autumn day.  This pleasant task signifies the end of the quilt making process, and I must say that I rather like those dinky little binding clips. 

Binding time

This quilt top had been finished for a while, and I recently discovered it all rolled up with the already prepared backing and binding.  It was constructed similar to Happy Blocks, the piece of delightful frog fabric was cut into squares and framed in different colours.  Time to get it out and complete it, I thought.  Pinning the layers together was the next step, done outside on the patio table.

All pinned up

Machine quilting was next.  In the ditch between the blocks and borders and around the frogs, then finished with serpentine stitch on the diagonal.  This took me a couple of weeks to complete, making sure I took plenty of breaks to look after my back.

Machine quilting

There, all done.  It looks quite cute and colourful, I think.  Someone is sure to love it.

It’s interesting that this little quilt for donation is made up of several pieces of donated fabric.  The cute kissy kissy frogs and the lime green border fabrics were in one of our Sew Wots donation fabric piles looking for a new home.  I really liked these fabrics so they came home with me.  And the spriggy backing fabric came from my elderly neighbour’s stash when she moved out.

RSC time again

I have to admit that going away in the caravan over Easter certainly cut into my time at the sewing machine.  But I’ve been busy over the last few days and completed some Rainbow Scrap Challenge stitching, using the colour for April -  purple.  First up was Little Bricks.  This project  was started mid way through 2022, so is being carried over this year.  I had previously made some light purple blocks last year, so found some scraps of darker purple for this month.  These little blocks are very simple to make, thanks for Sylvia for sharing her pattern, and I know I’m not the only RSCer whipping these up each month.

Little bricks

Happy blocks are nice and easy too.  I’m doing two sets of these, one each for a young boy and girl.  It’s always enjoyable looking through my donated kiddies stock of 5in squares, and choosing what to frame it with.  For the boys ones I found frogs, a little boy on his bike, South Sea island, teddies and stripes.

Happy blocks for a little boy

In my stash of donated squares there are so many more girly ones than for boys.  This month I found butterflies and flowers, a little girl block, hearts, animals and unicorns.  Plenty of interest for a little girl here.

For a little girl

There are several unfinished RSC projects from last year that I’m starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.  Three have been made into quilt tops, with quilting as the next step, with others needing assembling.  Guess I’ll just have to take a deep breath and tackle one at a time.  After all, this hobby is meant to be fun, isn't it.

Sew Wot Tuesday

This time, the Sew Wot ladies drove out into the country to Helen’s rural home.  Mary is still having a clean out in her sewing room, and brought along another big pile of books, magazines, and patterns.  That’s always exciting, and we all had a good look through them, and most chose some to take home.

Mary had been busy crocheting over the last few weeks, and was busy stitching the second crotchet blanket together.  These look so nice and cozy, and such pretty colours.  I don't know how to crochet, but I have seen Mary complete one of these blocks in hardly any time at all.

Mary’s two pretty blankets

And for a change of pace, Mary had been knitting too.  She had completed two tiny baby singlets, knitted in 3ply Merino wool.  These are going into her Baby Box, she said. 

Baby singlets

The only other show and tell was from Helen.  The pattern for this large quilt is “Toes in the Sand” and it has just come back from being commercially quilted.  Made with little triangles in big triangles, such a lot of work.   Just miles of binding to stitch down, she said, that will take a while, I’m sure.

Helen’s triangle quilt

Helen had also knitted a baby singlet.  This stripy little beauty will be donated.

Baby singlet

We were all busy knitting away.  I had brought my stitchery project along, but it seemed easier to just get my knitting out.  I really must get working on it again, it’s been ages since I touched it.  Sorry about the photos, there was too much sun coming in the windows.

Helen, Heather, Mary, Carol and Sandra

Of course, we all enjoyed the tasty home baking for morning tea.  Thanks so much Helen, for a lovely morning.

Morning Tea

Easter Holidays

It was a separate holiday for us and the cat this Easter.  We were keen to attend  the 27th CCNZ National Rally at Masterton.  With a no animal policy at Solway College, we couldn’t take Gemma, so dropped her off at the local cattery for her second only visit to such a place. I must admit it did worry me how she would get on, although the cattery owner assured us she would get the best of care, and would send a text to let us know how she was settling down.  So we said goodbye, placed her in her unit, and went on our way.  It did feel strange going away in the caravan without her.

Ready in her carry cage

With helpers guiding the vans into rows we were soon settled in.  Our row was Boothill, named for the place where gunslingers and outlaws were buried in Tombstone, Arizona who "died with their boots on."  The hall was decorated in a country and western theme, and the committee had done a great job.

Let the fun begin

Saturday was a busy day and 55 happy campers lined up to board the big blue double decker bus for a mystery trip at 9.00am.  We had to take a packed lunch with us, and our folded camp chairs were whisked away to our lunch spot, wherever that would be, it was a mystery, after all.  First stop was to the local Farmers Market, where the only purchase I made was a nice hot coffee, then on to visit a private garden featuring many sculptures.  The massive gate on the property was interesting.  The owner was told that the designer had his own idea of what he wanted to  to make, and if the owner wasn't happy with the finished product he didn't have to buy it.  It opens by turning the very heavy wheel, so a couple of us took turns trying the mechanism for a photo op.

This is a statement gate indeed

Our picnic lunch stop was at a local farm and as promised our fold up chairs were ready and waiting for us.  But the highlight of the bus trip would have to be Ponataki Greek Church. This private church was the dream of George Pantelous who achieved his heart’s desire with the construction of this beautiful building.

Greek Church

The interior was beautifully painted by an 18 year old artist, Stephen Allwood, who took a year to finish his work, including the dome ceiling.  Such beautiful details, and many thanks to our guide who related the history of this building.  No church pews are inside, the faithful must remain standing for the 2 1/2 hour service, we were told.

Such a beautiful painted interior

The weekend was full of entertainment – in the evening after our bus trip we all met back in the hall for a Line Dancing demonstration.  The dancers all looked very smart indeed in their country style outfits as they “strutted their stuff” to the music.  I was pleasantly surprised that it was not all country music used, they danced to a little rock and roll, and other types of music  too.  After the demo, many of the campers joined the dancers for some easy tuition and did their best to keep up with the experts.

Line Dancing demonstration

On Sunday morning we were all treated to a cooked breakfast, bacon, French Toast, banana and Maple syrup, that really went down a treat.  Such a lot of cooking to feed us all, and the committee did very well indeed.

Sunday breakfast

Two very cute Easter Bunnies came hopping around the hall handing out Easter Eggs, that was nice!

So pleased you came calling

Included in our Goody Bag were two complimentary tickets for the Miniature Railway in nearby Queen Elizabeth Park.  The sun was shining and the park was buzzing with family groups.  Toot, toot, here comes the train!  The passengers disgorged, and then we clambered in.  The track took us several times around the lake, through the tunnel, tooting as it went, such fun.  It doesn't take much to make us happy!

Ride on the miniature railway

The Grande Finale of the weekend was our catered dinner.  The caterers, Kiwi Kai Catering,  arrived towing their kitchen caravan all painted up advertising the Pink Floyd Experience.  The owner told me that they will be going on the tour in June and will be feeding the band and crew.  Our meals were very tasty, roast chicken and ham, with a selection of salads and veggies, followed by individual  berry cheese cakes.  We had taken along some bubbly for me and red wine for Robin to complete our meal, and were obviously having such a great evening that I forgot to take any photos!

NO cooking for us tonight, the caterers have arrived

After our lovely meal the final raffle prizes were drawn, and then the committee started auctioning off various items used for the country style decorations around the hall.  I’m happy to say I won the bid for the three pumpkins, looks like I’ll have plenty of pumpkin soup making ahead of me.  Just as well pumpkins store well so I don't have to use them all immediately.

That will make a lot of soup

The official closing of the rally took place on  Monday morning, and  thanks were made to the Wairarapa Caravan Club for putting on such a great National Rally.  Goodbyes were said and it was time to hook up the caravans, and we all went on our respective ways.  Such a fun weekend, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely, meeting up with old friends and chatting with new folks from other caravan clubs too.

The cattery owner had sent a message through to say that Gemma was “challenging”, was hissing and not letting the owner near her.   Luckily she was eating well.   I guess Gemma had no idea where she was, and why we had left her at this strange place.  When she heard my voice she hopped down from her sleeping area and ran towards me, purring away, rubbing around our legs, just so happy to see us.  I think the separation was painful for her and me as well.  Never mind, she is back to being a caravan cat again.

Although the Easter weather in Masterton was mainly fine, with a few showers, the temperatures were really cold.  I’m so pleased I had packed long trousers, warm tops and wooly socks to take away.   There’s always laundry to do after a trip away, and of course hand knitted socks need hand washing!

Sock laundry time

Fall Back

Don't worry, I haven't had a fall.  This is how we remember to alter our clocks when daylight saving comes to an end.  It’s “Spring Forward” at the start, and “Fall Back” at the completion.  This important job belongs to Robin, he is the clock fixer-upper in our home.  I must say that I'm always most impressed that the computers and cell phones can do this task all by themselves!

We've had a busy week.  Robin had his procedure on Saturday morning so we had a drive up to Palmerston North Hospital.  I was well prepared for all the waiting around, and took my knitting along on my hospital bag, a gift from Jean of https://jeanmckinstry.blogspot.com/.  Jean made me this lovely batik bag several years ago when I was having health issues, and it traveled to many a hospital appointment with me, so I always think of it as Jean’s hospital bag.  A lady walked by and told me that she wished she had packed her knitting too, while she was doing her own share of waiting.

I've got my knitting with me

Eventually Robin was processed and whisked away so I made my way to the hospital café for a late lunch.  Being a Saturday it wasn't too crowded with visitors, so I chose some lunch, found a seat and made myself comfy while I ate my lunch.  Then I waited, and waited until I received the phone call to come back and collect Robin.

Lunch, hot coffee,and a good book

So back I walked along seemingly miles of corridors to find Robin sitting up having a sandwich and a cuppa.  He was given a printed report, everything seemed well, then it was home time.  After a week of being on a restricted diet, he was happy to resume our Sunday Morning cooked breakfast tradition the following day.

Sunday morning breakfast

Some time was spent at the sewing machine during the week.  I stitched up eight neutral string blocks for a new project, more about that later when I move this further along.  These blocks will be sliced diagonally.  All these strings came from an overflowing bag which i hardly made a dent in, and I stitched them on some tracing Vilene I found lurking about.

Neutral string blocks

Easter is coming up quickly, and we are going away in the caravan again.  You can be sure we are taking some hot cross buns and Easter Eggs away with us.  Sadly, no animals are allowed at this particular venue, so we have booked Gemma into a cattery, for only the second time in her life.  She didn't have a happy experience last time, much too noisy for here, so we are hoping that with trying a different cattery it will be easier for her. 

The ladies have been requested to bring something for supper at the caravan rally, and I thought of just the thing.  Robin's usual breakfast cereal wasn't allowed the week prior to his procedure, but he could eat rice bubbles instead.  There were such a lot left over so I made some Chocolate Crackles.  These chocolatey treats were always such a hit with my children at birthday parties, so I’m sure all the caravanners will remember them.  I’m not sure if this recipe is just an Aussie and Kiwi thing, or if these are known in other countries too?

I’ve made two containers of Chocolate Crackles to take away

Wishing everyone a happy Easter break, however you plan to celebrate it.  Safe travels for those who will be travelling during the long weekend.

Sew Wot Tuesday

My turn had come up on the roster to host the Sew Wots, so that meant an afternoon spent in the kitchen the day before, whipping up some tasty treats for morning tea.  We all like to make an effort when the ladies come for our two weekly get-togethers, after all we are not called the Eat-alots by one of the hubby’s for nothing!  I made an orange cake and a batch of shortbread on Monday, and some sandwiches on Tuesday morning.  Robin helped with a quick run around with the vacuum cleaner while I did some dusting, and I was all ready to welcome the ladies.

Mary had been having a clean out of her stitching books and arrived with a big heavy pile for us to look through  and rehome, if we saw something that took our fancy.  Several of us spent a happy time browsing and made our selections.  This is what I wanted to keep.  The remaining books would be dropped off as a donation at the Op Shop. 

I decided on these three

There was not so much Show and Tell today.  Carol had been busy and had knitted some soft toys to be sent to the Wanganui Neo Natal Unit.  Say hello to Koala, Panda, Teddy and Piggy.  I’m sure the parents will enjoy selecting one of these toys for their little baby.

So cute

I had my two recently completed flag quilts to show, these will be donated to Foster Hope for children taken into care.

Two flag quilts, different designs

I had forgotten to take any further photos, but can tell you that we were all quite busy working away at our different projects.  Sandra was continuing knitting her lovely cream basket weave baby blanket.  This was her Sew Wot project, she told us, and when completed it will be donated to Plunket. Heather was knitting socks, Carol was starting another knitted toy, and I was continuing on my navy cardigan.  Mary was crocheting Peggy squares, and Helen was stitching EPP blocks together. 

Robin was a stay at home hubby during the morning too, he is having a medical procedure in several day’s time so wants to stay away from the general public.  He was busy at his computer for a while then took himself into the bedroom to watch TV.

It was so nice to have the Sew Wots here, and we will do it all again in two weeks time, at someone else’s home.

A Knitting Finish

It’s always good to have a finish, and although this is only small, it’s still  a finish after all.  When we were preparing for our 10 week South Island caravan trip, I wanted to make sure I took a couple of knitting projects with me. I had two balls of the blue, and the purple was left over from knitting my daughter a pair of thick wooly socks.   Early in our trip, I cast on the rib, and ready to go.

Over the weeks while we were traveling around, this little boy’s toddler jumper started to grow. Because this project was small, I decided to knit the back and front at the same time, up to the shaping.

Two at the same time

Finally the little jumper was knitted, and sewn up.  A button was needed for the front band, and I was sure there would be just the right one here hiding in the button jar.

On a button hunt

I had intended to donate this little toddler’s jumper, put perhaps I’ll keep it for a while, just in case it’s needed.  Must say I’m quite pleased with how it turned out, using up some odd balls of wool which were  just hanging about.

All finished