First Day of School

My boys have started back at school.  Nick has started year 9 at Elim Christian College, in Howick, and is very happy that he knows people already. Ben is continuing at St. Kentigern College, in Pakuranga. 

A new location for my blog

www.myhomemadeescape.blogspot.com

Me in Australia with a pair of socks on the needles!

Quilting in the Kitchen

I'm here in my kitchen with my sewing machine at one end and my laptop at the other. The iron sits beside 2.5" strips of beautiful paisley and floral fabrics.  I have been quilting with two friends for over a year now.  We meet on Fridays to catch up and learn new techniques. We started a sampler quilt a few months ago. It takes us ages to make one block because we talk so much!  I seem to have caught the quilting bug again.  I started quilting when I was about 10 years old. My mother is a seamstress and way back then she had a quilting club who met regularly to hand quilt each other's quilts. I seem to recall that they took turns. One would make a quilt top and bring it along to be hand stitched on a frame held by clamps.  I still have the quilt that my mom made for me. I must get it out and fix some of the holes that love has worn into it. It's a gorgeous Virginia Wheel block that has been my favorite ever since. Thank you, Mom.

Today, I've been working on the sampler quilt. It's going to be a lap quilt or a baby quilt for someone special. The colours are very contemporary yet, oh-so-seventies! The brown and pink are gorgeous together. The sashing is 2.5" squares that I put together first in strips, and then cross cut to save time. I need at least two more blocks to make it a nine patch. Or should I keep going and make it 12? I only bought 2.5 meters of fabric.  I'll keep going and see what happens.

A Sampler Quilt

My latest project is this sampler quilt. I'm loving the colours and fabrics in this Moda series.  I'm teaching my friends how to make these blocks and have come to the point where I need to decide whether to turn the blocks on point or keep them straight. I've been back to the store where I bought the fabric and have discovered that the fabric that I was hoping to use for the border is sold out. This means that I'll have to go shopping!  I've been meaning to get down to the stores in Cambridge. I have decided to use this brown for sashing. I hope you will stop by again to see the finished product!

I've just cleaned up my craft room after weeks of preparing for a ladies Creative Craft night. We made a Christmas card and box by Stampin' Up demonstrators, and a bracelet. I had a table of current crafts, mostly knitted and quilted. This Santa made from yoyos was given last year to a dear friend for Christmas. I am hoping to make the snowman this year! I love the Clover yoyo gadget but when you have to make this many yoyos, it's easier to do them without the gadget.

A few years later...

Hi blogger friends,

I've been away for a while but have been inspired by you all to post something new. I'm still in Clevedon, New Zealand and enjoying a beautiful Spring. I went to a quilt show today, "Calico Christmas" and took this photo of an Amy Butler designed chair. It's fabulous!

We've had guests from Canada and the UK over the past two weeks.  The Sharps are friends of friends and have blessed us so much. Sue started knitting socks within a few days of staying with us. Richard and Rick went golfing at Formosa.

Barry and Carol Ballentyne have also visited us, from Canada. It's been especially sweet to share a week with them. They are now in Australia with their daughter and her family. 

I have been creating Christmas goodies from yarn and fabrics. I even have a craft room now! Watch this space while I work out the bugs of bluetooth and flicker. I will post some photos of my latest crafts, as well as some beautiful photos of my family.

Beautiful quilt seen at Calico Christmas. I forgot to note the name of the quilter. It is written on the tag. Isn't this gorgeous?!

Nick at home in Clevedon, NZ

Hi Everyone,

It's been such a long time since I posted. I should be adding something every week so you can keep up with us. This is the back deck in our new place in Clevedon. It's an old house so we are suffering a bit from the cold. I just wish they invented insulation in the 1900's when this old house was built!! It's been beautifully restored and has an old world feel to it. Initially, it reminded me of Craigdarroch Castle. Just a lot smaller!!!

Nick and Ben are busy with music lessons and gymnastics, swimming, and visiting friends. They went horseback riding during the holidays. What fun they had at Sonshine Ranch.

I have started working for a local garment manufacturer. I do sewing at home for him. It's great to be able to work when it's convenient for me. I just have to get strict with myself and do some work!

I am also involved in The Great Papakura Knit Out! It's going to be so much fun. Proceeds will go to Save the Children charity. We have invited local wool shops and knitters from all over to come together for a cup of tea and it's turning into a big event. The Papakura Dist. Council is doing most of the work along with my friend, Karen. I'm just enjoying the ride! I'll be wearing the red apron that matches the mascot, Sean. He's a lamb. The kids picture will be in the paper soon so I'll add it to the blog. Until next time.
Marilyn