Quilting in Wellington

Tuesday was the day Larry and I flew to New Zealand as I had been invited to the Craft and Quilt Fairs in Wellington and Hamilton. From Adelaide we took a two hour flight to Sydney and then a three hour flight to Wellington. I was a little nervous about landing but it was very smooth and there was no need for the nerves. Wellington is known as the windiest city in the world and landing planes can be very tricky (and bumpy!), but what a wonderful place it is despite the cold wind and the rain. In the scheme of things five hours flying time seems short after all the long hauls to the UK. We say we are just 'across the ditch' so not far from home at all........ and everyone is so, so friendly.......just pull out a map and they flock to help you! And even better - if my ticker plays up we have reciprocal medical support between Australia and New Zealand. We're staying in the city centre so we have a 20 minute walk to the train station and then a 25 minute train journey to the venue......so some sights along the way......

 I love these Edwardian style buildings alongside the 'beehive' Houses of Parliament.........

 The train station........

 We set up the quilts yesterday but the lighting was tricky for photography......

 I wanted my space to be like my sewing room at home so made up some pretend Morris curtains behind me so I am set up to stitch........

 Some samples are 'in progress' alongside my original sketches.........

 And this is the biggest cheese scone I have ever seen...it lasted all day long with my two coffees! Not very healthy but oh so delicious........

 It is always so special when quilters bring their own Morris quilts in for me to see.........

 Next to me is Stephanie who creates the most wonderful kits and patterns. There are Santas, dolls and delightful bears..........

 and lots of cats (just for you Faye!).......

and bunnies and dogs and more........

 I love these penguins.......

 and the wonderful Santas..........

 All of these patterns and kits are on Stephanie's website Cameron James designs and the kits are great value for money...there are a couple coming home with me! I have Wellington Quilters sitting opposite me and the other side of me Cook Strait Embroiderers........

 So I have wonderful company for two more days with lots of interesting visitors as well. More soon x

Taking a quick breath

I've just had the most wonderful weekend participating in the 2017 Quilters' Gathering in Ulladulla with Marilyn and what a fabulous time we all had. I flew to Sydney on Friday with Lessa and then we drove for three and half hours down the south coast of New South Wales. This was our lunch stop vista looking out over Wollongong..........

 and this was the view from my window each morning looking out on the Ulladulla harbour.......

 An early morning stroll....

 Besides the stitching (and nattering!), there was an amazing show and tell from participants after Saturday night dinner. The diversity and standard of the quilts was truly inspiring and these are just a few........

 Our venue worked well even with eight different workshops going on in the same room all at once - it made for a wonderful atmosphere.........

 I had a group making fabric boxes and pinwheels.........

And I got you Jenny! Jenny brought two of my quilt designs that she recently completed and I was thrilled........

 The icing on the cake was having Faye and Lessa there. Lessa came as a guest and spent the entire time stitching quietly away on charity quilts. She is quite remarkable and puts me to shame with all that she does - not bad for someone who is 17 years older than me! This was the last teaching engagement for Faye and we are both looking forward to some quieter time with our ever patient husbands.........

For me it was my very last workshop in Australia so thankyou to Marilyn for inviting me - it was a lovely restful and fun couple of days - and thanks also to all the girls who came to class as well! I arrived home this afternoon and have just had time to pack all the bags that are full of quilts as we fly to New Zealand tomorrow! If you are in the area do come and say hello at either Wellington Craft and Quilt Fair or Hamilton Craft and Quilt Fair. Each Friday afternoon of these fairs I will also be presenting a visual journey following the remarkable William Morris sights in the UK. More of that very soon!