Hugs in Hamilton

I've given and received an awful lot of hugs today (that is something I love to do!, but more of that soon! This is the view from our hotel room looking out over the Waikato river and in the distance across the bridge there is a glimpse of the red roof of the Claudelands Centre where the quilt fair is being held........

 And some random views from one of our many ambles along the Main Street.......

 This time we have a different space but all the quilts are hung with those pretend Morris curtains again....

 This is a much larger show than Wellington and there are so many quilts on display......do come and visit if you can! There is a group called Quiltzamore with many quilts on display destined for charity, and the Waikato Patchworkers are a talented bunch as well..........

 What a great idea..each quilter has written his or her own information label that is pinned beside the quilt.............

 and some more designs from yours truly beautiful made by Betty..........

 and there are several international quilts on display from Fabco, a New Zealand fabric distributor.........

 There is an amazing array of colourful fibre pieces from the Waikato Creative Fibre group and I especially loved this crocheted rug.........

 Their challenge was fire and ice and all pieces will be donated to needy people after the show........

 I would love to take this home for Miss Maisie!........

 But instead we will be taking home these gifts from Alison and Malcom! We have spent time together when they were in Adelaide and still correspond from time to time by email. Alison has knitted a dear little top for the new grand baby due in January, some New Zealand chocolate for Larry (honey and pear - yum!) and a gorgeous Morris fabric lavender cushion stack for me. Thankyou Alison for your kindness and of course the hugs! And thanks to everyone else who I have met on our previous visits to New Zealand.......a hug is always special and speaks a thousand words. Hugs to you for visiting the blog too! x