Gardening

Early signs of Spring are showing. The plum (satsuma), apple (bramely, boskoop, peasgood), and peach (black boy) are in bud. As the weather has improved, I have spent more time in the garden.

I did the unglamorous tasks of weeding, trimming fruit trees and vines, and clearing out the green house. Also the more enjoyable task of planning what I will plant. I checked out my seed supply, and worked out what I needed to purchase.

A quick trip to the local garden centre, and I had almost all of what was on my list. I purchased some asparagus, pea seeds (climbing), thornless blackberry, terracotta pot feet, garden ornament, two gorgeously fragrant boronia's, and a seedling tray. What they didn't have was a variety of raspberry I was looking for, and logan berries. The garden centre are going to follow up with their supplier to see if they can get those berries in. I've also asked them to look for tayberries, and worcesterberries.

I've planted out strawberries into their planter. On the bottom 2 levels I've planted Pajaro. On the top level I've planted Supreme. I hope they go well. This is the first time I've tried them.

A few weeks ago I started a seedling tray - planting rhubarb and tomato seeds. This week I've got a lot more on my list to sow; chives, parsley, basil, broccoli, cabbage, beetroot, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, silver beet, and swede. I also need to prepare my garden beds and plant some seeds directly; peas, onion, radish, spinach, spring onion, and carrots.

I'm also putting in a herb garden. I already have chives, thyme and oregano. I will transplant these into their new location. I hope to have good uptake of the seeds (chives, parsley, and basil). A friend gave me some cuttings from her garden. The cuttings include; sage, rosemary, marjoram, basil, and garlic (bulbs). That will complete the herb garden.

When there is a bit more activity in the garden, I will put up some photos.

Mariners Compass update

Seems like a long time since I have shared an update on this project.

My original challenge was to work out how to approach the hand quilting. What designs to use; my own or commercial? What colours of hand quilting thread to use; same as fabric, or contrast? In the end I decided that I wanted the piecing to be the focal point, and not the quilting. But I also wanted little details in the quilting to add some interest, and surprise when discovered. Yes - a challenge to plan for.

So this is the progress I have made.




There is a lot of stitching that you can't see, as it has been done "in the ditch".




I was surprised at how heavy some of the intersection points were - so I had to do the "stabbing" stitch. As a result the back doesn't look as good as I would have liked. On the other hand, that is the beauty of items created by hand. It's all about the love that goes into them :)

Keirunga Quilters Exhibition 2010 - Part 2

and the quilt show continues ...

Keirunga Quilters Exhibition 2010 - Part 1

Yesterday a friend and I went to the Keirunga Quilters Exhibition, which was held in the Hawke's Bay (New Zealand). It's an annual exhibition - small yet perfectly formed. I just love this exhibition - it feels so "real" to me. Just love love love it...

Now I must mention that a good proportion of these quilts are hand quilted. Yes - hand quilting is alive and well in New Zealand. Why? Because it just feels so darn good! :)

A friend of ours couldn't make it due to other commitments, so we agreed to take photos (if we were allowed). Thankfully we were.

It's just such a shame that the quilting doesn't show well in the photos I have taken.

Anyway, let's take a peak inside :)

























































Hope you enjoyed these photos. I'll update the rest of them later in the week.