Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Friday 3 March 2017

The Swap Goodies Have All Arrived!!!

 

Have you ever participated in a swap of any kind? This was a first time for me, and my envelopes went, from Rangitikei to Rotorua, to Auckland, to Vancouver via a suitcase of luggage in an AirNZ plane, then by plane to Kelowna, then  the staff at big White posted them!!! What a roundabout way to get my fabric swaps to friends in the 150 Canadian Women group.

This is the first part of the return trip, on the runway at Kamloops airport in British Columbia.

Kamloops airport Friday 3rd February 2017

Then  last Saturday the final ones arrived. Wow, it was better than waiting for Santa to  come .

Swap fabrics  for the 150 Canadian Women Blocks 2017

There are reds, in all shades,some plains, some patterned, some  with motifs,  and thank you all so much, Cindy, Christine, Dolores, Ingrid, Janet,  Melissa and Pauline . and yesterday one more envelope arrived, a piece that was part of the collection for the Vancouver Winter Olympics, in 2010.  This is destined for Block #15, to honour Elsie MacGill. Thanks so much Kate, I will make sure  when I sew this block, I look at the snowflakes and the Inukshuks and  think of others that have some of this fabric as well.

Elizabeth Muriel Gregory “Elsie” MacGill (Vancouver BC 1905-1980)
“Elsie, Helen Gregory MacGill’s daughter and suffragist Emma Gregory’s grand daughter, was the first female graduate in electrical engineering at University of Toronto, first woman to earn a master’s in aeronautical engineering and first practising Canadian woman engineer.

Blocks finished #37, #30,#35

Meantime sewing is still at a very slow rate. I think there are more pages of unsewn blocks than finished ones!!  The centre block #30 was a huge challenge.  And I used freezer paper for #37,  instead of paper piecing.

My knee is still very troublesome, I see the specialist next Thursday, maybe I should have some hand sewing ready in case I am confined to bed or  not allowed to walk for a while !!!

The garden is showing signs of Autumn, mornings are dark a lot later, and although days are hot, cooler times are already waiting at 6 a.m.

Japanese Anemones or  Windflower or Anemone hupehensis, Anemone hupehensis var. japonica, grow and grow, cut them down, dig them out, and they still grow. Tall, graceful and delicate.

Japanese Anenomes in early sunlight

 

Japanese Anemone

Josh’s second year at Victoria Uni in Wellington has started, a science degree in Physical Geography and Geology  has fascinating subjects , I cannot help wondering if he will get to visit Antarctica at any time. And Danielle continues to do so well with Joey, the jumps are getting higher all the time.

Quotation of the week, from Emily Bronte

“ Every leaf speaks bliss to me,

fluttering from the autumn tree”

Greetings from Jean

23 comments:

Jane said...

Can't wait to see what you make with the fabric, Jean! Hope they figure out what to do with your knee soon. I'm envious! Autumn is my favorite time of year, Spring not so much.

Hugs
Jane

Kate said...

Your anemones brought me a smile. The weather is cold and windy, so your lovely flowers were much appreciated.

Sharon said...

Those colours in the swap pieces are gorgeous! I have done a crochet swap with a crochet group on Ravelry and I got some lovely cottons that we cant get here plus some lovely hand worked pieces. hoping for the best for your knee next week. It is getting cooler here in the mornings too we had a heavy dew this morning. Days still hot. My Japanese Anemones are flowering too, these seed all over too! Have a good week. Sharon

Inger said...

I bet that was exciting! And the pieces look gorgeous. My friend Mary is a quilter and I know she would enjoy your blog, if she ever went on her computer. The flowers are very special, so sweet looking.

Carol Mattingly said...

We are seeing clear signs of Spring here Jean. I love the colors of your swatches. They are beautiful. I hope your doctor can help with your knee. Seems knees are the one thing we all seem to have issues with at one point in life. Take care. Carol

Leeanne said...

great photo of the plane in the snow! exciting mail for you...........fingers crossed your knee behaves it self!

Barb said...

Love seeing what's blooming in your garden, Jean. Looks like you'll be busy sewing for quite awhile. Good luck with the specialist! Take care of yourself.

The Furry Gnome said...

That quilt sounds very interesting!

Out To Pasture said...

So glad you are having fun with the fabric swaps. Do you sniff them? Maybe it's just me, but I always enjoy the thought that I'm sampling air molecules in envelopes from another continent. Sorry your knee has not yet recovered but I hope your appointment goes well next week. I also have anemone flowers. Very showy and not shy about spreading. Your autumn sounds wonderful Jean. Every season has it's charms.

Fundy Blue said...

How lovely for you to receive all those beautiful swap goodies, Jean! I'm happy I got to see your Lucy Maud Montgomery square. She was a second cousin to my Grandmother MacBeath. I'm sorry that your knee is bothering you! I hate to think of your being confined to bed. It must be frustrating. Sending you hugs, love, and wishes for a speedy recovery!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jean, your new swap Fabrics are lovely. I had to giggle over the better than waiting for Santa comment. I hope the doctors can help your knee. The Anemones look beautiful. Sending you get well wishes for your knee, take care. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Lorna McMahon said...

It's quite exciting to know how far the fabrics have travelled... And what they have had to go through. Your blocks will be filled with love from all over the world! Thanks for sharing the photos of those delicate looking blooms. Our spring is just about here and I am longing for signs of flowers being on the way.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

What pleasure in your fabric packages! And something to look forward to with anticipation. Hopefully it is a help to take your mind away from that knee. Your quilt will be a red beauty I predict. Good luck with appointments and hope you are getting better and better. After heavy rains last weekend, this one is bringing freezing temperatures again...winter's grip still hanging on.

Tish Stemple said...

Jean, those fabrics are beautiful and what a journey they have made to get to you. Your QAL blocks are coming along so nicely. I can't wait to see them all together. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that you get good news at your appt on Thursday!

Jenny said...

How exciting it is to get parcels - especially when you know they are just for you!

Do hope the specialist can offer you some help on your knee problem next week. Being in pain and hobbling around is not a good place to be.

Hugs to you both.

Paige said...

I have never seen Anemones in person, they are beautiful! Your new fabrics are beautiful!

KB said...

I'm so sorry that your knee hasn't healed on its own. I hope that the specialist has a cure.

I love the fabric with the moose on it - that's definitely from Canada! The rich reds are gorgeous... You are already doing amazing things with them.

I'm glad to hear about Josh (Antarctica maybe?!?!?) and Danielle.

Jenn Jilks said...

You are such a busy bee. I hope all goes well for you! You are such a dear friend!

Allie-oops Designs said...

Wow what gorgeous mail!!!! So exciting. I'll be praying for your knee - mum is having issues with hers as well, getting harder for her to step up instead of better, even with all the rehab. Just take it easy and keep stitching, hon~!

Cheryl said...

Great swap! I can't wait to see what you make with the fabric!

Tanya said...

I've never joined a swap but I think it would be something I'd like. Your blocks are wonderful and will be exciting to work with.

Our photos said...

Very nice. I love your windflowers !

Janet said...

What a lovely pile of gifts from Canada Jean! I am sure you reciprocated nicely.