Central Plateau, North Island

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

Friday 27 July 2018

July is almost done for 2018


July, another wonderful 12 days of Christmas Blog Hop, and so many thanks to Sarah at                                                                                                  Confessions of a Fabric Addict                                                             

for hosting this event again.A lot of hours and blog time behind it all, and so many new projects to sew now or save for later. New friends, and for me,  wonderful Birthday Messages.

Thank you all so much. Facebook and Blog, Phone and mail. they were wonderful.

I had a wonderful day, that really started on Sunday 22nd, when we met friends at a local café, and celebrated both Joyce’s and Mary-Ann’s birthdays too.And  remembered  our dear Jeanette who left us a few years ago.

I have had so many lovely comments, and now have the fun task of letting

Math Goodies random generator pick a number from this long list.

Here  are all your names,  with a number,

1.       Danice G         2.       Gran Chris          3.       Susan Heather

4.       Anna Brown    5.       Annemarie         6.       Jan Snell

7.       John Horgan    8.      Susan Schaffer   9.       Dione Gardner-Stephen

10.  Vicki in NM    11.  Eileeninmd          12.  jrquilts

13.  Darlene            14.  Louise                  15.  Carole @ From My Carolina Home

16.  Kate                 17.  Meloney              18.  Sharlene S

19.  Susan               20.  Valerie Boudier   21.  Kathy  E

22.  Ursula Yeo      23.  Sewgirl                24.  Lori Smanski

25.  Jayne               26.  tink’s mom           27.  Ohio Lori      

28.  Danette Stankovich                            29.  Carol Mattingly

30.  Needled Mum  31.  Linda Schiffer     32.  Barb

33.  Romance Book Haven                       34.  Sharon Aurora

35.  The Joyful  Quilter                             36.  DebbieM

37.  Anja@ Anja Quilts                            38.  Sarah Craig

39.  Maureen Phillips                                40.  Beth

41.  Julie Fukuda                                       42.  Craft Mad

43.  Christiane Traub                                44 Jocelyn

45 Inger                                              46 Brenda@Songbird Designs

And the winner overseas is #8, Susan. Congratulations, please send me your snail mail address and the fabrics will fly north to you.

Blogger Susan Shaffer said…

Thanks for the tutorials! Love the wine bags and would love some fabulous materials from NZ to make them. So #1, I live in Louisiana, USA. Susanpshaffer@gmail.com

The New Zealand winner is  #3, Susan. Congratulations, and please send me your snail mail address too, and your choice, if you sew, the thread holder, or if you write, the frog pen holder .

Blogger Susan Heather said…

Wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jean.

A huge part of this fab blog hop has been meeting new blog friends,  finding new projects, and catching up with friends from last year and earlier. I hope you have all enjoyed it as much as I have, and have saved some good ideas for nearer to Christmas.

There was no feline supervision needed, but just in case, here is Basil

Basil Brush #3 Feb  2018

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ Old friends are Gold,

New friends are Diamonds,

If Diamonds  come into  your life,

remember the Gold,

as every Diamond needs a Gold setting to hold it firm.”

Greetings from Jean.















and for the overseas readers, here is the winner.

Wednesday 25 July 2018

The 12 Days Of Christmas in July Blog Hop, ‘tis My Day Today!!!


The 25th of July down here in NZ,an auspicious day for sure. My Mum was born in Cambuslang in Scotland on this day, at their home,  her birth certificate says ‘ Father present”.  I was also born on 25th July, in Auckland Hospital, I guess even then all those years ago there were emergencies and the caesarean  op was changed  from 23rd to that day.,What a  surprise to wake up to a daughter, .

Once again Sarah has hosted this fab blog hop, where we get to meet others, new readers, familiar faces, and put our minds to a new project or two. Thanks so much Sarah for including me once again.

I have two projects for you today, and keep reading as there are TWO giveaways, one for my friends and readers over the seas,or overseas!!  and one for those who live in our own beautiful New Zealand.Wine gift bags


Xmas Cone fabric trees



First up are the gift wine bags. And they can be used afterwards for storing all sorts of goodies, including  shopping bags, dusters, even socks might get a new storage place.

Choose your fabric. I looked out all  the reds and greens, and chose these.Yes, that is a  spinning wheel there, and you can see just a smidgeon of the Freefall Quilt.

Wine bag fabrics ironed

I chose a variety of fabrics, and used a strip of the same top piece for the top of the lining. They are 12 inches wide and 17 inches long. You can vary the strips to make the total length, or use one fabric  only.  Cut the same for the lining. Sew the strips together, press the seams, and add some interfacing or batting. I did straight lines to hold the fabric to the batting ( lightweight and not iron on). Sew the long sides together and the bottom seam, I had the long seam in the centre of what I call the back of the bag, Sew the lining the same.

Wine bag fabrics with inches

Turn the outer bag to have the right side on the outside. Iron over about 1/2 inch at the top of both the bag and lining.  Place the lining in the bag, wrong side to wrong side., Push the lining firmly down to the bottom. Pin the tops together, and close with a stitch of your choice. I used a wavy one, to make sure the edges are all caught together. Measure down 3 to 3.5 inches, and at the back seam. sew on ribbon, cord, or ties  about 28 inches long.

Put the wine bottle in, tie the cords, and VOILA, there is the first bag.Wine Bag #1

The second bag has a circular base and sides of 13.5 inches  wide by 15 inches high.  To cut the base, I measured 5 inches across on a piece of card, and found a small basin that  fitted in,You can use a compass  , a cup or bowl.Wine bag side and baseI added batting, and also a thicker firmer piece to reinforce the base.

For the sides, you can again use one whole piece of fabric or do it like mine, and have the panel in the centre, and strips either side. Cut the lining the same . Wavy lines to add some texture, and again on the base and the base lining piece.

Sew the long sides of the main piece together, and the same for the lining. I pressed that seam open.  Mark the bag into quarters with pins, the same for the base.

Wine bag pinned at quarter marks

Insert the base into the bag, starting at each pin marking. Ease the base, or the bag, I did  little cuts at the very outer edge on the bag, base, and for the lining too. I tried both ways for sewing the base in, having the base at the top, and then the bag sides underneath ,I found it  easier to have the bag sides at the top, and sew slowly round, I did a second row to make sure it  was firm, checking the underside first.This is the lining. Again, iron down about 1/2 inch at the top of bag and the lining.wine bag base pinned

Turn the bag right side out, insert the lining wrong side out, so both the wrong sides are together. Push that lining firmly down ,match up the tops, and sew together.  Measure down 4 inches at the seam, and sew on ribbon.Wine Bag #2

That is the  Wine Bags all done.

Now the fabric Christmas trees. I chose some green glittery cotton, for each one. Cut out the pattern, a wedge of a circle in different sizes. They are all made the same way.

22 cm side length, 11.1 cm diameter  for  circle base

20cm length,  14.5 cm diameter  for circle base

18 cm side length,  9.5 cm diameter for circle base

The wedge is a quarter of a circle,you can do this in a variety of ways. trace a circle with a plate, then cut out the wedge. use a compass for the correct diameter, or start in a corner of a piece of card, and measure down in an arc.

Xmas tree patterns Cone and circle

Cut out the cone, then for the base,  fold the pattern in half, and add 2.5 cm to the long straight edge, and cut TWO pieces.This gets turned back when you sew it up.

Embellish the cone now, before you sew the side seam. If you are adding fancy ribbon lengthways, make sure the ends are either covered by another ribbon going round, or long enough to get sewn in at the bottom.

Add decorations to the Xmas tree cone

Add batting or interfacing to the base pieces, stopping at the line before the turnover. Sew the seam at that 2.5 cm line, but start at one edge, sew about 2.5 cm. stop, reverse to reinforce, then  do the same the other side. Turn back the 2.5 cm, and trim to match the curve. This gap leaves room to insert the stuffing, and the trunk.

Xmas tree base

Mark the base and the cone into quarters and match it up, Clip the edges of both base and cone, and sew together. I tried both ways, and found it easier to have the cone on top. Sew this twice. Turn out the right way, using a pencil to push the cone tip all the way out. I then rolled the hem line, and did one row of top stitching with the cone on top,This gives it some firmness.

Decorate with more ribbons, or fancy streamers.

Stuff with wadding and insert a tree trunk. You can use dowel, or a piece off a tree, or  a thin piece of firewood. I painted my little sticks brown, used some double sided tape, you could use plasticine, or another piece of wood with a nail from the bottom. Arrange on a tray and leave for the cat to admire


A lovely gift for someone in a small flat or unit, with no room for a regular tall tree.

Boris and Xmas trees

Xmas Cone fabric trees

Now, Congratulations if you have read this far. a VERY ….Lengthy post, lots of words, my Dad would say “ You write as much as you talk,     LOTS”!!!

There are TWO giveaways, one  for all those readers who live overseas, and another for local New Zealand people. I am not familiar with Rafflecopter, so will decide how to do the draw on 27th New Zealand time.

It will be done with Feline Supervision

For the  readers who live over the seas, you  can choose,

#1, fabric pieces,  if you are a sewer or quilter,

Fabric for overseas

or #2, a microwave bowl holder and a holder for the cell phone charger , for sewers or quilters or others!!!


Mobile phone battery cord holder

Microwave bowl holder

New Zealand people,  take your pick, all made by Hugh,

#1  a larger size thread holder,

Thread holder for large reels

or #2  a frog pencil and pen holder.

frog pen holder

Please indicate on your comment if you prefer #1, or #2,

That is it for today, I am celebrating in usual style, with some gardening and housework.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ Give from your heart,

and you will know real joy”

Greetings from Jean.

Friday 20 July 2018

Another Bear and an updated Blog Hop Schedule

                      

Are you all following the Blog Hop? This is the updated schedule, keep watching and finding all these goodies to sew, or save for later.

Remember, local readers, to check this out on the 25th, as there will be TWO giveaways, one to fly North, and one to post here in NZ,.

For those of us down under, we need to remember that the post will show up later , according to the time delay.

Saturday, July 14th

Joy @ Days Filled With Joy

Selina @ Selina Quilts

Sunday, July 15th

Joanne @ Everyone Deserves a Quilt

Jan @ The Colorful Fabriholic

Monday, July 16th

Carole @

Jamie @ L'Fair Quilts

Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels & Eats

Tuesday, July 17th

Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts

Mary @ Made by Marney

Wednesday, July 18th

Cindy @ Stitchin' At Home

Karrin @ Karrin's Crazy World

Thursday, July 19th

Christina @ Christina's Handicrafts

Sherry @ Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc.

Danice @ Homespun Hannah

Friday, July 20th

Kristi @ Confessions of A Fabric Addict

Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts

Saturday, July 21st

Marian @ Seams To Be Sew

Meloney @ Mel's Quilting Blog

Sunday, July 22nd

Anja @ Anja Quilts

Moira @ Quilted Snail

Monday, July 23rd

Brenda @ Songbird Designs

Amy @ Sea of Estrogen

Bonnie @ In Stitches With Bonnie

Tuesday, July 24th

Kathy @ Kathy's Kwilts and More

Summer @ Summer Lee Quilts

Wednesday, July 25th

Susan @ Quilt Fabrication

Brandy @ Pampered Pettit

Jean @ All Points of the Compass

Green Ted that is Growing has made his debut, outside between the rain drops. The colour is not right at all, I will need to take another without rain looming!!! But he is growing!!!

Bear in July

And from the archives, the Central Plateau Mountains in July 2004.

Central Plateau Mountains, July 2004

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“Paint the day with your favourite colours

and it  will be bright and beautiful”

Greetings from Jean.

Monday 16 July 2018

July Blog Hop is Here

Confessions Of A Fabric Addict

This year Sarah,  over at her blog

 Confessions Of a Fabric Addict                 

  has some 28  bloggers including me who will take part in this event.

Each day there will be bloggers who have projects, ideas, and YES, giveaways. All you need to do is click on the link, and you will find their blog and I know will enjoy each and every one.

Sarah has also included a quilt tutorial,   and with  about an hour a day,  you will have a finish at the end of the 12 days.  It is a super design, as always with Sarah, so I suggest you  go and see.There are some colour options,  check them out. My day is the last day, wait and see what I have planned for you all.


Saturday, July 14th

Joy @ Days Filled With Joy

Selina @ Selina Quilts

Sunday, July 15th

Joanne @ Everyone Deserves a Quilt

Jan @ The Colorful Fabriholic

Monday, July 16th

Carole @ From My Carolina Home

Jamie @ L'Fair Quilts 

Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels and Eats

Tuesday, July 17th

Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts

Mary @ Made by Marney

Wednesday, July 18th

Cindy @ Stitchin' At Home

Karrin @ Karrin's Crazy World

Thursday, July 19th

Christina @ Christina's Handicrafts

Sherry @ Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc.

Danice @ Homespun Hannah

Friday, July 20th

Kristi @ Confessions of A Fabric Addict

Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts

Saturday, July 21st

Marian @ Seams To Be Sew

Meloney @ Mel's Quilting Blog

Sunday, July 22nd

Anja @ Anja Quilts

Moira @ Quilted Snail

Monday, July 23rd

Brenda @ Songbird Designs

Amy @ Sea of Estrogen

Bonnie @ In Stitches With Bonnie

Tuesday, July 24th

Kathy @ Kathy's Kwilts and More

Summer @

Wednesday, July 25th

Susan @ Quilt Fabrication

Brandy @ Pampered Pettit
Jean @ All Points of the Compass

Meantime a photo of last year’s project, the owl. Here is one on a bag that flew North to a wee girl.

Owl applique on bag

Quotation of the day,  from Steve Jobs,

“ Deciding what not to do

is as important as deciding what to do”

Greetings from Jean

Friday 13 July 2018

Mission Impossible. Hooray.

If you have been watching the news, the success of the cave rescue was a truly international effort.Today I found that one of our New Zealand divers was also there.  This cartoon signifies so much, and the  translation, the details of each animal, and the angel seal for  Saman Gunan, his widow says “ you are the hero  in my heart”.


No automatic alt text available.

Aruni Aunhawarakorn and Jantima Manasviyoungkul are two sisters who live in Bangkok.


  • Ever since they heard the news that 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach were trapped in a flooded cave, the two had been thinking about illustrating something for the situation, they told BuzzFeed News.

"Our pens didn't start working until the first boy was successfully rescued from the cave," they said. They decided to draw a cartoon to show the Thai people's appreciation of the support they received from people around the world.They shared their cartoon on their Facebook page Sunday night, not expecting it to go viral. It was then shared more than 15,000 times overnight."It is unbelievable," they said. "There are so many comments from so many countries. We're so glad to hear they love it."


They shared their cartoon on their Facebook page Sunday night, not expecting it to go viral.

It was then shared more than 15,000 times overnight.

"It is unbelievable," they said. "There are so many comments from so many countries. We're so glad to hear they love it."

"The 13 footballers are represented as the little wild boars," they said. "There was tons of kindness flowing in from many countries and specialist teams so we wanted to present all of them symbolically."
  • Here is a list of what each animal represents:

* The white elephant: former Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osatanakorn, who led the rescue operation

* The wild boars: the boys and their coach

* The seals: the Thai Navy SEALs

* The frogs: the world-class divers involved in the mission

* The white horse: all of the heroes who have been involved in the mission

* The lion: rescuers from England

* The kangaroo: rescuers from Australia

* The moose: rescuers from Sweden

* The dog: the K9 unit

* The brown elephant: rescuers from Laos

* The tiger: rescuers from China

* The dragon: the water-pumping and drilling teams

* The crane: rescuers from Japan

* The swallows: climbers from Libong, Thailand

* The Iron Man: Elon Musk

* The eagle: rescuers from the US

* The birds: reporters

* The single crow: bad comments and obstacles


And this is a banner at the High School where some of the boys are pupils. Those words in English will probably be the most welcome words they will ever hear.


Image result for banner at the school for the boys in the cave

Thanks to internet courtesy for the words and cartoon.

So between following the rescue, watching the tennis at Wimbledon, and sewing for friends and family,  and planning my project for “ The 12 days of Christmas in July”, there hasn’t been much time for a post. The green Bear for July is finished, and  some merino sewing to go to Tasmania is almost finished, .

Keep watching the blog hop for 12 days, my day is the finale on the 25th. I should have all the details each day, and there will be some fantastic Christmas goodies and projects for you to do, save, or share. Giveaways too.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ Work together, all nations and people,

and you can achieve the impossible”

Greetings from Jean

Thursday 5 July 2018

A Picnic in Winter

We have had some cold mornings, zero Celsius at 6 a.m. frequently,  not really cold by Northern standards, but for us down here, quite nippy,  frosty lawns, glass top frozen on the  outside table, and lovely days later on.

The Bears decided it was time for a picnic. Gather round,my friends. Roll Call!!!

January, Red Bear of New Beginnings…  Yes, he has arrivedRed Teddy January 2018

February , Blue Bear of High Hopes, Yes, he is in line.Blue Ted February 2018

March , Yellow Bear of Being active Outdoors, this will  be fine for him.


Yellow Ted March 2018

April , Orange Bear of Positive Attitudes, he can  arrange the picnic.Orange Bear April 2018

May, Green Bear of Always Learning, OOPS, they are juggling for their place at the table already…which one will win his place?Bear in Green. with BE and ME coloursGreen Bear for May, BSC Graduate

June, Purple Bear of a Little Bit Silly, he is waving to you all in the Northern Hemisphere!!!Purple Ted in June 2018

Dione ,over at her blog,     Clever Chameleon , will be thrilled to know  we  all had a wonderful time.


Green Bear #2

Sadly, on his way to the capping ceremony, Green Bear #2, had his mortar board damaged, He replaced the cord and tassel, but tied it onto the wrong end. Never mind, he said to himself, I will just throw more of the purple hood over my shoulders.After all, I have the pale blue sashes for the BE degree, ( with honours)and purple for my ME degree with Distinction.

They gathered on the bench seat in the shade, and decided it was too cold there .

Bear's Picnic #1

Haha, says Purple Crazy Bear, I can see all my friends up North!!!

Let’s go and find another spot. Those trees are looking like a good place to sit. We were fine sitting here until Boris came along and disturbed everything.

Bear's picnic #3Bear's picnic #2 with Boris

Well, says Green Bear #2 of higher degrees, and the proper ones, as I will be off to Christchurch next year, and the Dad of the home had a BE and an ME, so sadly my other friend in Green has to stay behind.  Bye-bye!!!

Green Bear #1 and Green Bear #2

Hmm, I forgot to say the  cord and tassel have been mended. Can you see the extra purple that I threw  round my shoulders? Necessity and an invention, maybe better marks next time.

Bear in Green. with BE and ME colours

Boris is making sure the Green Bear #1 is not forgotten.

June flipped over on the calendar without any hesitation, and in July,  two friends and myself celebrate birthdays,  Maybe a picnic or a yummy meal out together.

Days have been busy with the bears, another BOM and some of the 12 Days of Christmas in July pre planning.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ There’s no such thing as being too busy.

If you really want to do something you will

make time for it”

Greetings from Jean.