Hearts and Fabrics

Gorgeous Heart blocks from Kiwiquilters and friends around New Zealand.  Some quilters sent more than one but they are all pinned together and I was on my way home.  Sorry.

Im home from my holiday with Myra who had her first Chemo treatments while I was there.  3 days in hospital and no problems however she has a very sore throat this week.   My prayers are that she will get through the rest of the treatments with minimal side effects.  Here are the photos of the heart blocks Myra has received and we both want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to make these beautiful blocks and to give encouragement and support in cards and letters.



 

Heart Blocks from all around the World, England, Canada, Austria, Germany, USA, Australia.  They are absolutely beautiful.



Finally I finished one of mine but I didn't have enough of the selvege which says Paua 100% bla bla.  So now I'm on the hunt for it and Myra will stitch it on.  Its not the best photo but the button in the centre of the round paua is shaped as a heart. The fabric is of course New Zealand Paua Shells.

I think I posted yesterday about the excitement when she received one from Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA where they make choclate!  There were two lovely hearts as well as fabric (with chocolates on them of course) and postcards etc.   Quilters are so kind. 

I managed to finish Olivia's quilt except for the handsewing and binding which are 'go to group' jobs when I can't take my machine.

Quilt as you go - A double sided quilt everytime.

I've also started my 1930's squares from the jelly roll etc as Myra gave me an excellent idea of putting calico squares with old embroidered doillies... buttons.. and yoyo's.. in between the blocks.  I couldn't wait to start.  it's going to look gorgeous.  Myra had already made a similar quilt.   So several doillies later out of suitcase no 7 and I have all I need to finish this quilt. 

Myra spent time completing her second 'purple' quilt.  Years ago she participated in a purple block swap with friends in USA and South Africa.  Myra loves Quilt as you Go and after finishing one in this way she undid the second top and is putting it back together QAYG.  It's so easy and fast.  .

We spent a little bit long as you say at the Quilt Shops.. of course I had to go to Wright Fabrics in Morrinsville.  (It was only two blocks away!)  Milton has a fabulous special on at the moment with 10 Half Metres of Batik for $60.00.  They are yummy and I just love Batiks.  At that price you can't lose ah. 



fabric from Wright Fabrics, Morrinsville http://www.wrightfabrics.co.nz/

 I also went to Grandmothers Garden and bought a couple of pieces of 1930's fabrics and to Morelands Fabric Barn in Hamilton where I managed to find 12 different fabrics to go in the quilt at $11.95 a metre.

One day we went to Te Aroha, a small town nearby where we went to a fabric shop - I can't remember the name but they have a fabulous selection and the staff are so helpful.  It was one of the friendliest shops.  And we went to the antique shop and the secondhand shops, something we both enjoy.  I managed to score this basket for $10.  I was so happy.  I'm sure Myra would have bought it if I hadn't hehe.. She loves baskets.

Finally for today I went to visit the girls at Arthur Toye in Palmerston North where I used to live.  I worked 5 metres away so they know me by my first name!!!   And I couldn't leave the shop empty handed in their 1/2 price sale.  I bought the backing fabric for my 1930's quilt at $7.00 metre.

I hope you are all well and have had a happy holiday season.  My  heart goes out to the people of Queensland who have the most horrific floods.  I am so saddened to see the devastation of homes and buildings that I remember so well.  The foot bridge at South Bank broke its moorings even and sailed down river.  It is a huge bridge but the force of water is incredible.  So much destruction.

And now I'm off to Nelson this afternoon to stay with my sister for a few days before back to work on Tuesday.  Eeek.. I quite like being on holiday in summer.  Hehe.  My problem is I'm trying to take a smaller bag but I need to get fabric and stuff and magazines in it too.. thinking I might take 2 sets of clothes and wash everyday.. haha... fabric is far more important!!