A little sewing bag I made last week, to take with me on my trip.

Not much to report today except that for the first time in two weeks we are having a lovely sunny day. We have had rain, rain and more rain, in fact more than we need in Auckland. Hard to understand as we are only about a 3 hour flight from Australia and our cousins in some parts over there are desperate for it.

I've been doing some hand quilting on a log cabin and pin wheel wall hanging. I thought I would include a photo of a quilt I made in 1997 using fat quarters given to me by my friends for my 50th birthday. I was amazed at how well the different fabrics went together, and I was determined not to use anything else. A great friendship memory quilt.

Hard at it sewing at the retreat

A mighty storm is brewing again, as I sit here. Had a wonderful electric storm last night, thunder and lightening, but it soon went out to sea. My only worry always are the horses and dogs, but they seem to take it all in their stride.

I went on another retreat last weekend to a fabulous place on the East Coast about 40 minutes from where I live. The photos above, I took from the deck outside one of the sewing rooms.

I managed to go for a 40 minute work on Saturday morn, to try and make up for all the lovely food we had. This place has a full time chef, so we are treated very well. Lots of lovely baking for morning and afternoon tea, and roast beef and all the veges for Saturday night dinner.

I'm still hand quilting my large raspberry and caramel coloured quilt, and making some little gifts to take with my on my Quilting 'Outback Tour' of Australia in July. This afternoon managed to make some little Origami Bags. Will post a photo later.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Had a great time at the retreat in Huia, West Coast in Auckland, last weekend, but would you believe it, I forgot my camera!! Never mind a friend sent me a few she took.

Beautiful weather made the weekend perfect. Rain was predicted, but for a change didn't happen. Plenty of food and wine, lots of jokes - (some a bit blueish) and great company.

As you can see by the view, the camp overlooks a small part of the West Coast of Auckland. The water was like a mill pond, and some of us more active went for a bit of a fast walk up and down a few hills to the local ice cream shop to partake. The walk was meant to make up for all the food we were eating at the camp.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com