September Newsletter
G’day
For years I have quite intentionally ignored the black and white fabrics. Oh I liked them but always found using them too graphic, too um black and white, I suppose. I do like the grey shades that are in life and in colours so I resisted until recently.
When I set out to make a black and white quilt (using plain white fabric and plain black fabric) all sorts of concepts flew out the window. You have to make considered choice about textures cos all the contrasts are there; you don't feel guilty about throwing the scraps in the bin and most of all you have to have a very clean iron (found that one out the hard way).
I have also discovered there are books and challenges and thousands of fabrics featuring black and white.
Anyway I have had two black and white quilts (both with a touch of red) selected to hang at the Aotearoa Quilt show during the Hamilton Craft Fair.
I began another and got only as far as this sample which I think is now destined for a frame though I do love it.
Jenny Russell is the winner of this month's fabric pack. Jenny was my class angel for my first class in Queenstown a while ago. She then kept coming back to look after me for the rest of the week including turning up on the day she was meant to be a student in another class. It is nice to keep in touch with friends from way back. Jenny let me have you address and yes I will bring my Magic Carpet to Ashburton for you to see.
The Pumpkin Patch fruit trees are blossoming so I think it safe to start planning the vegetable garden for early summer planting. I have two veg ready for picking - Kohlrabi (you know the one that looks like a u-boat's mine) and cavalo nero have thrived over winter. Usually I grow crops that I can preserve in some way but these two have got me beat. Eat or freeze I think. If you have any suggestions though please leave a comment below. I'll pick one at random to get a fabric pack next month.
Funny how quilts and food just change with the years and yet never change at all. I have gone back to my favourite Aunty Daisy recipe book this month cos its marmalade time on the Chopping Block.
I picked my small crop of oranges last night and sliced them all finely (with one lemon), covered in cold water and walked away. Tonight I have to boil for half an hour and walk away. After 24 hours I can then add a cup for cup of sugar and boil until it jellies then bottle. This is such an easy recipe and the final cooking is relatively short.
By the way, if you want to bring a group of friends for a relaxing weekend before Christmas season is upon us, please get in touch.
Natalie
