Wholly Quilts

Wholly Quilts February Newsletter

 

G’day

 

I don’t know how many of you have caught up with my occasional blogs. They have been written under the heading ‘the gardening quilter’ but the gardening bit has proven so prolific that it is quickly becoming the cooking quilter.

I have great memories of my mother bottling and preserving all sorts of fruit and vegetables and I have to say it is almost as soul-satisfying as quilting – out of scraps you can create something beautiful.

Those that turned up for my first picnic day contributed to a lovely event that I hope to repeat in a year’s time. Catherine won the big raffle and Grace’s was the prize sunhat.

 

Lime Spritzer BoM

Last call to join this project – I have been waiting for all those ’first meetings of the year’ for you to check with club-mates and now must get numbers and full postage addresses.

Remember: The cost for lime fabric and pattern will be $2 ($20) per person per month if I do a bulk mail out (ie eight or more people) or $2.50 ($25) for individuals.

The first block and fabric will be in the mail on Monday 13 February. So far I have over 100 eagerly waiting for that delivery.

 

Pumpkin Patch

Was out there this morning pinching the ends off the vines as they had ‘turned’ on me. Pumpkins are not required in my potato patch or climbing the latticework around my garden room. One leader is almost to the top of the cabbage tree along the boundary – I suppose picking pumpkins with a ladder has been done before J

 

Quilting and summer do not mix too well but I have an exhibition coming up next month and need to produce a few more quilts to show. As a (long-retired) journalist I am used to writer’s block but this quilter’s block is a whole different matter – I can’t seem to get my head around colours let alone patterns or styles. Still I have three weeks …

 

I have been planning my year though:

Sew n Soup will start again in March – last Friday of each month, $15 each from 5-ish and

you can sew till whenever

Retreats - $165 each from Friday night through to Sunday afternoon. Catering for 3-8.

Let me know if you would be interested in another open retreat where you can come by yourself and meet others.

Tuesday afternoon – open classroom ($10). Let me help solve your problems, teach you new

            techniques and push your boundaries

Classes – at my place or yours, I have been teaching for nearly 20 years. I have many of my

original patterns and classes and can work with all techniques and patterns showing

you lots of quick tricks and tips along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

http://patchnat.blogspot.com/ - my blog, where you can read the latest news that may or may not make the newsletter...

 

more from the gardening-quilter

I just knew it wouldn't be easy remembering how I got here last time but lookie - here I am.
Had to tell you about my kids (I know they are all adults but always they will be mine and 'kids' to me). I have to tell you how they rallied to launch Nina into her fourth decade and how proud they made me.
Nina readied her place for the party - no mean feat and with Jab and Lou (his lovely lady) helping they put the ram lamb on the spit, the turkey and vegetables into the hangi oven, invited all the whanau and friends and let rip. Adults and youngsters celebrated Nina's 40th through the afternoon and right through the night - lots of eating and dancing and ... how many of you have your own air show? Well two of them to be precise. Her 'squire' or neighbour is right into throwing his plane about in the sky (sky-ting) and even better it was the turn of his guest later in the afternoon to get up there and write a big '40' just for my girl.
She truly has come a long way in recent times and what is really heartwarming is the way her friends support her now and have been there for here right through her tough times. (that story is far too long suffice to say she is a wonderful human being now in spite or because of all that). I love her. You too Eth, Jab n Lou.
My garden continues to delight me and work me ragged. It's seems it's not enough to keep everything growing I then have to process all the goodies.
I was beginning to regret planting four gherkin plants cos I had done two big batches of bread and butter pickles and was running out of space in the pantry. Had decided to pick them much smaller and do a couple of jars of cornichons (is that what they are called? you know those little ones!) but then yesterday I was saved. My neighbouring farmer turned up at the fence with two large tractor scoops of manure-laden soil from his wintering over pads. I did a trade - two gallon jar of pickles and more room in the pantry for all that loverly dirt. It even smells like the country.
Today I got the first of the sweet corn into the freezer - have to admit I had a good gnaw at the cobs once the kernels had been cut off. Yum!
I also discovered that my tree laden with damson plums is about ready for picking. Stood under it and tried them out. The stevia (you know - that herbal sugar) that thriving beneath this tree helped with sweetening the tartness. Tomorrow's chore ...
Quilting has taken a back seat in recent weeks though I had about 30 friends and fellow quilters turn up for my 'picnic' at the weekend. It was a lovely day and well worth repeating.
As for preparing for my exhibition in March - I have one quilt out of the drawing board in my head and almost ready for sewing. Given that it is next month next week I should really stop typing and get sewing.
Just had to tell you about Nina's 40th - it was fun.


Natalie
Wholly Quilts
http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

re-birth of the quilting gardner

Natalie
Wholly Quilts
http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

Today feels like my birthday and not my daughter's!
For many reasons not least that my first-born Janine, hereinafter referred to as Nina :-) is 40 right NOW. I can't believe it. Happy birthday beautiful. Love you.
What an amazing 40 years it has been - Nina was the first of three amazing kids and the reason for a marriage that survived 20-odd (that's odd as in peculiar not about) years and yet another reason for today's blue funk or 're-birth'.
The 'dearly departed' has sent the divorce papers more than 19 years after leaving us. Am in two minds about obliging by signing and returning - do it now and move on or mess him up a little one last time.
Today I began as I intend every day should - a walk, half an hour in the garden cutting back the orange berries that have finally yielded a tasty crop and pickling the gherkins that threaten to get away from me in the garden.
And then there is the writing of my first blog. Don't know if anyone out there is listening but then I am used to speaking to thin air. I have after all been a mother for 40 years - wow!
I'd like to keep a record of my quilting and gardening if just for that son of mine who keeps nagging me. Hi Jab!
So in the garden right not I am having great fun with vegetables - fresh beans, beetroot, potatoes, strawberries and cape gooseberries. Not forgetting the herbs and plenty of other green stuff - all very healthy.
Nina and Jab were here for dinner a couple of nights ago and laughed and my (very young) apple tree and passionfruit vine each with one fruit. Wait until the figs, damson plums, persimmons and grapes are all ready for consumption.
And then there is the buttercup squash - heading across the garden and up the neighbouring fence.
On the quilting front I have just covered Nina's kapok eiderdown for the fourth time. It was first done for her 10th birthday BQ (that is Before I became a Quilter) in a very stylish Trip around the World pattern as I recall. It had worn out at about her 20th birthday and by then I was a bona fide quilter (well I had four months experience by then) so I re-covered the beast. Ten years ago it was given a funky blue job and summer holidays just gone I finished an autumn-toned Afro 'do' for it.
I have been asked to exhibit some of my work in the local art gallery in March so need to work on a couple of pieces. Will keep you all posted.
This blogging has taken up more time than I thought it might but then I did have to find my way around my computer to do it so maybe now that I know the way there might be more to follow

Wholly Quilts newsletter

Wholly Quilts December Newsletter

 

G’day

The pohutakawas up the Thames Coast are all flowering – summer must be here or Christmas is close. Either/or it is a great time of the year.

I am planning a holiday scrap quilt. When I had a proper job way back each summer break I would dive into my scrap basket and produce a quilt from there only. You all know that scrap baskets are wondrous things – the more you take from it the more it grows – I kid you not. Anyway haven’t made a holiday scrappy for over 10 years so here goes.

Having just typed that I can’t believe it is that long since I retired to play with quilting. I must have been having fun.

 

I big announcement – winner of the Prayer Flag competition is drrr-rum rrroll – Phyllis Chapman. I look forward to having you spend a weekend retreat with me.

                       

I am sending out the first class of the Quilted Sampler today. So it you want it and haven’t let me know get in quick. If you had let me know and don’t receive it then drop me a line.

It is the hand stitching installment so you can take it on holiday with you.

 

I have been asked by a couple of clubs to do a block of the month sampler quilt for next year and have been working on that.

The Lime Spritzer will go something like this:

Each month (x9) I will send out a block pattern and some lime green fabric. Each participant will make their own block in their own colours. I have chosen lime because it works so wonderfully with green/blue, green/red for Christmas, black/white or other citrus colours. It will be your choice.

The cost will be $2 per person per month if I do a bulk mail out (ie eight or more people) or $2.50 for snail mail to individuals.

At the end of the nine months I will give you several setting options and you will have a lovely quilt.

 

Summer Picnic in the Courtyard

After the holidays and to get you back into some good quilting habits I am holding a Summer Picnic at my place on Saturday January 23. Bring your sewing, a shared picnic and come have a day of sun and surprises. Raffles and giveaways start at 10.30am. RSVP would be nice.

 

My wish for you this Festive Season and in to a new year is that whatever your dreams and hopes are may they come true.

 

I look forward to seeing you at my place in 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

http://patchnat.blogspot.com/ - my blog, where you can read the latest news that may or may not make the newsletter...

 

wholly quilts

Wholly Quilts November Newsletter

G'day
I have a confession to make – I eat McD's burgers – but wait there's more.
When driving to Auckland last week I had a giggle about some young fellas
being arrested in the States for 'rapping' their order at McDonalds (only in
the US of A!!) and it did nudge me towards buying a burger for lunch. I am
pleased the burger police weren't on duty though cos I drove in and gaily
ordered a 'fat quarter' if you please. Got it right the second time J

I have now seen eight completed Projects – they are all wonderful and so
very different. Have you been tempted into signing up to the next one – The
Sampler Project?
As before the cost is $5 per month but will only run for eight months so
will cost a total of $35. Techniques covered in the monthly lesson include
foundation piecing, embroidery, appliqué, positive/negative appliqué and
piecing.
The Quilted Sampler measures approximately 30x14 inches. I have done it in
New Zealand colours (about a fat quarter of the three main ones) but that
would be your choice.
NOW IS THE TIME TO SIGN UP
The first 'class' was meant to go out this week but it would be too
confusing (for me) cos I know of several quilters who want to be involved
but haven't told me 'officially' so will wait until Christmas to give you
the first. It will be the hand stitching instalment so you can take it on
holiday with you.

Bookings for next year are coming in now so be in quick. The cost for a
weekend is $165 per person and includes all meals, accommodation and
teaching from Friday night to Sunday afternoon – I'd love to see you here at
my place.

The coming weekend is Big on the northern quilting scene:
My local group the Plains' Patchworkers are holding their exhibition on
Saturday and Sunday in the Ngatea Memorial Hall and then there is Calico
Christmas at the North Shore stadium, Thursday to Sunday.

Natalie Murdoch
Wholly Quilts
9 Church Rd
Mangatarata 3576

ph 07 8673 085
0210 2231 678

Wholly Quilts

 

 

 

Wholly Quilts October Newsletter

 

G’day

When I was in England (it seems like light years ago) I saw some beautiful examples of stitched samplers in the V&A and wondered why quilters don’t seem to produce the same imagery. Perhaps it is because we ‘do’ our sample quilt very early on in our quilting careers when our colour sense and fabric choices haven’t been developed.

 

So when I discovered a verse in the bible (a little sideline here is that I didn’t actually find it in the bible but when I went to the good book to check, a Choysa tea coupon fell out – how long since they were a family collectible?) that is so appropriate for Kiwi quilters that I felt compelled to produce my new version of a sampler. I want to share it with you so it will be The New Project. As before the cost is $5 per month but will only run for eight months so will cost a total of $35. techniques covered in the monthly lesson include foundation piecing, embroidery, appliqué, positive/negative appliqué and piecing. The Quilted Sampler measures approximately 30x14 inches. I have done it in New Zealand colours (about a fat quarter of the three main ones) but that would be your choice. NOW IS THE TIME TO SIGN UP                     The first ‘class’ will go out next month but you have until the end of January to catch up with everyone. By the way the Bible verse is: She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:13

Wikipedia states - A (needlework) sampler is a piece of embroidery produced as a demonstration or test of skill in needlework. It often includes the alphabet, figures, motifs, decorative borders and sometimes the name of the person who embroidered it and the date. The oldest surviving samplers were constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last call for prayer flags. My postal address is at the foot of my emails. Next month I will send a photo of them all a-hanging.

 

I have been so side-tracked by my Quilted Sampler that I have forgotten to tell you two quick things.

Fabric in the shop is all selling at $20 per metre – if I haven’t got what you want I can get it here from the USA in less than a week (most times)

And – BOOKINGS for next year are coming in now so be in quick. The cost for a weekend is $165 per person and includes all meals, accommodation and teaching from Friday night to Sunday afternoon – I’d love to see you here at my place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

http://patchnat.blogspot.com/ - my blog, where you can read the latest news that may or may not make the newsletter...

 

Wholly Quilts September Newsletter

Wholly Quilts September Newsletter

 

G’day

 

Oh how I wish I had a better reason than age (and maybe sometimes occasionally a touch of alcohol) to blame on losing words. You all know what I mean!

There I was enjoying good food and wine with good friends and do you think I/we could find the right word. Friends were all of a similar age too but we had to wait for the late arrival of ‘son and younger brain’ to tell us you didn’t ‘embellish’ food. Mind you his lovely gal came up with ‘flourish’ before Jared put us all out of our misery with ‘garnish’. However I think, as a committed quilter ‘embellish’ is absolutely appropriate. Just as Lou thinks Jared finishes his creations off with a ‘flourish’.

 

The penultimate part of The Project goes out with this newsletter and I have already put the (slightly stretched and worn – see above) thinking cap on. I am quite excited about The Second Project and will tell you more as it evolves. Watch for the details and launch at the beginning of November.

 

You only have four weeks now to get your Prayer Flag in for contention. The best one wins a free Retreat at Wholly Quilts. Just to remind you the dimensions are (triangular) 15 inches across the top, 18 inches long and two inches on the point. They can me made any way you fancy but must be three layers (so they retain their form in the breeze) and have three one inch long loops sewn across the top (for hanging).

 

Sew n Soup sort of took a holiday during the winter months so now with longer evenings and better weather we will go again. On Friday September 25 at 5pm-ish to whenever we will have a go at Ooey Gooey Hugs, a quilt that has evolved from Ooey Gooey Hearts and I love it. In fact when I made the prototype I used up all, every single one of those five-inch swatches that have been hanging around for years and it does not matter if they are not exactly the correct size!

Cost of SnS is $20. Please let the catering department know.

 

In the interests of me practising my new classes on you I am going to start again with the Tuesday afternoon 1-3pm sessions. The first up is a One Fabric/One Patch class so if you want to join in, ask for the requirements.

Cost $10

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

http://patchnat.blogspot.com/ - my blog, where you can read the latest news that may or may not make the newsletter...