There was some swearing!

 I had chores to get through this morning before I could play. First job: the washing machine on, even though it’s not a drying day. Next, out came the cauldron and in went 4kg of tomatoes with the usual ingredients for Ruffino’s tomato sauce. A smaller pan was filled with diced rhubarb and cranberry juice to stew down for the freezer.

I draped the laundry over Gran’s wooden airer and parked it out of the way. With the rhubarb done and the sauce still simmering — good things take time — I finally headed into my room to play.

It didn’t take long to get the hearts cut out in Vliesofix and fused to the same black as the rest of the anchor. Stir the tomatoes, start the appliqué, back to the tomatoes… By the time the appliqué was finished, so was the sauce. Into pots for the freezer it went, then a quick bite of lunch, and it was time to spread everything out on the floor.

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First the batting — I cut the right amount off the roll — then out came the backing. And that’s when the swearing started. It’s too small.

My own fault, really. I didn’t do the maths properly — I just ordered on the fly and hoped for the best. Lesson learned. I hope.

Janice suggested adding a bit of something else, but I do have another piece of the same fabric, so I could patchwork it to fit. But Tony, my hero, simply said, “Just buy another piece, love. Just do it.” So I did. 

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Now, the cut batting is spread over the frame to rest and lose some creases. A new LARGER piece of fabric is on the way, and the quilt top is pegged up where it was for yesterday's photo shoot so that it doesn't get creased and I don't have to press it again.

This time I’ve ordered far more wide backing than I need, just to be sure. And besides, there’s no such thing as too much, right? Any excess will slip happily into the stash. As for the huge two‑metre piece that turned out to be too small — I already have a plan for that. I’ll tell you more once the idea is properly brewed.

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So I spent the afternoon sitting in my chair, grumpily playing with my hexies. Tomorrow morning is fully booked with chores, grocery shopping, and an appointment in town, but the afternoon is looking distinctly hexagon‑shaped. Or maybe I'll make a start on the new plan....

The Anchor Motif, the Journey so Far.

As you know, this quilt is to be a wedding gift for my son Jiffy (Jonathan) and his bride Josie. I offered them a few choices and was delighted when they selected an anchor, Josie particularly liked my suggestion that it would anchor them together. I also mentioned that they wouldn't be getting a quilt exactly the same as the model I showed them.

Then I set off shopping not only my stash, but various stores both here and in Australia, gathering together enough fat quarters and fat eighths to put the top together. As you know I procrastinated for quite some time before I actually cut into the fabric and made a pile of four inch squares, all needing to be sewn back together.

The squares were not the problem. Once I finally got started on that process they went together very quickly, thanks to Chooky and a zoomy weekend. Then I realised that I had purchased the wrong border fabric and shopped the stash again. I found the perfect fabric, but didn't have enough, so a top up from an online store was necessary. Once we returned from our trip to Okiwi bay, I got stuck in again and in next to no time I had the new border fabric and outer border in place, next came the applique.

The Anchor. That had potential to become a big sticking point. I have wondered and worried about the anchor. I even asked for your advice in the last post I wrote. (Thank you to those who had something to say, it was all taken onboard and given thorough contemplation).

This morning, finally I decided it was time to heave too and get on with it. I cut a bunch of scrap A4 papers into two slices, spread the top on the floor and started playing. I didn't get anything pretty but I did get the right angle, measurements and a necessary confidence boost.

Next I pulled out my vliesofix, just enough to make a start. Then I pulled out a pencil and began to draw, right onto the vliesofix. First the fluke, that curved bottom piece, next the shaft and cross piece. Out came a round baking tin and a dipping bowl to create the ring at the top.

I cut them out roughly and had another play, took a deep breath and started to fuse onto the applique fabric. Then I had another check, yep, still good.

Next I started to think about the twiddly bits. 

• The bill tips or fluke tips. The pointy bits at ends of those bottom arms or flukes of the anchor that help it to dig into the seabed and hold in place.
• The Trunnions or the arms of the anchor needed decorative ends. 
• The Crown where the vertical shaft meets the base of the curved flukes, this helps the anchor to pivot and settle onto the bottom.

It's a wedding gift, a symbol of love, so why not hearts? More paper and drawing and I added five hearts. Yep, that works.

Next, I pulled everything off except the shaft and fused it into place onto my top. No going back now! (Deep Breath)!

Each piece went on in turn. I used the wavy line stitch on my machine. Not trusting myself to get those curves and circles just right with a straight stitch. It's an anchor! Waves are perfect.

The pieces went on quite easily and I am so happy with what I have so far. Oh My Gosh. I did it!

Just those twiddly bits left, but I'm out of vliesofix. Tony called in to the shop for me and bought more, but he is still at work...... 

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Anchor Quilt Progress — Borders and Acrobatics

 Before Tony and I went on our travels, I managed to complete the centre of Jiffy’s quilt — a multitude of sea blues and greens stitched into one much larger square. I was very pleased with how it was coming together and had hoped to blog about it on the Monday before we left… but alas, time had other plans.

So here it is, as it looked when we left town — quietly waiting for our return.

Today I was able to pick up where I left off. I’d planned to add a black inner border and, time permitting, piece together the outer border. Time was more than kind: both borders are now in place.

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The photography, however, was less cooperative. The holder-upper (you know who) tried valiantly. First he clambered onto the sofa — not quite right. 

Then he laid the quilt top on the floor while he stood on the coffee table phone in hand. Still not quite right.

 Finally, he dashed off for the step ladder.

I’m not entirely impressed with the image he captured… The colour is off and it was done in such a hurry, there really are no waves. but I do love his dedication.

And I think I captured the moment perfectly. 

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Now I just need to figure out how best to create and appliqué the anchor onto the quilt top. Do I quilt what I have first, then appliqué the anchor afterwards? That would certainly keep the background nice and flat, but the thought of pushing and pulling a fully quilted top through my machine while trying to keep an appliqué perfectly in place feels… ambitious.

The other option is to appliqué the anchor onto the flimsy, then quilt the whole thing, stopping and starting around the shape — or perhaps even quilting straight through it. So many possibilities, and each one comes with its own little “hmm”.

Before any of that, of course, I have to actually create the anchor. I could downscale Tula Pink’s version — her pattern is made of squares, I kind of want to stay away from them as the background is all squares. Or I could draw my own. Or go hunting on the great wide web and resize something that catches my eye.

Decisions, decisions. Luckily, I have three months to figure it all out and get it done. Though I don't want to leave it to the last minute.

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I’d love to hear what you think, too. If you’ve appliquéd a large motif onto a quilt before — especially something with long, sweeping curves — how did you tackle it? Did you quilt first and appliqué later, or appliqué onto the flimsy and work the quilting around it?

And if you’ve come across a great anchor pattern (or have thoughts on scaling, drafting, or adapting one), I’m all ears. Your suggestions might just help me make up my mind.

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The Fairy Walk.

 During our recent visit to Okiwi Bay I heard whispers about something called The Fairy Walk.

Well, you know me — of course I had to go and investigate. I wouldn’t be a Manxgirl if I ignored reports of fairies hiding in the bush.

A short stroll up the road from the house took us to the marked entrance, and what a delightful spot it turned out to be. Surrounded by native bush, the crickets and cicadas were chirruping away in full chorus. Birds flitted and called from every direction — a soundtrack that made the whole place feel alive and welcoming and just a little bit magical.

All along the path were little creations left by locals and visitors. It was a joy to wander slowly, discovering something new every few steps. Fairy lanterns, recycled mailboxes, tiny dwellings, and natural decorations tucked into roots and branches. Children and adults alike had added their own touches, and the whole walk felt like a shared act of imagination.

Partway along we found a long line of painted rocks, then a notice introducing Rocco the Rock Snake and inviting everyone to help him grow. Of course we admired every segment.

We were joined for a while by a weka — a curious, confident native bird who seemed completely unfazed by two humans ambling through its territory. It went about its business as though we were simply part of the scenery.

It wasn’t a long walk, and before we knew it the path opened out onto the beach. A gentle, magical little detour that felt like stepping into someone’s daydreams.

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A delightful little distraction from all the fishing and paddling in the bay. Of course I took a trillion photos — as you’d expect — but I won’t bore you with every single one.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little taste of Okiwi Bay fairy magic.

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Okiwi Bay

This past week, Tony and I were very lucky — we’d been invited to spend a few days with friends at their bach in Okiwi Bay, tucked right up at the very top of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds. It’s such a beautiful, scenic part of the country, all folds of hills and quiet water. We arrived late on Monday, but not so late that we missed those first lovely views out across the bay

Home for the week was a lovely big house owned by our friends’ family. Mum and Dad were there to greet us when we arrived — they’d aired the place out and made up beds for us all, which felt wonderfully welcoming after the long drive. Once we’d said our hellos, they headed back over the pass to Blenheim, leaving us to decide who would sleep where and to pull together a late dinner. As it turned out, late dinners became a bit of a theme for the week.

Our friends had their older daughter with them, and they also introduced us to a new friend and two of his older children.

 And then there was Mackenzie...

We’d never met her before, but she made herself known in about five seconds flat. A small white bundle of curly fur and charisma, Mackenzie quickly claimed her spot — on the boat, in our hearts, and occasionally in the middle of the kitchen when snacks were being discussed. 

She’s quite the performer. Make a finger-gun and say “bang!” — she’d flop over dramatically, playing dead with theatrical flair. She danced for praise, high-fived for treats, and generally kept us all entertained with her clever antics and cheerful spirit. By the end of the week, she wasn’t just part of the group — she was the unofficial mascot of the bach.

Mackenzie came along with us whenever we headed out on the boats, usually first aboard. She took her place on the deck with great dignity, surveying the bay like a seasoned skipper. That said, her talents didn’t quite extend to handling a fishing rod — though she did offer moral support and kept a close eye on the bait bucket, just in case snacks were involved.

With eight adults and one small, enthusiastic dog, we were spread across two boats. Okiwi Bay is full of rocky inlets and little pockets of deep water, perfect for dropping a line, so there was no shortage of spots to explore. We stayed tucked inside the bay, to lay a long line alongside the mussel farm close to the cliffs, then we ventured out into the Sound itself, weaving between islands and rocky outcrops in search of good place to try our luck.

We only managed to fish on two days because the weather had its own ideas. Tuesday was beautifully bright and sunny — the kind of day that makes you feel like you’ve chosen the perfect week to be away. Wednesday… not so much. The rain arrived just as we were laying the longlines at the mussel farm, but we headed out anyway and made the best of it.

And we were rewarded. A pod of dolphins — twenty or thirty of them — found us and decided we were worth a visit. They swam around the boats for a good five minutes, weaving in and out, surfacing so close we could hear their breaths. At one point they even scooped up one of the undersized fish being returned to the water, as if helping with quality control. It was pure magic, the kind of moment that will stay with us all for a long time. 

Thursday it rained — and rained — and rained. A very wet morning, but that didn’t stop the young people; they went swimming in the bay, undeterred by the drizzle. While they were busy, the rest of us found jobs to do. The fish we’d caught were already filleted, but we took time to bag and seal them, getting everything ready for the freezer.

The men tackled a few small maintenance jobs around the house, while Vikki and I did laundry and kept everyone fed. Then I found a jigsaw puzzle — a physical map of New Zealand — and made a start. Later in the afternoon the rain eased. The young people took Mackenzie for a walk in the Fairy Forest (more about that another time), our hosts headed off for a bush walk, and Tony and I carried on with the puzzle.

Friday’s weather forecast looked much the same as Thursday’s — and Saturday’s was even worse — so we made the call to head home. Part of the road had already washed out, and while we didn’t really want to leave, we figured it was time to be responsible adults. (Reluctantly.)

We headed inland and drove back through wine country before heading back out to the coast.

There was plenty of rain on the drive, and as we looked out over the East Coast, the Pacific was putting on a show — big waves churning up the bottom and crashing hard onto the rocks at Kaikōura. It was still raining and properly dark when we pulled into our driveway in Timaru, just before 10pm.

Now we’re home. The bags are unpacked, the laundry’s done, and our usual rhythm has resumed. Of our catch, only the blue cod made it home to the freezer — the snapper was smoked and savoured for dinner each evening. And it was beautiful.

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A Day at My Machine.

Yesterday, Chooky called a Zoom session — right on time. I’d already planned to spend the morning in my sewing room playing with my batik squares, and that’s exactly what I did. I settled in at the machine and sewed and sewed and sewed, while listening to the ladies chatter as I worked.

First, I sewed all my 4" squares into pairs. Then I kept going until every pair became a four‑patch block. My back grumbled about the forced labour, but it survived.

Later, I spread a few blocks out on the floor to get a feel for how this quilt top might look. I’m not working from a pattern — just an image from the internet and a handful of ideas. But it’s coming together beautifully.

I’d pulled out a couple of fabrics I had purchased to use for the border and the anchor. Now I’m convinced they’re both wrong. The blue border fabric is far too busy, and the patterned black I chose for the anchor is better but still doesn’t sit well against all that movement.

So I might need a shopping trip — not for two new fabrics, but maybe just one that can do both jobs. Something plain, or with a very minimal pattern, to rest quietly on that busy background.

So the plan for today is to get the center of the quilt top put together. I want to be able to take it with me when we go on our trip tomorrow as I happen to know there are some good fabric shops near where we will be staying and I'm hoping to convince Mr H to take me shopping.

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As we went out last night, we couldn’t help but look up at the sky. Dark clouds loomed around us, stormy and unsettled as they had been all day, and we could also see — and smell — the bands of smoke drifting across from the fires burning in Australia. I don’t want to dwell on how vast and angry those fires must be. I just hope everyone is safe

In contrast, my boy Jiffy Jonathan sent me an image he took on his way to work. The sun was rising over the Isle of Man as he steamed his boat out to the scallop grounds. He made some very rude comments about how cold he felt and how glad he was to have a cosy wheelhouse to retreat to — but he still had to catch that image. That promise of warmth.

He often sends me images like this one, with the sun peeking over the horizon. He does get to work in an amazing environment, everyday something different. 

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The weather today is not nice at all. Yesterday was cloudy and smoky; today we have rain. The day began with beautiful sunshine, then a quick gentle shower, then more sunshine — and now heavy rain and dark skies all around. A perfect day to stay indoors and sew.

If you want me, I’ll be at my machine for a couple of hours, stitching together the centre of Jiffy and Josie’s quilt. And just as I settled in, Chooky invited me to Zoom. Perfect timing.

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From Pickles to Patchwork

As planned, Thursday evening finished up in the kitchen with me bottling that big bowl of onions. They’d been sitting in their salt bath for about nine hours, so it was just a quick rinse and straight into the jar — yes, just one huge jar. You can’t really tell from the photo, but some of those onions are the size of golf balls.

I tucked in my usual bay leaves and chillies, a scattering of peppercorns, and a few other little bits and pieces before pouring over the vinegar and sugar/stevia solution. Now the jar is sealed and tucked away, and I’ll be making sure Tony keeps his hands off it until at least April.

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While having a tidy‑up in the freezer the other day, I came across a few packets of homegrown cauliflower that had been there a little bit too long. Time to use them up — but how? I went hunting for pickle or chutney recipes, but nothing felt quite right. Then my trusty Co‑Pilot, who was helping me search, suggested making a curry base. Hmm. Co‑Pilot even came up with a recipe.

So I got stuck right in.

In less than an hour I had four little bowls of curry base cooling on the bench, ready to pop into the slow cooker whenever I want an easy dinner. All I’ll need to add is some meat or veg, maybe a splash of coconut milk or a few tomatoes, and dinner will take care of itself.

And no, it doesn’t taste like cauliflower. It did at first, but after a generous extra hit of ginger and spices, it now tastes exactly like curry should.

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Tired of domestic duties, I cleaned up the kitchen and headed into my happy sewing room. I set about cutting up more fat quarters for Jiffy’s quilt, but of course I started worrying that I didn’t have quite enough. A quick rummage through the batik drawer turned up a few more possibilities, and after a to‑and‑fro Messenger consult with Janice, five more fabrics were added to the collection. 

(Don’t you just love the modern world and the convenience of things like Messenger and Snapchat? I sent Janice a bunch of photos and she was almost instantly able to give me her thoughts on my fabric choices. She joked that she was being picky, but that’s precisely why I ask for her opinions — she sees things I might miss, and I always value her eye).

And that was it — all the squares are now cut. Time to start sewing things together.

But by then it was lunchtime, and my body was very clearly telling me so.

I made myself a quick cheese salad for lunch before retiring to my armchair for the afternoon.

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 Confession time. I know I said no squirrels, no new starts, no getting sidetracked, but… next week we’ll be away for a few days and I need a little project to take along.

If I took my hexies, well, you know how fast I can sew those pretties together — I’d need a huge pile of them. No, I needed something small and a little more time consuming. Then I remembered the mini cross stitch skulking in the drawer beside my chair, so I pulled it out and made sure everything I needed was tucked into a project bag.

As you can see from the price tag, it’s a kit I rescued somewhere along the way. That cute bowl of strawberries look good enough to stitch, even if I can’t eat them. And since it was all there and ready to go, I made a quick start.

I’ll take this along on our mini break. If I have time to pick it up and make a little progress, great. If not, that’s perfectly fine too. This project isn’t important — it’s just something to take along.

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I sewed a couple more hexies after putting the strawberries away, then set my needle down and watched a movie while I waited for Tony to come home. He took me out for dinner, which was a lovely way to end the day.

So what’s in store for today? No kitchen duties this morning. The only chore on my list is to wrap a gift for a colleague’s 50th birthday — we’re going to her party this evening. After that, the day is mine. I might wander back to the sewing room and start joining some of those squares together…

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A Busy, Bubbling Start to My Leave

The first day and a half of my leave have been busy in the best possible way — productive, but also wonderfully relaxing.

Yesterday morning disappeared into a haircut and the grocery run, and by the time I’d grabbed a quick lunch I was ready to settle into something more enjoyable. I spent a good chunk of the afternoon pressing and cutting batik fat quarters into 4‑inch squares. I’m about halfway down the pile now, so that feels like progress.

Once the fabric was tamed, I made myself a cup of tea and settled in with my jigsaw puzzle. I had it almost finished by bedtime (and of course forgot to take a photo), then completed the last few pieces today while I ate lunch. Believe me, I’d earned the sit‑down.

After tea last night I diced 3 kilos of tomatoes and left them to brine overnight with some onions. So as soon as I was moving this morning, I was straight back into the kitchen — rinsing tomatoes and getting my Possums Pickle Relish underway. The recipe is at the end if you need it. It’s one of those relishes that goes with absolutely everything.

While that was bubbling away in my cauldron, I topped, tailed, and peeled a big bowl of pickling onions. They’re now resting in a bed of salt and will be rinsed and bottled after dinner this evening.

Next stop: the garden. I pulled in a big bundle of rhubarb, washed and diced it, and got it into the big pan as soon as I'd given the relish a stir. 

Rhubarb in the big pan, I stirred the relish again. and it nearly launched itself at me. Properly excitable batch today — good thing I dodged fast and had my apron on, 

With everything bubbling away, I even managed to whip up a batch of my chocolate slice. Yum.

Once the rhubarb was sorted — some for the freezer and a generous bowlful for Tony to enjoy over the next couple of days.

It was time to get the Possums Pickles into jars. I like using Roses marmalade jars for this relish. It's fun and satisfying hearing the lids pop as they cool.

Phew. Cauldrons washed and put away; I finally sat down for brunch at 12.45: leftover spag bol on toast. Bliss.

I think the armchair might be calling me for the rest of the afternoon. 

But first I had a hunt for the next puzzle. These little 500 piece puzzles are fast and fun to complete, but I think it's time for a bigger challenge.

A very colourful op shop find.

Tomorrow it's back to the cutting table.

Oh, I almost forgot. When he got home, Tony went into his happy room and worked on his project for a while. I wonder if he will do that again tonight?

As promised, my relish recipe. 

Affectionately known as Possums Pickles, as Possum is my friends mum, and this is her recipe. 

Possums Pickles

 Tomato and Capsicum Relish.

3 Kg of Tomatos, skins on or off, either way works.

900g - 1 kg onions.

Lots of salt.

12 chillis deseeded  (I leave the seeds in sometimes)

1 bulb of garlic

900g - 1 kg Sugar. (I use Bakers secret, stevia)

3 capsicum peppers, any colour

4 tablespoons flour

3 tablespoons curry powder

Enough malt vinegar

 

Placed chopped tomato and onion into a large bowl and lightly cover with salt. Cover loosely and leave overnight.

The next day, pour off the brine and lightly rinse, drain, then in a large saucepan almost cover with malt vinegar, add the sugar, chopped chilli and garlic.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 90 mins.

Add the diced capsicum and cook for another 30 mins.

In a jug mix the flour, curry powder and enough vinegar to produce a pouring consistency, then add this to the saucepan, stir well and cook for another 10 mins. (Sometimes I whizz it with the stick blender, but you don’t have to).

Pour into hot sterile jars and seal.