My quilting thoughts and inspirations sprinkled with a glimpse of life down on the farm

Monday, April 18, 2016

Flying the NZ flag in Tennessee

When I last posted, I didn't think that the next time I would be posting it would be from the USA. But here I am, enjoying my first few days at my brother's in Nashville.
After 26 hours between the first plane taking off and the last plane landing I was happy to get here, that's for real! But I'm all in one piece so that's great.
I had a bit of sewing I wanted to complete before I left home and I'm pleased I met my deadlines; one of my projects was this kiwiana quilt for my brother and my sister-in-law to bring with me. I've wanted to make them a kiwiana jellyroll quilt for a while now and when I stumbled across this star block, I knew I could finally get it made.
I had imagined taking photos of this quilt in amongst the native bush on our farm but, once again, the plane wasn't going to wait for me while I fiddled around with a mere quilt. So I took the photos in amongst a stand of old Totara on the hillside below the house.
The fabrics are all NZ flavoured, an assortment of bird/nature prints, novelty prints and Maori designs. Kiwiana fabric doesn't come in co-ordinated ranges so it can be tricky to use all in one project.
The quilting on it was probably lighter than I wanted but the time factor reared its ugly head again...there's enough, just...
I included the spirals to represent Koru, the unfurling of the Silver Fern frond, and signifying, new life, growth, strength and  peace.
And above, just enough quilting on the stars to stop them billowing out.
You can see below, the block is fairly straight forward -
But I did have to think from time to time so I didn't end up with this- 
As always, I had fun while sewing -
I had a few other things to share but the photos are on my other memory card back home in New Zealand. Hehe I do have this photo with me though - the last morning of our babies visit to NZ. We so enjoyed their visit and it was hard to say good-bye :-)
My sister-in-law and I are off to the AQS Quilt Show at Paducah this coming week. We are very much looking forward to it. We're taking a few classes and aim on having a blast!
So, 'til next time,
have fun, 
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31 comments:

  1. Angelikas quilts and knitsApril 18, 2016 at 6:44 AM

    Hi Raewyn,
    your star-quilt is gorgeous ! Guess your brother and your SIL love it :-)
    The twins are too cute :-)

    happy quilting
    Angelika from the most northern part of Germany

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  2. Linda @ kokaquiltsApril 18, 2016 at 8:01 AM

    Have a lovely trip Raewyn, looking forward to lots of pics from Paducah when you get home!

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  3. DeborahApril 18, 2016 at 8:57 AM

    What a long trip! Enjoy your time with your brother and also in Paducah. I am sure the quilt show will be fabulous. Your star quilt is beautiful and I am happy to know that Kiwiana fabric does exist as it was my request to my daughter who is in New Zealand. Now I can tell her what too look for. Fabric takes up very little room in a suitcase :-)

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  4. Karen - Quilts...etc.April 18, 2016 at 9:14 AM

    Have fun at the show!! I wish I was going I would enjoy meeting you - but it is not in the cards this year what with medical bills from my eye surgery coming in and major dental work for Mike. Are you from the states or the from New Zealand? I'll be thinking of all of you having fun in Paducah!!

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  5. KaHollyApril 18, 2016 at 9:16 AM

    Welcome to the US!, you're finally here! TN is such a beautiful state. Have fun at Paducah, xo

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  6. FionaApril 18, 2016 at 10:16 AM

    great you got there safe and sound... a lovely quilt and well done for getting it all done in time... those little girls are just gorgeous...
    Hugz

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  7. LeeanneApril 18, 2016 at 11:10 AM

    Your Kiwiana quilt looks fabulous! I bet you have an awesome time in the big USA. Your two beautiful baby girls are growing fast.

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  8. CathApril 18, 2016 at 11:13 AM

    I love the quilt.....and I didn't expect a post from the USA.....enjoy your visit and take lots of photo's at the quilt show!

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  9. Michelle RidgwayApril 18, 2016 at 4:29 PM

    What a beautiful quilt and special keepsake from NZ for your brother and wife. You have put so much thought into it. Love the piccie of you and your girls. Have a blast in Paducah xxx

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  10. Janet O.April 18, 2016 at 5:09 PM

    What a wonderful gift quilt for someone far from "home". It looks really good to me. Too much quilting makes for a poor cuddle quilt!
    Ah, those cute little babes. So hard to be separated from them. You looks so happy and content to have them in your arms.
    Well, maybe Paducah will provide some measure of comfort. : )

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  11. BarbaraApril 18, 2016 at 5:24 PM

    A wonderful quilt Raewyn, I love it. Glad to see you have arrived safe and sound in the USA. Have a great time and soak up all the new experiences.

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  12. margaretApril 18, 2016 at 5:46 PM

    have a lovely time with your brother and sister in law, see it is the New Zealand flag so presume the vote went against the new flag. The quilt is beautiful and more so that you used special New Zealand fabrics for it. Have a lovely time at the quilt show What adorable babies they are they are growing so fast will be walking before you know it

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  13. Mystic QuilterApril 18, 2016 at 7:32 PM

    Kiwiana quilt looks great! Enjoy your holiday in Nashville and have fun at the show!

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  14. Peg - Happy In QuiltingApril 18, 2016 at 9:37 PM

    Your quilt is awesome ...the twins are growing and they are so cute .... Have fun ......💖

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  15. BarbApril 19, 2016 at 12:46 AM

    what cute babies!!!!
    your stars are sparkly and pretty. enjoy Paducah! The Rotary almost always has a great exhibit

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  16. Needled MomApril 19, 2016 at 2:16 AM

    Beautiful quilt. I hope you have an incredible visit.

    Those little girls are so sweet.

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  17. straythreadsApril 19, 2016 at 2:20 AM

    Welcome to America!! have fun at the quilt show hope you brought lots of goodies for your brother so you have room in your bag for fabric

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  18. ConnieApril 19, 2016 at 3:16 AM

    Welcome to the United States . . . I know that you are having a great time visiting with family and seeing the sights. Your quilt is beautiful and they are going to treasure it for many, many years to come. Here's to a great vacation!
    Connie :)

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  19. sigisartApril 19, 2016 at 3:26 AM

    Dear Raewyn,
    you´re looking so happy with the two babies...they are so lovely!!!
    I wish youa wondeful time in USA and enjoy your quilt classes and the quilt show!!!
    Yout quilt for your brother and your sister-in-law is sooooo nice!!!
    Hugs
    sigisart

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  20. Lara B.April 19, 2016 at 5:33 AM

    Raewyn, I hope you have the most wonderful visit and a fabulous time at the Paducah show! Tennessee is gorgeous this time of year! 26 hours is a long trip but so very worth it.
    Your Kiwiana Stars is beautiful! What a perfect gift too! I love the fabrics and the symbolism in your quilting designs!
    Glad you had armfuls of your beautiful baby granddaughters to sustain you until you can see them again!

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  21. DonieneApril 19, 2016 at 5:35 AM

    Hello dear kiwi friend!! So excited that you are in the states. Please email me with your boos phone number!! I want to chat voice to voice!!!

    The girls are adorable!!! What a grand time!! And can't beat a star any time!!!!

    Looking forward to hearing from you!!

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  22. Ali HoneyApril 19, 2016 at 10:22 AM

    What great photos. Love the Kiwiana and the babies. You look so happy holding them.

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  23. MarleneApril 19, 2016 at 11:28 AM

    Have great trip and enjoy Paducah. Can't wait to hear all about it. Great Kiwiana star quilt-need to put that on my to do list. The girls are growing so fast-great photo.

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  24. LeanneApril 19, 2016 at 3:38 PM

    Enjoy your time in the US and more importantly have the best time in Paducah. Take lots of photos.

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  25. Karen SApril 19, 2016 at 5:21 PM

    This is such an exciting time. I hope you take lots of photos of the show to share. Have a great time with your family. The quilt you made for them is lovely. Perfect with the fabrics you have used. I like the quilting and the photos show it off beautifully.
    The babies are looking great!

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  26. Quiltpassion.blogspot.comApril 19, 2016 at 6:50 PM

    Wow, going to Paducah, how happy you must be! I'm looking forward to see and read about it.
    What a lovely quilt you made for your brother and his wife, I love the fabric with NZ towns!
    Enjoy your time in the USA!

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  27. LinApril 20, 2016 at 12:07 AM

    Have a lovely time. x

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  28. sunnyApril 20, 2016 at 2:58 PM

    Love the star quilt! I'm still considering driving to Indianapolis for dinner with you. Or breakfast? Would you be able to get away for a couple of hours if I showed up? What would work best for your schedule????

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  29. AnonymousApril 21, 2016 at 4:40 AM

    How exciting! Welcome to TN! How long are you staying?

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  30. Rebecca in AKApril 21, 2016 at 11:21 AM

    Those sweet babies are getting so big! Love the quilt from your NZ fabric. Thanks for sharing how you made the star block. I hope you have a wonderful time in Paducah!

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  31. SisbabestitchesApril 30, 2016 at 5:07 PM

    Wow Ms World-Traveller you! Loving the quilt, so fantastically full of thought! The colours are a marvellous cheery mix :)

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