New Zealand by Kiwi Rail!

My New Zealand adventure in January was so expansive (Over 2 weeks long!) and I've been breaking it up into small parts in-between the other goings on that are happening in real time here at home.

I've been home more than 3 weeks and I'm only half way!

I hope you are enjoying these little glimpses of our Craftours trip to New Zealand in between all of the other quilty content I post.

This trip definitely included planes, boats, trains, buses, ferries and funiculars! I think we covered just about all forms of transportation - Oh, at home point (that I'll get to) it included a trolley being pulled by a tractor.  Yep.  That about covers it!

New Zealand countryside beyond Christchurch.

And around a bend we go!

Farmhouses and homesteads -

But it wasn't only land scenery -

My first glimpse of the sea!

And no matter how you try to frame something from a moving train, there is bound to be a tree or bush in the middle of your photo. LOL!

The train ride to Picton was about 5 hours long.  And from there we were boarding a ferry to take us across to Wellington - another 2 1/2 hour journey or so.

This post is just about the train ride - click to play:

This was so marvelous!

The only way to see the train is to shoot a photo through the open window of the standing car at the back, hoping for a curve to show you the train as it goes around a bend.

Framed that tree just right! LOL!

Coastline and sunshine!

So lovely!

We spotted whales, dolphins and seals - and loads of sea birds.

And the color of the water - such a beautiful aqua!

Nope. Never tired of traveling.  Ever.

The sky changed - the waves rolled in. It was just beautiful.

The train had a snack bar car so we could get sandwiches,, coffees and other snacks -

I settled in to enjoy the countryside and stitch on some hexies (See, this is a quilting post!)

We had departed from the shore and were now going over land again -

What's this out my window?

Is it a vineyard?

Not grapes - it's a KIWI farm!

Miles of kiwi vines.

And more hexies.

So much green!  Oh, how I miss the green of summer.

As our train pulled in to Picton we needed to pick up all of our luggage and find our way to the ferry docks -

Little did I know someone would be there to greet us!

There are quilters in Picton!  And this sweet lady came out to greet our group, welcome us (for the short span of time in between train and ferry) and even brought some New Zealand fabric squares to be shared amongst our quilters.

This kind of connection is so heartwarming to me - and makes the world a much smaller, kinder, and more connected space. I couldn't thank her enough for taking the time out to stand and wait for our arrival.

It was a quick "getting to know you" while waiting for our luggage and then we were off to catch the ferry - more on that to come.

You can find all of my future tours HERE. Ireland/Scotland are currently sold out as is the December trip to England, but there are waiting lists if you are still interested.

There is still time to sign up for our Kenya adventure happening in September.

I loved Kenya so much I can't wait to go back.  It is a phenomenal trip that NEEDS to be TWICE in a lifetime (if not more.) Bring a spouse, friend, sibling, adult child - this is not just for quilters, but we are inspired by the colors and fabrics we will see around us.

If you or someone you love is a photography fiend - this is a photo op trip they won't want to miss. Come join me! Spaces will be sold out soon.

Back in the real world - there was a problem with the well yesterday and Hubster Dave had to turn off the water at the inn to get it fixed. (It was a simple thing and is back on now) but it caused a bit of a disruption in housekeeper Susan's cleaning routine so we'll be back at it today as we have new gusts arriving this afternoon!

And here is a bit of what happened yesterday:

We are this far!
For those wondering why quilt cam doesn't happen here anymore - it took an hour to upload this 3 minute video clip.  Our internet is just really slow on the upload speeds.  But it's the best we can do for here for now.
The Pineapple top only measures about 60'' square - and it has over 5,000 pieces.  I'm not interested in making it bigger, even though there is fabric to do so.  I think it's big enough to hang on a wall and that's as far as it's going to go.
And I decided no borders (I think?!) and just bind it in black.

Winter Cardinal is a Star Spangled Pattern Duo! 

Also includes Star of Hope variation in one PDF pattern booklet! Includes full-color graphics, step-by-step photos and assembly options.

Many units require paper piecing (printable templates included) for accuracy and ease of construction due to block size. Great scrap buster!

Winter Cardinal Quilt Size: 67 1/2’’ X 67 1/2’’

Star of Hope Variation Quilt Size: 57’’ X 57’’

Indigo Way is also available as a PDF pattern booklet!

Both Indigo Way and Winter Cardinal are currently 25% off in the Quiltville Store. No coupon needed. Sale price good through this coming Friday 2/23/24.  Price reverts back to full Saturday 2/24/24.

And that's it for today.  I've got my work cut out for me.

How about you? What's going on for your Wednesday?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Vintage double wedding ring quilt found in North Carolina

Take a good hard look at the things that are stopping you.

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Are there valid reasons?

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Or just excuses?

Have a beautiful Wednesday, everyone -