Kaiti Hill Challenge 2016

This year, after missing out last year due to the big move back to Gisborne when it was nearly finished, I am participating in the Kaiti Hill Challenge.  The end goal is to climb the hill 68 times which equates into climbing the height of Mt Everest.
As of yesterday I am  quarter of the way there with 17 climbs.  The challenge started last Monday and ends October 30th, so if I keep at it I will meet the challenge.
The best thing about it apart from getting fit, is the views and so many people are doing it from the very young to the elderly.

Then last Saturday hubby and I went for a quick drive up the coast to the historic Tolaga Bay wharf which is the longest wharf at 660 meters, in New Zealand.

MIA!!

Yes, MIA I have been.  It has been so stressful doing my Master of Nursing and my nursing portfoilio, but things are finally coming along.  I have not done much sewing at all and have been in two biggish swaps which was the Xmas In July one held each year and am on leave from my block swaps and hexagon swaps currently.
However I have entered some items in out local A&P show home industries section next month so a stitching I will be soon.
I also plan on getting back into this blog too, but I also post on Instagram if you want to follow me there.  Just click HERE to follow.
Here is some pictures of what I have done in the last couple of months sewing wise and sent away for swaps

I Have been MIA

Wow I have not been on here in over two months.  It doesn't mean I haven't been busy.  I have been working full time in the last couple of months, but this fortnight I have selected not to pick up any extra shifts because tiredness is catching up on me.

So what have I been doing on my treasured days off?  Working on my Master of Nursing.  Currently I am finalizing questionnaires and submitting my proposal to my tertiary provider ethics committee in two weeks time.

What else have I been doing.  Stitching hexagon flowers together for my HexiMail4 swap on Facebook.  I have done over 100 and have just over 40 to go, so on the home stretch.  I have also been doing some secret swap stitching too.

Finally I have had a pestering cat hound me whenever I am home.  He has some renal problems and overweight, so is on a special diet and for some reason thinks I will continuously feed him.

Here he is trying to give me a sexy pose

Dixie Diary Blocks

Back in 2013 I started completing blocks for the Dixie Diary BOM over at Civil War Quilts blog.  I made four, then it became a UFO.  However last week I decided to finish these and now all I have left to do is add cornerstones and sashings.  Then only today I have realized one of the blocks has been pieced wrong, but an easy fix.

Looking forward to finishing this one. Now to find material to finish it.

A Lovely Christmas Table Runner

While over in Tasmania, I was lucky enough to catch up with the lovely Relle who made me this Christmas table runner for a swap we were in last year.
Best of all it was made with my favorite material line by French General

I posted this picture back when she got hers when I sent it last year.  Notice we both have good taste in fabric

Some More of my Trip to Tasmania for LGS 2016

When over in Hobart for Lets Get Stitched we went on a bus trip on the Friday where we visited some lovely patchwork shops, but also stopped off for lunch at the Salmon Ponds.  It was a lovely setting on a beautiful day to have lunch.

While in Hobart we had Saturday to do what ever we wanted and yes we walked the streets and done some shopping, but we also had a look down at the wharf .  I love these boats, but alas get seasick so no ride in it.

Also Hobart has some amazing buildings and I love the architecture of them

Hubby and I are planning on going back as there is still so much to see in Tasmania, with Port Arthur being a place we still have to see, but didn't as time ran out.

A UFO Finished

I finished a UFO in February

This "Heart of Christmas" stitchery is a Rosalie Quinlan design I started awhile back but have now finished.  I still have two others to finish and am hoping to this year.

This one is the "Angels" pattern

I Have Lost My Cord

I have photos on my camera but I have lost my cord to transfer them and have hunted high and low for it, but alas it is in a safe place.  But thanks to eBay I have just ordered another so I will post photos of a couple of projects in the next few weeks.  
Anyway I have been quiet here, as yes I have gone mad and am doing my Master of Nursing and in the throes of excitement ...... not ........ starting my Thesis for it. So when not working I have been studying, but I did have time to go away to Lets Get Stitched over in Tasmania.
Tasmania is a lovely place and I am definitely going back.  I have managed to get photos of my phone but most are on my camera of the beautiful surroundings.  Hobart has some amazing buildings and the churches were lovely

We had a great view when the cruise ship the Diamond Princess arrived from our room at Salamanca Inn

And the Salamanca Markets was great.  Unfortunately had to watch what I could get as I didn't want the long customs wait when I got back to New Zealand.

On the Friday we went for a bus trip and stopped of at Norfolk and visited a lovely patchwork shop located at a old hospital, which we found out was an old mental institution.  The buildings were old but lovely and the patchwork shop was located in the old matrons quarters of the old nursing quarters.

Burgers ....... go to Jack Greenes.....yum!

  My cord for my camera is on its way already, so watch for more photos to come .... like February's "1 Xmas Item a Month" item.  But in the mean time phone photos (unless it craps out on me)