I just returned from a two week Quilting Tour in New Zealand of all places. I travelled with McCall Quilting which was TOP NOTCH in terms of hotels, food (and more food), quiltings contacts and stores on both the North and South Islands. I focused on New Zealand and Australian fabrics, fondly known as Kiwiana (NZ) and Aussieana (AUS). What I found appealing about the fabrics is that they are very different than US Commercial fabrics. They were unique in picturing Maori symbolism, the vegetation (ferns, palms,mountains and beaches), and the animals (kiwi's, penguins, and albatross).
We travelled with Carol Doak who is one of my all time favorites as I am an avid paper piecer and Beth Hayes, editor-in-chief for McCall's Quilting. Both are lovely ladies, full of fun, giggles and a sense of adventure. I would travel again to NZ at a moment's notice -- I have never been anywhere as majestically beautiful in the world. And I would double-time getting to another McCall's tour as I've never been on anything so well organized and well delivered. Now, however, I must create from what I've purchased.
Along with that, NZ is known for its sheep, right???? Well, since I'm an avid knitter, too, I brought back a suitcase and a half of fabric and yarn - merinos, possum & merino, alpaca, hand dyed, hand spun and CHEAP!!!! We hit some of the farms where the sheep hang out getting regular hair cuts and chomping down sheep pellets. I now have 10 projects in queue, just from what I bought on this trip. I'm going to be very busy but beautifully graced with knitted and quilted delights.
How far will you go to get the perfect fabric????
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