Procrastination

I kept putting off a new entry, while I thought about how to include some photos. First step was taking some photos, nope, first step was charging the camera battery. Then the weekend arrived. A trip to Wellington later, and I am no further along.

So, just words again.

Wellington was breezy, some showers, average Wellington autumnal weather. So, rather than spend time checking out some new beaches, we drove the coast road and visited a new quilt shop. New for me that is. The Busy Bee Quilt Shop is rather deceptive, in that the exterior of the building looks run-down, but the shop is a treasure trove of fabric seldom seen in little old NZ. Shelf after shelf of Kaffe, William Morris, Marcus fabrics, and enough 1930's type fabrics to overwhelm you. I spent too much money, yet came away with insufficient fabric to scratch the itch. I guess I have gotten used to buying online, with cheap american prices. It seems wrong now to pay $30+ per metre, when I could be paying a third of that.

Never the less, the Busy Bee is now my favourite shop. Now, if only they had an online presence.

Quilt-wise, another Gypsy Wife quilt is underway. This time in dark, romantic colours. I am determined to add as many fabric scraps from my Symposium collection as I can. Lots of Tula Pink, AMH, Kaffe, and a bit of Morris fabric too. Maybe next time a photo?

Whats in a name?

What's in a name?

Peppercorn quilts is named in remembrance of my Nana. Her maiden name was Peppercorn, an old name dating back to before the Battle of Hastings. Her ancestors arrived in New Zealand, and settled in the Leamington area, in the Waikato. She was the only surviving child of four, had three children of her own, and many grandchildren. By most accounts there was nothing spectacular about her life, except she was loved dearly, and she loved her family through her actions, rather than words.

A peppercorn rent is a nominal rent, and I suspect my quilting shall be nominal compared to many quilt bloggers. For me its a creative outlet, rather than an income stream. Eventually I want to use Nana's sewing machine to make at least one quilt, a small investment of my time to justify inheriting her treadle sewing machine. At the moment it sits in the corner, awaiting a sewing repairman who does home visits, and also repairs very, old machines. If I were to name this machine it would be Florence, the name my Nana refused to use.

Today I catch up with a friend just returned from undertaking her Masters research, a scintillating chat will ensue. There's nothing like discussing research while drinking coffee, and eating home baking. Keeps the neutrons firing.

A beginning...

Hi there,

I've been reading blogs for the last 12 months, adding the odd comment, even winning a giveaway or two. I've been reluctant to throw my hat in the ring, but since I now start each day drinking copious amounts of coffee (an entire carafe) while reading quilting blogs, I thought it time to join in the fun.

An introduction seems in order. I am over-educated, with a PhD in an obscure area of science, that I do not use. I studied wetlands, but live in a region where the wetland vegetation tends to consist of occasionally damp farm paddocks. This is not conducive to gaining a relevant position. Instead I am launching two young women into the world, while trying to convince my darling hubby that weekends are not for getting a head-start on all that work that will be waiting for him on Monday. Instead I try to drag him around beaches, collecting seaweed for my compost heap.

I took up quilting a year ago after finishing my studies. Despite my lack of quilting activity, I had started accumulating stash anyway. Sort of getting a head-start on the quilting process. I love traditional and modern quilting, and will probably dabble in both with time. I can stitch in the ditch, but have a deeply rooted fear of my free-motion foot. We are considering each other from opposite sides of the craft room at the moment, observing carefully until the "right" time comes along.

I intend to use this blog to keep track of my quilting progress, and join in some linky parties. Maybe even a swap or two. Just good quilty fun.

So, ready, steady, blog!