Christchurch, Antarctic Center, Judith Ross and More!
Judith Ross, wonderful Christchurch Quilter
On our first evening in Christchurch, our group was welcomed and inspired by a wonderful Christchurch quilter, Judith Ross. Judith brought several of her pieces with her and shared with us her inspiration behind her lovely quilts.
Beautiful Judith Ross Quilt
The colors and stitching in her quilts were exquisite.
Judith has combined her love of making clothing with her love of quilting by making the quilt that has the shape of a coat.
Another spectacular pieced coat
We all were in awe of Judith’s work and so appreciate the time she gave us and for sharing her beautiful work.
Ooooh, that was fun!
The next morning we were off to see the sights in Christchurch. Christchurch is the jumping off place for Antarctic exploration. There is a wonderful Antarctic Center that is just amazing. We were brought to a room that simulates what it would be like in the Antarctic and treated to a simulated Antarctic storm. OK, so this ice slide was just something I couldn’t pass up. Wish I had noticed those bumps in the ice before I decided to slide down!
Darling little guys
These little guys at the Antartic center were just so cute.
Mona Vale Estate
Christchurch is called the Garden City and the Mona Vale Estate gardens did not disappoint us. There were so beautiful and fragrant.
Gorgeous flowers and beautiful fragrances
The flower colors were amazing and walking into the rose gardens just filled you up with wonderful fragrances.
Our Christchurch Quilters Reception
We hurried back to the hotel because we knew there were a group of quilters there from Christchurch waiting to greet us.
Group of Christchurch Quilters
When we arrived, we were not only greeted by a lovely group of quilters from Christchurch, but they had decorated a room in the hotel with lots of their quilts. They chatted with us, shared their quilts and just made us all feel so welcome in their beautiful city.
Cathedral in Christchurch
One of the most important landmarks in Christchurch is this beautiful old Cathedral in the center of town. Just look at that tile roof!
The Tin Shed
As we departed Christchurch for Dunedin the next morning, we made a pit stop at the Tin Shed. This is a charming woolen mill.
We did love to shop!!!
We all scattered about the shop looking at wonderful woolen sweaters, yarn and everything woolen.
We arrive in Dunedin next and have a few surprises.
All the best,
Carol
February 8th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Posted by Carol from email update received from Fiona:
Hi from the South Island of New Zealand.
I’ve been checking your blog, and so far you’ve got your visit to Auckland posted, so I thought I’d better hurry up with this.
Thank you so much for allowing us to come and visit you all at the hotel in Christchurch. Everyone was so friendly, and I think everyone had a good time. I know the 8 of us Kiwi’s did!
So now for our names from the last group photos that were taken with 8 Kiwi’s, Beth and yourself.
From left – Marilyn Gutschlag – Christchurch
Lynn Stringer – Rangiora
Fiona McGowan – Rangiora
Mary Findlay – Christchurch
Carol Doak
Karen Halls – Oxford
Marion Houston – Oxford
Beth Hayes
Jan Toohey – Rangiora
Eileen Scott – Oxford
I hope the remainder of your stay in New Zealand was enjoyable.
Once again, thank you.
Fiona McGowan.