Christmas in July Sewing / Going Through Stash

 Well, not much 'Christmas in July' sewing has happened since this post. However, some already prepped dog and cat mug rugs have been quilted, that's all. 

I got sucked into decluttering accumulated fabrics and other crafts.

Some of the jeans will be donated and some are cut into useable pieces. I'm not going to use the most worn areas, and I see there are some spots too that won't be used. I will get to that eventually.

My goodness, jeans take up a lot of space!  

Flannel shirts from a DF are also cut into pieces

The small heap with quilting cotton is sorted and some small pieces cut into squares. 

(I forgot to take a photo before I put it away)

I rediscovered this beautiful bullfinch Christmas fabric. Originally Christmas kitchen curtains (cotton). Too beautiful to be donated, right? 

I'm going to make some placemats and two table runners.

It looks like there is a color difference, actually it's shades.

I'm also doing 'secret sewing' that can't be revealed until it's delivered. 

We discovered this guy in the garden the other day

If not mistaken, this caterpillar (about 4.7 inches / 12 cm) is the Death's Head Hawkmoth. 

It's an impressive moth and we don't see them often. We saw one closeup some years ago - here.

Take a look at this YouTube video if you would like to see them hatch. An amazing process. 

Linking up with:

Angela at So Scrappy

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps

Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

 

Coffee With Dad - An RSC Flimsy, Another WIP

As the title says; Coffee with Dad is a Flimsy!

Viola at Familie Barwitzki challenged me to work on my UFO #26, since 26 is her birthday. Now that Swirling Stars is on hold, waiting (forever! due to shipping error from the online shop!) for ordered quilting thread, I accepted the challenge. 

In my previous post I mentioned I had too many blocks for one quilt. 

That is absolutely not true! I don't know where my head was, or better say brain (it must have melted in the heat these days!), when I figured out I need 36 coffee cup blocks! I had 64 blocks and thought I would use the 'leftovers' for another smaller quilt. 

OK, it didn't turn out! After re-reading the pattern, I noticed I misread. It reads; 'make 36 sets of 2 matching'. It's there I made the mistake; I must have read '36' only. LOL

The idea was to make it a lap quilt size; approximately 60 x 72 inches. It grew bigger! lol Instead of the intended size, I made it 60 x 84 inches. 

A pieced backing is done too. (Photos later).

The chosen RSC color for March is RED

I did part of A Quilting Life's BOM 2025 last year (RSC colors). I'm doing the rest of the blocks this year

One of them is the block for March, in red

Next up to work on: UFO #5 - Basket Quilt.

The pattern is called 'Retro Baskets' by Chris Jurd, published in Marvellous Machine-made Quilts magazine. I can't find any date/year this magazine was published. I got it from an ex-pen friend in New Zealand, in May 2008. Some pages are missing, she kept patterns she wanted to make. 

I don't have any records of when I started working on this quilt. I believe it was in 2020, since it is on my UFO list 2021 (#10).

After making the first two blocks (whenever that was), I got a bit discouraged. I didn't like the blocks; they looked dull and lacked contrast (here). Great suggestions from my dear quilting friends, I ripped off the outer border and changed it to low volume fabric (here).  

I've spent hours (over)thinking what fabrics to use on the next blocks. I pulled out this, that and fabrics I could think of. I didn't like any of them! After sleeping on it, I came up with the idea to use leftovers from 'Over the River and Through the Woods'. It may not work either.... together with the fabrics I chose when I decided to make the quilt. I'm NOT going to buy any new fabrics for this one! What I have, has to work! lol

More pondering... SIGH! 

Then, looking at the blocks for the umpteenth time! 

There's something with them I don't like, but what? Then I saw Melva's beautiful basket block and knew right away this is how I want to make them look like a basket with flowers, if you follow what I mean

Years ago, for unknown reason, I decided I needed to add basket weave fabric to my stash. Don't ask me why, because they are still there! LOL I don't remember how many I bought, I have 6 half yards left. I also have one in bright blue that will be used as part of the backing on True Blue. Another one was pink. (YIKES!) If I remember right, most of it was used to make Arreli's pink quilt and RSC blocks. 

I made another block, using basket weave fabric for the 'basket'. 

Doesn't this one (to the left) look more like a basket with flowers? 

Which one would you prefer? I think I'd go for the one to the left. I don't want more overthinking! lol I've already spent 3-4 days pondering about this one. The few blocks I've already made can be used for a pieced backing.

It's still hot here. We are not much outside, except yard work / weeding (when the weather allows) and grocery shopping in early mornings before it gets too hot. 

Yesterday we decided we have to get out for a longer walk. Layer of sun protection, bottle of water, and out we went. We went to the neighbour town Rose Hill and back, about 6.2 miles / 10 km. It was hot, about 89.6F / 32C with a nice breeze, it was bearable. 

On our way home, we discovered a breadfruit tree with fruits 

(click on the photo to enlarge)

Although it is classified as a fruit, it is used as a vegetable; like potatoes

 

Lots of fruits on this tree

The trees become monsters and usually have a lot of fruits

Linking up with Angela and RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026)

 

RSC Week 5 - February is BLUE and a Squirrel popped In

Happy February!

Where did January go?!

February; it means a new RSC (Rainbow Scrap Color). Angela at SuperScrappy has chosen BLUE for this month. 

Three blue cups are made. 

I'll make maybe two or three more.

I didn't expect the squirrel to visit! It was good in a way, I needed a short break from quilting ten place mats for a customer. 

This is what the squirrel got me to do:

 

5 scrappy blocks using pink (January RSC color) in the center. 

...and three blue. 

Do you see the pink and blue cats? 

I got to use a few more pink (5" squares trimmed to 4.5"), a variety of 2.5" squares and bits and pieces of white and cream. Everything counts to reduce stash!

Does this block have a name?

My idea is to use these together with some of the 36-patches I've already made.

UFO / WIPs #2 - UFO list 2025 

I have made so many 36-patches using 2.5" squares, now I'm running out of variety. I had a lot from swaps (all used up after making bed quilts!) as well as my own cut squares. I have cut squares from 1.5" to 5". This was March 2016, and I'm happy to say quite a lot has been used!

Linking up with Angela and RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2025) 

Linking up with Melva Loves Scraps for Sew & Tell Monday

This photo was shot a few evenings ago. Fog rolls in at Corps de Garde mountain.

I never get tired of watching clouds / fog, especially during the rainy- and cyclone season when it can be quite impressive.  

 

RSC Week 10, GREEN all over

 GREEN and wet outside - GREEN and cozy inside!

It's week 10 of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge - RSC hosted by Angela over at SOS Scrappy. March is the GREEN month. It has been more rainy (and h*** humid!) than sunny days this week hence no venture out (except grocery shopping).  

I've been working on green, trying to reduce some of the approximately 30 yards measured. Where did all that green come from?! Someone must have done some purchases! LOL 

After making the pink quilt (left to add binding) for the little girl, I decided to make a GREEN quilt for her brother. 

The first idea was to make a Rail Fence quilt but decided against it. Curious to what block I've chosen? Scrappy Churn Dash! This block would make a more fun scrappy quilt, IMO. (A Rail Fence quilt is still on my bucket list). 

I have 22 blocks, each block 12" finished). I'm aiming for a 72 x 96 inches quilt. The kids' two uncles are 6.56 feet / 2 meters tall, the nephew may take after them, who knows? 

The first I did this week, was to make the blocks for the Swirling Stars Quilt

This is the big block, 22.50" square

Two small ones, 11.50"

They look pretty in green, don't they? 

Slow progress on my UFO; two more 'trees' made. Now I have all the 'trees' needed. It's going to be a Christmas Card Holder. 

A dear friend in Norway has asked me to make two throw pillows and a table runner. We decided on 'Granny Squares' for the first pillow and maybe reverse the colors for the second one. Two different greens (Moda Marbles) will be used. 

I began this post with 'Green and wet outside', and that is exactly what it is right now!

Taken from our porch less than 30 minutes ago. The mountain in the distance (west) is covered in clouds and rain. Not sure if you can see it; the berries on the trees in front are coffee beans (berries). Click on the photo to enlarge. Then there's some banana trees and in the background a palm tree, known as latania palm by the locals. 

Bananas! Fresh from the garden! No pesticides or herbicides. We usually get the bunches off the trees before they are ripe to prevent birds eating them.

Linking up with Angela and RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge)  

HAPPY SCRAPPY WEEKEND! 

 

La Marie to La Peyre - A hike in solitude

I'm not sewing these days - I'm hiking. :)

The last days have been perfect; blue sky, sun and suitable temperature for a Viking.

If you have read my previous post, you'll know we like to hike and explore new areas. Four days of "recovering" from the Black River Gorges hike, we set out for another hike. We had two areas in mind; Tamarind Falls (bus to Henrietta) or Mare aux Vacoas (bus to La Marie). On the way to the bus stand, we decided to jump into the first bus that goes to either of these places. La Marie (Mare aux Vacoas) won! :)

This is the part of the island where there are no buses running. To enter the Mare aux Vacoas area without car, one has to take the bus to La Marie and walk the 2,2km/1.3 miles to the lake.

Mare aux Vacoas is the largest lake/reservoir in the country - 600 meters/1968 feet above sea level.

After studying the map, our plan was to hike around the lake, but it turned out something else. While hubby was asking a couple of guys (workers, cleaning the road sides), I was busy admiring the gorgeous ferns.

From the workers we got to know it is impossible to circle the lake; big rivers and marshland; impossible to cross, for not to talk about the wild boars! Well, I have read somewhere Mauritians are very helpful (they are!), but it happens they tell a story instead of telling the truth - if they don't know.....

(No offense to my Mauritian readers!)

A couple of hundred meters down the road, we met a gardener at a visitor center (La Sophie Nature Walk). He could tell it is possible to circle the lake by following the bigger trails. He could also tell us he used to walk a lot in the area when he was younger - a guy to be trusted.

"Village Weavers" and their nests. Are you able to spot some yellows in the palm? Sorry no close up, my camera is not good enough for that. By clicking on the link, you'll see a much better photo.

"Village Weaver's" amazing nests.

Agriculture; small cabbage plants.

Road signs for hikers are scarce, we had to ask a third person for the trail leading in to the area. The road leads to Domaine des 7 Vallees - a so called "hunting paradise"! We met the owner on the way; asking us where we are going... Fortunate - yes, I say fortunate - because so many wonderful areas on the island are private and one need permission to enter... We didn't need any permission to go through the forest!

The forest covers an area of 4000 hectares, where more than 2500 Java deers and wild boars live freely.

Since I'm against mass-tourism, I love the idea of Eco-tourism, which is created in Domaine des 7 Vallees. We didn't visit the Domaine, where the reception etc are located. On the way through the park, we came to this place; idyllic little lake with a picnic area and one of the cottages one can rent.

An enormous bunch of bamboos! I didn't know it is bamboos before I had a closer look. :)

It was just after the Riviere Sitron (Lemon River), where this little lake is located, we should have taken a left fork (I believe), instead of doing the straight trail, to circle Mare aux Vacoas. Lack of road signs made us miss the right direction. It didn't really matter; after a wonderful nature walk of approx 15 km/9.3 miles, in tranquility and solitude, we ended up at La Peyre - not far from Curepipe and Nouvelle France! :)

We didn't spot any deer or wild boars - not even BIG rivers or marshland - lol! The nearest we came, were tracks of deer,  defecation from a deer and "something" that might have been a deer, moving in the forest - we just heard the sound of "something".

There are different ways to attract tourists; gorgeous beaches, now the latest; Eco-tourism, hunting etc. I have nothing against Eco-tourism either, but.... when there are hardly no areas on the island left for the locals; then I'm against any kind of tourism! To say it in one sentence; the island is sold to foreigners; all in the name of tourism/Eco-tourism!

***************

It's the weekend! 

After lack of inspiration to sew over the last week, my intension for the next couple of days is to finish a few projects. I think I'll have to reset my brain from wonderful hikes into more creativity! :) The only thing I've done this week - craftwise - is to finish a bag (Christmas gift).

Wishing you all a CRAFTY WEEKEND!



Strenuous hike in Black River Gorges

  

Black River Gorges National Park  covers an area of 6,574 ha and protects a phenomenal concentration of gravely endangered flora and fauna. This area is a must for nature enthusiasts. There are several trails covering some 50 km (31 miles).

For more information, click here.

Some months ago we agreed with Elzaan to do a hike in the Gorges, but due to business  and other appointments we finally decided to do the hike Saturday.

We did the Petrin - Grand Riviere Noire trail.

Meteo predicted rain on the plateau during the weekend, and even if it was raining at Petrin in the morning, we set out for the hike. We had in mind if it didn't become better, there's no defeat to return home - which had been a pity though.

The road from Petrin to the picnic kiosk.

Gorgeous ferns growing on the roadside.

Part of the Gorges.

We started out from Petrin, and after 4 km/2.5 miles we reached the picnic kiosk and viewpoint. Thanks to the weather Gods - not meteo! - the sky cleared up and we had such nice weather the rest of the hike.We had lunch at the picnic kiosk before we continued.

Stunning view to the west coast; Grande Riviere Noire, Tamarin and Tourelle du Tamarin

(548m/1797 feet).

This point is about 600-650 meters / approx 2000 feet above sea level.

This part of the trail has lots of roots which were very slippery after some days of rain, almost dangerous to walk it downhill, but we did manage by holding trees and branches on the sides of the trail - just like a bunch of monkeys - lol! 

Finally on safer ground - the 4WD track, with the stunning view to the west.

Riviere Noire (Black River), at the base of the Gorges.

We could have crossed the river here, continued to an information center and further on to the coastal road and Grande Riviere Noire, but we didn't. We had a rest here before we had to return another 6 km/3.7 miles to Petrin - were we had parked the car.

It is said to be hard walking downhill, but doing first downhill and then uphill; it kills!!!

I won't say it was an easy walk uphill. GOSH I was out of breath (not fully recovered from the cold) and my thighs were already shaky and hardly moved even before we reached the steepest part - lol.

I compare climbing this part of the trail to climbing a ladder! That is how steep it actually is! I don't know if this photo gives a good impression of how steep it is... Hubby was so kind and thoughtful to cut walking sticks for us, which was needed for this steep and slippery climb.

The last meters before the picnic kiosk and the end of the climbing. My legs hardly moved the last meters - lol! :)) From here we still had 4 km/2.5 miles to starting point; Petrin.

Gorgeous flowers in the Gorges.

On our hike, we saw some birds; the Mauritius kestrel, some Parakeets and the more common ones; Red Whiskered Bulbul - called "conde" by Mauritians, Grey White Eye, and the majestic glider Paille-en-queue.

I think, the "highlight" of what some of us spotted, were two baby wild boars! They had hidden under a pile of dry branches and escaped when we came too near. They were so cute, these small babies! (Too small for BBQ though!! lol) Perhaps it was good we didn't meet their mom; they can be quite aggressive - I've heard....



We all were very quiet the last kilometers/miles to the car; sign of exhaustion! Hubby and I have done this hike from Petrin to Grande Riviere Noire, as well as the reverse hike 2-3 times, but never from Petrin and then returned to Petrin. It is a very strenuous hike (allow 6-7 hours return) - I don't think I overdo by saying; the "worst" hike on the island! :)) But it is worth the numbed legs, sweat, exhaustion, the day after muscle pain etc. I'll refer to Elzaan; "wonderful tiredness"... It's so true! Our muscles are darn sore today, it's hard to walk the stair etc.
After a couple of days the soreness and tiredness are gone, and we are left with the wonderful memories of the hike; away from pollution and noise, the stunning nature, lush vegetation, tranquility and solitude, fresh air, and not the least; hiking together with Elzaan and Allan!

Thanks to both of you for joining us on this strenuous and devilishly slippery (part of it), but wonderful hike!

A wonderful day in the Gorges!



Another day out

We didn't really plan the day out Tuesday this week, but we decided to go North. We longed for a good walk, but didn't have any fixed plans were to walk. We are a bit "allergic" to plans; we prefer take things as they come...

We could have taken a bus heading North not far from where we live, but instead we walked it down to Rose Hill. DH insisted there's a "taxi-train" going between Rose Hill and Flacq... Even when he asked the taxi driver if he goes to FLACQ - the taxi driver said "YES"! When he started driving, we noticed he went in an opposite direction than we were supposed to go! When DH asked again if he's not going to Flacq, he said: "No, I'm going to FLAT"! While clearing up the misunderstanding and confusion, another taxi came and gave us a lift back to the taxi stand in Rose Hill! We got it confirmed that there is no "taxi-train" running between Rose Hill and Flacq!!!
What a start! LOL!
I think I should explain "taxi-train"... It's not an ordinary taxi, but one that waits for passengers to fill up the car, which means cheaper rates for everyone than an ordinary taxi. DH is not sure the expression "taxi-train" is in use by the younger generation today, but in earlier years it was widely used.

The town Flacq isn't much to write home about; a rather boring inland town.
It was already lunch time when we reached Flacq. Around a corner we came across a Hare Krishna guy selling vegetable burgers, cakes etc.

I've always heard they are making delicious, vegetarian food - and I was right! I had a burger and DH some cakes. Even the brown burger bread was much tastier from what we're used to where we live. I can still remember the taste of mustard from the burger dressing - delicious!

We had a quick stop at the quite new shopping center in Flacq, where we bought chocolate and Doritos (chips), before we took the bus to Goodlands - another typical Mauritian town. It has a very crowded main street; shops on each sides and the traffic also goes through the town center - quite chaotic - if you ask me!

I detest crowded and polluted places - like Goodlands - so we got into a "taxi-train" heading for one of my favorite places on the island; Grand Gaube - a rather small fishing village.

I have always loved this place for its tranquility and picturesque position.

I can't get my eyes off this beauty of a restaurant in Grand Gaube! It's stunning! I believe it belongs to the Veranda Paul  & Virginie hotel. I love its architecture and the fact that there's a path between the hotel and the restaurant, where people have access to the public area! Not all hotel managements allow that.

We had a rest here, sitting on a bench under a huge tree, eating the chocolate and Doritos (chips) we bought in Flacq. :)

Since we were out for a walk and still hadn't had one  - except from home to Rose Hill - we decided to walk the coastal road from Grand Gaube to Cap Malheureux (fishing village and the most northerly town) . We have walked the distance some years ago, but didn't remember how far it is. It was already almost 3 o'clock in the afternoon so we shouldn't miss the last bus home!

We asked a couple of guys for the distance, where one said 6-8 km (4-5 miles). The other guy said it's about 45 minutes walk - and not to forget their surprise when we said we'll walk it up; MARI LOIN!!! Very far - LOL!

Mauritians don't walk - that's a fact! :))

DH refilled the water bottle from a public tap in Grand Gaube before we headed - by foot - to Cap Malheureux. We thought; if we can't manage the distance, there's always a bus...

After some kilometers walking, we met two women cutting (harvesting) sugar canes. DH had a chat with them and we were told we were halfway to Cap Malheureux.

The sugarcane harvest usually begins in July and lasts up to end of November. Many people still do it using a kind of machete. It's heavy work and I do admire the women working in the fields.

 

An old - now protected monument - sugarcane factory chimney.

On the roadside; black lava rocks partly hidden by gorgeous red flowers.

Not everywhere there's a bus stop like this one! :)

The famous Cap Malheureux church - with the red roof.

Imagine we were laughing, after walking 6,5 km (4 miles) only! For most of the locals this is a very long distance - for us; a short walk.

I bought some postcards at a souvenir shop in Cap Malheureux, before we headed to the bus stop for the bus to Port Louis.

The bus trip from Cap Malheureux took more than 1 hour; it was dark when we finally arrived at Gare du Nord in Port Louis. DH was hungry and wanted something to eat before another almost one hour bus trip home, but Port Louis was "dead"! All shops were closed, the market (food court) was closed... every little shop closed - before 7 o'clock in the night - Port Louis' "dead".

We walked it to Victoria Square (bus stand), went into the bus heading home - we thought.... Since it was dark, we couldn't see properly where it went, but definitely not the road it should go... Well, it ended up the engine made a strange sound so the bus did only a circle for so to return to the bus stand! We had to jump into the next bus...

Another one hour by bus - then 15 minutes walking - and finally -

home sweet home! :))

An eventful trip to the Northern part of the island, and even if we didn't get to walk as much as we hoped for, we did about 11 km (approx 7 miles).

Mark Twain quote;

"You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, then the heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius"...