Our trip overseas...Barcelona

We are safely home after a month away in the UK and Europe. It is lovely to be home even though it is chilly and it is good to have time to post about our adventures. There were stressful days especially when we were transferring to a new desination but all in all these went smoothly. As Ma was with us, our holiday was planned to be easier but we still had busy days. After our time in Winchester, we caught a bus to Southhampton and then a taxi to the ship. As always the ship is easy as you unpack once and to start with we enjoyed 3 days at sea. We did enjoy some of the ship's activities and also having time to read and stitch. The food was very good too.

On Wednesday, 16th May, we arrived in Barcelona. We enjoyed wandering along the Las Ramblas. We then caught the tube (longer version as we got on the wrong platform) but made it to the Sagrada Familia. We had bought tickets earlier so had a 3pm entry and no waiting! It was amazing....inside and out.

We also caught a taxi to the old gothic cathedral and wandered in the narrow older streets. We then enjoyed an icecream, checked out the markets and headed back to the ship.

Winchester

We headed to Sydney on Tuesday and then went into town to see the amazing tapestries, The Lady and the Unicorn at the NSW Art Gallery. Well worth the visit.

We then boarded our plane on Wednesday afternoon. After a very long 2 days of flying, we arrived in London on Thursday afternoon. We slept at the transit hotel in Changi, which was so good! We then caught the bus to Winchester and enjoyed a very good night's sleep. Yesterday, we headed into Winchester to check out the sights and to catch up with Penny and John, our friends from Hay. We visited the cathedral which is amazing and also The Great Hall with a large King Arthur's table on the wall.

Outings and progress

Had a couple of outings on the weekend. We went to Craft Alive on Saturday and that was fun. I couldn't resist some cotton thread and a pattern and it was nice to check out the various stalls. Upstairs there was a quilt exhibition by Canberra Quilters which was lovely. Here are a few pictures.

 I loved the quilting on this one.

 Lovely to see this one by a stitching friend, Christine.

We then also went to the Handmade Market yesterday and there were so many lovely handmade goodies.
I have a finish to share too. Finally Jack's quilt is done. It has been beautifully quilted by Terina. It is a pattern by Anni Downs.

 This is the back and below is the label.

I have also managed to sew together two more blocks from The Simple Life quilt.

Not much time for sewing today as I am busy packing for holidays. We fly out on Wednesday and Ma is coming too. We are off to the UK and Europe and that includes a lovely Mediterranian cruise. Can't wait!!!!

Some finishes...

I have managed some time at the machine this past week and have been working on my Simple Life piecing. Here are blocks a and b. They go together so well thanks to Anni's excellent instructions.

 I had this little pouch all stitched so it didn't take long to put it together.

 I bought this lovely pouch kit in Melbourne and it was completely hand stitched! Took a while to do but it was good fun. It is also such a pretty pouch. These are both Anni Downs patterns as well.

 I have also enjoyed stitching some more 1/2" hexies. They are a bit addictive.