June Block - Helmited Guineafowl

July has arrived, I managed to complete my June Block just in time!

In anticipation of the Namaqualand wild flowers (due at the end of August), I did a block with a Helmited Guinea fowl standing in a field of yellow flowers. While I embellished the block I thought of all the wonderful trips we have had, visiting the amazing show of flowers that spring up from the dry brown soil making the entire countryside a rainbow of colours.

The Guinea fowl is posing beautifully for the camera. Numida Meleagris is his (or her) Latin name. Guinea fowl are profuse in the outlying suburbs of Cape Town and cars often have to stop while they cross the road with their offspring.

Brian lying amongst the purple & white daisies 

 You never know what is around the corner. A beautiful show of purple flowers with the pale coloured daisies on the right and tiny yellow flowers between them.

Daisies in the Bidouw Valley near Clanwilliam in the Cape.
The show of flowers depends on the amount of rain and its timing. We are looking forward to a wonderful show this year.

A variety of flowers on show. http://www.clanwilliamflowerfestival.co.za/index.php/spotlight/wildflowerguide-by-biome/2-uncategorised/78-carpets-of-flowers-in-the-biedouw-valley

May Block White Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum

May Block - White Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum (and baby)

Not too much embellishment - the Mother and baby say it all!

From Wikipedia: An alternative name for the white rhinoceros, more accurate but rarely used, is the square-lipped rhinoceros. The white rhinoceros' generic name, Ceratotherium, given by the zoologis t John Edward Gray in 1868, is derived from the Greek terms keras (κερας) "horn" and therion (θηριον) "beast". Simum, is derived from the Greek term simus (σιμος), meaning "flat nosed".

The white rhino is the second biggest land animal and can weight around 2 tons. The white rhino is the most common species of the remaining rhino, and inhabits parts of Africa.

There were around 11,000 white rhino counted in South Africa in 2005, but for unknown reasons the white  rhino rate of reproduction is low. The white  rhino is the only species of rhino that is not critically endangered.

I am falling behind with my June block as we were away for five days in the Karoo. It was truly amazing to drive though our beautiful country and see so many wonderful sites.

Gifberg Pass outside Van Rhynsdorp (31°37′S 18°44′E)  We were fortunate that the gravel road had just been graded, so our car managed the pass. Gifberg Holiday farm was beautiful. It was extremely cold but we lit a fire in the cottage and were nice and warm.

The gardens were beautifully laid out and I even found this old Singer! It was home from home!

 

On the third day we continued travelling on the R63 to Williston where we stayed at The Ark B&B, very quirky and interesting, the hospitality of Elmarie & Pieter is warm and welcoming. They boast the only shopping mall in Williston - quite unique.  

The next night we stayed at Victoria West and from there headed back home, having tea and apple pie at the famous Matjiesfontein.



 

We got a good view of the snow covered mountains - winter has arrived in the Cape! This picture was taken from the window of the moving car.

Nice to get back to our home.

I had better get back to my stitching!



April Block - Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra) in a field of wild daisies.

My family tree

Combining my two passions, patchwork and genealogy, I decided to honour the women in my life.
In researching my family it was astonishing to see that so very little is recorded about the women in our past. Some bore many children under difficult circumstances and worked tirelessly without complaint. I have researched several generations back but have only included ancestors whose photographs I have.  I transferred the photographs to fabric and made a crazy patch leaf for each lady. I embroidered her name and dates on the branch of the tree.
I have included a special aunt who worked on the research with me, of course my wonderful daughter and my two granddaughters, my brothers granddaughters (as little flowers)  I completed the project in 2000 and called it Grandmother's Garden.
A tribute to the women of my past, Love to the women in my present, Blessing to the wormen in my future. The invisible thread that binds us shapes our lives down the years.

March Block - African Elephant- Loxodonto Africana

Completed my March block, reflecting the beautiful African elephant.

We have been to many game parks and seen a lots of various animals but this is my favourite. I would like to share this with you.

Etosha Game Park Namibia this fellow came towards us while we were sitting in our 'little' car. Walking so close beside  our car we could have touched him, the feeling of might was tangible.

I have tried to avoid embroidering flowers to maintain the strong image the elephant portrays.

April Block in progress!

Much love to all from Cape Town South Africa.





February block completed!
Table Mountain, Cape Town South Africa.

Table Mountain was recently declared a new wonder of the world.
(Something South Africans always knew!) The lace is hand dyed, some of the beads are locally produced.
I want to showcase our African environment.

 My Husband took this picture from the top of a mountain near our home on Thursday morning.

I am working hard on my March block to catch up. There is a slight chill in the air, winter approaching.

January block completed!

March 13th 2013
A last I have completed my January block. Nelson Mandela's picture surrounded by fabric similar to his famous shirts, with some rural huts in the right hand corner. I have printed his name and 'Nobel Peace Prize 1993' above his picture.
I kept the embellishments fairly masculine, no flowers or frills - quite difficult to restrain myself!
The weather in Cape Town has been in the 30deg C. So rather warm - not conducive to sewing for long periods.
I am thrilled to have submitted the block picture to CQP2013 blog - only two South Africans amongst a lot of other countries.

Pressing on with February's block - a picture of Table Mountain, taken at night from the Water front.

There have been many interruptions Brian's 80th birthday - we had a party with only direct family members, his brothers, our children and grandchildren - 23 in all. Amazing to have everyone together.

Granddad & Gran with six of the grandchildren, and a spouse, sadly five missing on the day.

I have completed the top of my January square for the 2013 block challenge. I have just started to embellishing it.  It is quite different to what I had planned - except for the centre - but I am pleased with it. Looking forward to sending the completed picture to CQin.
It is almost too hot to sew, 28d CQJP 2013.