Makes of 2016

Looking at what I've made during 2016 brings to mind that everything is relative. Compared with lots or you prolific quilter and sewers out there it might look quite measly,  but considering that last year I produced practically nothing, I'm rather pleased with myself!

I also set myself a couple of goals at the end of last year. Let's take a look at what they were and how I did. In 2016 I wanted:
1. be a better blogger!!
2. finish some UFOs, in particular The Aunt's Quilt
3. make a big effort to find a quilt group as I found that I really need the inspiration of other quilters to keep me going.

I've done well with 2 and 3 as I did indeed finish The Aunts' Quilt (top) and I found a quilt group. I've been extremely lucky that two of my friends from Singapore have recently moved to Basel and we've started to meet on a regular basis. In the meantime another lady has also joined us which is fantastic. Of course we are hoping that we can recruit a few more, but I'm not complaining. I just love the camaraderie, the inspiration and of course the shared laughs.  Regarding becoming a better blogger; well I still have to work on that, but there's always next year, right?

We have been in Singapore over Christmas, enjoying all the familiar sights and sounds and of course the food and seeing old friends! Now we are in Bali for a month, trying to find out if the Bali life style suits us, at least part time. The jury is still out ;)!

Sun set over the rice fields from our villa yesterday evening.

I wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and most importantly a content 2017!

Vreni xx

Bali

 We've been in Bali many times, but this was the first time we rented a villa instead of staying in a hotel. It was a wonderful experience and I'm afraid that we've been spoiled for ever.
This is the entrance to our villa

and this welcoming view you get once you are inside

and a closer look at the pool; it's hard to see where it ends and the ocean begins,

This is a picture from the web site advertising the villa. 

The staff  looked after us wonderfully and provided us with delicious meals. As you can imagine, we never wanted to leave.

Whenever we are in Bali, a trip up to Ubud is always a must. We remember it as a sleepy artist's village we visited the first time almost 30 years ago. Now it's a bustling city with loads of tourists. But when you look closer, it's still possible to find a few peaceful corners. 

Another place we visited again this time is Tenganan, an ancient village which dates back over 800 years. 

The place where festivals are held 

Tenganan is where the traditional Geringsing - a double ikat - is still produced. For the villagers Geringsing woven fabrics are sacred and they believe it protects them against diseases and evil spirits. The technique of making Geringsing is very complex where both warp and weft threads are carefully tie-dyed and cross-dyed. The pattern only emerges as the cloth is woven.

Our guide showing us ikats and double ikats  his mother and grandmother had woven

and explaining the pattern.

And talking about textiles; yes I did get some quilting batik, about 100 yards give or take ;)!!!

This is at the warehouse where bolts of fabric as well as jelly rolls and fat quarter packs are prepared to be shipped to the US.

It was slightly chaotic and very hot and sticky at the warehouse but definitely worth the visit!

And here's the loot I brought home: 

extra wide fabric for backings

and a few precuts!

And since I'm willing to share, how about a little give away? So do come back next week to check it out.

I hope I haven't bored you too much with all the photos. Thanks for sticking with me to the end ;).

Cheers

Vreni xx