Australia / New Zealand trip memory quilt
 

My husband and I were fortunate enough to fulfill our lifetime dream: a 7 week trip to AU/NZ. We had a fabulous time touring the gorgeous countrysides, coasts and beaches and couldn't have met nicer people along the way. I have had a pen pal in Australia for 53 years (yes, we have met several times in the USA as her daughter married a guy from Illinois) but we were finally able to see many of the places she has talked about, meet their son and his family, & get to know each other on a more personal level etc. We also had the opportunity to meet up with AussieKiwi Jen, a member on this board, who couldn't have been more generous with her time, expertise of the Cairns area, and a great ambassador for the country and quilting. I managed to pick up about a dozen small cuts of fabric (approx. 13" WOF) along the way and put together the following quilt as a memento of our trip. Since each fabric was so different, I decided to make a two sided lap robe (45" x 63") that would showcase the fabrics with the least amount of cutting. I found a free pattern called, Birthday Cake Quilt by Elizabeth Hartman (www.ohfransson.com) than I used for the Australian fabric side. Let me know what you think.

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Australian fabric side

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New Zealand fabric side

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close up of larger NZ print that I didn't want to cut much smaller.

o my they are beautiful....memories forever I love the fabric and a envious that you traveled to the most favorite place ever that I been wanting to travel all my adult life

What a wonderful memory quilt. Loved reading your story as well.

Your quilt is beautiful and your story is great. How wonderful!!!!

Beautiful!

Oops: it was KiwiAussie Jen. Sorry, Jenny!

both sides are terrific... what a wonderful trip

Enjoyed your story and your beautiful quilt!

Fantastic quilt! Love those kangaroos.

Excellent!!!!!!!!!! Couldn't have picked a better pattern.

Trip of a lifetime and a fabulous two-sided quilt of memories?? Priceless!

Wow! My eyes are green!

great fabrics......

What a fine way to remember your trip.

I think it came out wonderfully!

It is wonderful!!!!!!!

Very good! I'll have to remember these for my next adventure!

It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Love your quilt, both sides.

Beautiful! I love your fabric choices. I love to make Vacation quilts too.

You did a great job of showcasing the fabrics.

WOW - what a treasure! You did a great job.

Sounds like your trip fulfilled your dreams....and what a wonderful way to celebrate it.

Great quilt. Loved the fabrics. We too are planning an Australian/New Zealand Adventure Jan/Feb 2015.

Beautiful!

Wonderful fabrics, beautiful quilt. What a great memory quilt. Glad you were able to fulfill your dream and you enjoyed your trip too.

Very nice on both sides. I went to Sydney once for a week but it wasn't enough time to 'really' see much. I envy you. :-)

What a lovely way to keep your memories!

Wonderful trip, wonderful memory quilt!

That was the trip of a lifetime and was made more memorable by the people you spent time with. Its just amazing how letter or internet can bring us all together. I love your quilt, what a treasure!

Awesome! I love what you have done.:cool:

Such a beautiful memory quilt and I just love how you made it so nice on both sides.