shOpping in Nelson

It's always a pleasure to go shopping in Nelson, NZ!!!!

Here are some of my favorite shops.

As usual I managed to spend a  small fortune, but I did have to replenish some stock for my travelling etsy shop.

St Vincent de Paul always sells the best vintage buttons.

Some vintage patterns ( looks like an old flame of mine) and some 4 ply wool were picked up. I do indeed,  fancy knitting a mens 1930s waistcoat or vest with this.

This old needle case is very worn, but that is part of its charm, and it is  the only one I have ever seen with the needle numbers stamped on.
 The original owner must have been a champion knitter.

Off to the North Island tomorrow - cant wait to see what goodies are in store for me there.

its all happening

It's all happening in the entrance to Port Nelson below my house.

  Day and night,ships coming and going.

 Containers to be loaded and unloaded, or logs to be picked up to take to China,

 shuddering and throbbing, crashing and banging,

 in all kinds of weather.

  A cruise ship is a surprise, especially when they start broadcasting their activities over the tannoy  at 8 am.

 HMNZS Otago sailed in this morning with the crew on the fore deck, all smart and ship shape.

The Battle of Trafalgar is to take place today - a keenly  anticipate rugby game. Could  that be a co-incidence?  Hmmm.

a country affair

Everyone knows I love a country fair. Dovedale was no exception, 

a beautiful,rural community in the hills above Nelson, NZ.

A charming costume display , included this 125 year old wedding  dress of tobacco taffeta,  that was worn in that worn in that very church.
Some vintage clothing for sale too.

As usual, lots of local talent to entertain.

Masses of stalls, crafts, eats, produce and bric a brac.

This lady must have been knitting baby booties for a year - she had two tables covered.

Face painting for kids - the same the whole world over.

Mosaic toadstools!

Super bags made from re-cycled wool blankets from " Ratbag Designs".

But DRAT....camera says change the battery so I can't show photos of the Motueka Brass Band (seriously good ).
Lots of farm animals
and some super jewelry from Jo Crompton. Get with the program Jo and get a website so I can show  some of your original brooches that I covet.

A great day out.

Back in NZ.

Prolific , lush, blooming agapanthus tells me I am back in New Zealand.

Along with the port life,

local fairs ( Kiwis excel in this regard)

and the welcoming signs.

please note the weather.......more to come.

some things remain the same

Some things remain the same in Rarotonga

The most adorable thrift shop in the world is still there.The volunteer remembered me from last year and I bought this

The backyard fruit is still weird and wonderful.

Pareos are still  exuberantly displayed all over the island.

BUT

the local trawler has been stranded on the reef, so fresh fish is scarce. I was lucky to find these skipjacks which I seared on the BBQ and served with a chilli/lime sauce.