A Mini Travel Wardrobe for Akaroa in the Spring

I have been a bad blogger recently finding myself indulging in more dream sewing and blogging than the real thing. Just to top it off Blogger is being a very selective friend. Does it have feelings? Have I offended it with my inattention? Why does it not publish my post (when I finally write one)? Or tell me when I have comments? These are the big burning questions of the universe - oh alright stupid first world technology glitches which if I don't stress will miraculously cure themselves so onto the real point of this little missive.

Normally my beloved is responsible for travel arrangements when we are together but as it was a surprise for him the organising of this trip was all mine. And I managed to do a good job even if I do say so myself. There was a little hiccup to begin with due to a small double booking glitch which was sorted by a change in location and bach. A bach (pronounced 'batch') is a small, often very modest holiday home or beach house in New Zealand.

As this was a short trip away I didn't want to spend most of that time travelling so we drove over the hill to Akaroa. Akaroa is Kāi Tahu Māori for 'long harbour' which would be spelled 'whangaroa' in standard te reo (Māori).

The travel wardrobe

Despite only being away for two nights I took two pairs of trousers just in case. Nothing worse than slopping your dinner over yourself and having no spare clothes to change into. In reality this many garments would have been fine for a longer trip away. At least between us we only needed my Hedgren duffle bag. We took way more food (and alcohol) than clothes.

Top: Untouched World Zip Through Parker; World SS16 Napoleon jacket; Camper Twins Luis Gordillo Sneakers

Middle: Untouched World Zephyr Ecopossum Coat Cardi; Untouched World Pure Skinny Indigo jeans; Papercut Peter and the Wolf Coloured Mote jeans
Bottom: World SS17 Slang T; Silhouette Marie's Nicholas James Sweater; Style Arc Rosie Alice top

The holiday bach

I managed to find a really wonderful place to stay, a little way out from the centre of Akaroa, set in extensive grounds with access to the sea, and what appeared to be a great garden for meandering. Due to the inclement weather we didn't take advantage of the outside spaces but we did greatly enjoy the log burner and the plentiful supply of logs.

We had a large open plan space with a fully equipped kitchen at one end and the bed at the other. Just the weekend for that wall of books!

The view from the deck was stunning, across Akaroa harbour to Tikao Bay and Wainui. In the evening we could watch the car and house lights shimmering across the water.

The garden

Out and about on Banks Peninsula

First stop after a leisurely morning doing nothing and a lunch of leftovers from Friday night's antipasto tea we drove into Akaroa for a small taste of the Frenchfest. Crowds were minimal probably because of the wet weather and our late start.

And at the other end of town...

Yay the sun came out. Briefly.

Up the hill to Ōnuku Marae, close by the waters edge.

On the way back down Onuku Road I took this panorama of Akaroa harbour and an OOTD picture with the sheep.

On Sunday we drove home with a slight detour to Tikao Bay and Wainui to see Akaroa from across the water.

Duvauchelle Bay with its colourful boatsheds

Petit Carenage Bay

Tikao Bay, complete with boating club and wooden fisherman, looking across the harbour to Akaroa

On the windy road ever upwards out of Wainui looking back down Akaroa harbour and up toward the harbour entrance. The OOTD picture is missing the sheep as they all ran away.

And finally...

The Silhouette Patterns Marie's Nicholas James Sweater has never been blogged even though it accompanied me to Houston in 2018 and is a firm wardrobe favourite.

Marie's Nicholas James Sweater posing in the foyer at the Doubletree Downtown Houston

It was made using a wonderful Liberty of London Dufour jersey purchased from Miss Maude. I really wish Liberty would produce jersey knits again, it is a great substrate for their wonderful prints, 100% cotton and so comfortable to wear.

Liberty of London Dufour jersey, design Nicolas James in colourway coral

For this top I wanted more of a swing shape at the bottom so I combined Silhouette Patterns #195 Sweater Set with #310 Marie's Top. The French dart in this top is a bit odd as it finishes in the hem. I will fix this next time I make the top. Otherwise the pattern mash up was very successful. I intend to make another version of this top and will write a proper blog post about it when I do.