Ellen Hamblett, nee West , 1885 – 1961. Ellen Hamblett was the eldest child of Joseph and Elizabeth West, immigrants from Ireland to Otago. They settled in Lawrence and Joseph joined the Otago police, he had been a guarda in Ireland. Unfortunately for Ellen her mother died when she was 16 and she became her father’s house keeper. But one day a new curate came to pay a visit and he realised the she was exactly the kind of woman he was looking for to share his life with. The Rev William Hamblett proposed and Ellen accepted. Ellen had six children, three daughters followed by three sons. My mother Anne McCahon was her second daughter . I did not know my grandmother well , I hardly ever saw her. At the time we stayed at the vicarage she was very involved in the affairs of the parish of St Matthews in Dunedin. By this time, early 1950s, her husband was an Archdeacon of the Anglican church, and her role as his wife included attending a lot of meetings and entertaining visitors. My main memory of her was that every evening she would come to my bed to give me a kiss and wish me good night. She was always in her nightclothes and she had funny white pipecleaners twisted in her hair. Later, when we had moved to French Bay I looked forward to the thoughtful and kind presents she sent me. I know that her children, my older sister and my cousin had great respect and love for her . I regret not having had the chance to know my grandma Hamblett better.

春 is my nainai. She is great, and I love her :) 春 is my nainai. She is great, and I love her :) 春 is my nainai. She is great, and I love her :) 春 is my nainai. She is great, and I love her :) 春 is my nainai. She is great, and I love her :) 春 is my nainai. She is great, and I love her :) 春 mean 'spring' in Mandarin, so I used green & red

Ashton is my Granddaughter, she is 6. I made this because I miss her and she is awesome.

Valmai is my Nana, she brought me up, she was English, and married my Grandfather who was Māori/Jewish. They both brought me up, and they passed away by the time I was 15. I miss my Nana everyday.

Jeanette Fitzsimons (born 1945 died 2020) A Leader of the Green Party New Zealand (MP 1996 - 2010) see biography 'A Gentle Radical' by Gareth Hughes. Calm, knowledgeable, determined, gracious, a champion for environmental health, protection and values. An honest politician who truly worked for the good of Humanity and the Earth.

Gilda is my Mamma. She passed over December 2021. She had many skills which included sewing, knitting, cooking, gardening and embroidery I used my Mamma’s very old embroidery hoop to make this piece. Our connection was and always will be very strong I feel her with me every day. I am grateful for this.

Francesca is a constant inspiration. She is smart and kind and dedicated and funny. As Dr Fran she works with those with eating disorders and body image issues. A stressful role that she manages with creative pursuits including embroidering, crocheting, knitting, painting, and gardening. In particular she cross stitches feminist messages, hence my choice to cross stitch her name. She enjoys growing fruit and vegetables so I added an apple and a pear. I am so grateful that she is my daughter.

A celebration of sisterhood. Growing up we were always referred to as a set, Yoori Yoojung. People often mistook us for twins. Wherever she went, I followed - much to her chagrin. And oh the fights we had - some involving makeshift weapons (pencil and chair!). Now she lives halfway across the world. The only person who can cause me to erupt with laughter and rage with just a look. I miss her everyday.

Vivi (my daughter) has been an inspiration to me every since she was born. Vivienne means 'alive' and she has lived up to her name every day. I love that she chose Jacinda as her person to celebrate and that she took part in this beautiful project.

Jacinda was New Zealand's past Priminsta. She did some grat things! She was a hard worka and had a child called Neve, and it was my name when I was a baby. I hope to be a little like her when I grow up.

My daughter Sonya grew up surrounded by pins and needles. She has become a talented stitcher.

My beloved grandmother who was the life and soul of every gathering. Funny and outgoing, loved her family and her sisters. Loved life and lived it to the fullest

Sweet child of mine. Love of my life, a constant teacher and mirror. The most precious being.

Nita is my grandmother's name. She was an accomplished knitter and made me beautiful hand-knitted sweaters when I was a child that I refused to wear because I couldn't stand the scratchy wool. She loved tomatoes and cheese on a cracker.

I embroidered this for my mother who died aged 99.5 in 2021 still living in her home. The colours chosen were her favourite green and pink done from the rose alphabet as she loved pink roses. Her parents named her Zoe, but her grandmother did not like the name so calle her Joan which she was known as all her life. She spent a liftime as a dressmaker, embroiderer, crocheter, quilter and knitter from the age of 4. Also, a great reader and crossworder which she was still doing until the end of her life. A very independent lady who was still driving and doing clothing alterations in her 90′s. We all miss her.

I embroidered this for my mother who died aged 99.5 in 2021 still living in her home. The colours chosen were her favourite green and pink done from the rose alphabet as she loved pink roses. Her parents named her Zoe, but her grandmother did not like the name so calle her Joan which she was known as all her life. She spent a liftime as a dressmaker, embroiderer, crocheter, quilter and knitter from the age of 4. Also, a great reader and crossworder which she was still doing until the end of her life. A very independent lady who was still driving and doing clothing alterations in her 90's. We all miss her.

Auntie Trish is my aunt and godmother. She's such a good stick that everyone to her for advice, common sense and a shoulder to cry and laugh on. She rides a motorbike and is an amazing photographer. when her mum, my nana Nan Fairlie died, Trish fell in the grave and had to be clambered out. It was bloody hilarious.

Hwang is my mother's maiden name. She's one of six sisters. Whenever the Hwang sisters are together, hilarity ensues. They all have very distinct personalities and very different different interests, but are united in their fierce love and care for eachother. Their family motto is 'strength in family' - I love them.