Hi there. I have decided based on recent experience, that there is great conspiracy at work! This may or may not have anything to do with Donald Trump or Kim Jong-un…but why is it that whenever you buy a new pair or jeans, shoes or a bra for that matter, they are perfectly comfortable and wonderful when you try them on in the shop…you get home and they have transformed into weapons of torture????

Maybe the best idea is to stick to buying fabric which doesn’t seem to come with these associated issues!! Speaking of which the boxes of gorgeous new fabric seem to be rocking up to the door with alarming regularity at the moment.. maybe speed sewing classes is the answer???

Don’t forget to keep dropping the hints about Mother’s day on Sunday. If the family need some helpful suggestions…we do have these nifty LED magnifi travel lights which have just arrived in.They fold down to pocket size and take 3 AAA batteries making them completely portable. Usually $35.00 they are on special this week for $29.90. If all else fails gift vouchers are a good option (and so is buying your own present…because we deserve it!!). Don’t forget our Annual Bernina Sale on machines and accessories continues until May 15.

Another great product that has just arrived in is this "Create a Pincushion" kit - $18.00 from Clover in either white or dark brown.  This is a great little project that is quick, easy and a great way to use your favourite old doily, stray patchwork block, piece of wool applique, lonely hexagons, cross stitch or whatever takes your fancy.  The only other thing you need is a little bit of stuffing. It would also be a great project for the kids on a wet afternoon.

For those of you who have been waiting very patiently for Block 2 of the Dancing Chickens BOM, I am pleased to tell you that these have now been sent out after a small glitch with the supply of the wool kits from Australia. I have been assured that this won’t happen again…so, on with the stitching!

May is a particularly busy month. Last Saturday I spent a very pleasant day teaching a class at Raincliff in South Canterbury with the Opihi Cottage Quilters, next weekend I will be in Pamerston North for Rose City Quilters “Tote and Gloat”teaching, judging and speaking to 3-400 quilters! (Just a bit terrifying…but I am sure they are all very nice people who have pre-screeened the crowd for hecklers!).

The following weekend I will be in Motueka as a merchant for their annual quilt show.Our Saturday wool class will the last weekend in May (27^th).

Anyway….it is probably better not to think about it all at once! On to the winner of last month’s voucher from Annie’s. Congratulations to Sue Newton of Ashburton, your voucher will be waiting for you!

On to the recipe.  (I am sure my jeans would fit better if I didn't like food so much!)  The colder weather is a great excuse for comfort food...and red cabbage is one of my favourite vegetables served along side some tasty red meat, mashed potatoes and a great sauce.  Long slow cooking is the key, a little planning is required but it is worth it.

Red Cabbage

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 medium onion
• 800 g red cabbage
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 1/2 c water
• 2-4 tablespoons for cider vinegar

Wash and chop the cabbage very finely.  Place the chopped onion, apples and sugar in a large pot with the hot oil and cook for a few minutes before adding the cabbage and the rest of the ingredients.  Simmer for about an hour adding more water during the cooking process if necessary.