Hi there, well the bags are almost packed (actually that is a lie, I haven’t started yet…but they will be!)  The thing is, I can’t get away with saying oh well, if I forget anything I will just buy it in Japan as I don’t think their large sizes extend to big white girls like me!

In the meantime we have another shipment of very beautiful Tilda fabric arrive in.  There are 12 new ones and we are busy cutting FQ’s and 1/8th’s at the moment.   It is too hard to choose favourites, so I am happy to send you one of each if you like!

I also put together this really cool bunting the other day.  This is a panel from Timeless Treasures called Tidings of Joy and has a neat sort of steam punk/vintage feel to it.  The bunting is super easy to make with the help of some Steam a Seam light, two pieces of co-ordinating backing fabric and some twill tape with inch markings on it.  I have put this together as a kit with the fabric and the tape for $57.00.  Also in this range there are two more panels which would look great as a quilt, or the individual pictures could be used as a feature on a bag or zip purse or even as pictures stretched over an artist’s canvas.  These have been added to the website.

Coming up next month we have a couple of spaces in the Tuffet Class (foot stool) 18-19 February.  This is  a great project that you can complete in the weekend resulting in a unique piece of furniture in the colours of your choosing.  Check out the pictures on the Annie’s Facebook page, and let us know if you are keen to join us.

Anyway, I must dash as I still have a million things to do, including the double checking of my stash of hand stitching that I am taking with me.

This week’s recipe is a very delicious and very large cake that is super easy to make in the food processor (make sure it is a large model).  I actually made this with coconut yogurt which added a nice flavour served with custard and fresh berries.

Lemon Yogurt Cake

• 3 c sugar
• 4 eggs
• ½ c lemon juice
• 2 cups canola oil
• 1 ¾ c plain yogurt
• 4 c self-raising flour

Whizz the first five ingredients together in a food processor until just combined.  Add the flour and mix well.  Bake at 180C for 1 ½ hours in a large round tin lined with baking paper.

Ice with

• 75 g butter
• 250 g cream cheese (not light)
• Juice of one lemon
• 4 c icing sugar

Mix everything together until smooth and spread over the cake and then drizzle over some lemon curd and gently mix in a little.

Well that is all from me.  Don’t forget to check up on our travels to around Japan and to the Tokyo Quilt Show on Facebook and Instagram.

Happy Stitching

Rachel