Hi there.   Well you could say that things have been pretty up and down..and sideways over the past week with more earthquakes than most people experience in a life time.  It is devastating in so many ways.  If you are affected please let us know how we can help.

I have returned home from my quick trip to the trade show in Melbourne full of ideas and inspiration, and with just a little bit of trepidation in terms of how much work I have signed myself for in the coming months.  So much beautiful fabric, so many new samples to be made…isn’t it a good thing we love what we do!

I also picked up this cute little bunny designed by Anni Downs along the way.  The pattern is $23.00 and we are just making up kits which will be $39.90 and include the fabric for the bunny, dress or overalls, domes, DMC threads and pattern.  These would make a gorgeous addition to any Christmas stocking and extra kits without the pattern will be available if you would like to make a whole family.

Also new in are these gorgeous ‘lights in a jar’ - a quirky way to decorate your home for Christmas, or anytime really.  These take three AA batteries and are $46.00 per set.  You should also check out the ‘Letter Lights” that we have just added to the website which you can personalise with you own message and change it around to suite the occasion with the extra letters provided ($29.90 per set).

This weekend we have the wool applique class on Saturday, anyone is welcome to come along and join in whether you are a beginner and need some help to get started or an old hand like me who needs some encouragement to finish a project or three!  It is $20.00 and is from 10-4.  Bring your lunch, but morning tea will be provided.

Don’t forget that the sale continues on all Bernina and Bernette sewing machines until 24 December and there are great savings to be made on machine accessories with 20% off.

As summer and bbq weather approaches it is a good chance to try some new salads.  This one is quick and easy to make and pretty much uses ingredients that you have on hand.

Wilted Cucumber Salad

• 1 telegraph cucumber
• 1 tsp salt dissolved in a cup of water
• 1 clove of crushed garlic
• 2 tbsp wine vinegar
• 2 spring onions
• 1 pinch of chilli powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Toasted sesame seeds to garnish

Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds.  Slice the cucumber thinly and place in the salted water to chill for about ten minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Drain the liquid and place the cucumber in a dish with the garlic, spring onions, vinegar and spices.

Crush the sugar and toasted sesame seeds and use this to garnish the salad.  You could also add in a few cherry tomatoes if you want it to look festive!

Happy Stitching

Rachel