Hi there.  Somehow it is difficult to see how we are a step closer to summer today as I sit by the heater, but the garden is being nicely watered and everything is growing like topsy.

Last weekend we had a really great class focused on wool applique and embroidery and everyone seemed keen to make this a regular event on the calendar each month.  This will be either the 3rd or 4th Saturday depending on what else we are already committed to, with the next session being November 26.  Everyone is welcome to come along.  It is $20.00 for the day so put a ring around the date on the calendar and join us for a day of uninterrupted stitching, learning and inspiration.

I thought I would give you a sneak peak at the project I am working on (it has an outing of the cupboard now and again) which is Sue Spargo’s “In Full Bloom”.  We have this as a book ($49.00) along with most of Sue’s other books including her very popular Creative Stitching and Creative Texturing titles.   There is also a large shipment of hand dyed wools due in early next week with some great new colours being added to the range.

I have also just finished this neat little cross stitch pin cushion project “The Bee Pin Pillow” from the Kiwi Stitch Company which comes as a kit for $36.90 including the pattern, hand dyed thread, needle, buttons, braid,  30 ct linen and wool backing fabric.

Next month I am looking forward to heading off to Melbourne for AQM (wholesale market) where the guest artist will be the very talented US designer Anna Maria Horner.  We have a good range of her bright and funky fabrics in store  which also work well when combined with Kaffe Fassett and Amy Butler fabrics.   I have included a link below to some of her free projects and patterns for more inspiration

http://www.annamariahorner.com/make

Speaking of classes, we are now offering some afternoon sessions for the FREE Bernina  My-Guide Classes with National Education Julie Veck.  Overlockers on Tuesday 25 October and sewing machines Wednesday 26th – bookings essential.  Don’t miss this opportunity to upskill and get the best out of your machine!

With lots of beautiful citrus fruit around at the moment I thought I would share a very easy marmalade recipe.  It was interesting to see how marmade was used in both savoury and sweet dishes on Masterchef recently.

Triple Citrus Marmalade

• 2 large grapefruit
• 2 large sweet oranges
• 4 limes
• 4-5 c sugar
• 10 g butter

Carefully remove the rind from the fruit without including the pith.  Finely slice the rind and set aside.  Remove the pith from the fruit reserving half of it. Slice the flesh of the fruit saving the pips and putting these into a muslin bag with the reserved pith.

Place the fruit, rind, and muslin bag into a pot with 2 cups of water and simmer covered for about an hour until the rind is soft.  Remove the muslin bag and squeeze gently to remove the pectin.

Measure the fruit mixture and add equal parts of sugar.  Stir over a low heat until the sugar is disolved.  Increase the heat and boil stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes or until a setting point it reached.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter.  Stand for 15 mins, remove any scum and pour into sterilised jars.

Take care and happy stitching,

Rachel

www.anniesquilts.co.nz