Hi there.  I know we are only three quarters of the way through 2016, but I can tell you that 2017 is shaping up to be a very exciting year with some great classes and guest tutors in the planning, not to mention many amazing opportunities to look and learn from the experts at National Symposium in Christchurch – watch this space!

I know I have only just stopped talking about Katrina Hadjimichael  (Australia)  and the fantastic workshop she taught just a couple of weeks ago, but I am really excited to be able to tell you that we have a confirmed date for her return visit next year.   This is will be October 14-15 2017, and her focus on her machine piecing and applique techniques she has used to make her Spikes and Specks Quilt which is just stunning.

Katrina is an amazing tutor and is very generous with her knowledge in terms of the easy methods and techniques that she has developed over the course of designing and making dozens of award winning quilts.

Once again, this is a chance not to be missed and we are taking expressions of interest now.  More details on the class page.

Another shipment of goodies has arrived in this week, including some new products - Liquid stitch (great for mending), Wonder tape (a water soluble transparent tape), and heat resistant thimbles (good for when you are making bias and doing a lot fiddly work with the iron).  We also have a great new selection of really good quality dark flannel fabrics in ‘bloke” colours, and some very pretty new Tilda fabrics to add to the collection.

With so many new things coming in I am having to make room!  I only have a couple of Tutto machines bags left in stock.  The recommended retail price for these is $336.00….they are out the door for $150.00.  These large top quality bags are lightweight, easy to manoeuver with wheels that turn, lots of zips and pockets for all your extra gear and they fold down flat when not in use.  Size:  21” L x 12 ¼” H x 12” W.  Be in quick!

Well I need to tootle as I have lots of jobs to do as I prepare to head away to Nelson next week to spend a couple of days with family and attend the Nelson Embroiderers weekend as a merchant – 23-25 September.  If you are in the area, be sure to call into Waimea College in Richmond and see some of the absolutely incredible work on display.  (You had better bring your purse as well, just in case we can tempt you to a FQ or a thread or two!)

This week I am sharing my new favourite dessert recipe.  Super quick and easy it is delicious and is bound to impress.

Sticky Lemon Shortcake

• 275 g softened butter
• 90 g icing sugar
• 350 g plain flour
• For the topping:
• 300 g caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• Finely grated rind and juice of 3 lemons
• Icing sugar to dust

Preheat the oven to 170C.  Grease and line a 22 cm springform cake tin.

Cream the butter and icing sugar in the food processor, add the flour and process until the mixture starts to make a ball.  With floured fingers press the mixture on the base and sides of the tin then bake for 15mins.  While the base is cooling make the topping by placing the sugar and eggs in the food processor.  Mix for 1 minute then sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, lemon rind and juice and quickly mix again.

Pour into the base and bake for another 30-35 mins or until golden and firm to touch.  Cool and dust with icing sugar.  This is delicious warm or cold and serves 8.

Happy Stitching

Rachel