Hi there, well we are back in back in the country…recharged after a few days away and rearing to go with some great ideas.  While in Sydney we actually did a tour of the Opera House and got some ‘last minute’ tickets to a performance.  Despite my reservations about doing the overpriced ‘tourist thing’, it was actually really good and would recommend it if you are visiting the city.

The main reason for our trip was to attend a conference dedicated to on-line marketing.  It was great to have two uninterrupted days to think about the way we do business and the on-line experience through the Annie’s website.  With this in mind, I would really like your help.

Please can you tell me how we can improve the website?  Do you find it easy to use?  What else would like to see listed?  What is good, what is not so good?  You can be as brutally honest as you like, and I promise to listen.

This week, I thought I would show you this great new bag that I finished to take to the recent mini symposium.  The Two hour Tulip Purse is available as a kit (in the size and fabric pictured) or as a pattern $24.00.  It is an extremely versatile pattern with four different sizes, and would look fabulous in any fabric or if you want to get carried away you could make it with wool and embellish like crazy or crazy patch like crazy even!

What else is news?  Well, I came home to lots and lots of parcels new fabric, patterns and ‘handy things’ which we are unpacking at the moment.  Sue Spargo’s new ‘Folk Tales’ book is now back in stock, and I will be uploading more pictures to the website over the next few days.

Another little gadget for the sewing tool box that has just arrived in is this cool little measuring gauge (it won’t take up much room).  You can use it for 14 different measurements with everything you need to double check between 1/8” to 2”.  A very handy thing and only $8.50!

If you are feeling ‘naughty’ and in need of a dessert that is so easy that the kids can make it for you…here is the recipe!

Chocolate Dessert Fix

• 125 g dark chocolate
• 100 g white marshmallows
• 300 ml cream
• 1 tsp vanilla

Combine the chocolate and marshmallows in a medium sized heat proof bowl and place this over a saucepan of simmering water until melted.  Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the cream and vanilla.  Pour the mixture into 4 serving glasses and chill until set.

Decorate with fresh fruit, cream or more chocolate.

By the way…don’t forget that they Symposium specials of the Bernina 580, 570, 380, 350 and 700D overlocker finish this Sunday.  Don’t miss out on some great savings in you are in the market for a new machine.

Take care and happy stitching,

Rachel