Hi there. Firstly I would like to say a huge “Thank you” for all the emails and words of encouragement following our decision to take on the Bernina dealership.  I do really appreciate your support, and this is not taken for granted.

Anyway….moving right along and talking about new stuff, I have managed to negotiate a really good deal with one of our suppliers for these very pretty 45”mm cutter and ruler sets from Friskars.  The ruler is 6” x 18” and ideal for popping in your sewing machine bag ready for class or to have handy for when you are doing small projects or English Paper Piecing.  Normally $45.95 our super special price is $34.95 (about the same price as the cutter alone), which means in effect you get the two sided guaranteed self healing board for free. This would also make a great gift.  After all not everyone is lucky enough to have a rotary cutter with pretty flowers on it!

I am also pleased to be able to show you my new completely finished quilt, (and no, this one did not take me 10 years to get it done like the one I showed you on our Facebook page!)   It is called Past Endearments from designer Judie Rothermel, and is available as a kit $399.00 with all the fabric for the quilt top and binding (exactly as pictured) or as a pattern for $15.00.

Also new in this week are a heap more notions for my new ‘notions wall’, new, more Kaffe Fassett jelly rolls, and some beautiful new bright solid fabrics.  I have another large shipment of books and patterns due to arrive in from the US in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned!

As we are into “preserving season”, this week I thought I would share a recipe that makes the most of the bounty of both tomatoes and pears, and unlikely combination, but it seems to work!

Tomato and Pear Chutney

• 500 g tomatoes
• 1 kg pears
• 1 green pepper
• 1 c raisins
• 1 onion
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp chilli powder
• 1 c brown sugar
• 2 c vinegar

Prepare and chop the vegetables and place in a large pot with the raisins, spices, sugar and vinegar.  Bring to the boil, and then cook slowly for about an hour or until the mixture is thick and jam like.  Pack and seal.  Makes about 4 medium size jars.

That’s all from me this week. Don’t forget to check out the website and to “like” us on Facebook.

Happy stitching

Rachel