Hi there.  The year is steaming by (however I am still prepared to inflict bodily harm to anyone who dares mention how many weeks there are until Christmas), and we are rapidly approaching 'show season'.

Whether is it is your local A&P Show or quilt group exhibition I would challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and put forward an entry or two.  This is an opportunity to show case our industry and support those people who put in the many hours of work to make these events a reality year in and year out.  So, taking a quote of a leading sportswear manufacturer, why not take the bull by the horns and "Just Do It!"

Last week, those of you have liked us on Facebook will have had a sneek peak of the wool work I have been doing.  "Henrietta" as I have named her is based on a pattern from Lake View Primitives which I have "do-dahhed" up a bit with extra stitching.  She is available as a kit which includes the pattern, wool fabrics and the wooden base (unpainted) for $59.00.  She can be used as a pin cushion or just a quirky addition to you sewing room or mantlepiece.

Also just new in is this fabulous Quiltmania book by French designer Cecile Franconie.  If you are into the 'vintage look' this is a must have, featuring absolutely beautiful quilts, bags, wall hangings combining  stunning embroidery, applique and quilting techniques in a book that is a feast for the eyes.  The book has just over 300 pages and is $82.00.  

Here are some more images of her work.

If you fancy a trip to Sydney in the next couple of months there is an amazing exhibition coming up featuring  rare war time quilts made by soldiers and prisoners of war dating from the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimeon War right through to WWII.

Click Here to View

Closer to home the Christchurch Quilters will host their bi-annual exhibition from 1-4 October at the Hagley High School Cafeteria.  Be sure to mark this on your calendar and look out for the Aotearoa Quilters  'Green Challenge' being launched at the exhibition and sponsored by Annie's CQS.

http://christchurchquilters.nz/

Well, after all that inspiration it is time to talk about food.  Last week's recipe was a bit of a test just to see how many of you are reading it!  Thank you for all your emails...there was 1 cup of oil in the Carrot and Apple Muffins.

Moving on, (she says double checking that all the keys on the computer are present and accounted for).  This week's recipe is a good alternative to potato and guaranteed to fill hungry teenagers accompanied by some homemade pizza or burgers.

Spicy Kumara Fries

• 2-3 large purple skinned kumara

Mix together:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dry English mustard
• 1/4 tsp ground chilli powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil

Leaving the skin on, chop the washed kumara into wedges.  Place the spices in a large plastic bag with the kumara (hold the top of the bag closed!) and shake to coat the wedges.  Turn them into a roasting dish with the olive oil and bake at 200 C for about 20 mins or until tender.  Serve with  garlic aoli or sweet chilli sauce.

Take care and happy stitching

Rachel

Annie's Country Quilt Store

(03) 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz