Hi there. Isn’t it great to see the temperatures getting a bit warmer making it feel a little more like summer (in between showers and strong winds maybe?) The garden is certainly responding well – the plants as well as the weeds, and if the slugs, snails and birds would just leave things alone it will would be all the better!

I have some cool things to show you this week with including these very cute bunny thread holders. These are locally made, beautifully finished and once they have the thread wound on the bunnies look like they are wearing jackets.  These are $21.00 for a set of 3 and are available in store as well as the website.

Did you see the latest issue of the Inspirations magazine? (Issue 116) This is packed full of patterns, articles and “inspiration” for just $22.00 which is a bargain when you think about it. Apart from the gorgeous bug on the front cover, there are also patterns for a very beautiful sewing box and set of sewing accessories. I am working on the sample for the cotton spool needle and scissor minder at the moment. I have ordered some spools that will be the right size for this project, so let know if you need some. These little pieces of work such as the pincushion, scissor fob, needle nanny and thread holder would make beautiful gifts and don’t have to take too long or cost much more than a little time. Let us know if you would like some of the linen I have used – it is a 32 count Belfast Flax.

Over the past year we have been doing “Homegrown” by Sue Spargo as a Block of the Month which is a fun and portable hand project as you are only working on a small piece at a time. We have chosen to do this as a wall hanging, however you could go on and do the centre block and borders if you wanted to make the whole quilt. The BOM has sold out but we do a very limited number extra “starter kits” that are now available. These include all the background wools, and most of the wool and cotton fabrics for the applique as well as the borders and binding, however you may wish to add in some extra bits and pieces from your stash to make it your own. The price of the kit is $230.00 and you will need the Homegrown and Creative Stitching Books by Sue Spargo to go with this along with your threads which we also have in stock.

This Saturday we have our Woolly Stitchers Day, so if you need a hand to get started on your wool project this is a very good place to be J. Give us a call if you would like some details or check us out on Facebook or on our website.

Don’t forget that there is 20% off Bernina machine feet and accessories, and our Christmas sale continues until 24 December. It makes sense to make the most of the savings and to save yourself the extra 10% price increase that will kick in at the beginning of January next year.

Now...onto the recipe which is another quick and easy mid-week dinner. I have recently discovered garlic infused oil which is excellent particularly if you can’t cope with fresh garlic or onion.

Lemon and Herb Chicken

• 4 skin on chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (finely grate the zest and slice the rest)
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic or garlic infused oil
• 2 sprigs rosemary finely chopped (you could also use Basil)
• ½ cream cheese
• 2 tbsp oil

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally, but not all the way through. Mix the herbs, garlic and cream cheese together and sandwich inside the meat. Place the sliced lemon in the bottom of a roasting dish and place the chicken breasts on top. Drizzle with a little oil over the skin and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until the juices run clear when skewered. Serve with extra lemon slices and salad.

Happy stitching and have a great weekend!