Hi there.  What a beautiful spring day! , I am sitting in the backyard, lap top on my knee enjoying the sunshine and with a cup of tea close at hand, not thinking about the other jobs that need doing, but instead contemplating the many benefits of fresh air and vitamin D.

This week I have been finalising details for our workshop and trunk show with Natalie Bird from the Bird House (Australia) and below you will find an invitation to the Trunk Show on Friday 19 September.  Everyone is welcome, no matter whether you are registered for the workshop or not.

The trunk show will involve a show case of Natalie’s work, her quilts and a sneak peak of her new BOM quilt that will be available through Annie’s CQS.  Natalie will also talk about her creative journey which has seen her become one of Australia’s best loved designers. The bar will be open and there will be spot prizes on the night, a light supper, as well as a huge selection of Natalie’s books and patterns that will be available for sale so don’t forget to bring your purse!

Tickets for the Trunk Show are $5.00 and tickets can be purchased from Annie’s CQS or purchased at the door, however it is important to RSVP by 12 September either by phone or email for catering purposes.

The other thing I have been working on this week is this very cool sewing hold all called ‘The Beatle Bag’ which uses a couple of FQ’s and an accent fabric as well as a new product that I hadn’t come across before called ‘Soft and Stable’.  This I am completely sold on.  It is a thin covered foam which gives great stability and shape to your bag.  It is easy to quilt and to work with.  It would also be great for lap top, i-pad or e-reader pouches or toilet bags.  It comes in a pack which is 18” x 58” for $24.00.  The Beatle Bag comes as a pattern with plastic pouch inserts ($39.00) or as a full kit with Soft and Stable for $110.00. Extra insert packs are also in stock.

Anyway, moving right along as there is much to do and I can already feel my day running out!  This week’s recipe is a great lunch dish or Sunday night dinner that lends itself to the ‘throwing in whatever you have in the fridge’ approach in terms of adding kumara, pumpkin or a bit of ham, bacon or salami for the meat eaters.

Potato, Onion and Thyme Galette

• 3 medium size potatoes, scrubbed and sliced 2-3 ml thick
• 2 onions thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of crushed garlic
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 3-4 tbsp olive oil
• 200 g crème fraiche
• 150 g feta cheese
• Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 200C and grease a tart or quiche dish.  Place the potato slices in a pan of cold water with a pinch of salt.  Bring to the boil and simmer for 3 mins then leave them to drain well in a sieve.

Heat the oil in a fry pan and then add the potato, onion, garlic and thyme to the pan and cook until golden.  Cool.

In a bowl lightly beat the eggs, crème fraiche, salt and pepper and then add the feta.  Spread half the potato mixture into the quiche dish and spread the egg mixture.  Repeat this layering and then bake the dish in the oven for 30 mins or until golden and set.  Serve warm or cold with a crisp salad.  Serves 6.