Hi there.  Another week rolls around with the distinct nip of autumn in the air, with thoughts drifting towards firewood, comfort food and of course stitching!

This week I thought I would show you this simple table runner which I have just finished kitting up.  It is $49.90 for the pack which includes the pattern, background fabric, binding, and pre-cut blossom shapes.  Ideal for the dinner or coffee table or to make as a gift.  You could also extend it to make a bed runner, or if you get really carried away, use the pattern to make a stunning quilt.

As the dreaded stock taking is upon us it is also time to tidy the shelves, so there are lots of fabrics that I have put out at half price or less as one metre pieces for $14.00 each as well as loads of $1.00 pieces in both batiks and regular cottons.   I am sure as we make our way through the next few days the sales stickers will get a hammering, so it is a good time to grab a bargain.

Shipping strikes and port delays in the US are making life interesting (frustrating) for many importers at the moment and our fabric distributors are not immune from these problems.  Unfortunately this has a flow on effect for retailers with delays and expected delivery dates not being met despite the best efforts of all parties.  This meant that the Victoria Park range from Marcus Brothers (designed by Karen Styles) did not arrive in time for the workshop that we had with Karen recently.

However…..the good news is that it is in store now and it is still just as gorgeous with a fresh twist on reproduction with the designs based on actual antique fabrics of yesteryear.   The stripes, florals and wavy designs in this range lend themselves beautifully for fussy cutting.  This fabric is available in New Zealand exclusively through Annie’s CQS and Patchwork Passion.

There is a free pattern available for a very cute little pincushion using Karen’s new fabric range at the address below.

http://www.marcusfabrics.com/

Another piece of good news is that we have also managed to get some additional copies of the very gorgeous Inspirations magazine.  If you are into embroidery, this is ‘eye candy’ for stitchers.

Well, that is all from me this week apart from the recipe.  Speaking of comfort food, this red cabbage dish is delicious served with mashed potatoes and pork sausages or steak.

Braised Red Cabbage

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• ½ red cabbage, finely chopped
• ¼ c balsamic vinegar
• ¾ c red wine
• ½ brown sugar
• 2 apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped

Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the caraway seeds, then add the cabbage and cook for 2-3 mins until it starts to wilt.  Add the wine and simmer for a further 3 mins before adding the vinegar, brown sugar and apple.

Cover and cook for about 15 mins.  Cook uncovered for a further 5 mins or until the cabbage is saucy and tender.

Serves 4 as a side dish.

Take care and happy stitching,

Rachel

Annie’s CQS