Hi there, I hope your day is going well and that to quote from the 1949 Singer Sewing Manual, “You have your hair in order, powder and lipstick on…”  This was the advice given to women (and only women!) who were preparing to get out their sewing machine, just in case someone was to call unexpectedly or your husband would come home from work early!  I will put the full piece on the Annie’s Facebook page, just so that you can get the instructions exactly right.

Heaven forbid that in 1949 you sat down at the sewing machine before all your housework was done!  How did anyone ever get any sewing done, as doing housework is a bit like shovelling snow while it is still snowing?

Anyway, moving right along…guess what?  Yes, more fabric arrived this morning!  Some very cool Mickey and Minnie Mouse panels and co-ordinating panels.  This is very well priced at $26.00 per metre and the panels are generously sized at just over .90 cm wide and are $24.00 each.  Be in quick as I am sure these will fly out the door.

Another very handy tool, which I am sure will be essential for those of you signed up for the Colmar BOM or for anyone attempting trupunto or fine ‘stuffing’ work, is the Clover Stuffing tool.  This is a fine long handled prodder with an angled end that you can turn and manipulate stuffing into small areas.  These have just arrived in and are $15.00 each.

If you are planning a trip to Australia any time soon, keep an eye on the dates for the Sydney Quilt and Craft Show.  This is always a good show with great exhibitions and plenty of inspiration June 17-21

http://www.craftfair.com.au/wp/Sydney/glebe-island-2014/#sthash.QvSAUplS..dpbs

On a ‘foodie’ level closer to home the Food Show is on in Christchurch next weekend and is also worth a visit.

http://www.foodshow.co.nz/whats-on/christchurch-2015

Speaking of food…onto the recipe!  There is nothing nicer than a nice warm fire on a cold winter evening with a glass of something and tasting plate of delish treats.  Something that is often expensive to buy, but very easy to make yourself is Dukkah.

Dukkah

• ½ c walnuts
• ½ c hazelnuts
• 1 c sesame seeds
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt

Place the nuts on an oven tray and bake for 10 mins at 180C or until lightly roasted.  Chop finely.  Heat the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan with the chilli and cumin until the seeds start to brown.

Combine all the ingredients and serve in a bowl, accompanied by some good quality olive oil and some delicious bread.  It is also very tasty sprinkled over a salad to add a zap of flavour.

Makes about 2 ½ cups.

I hope you have a good weekend as we remember Anzac Day.  We will be closed Saturday, but open Sunday and Monday of the long weekend.

Take care and happy stitching,

Rachel

Annie’s CQS