Hi there, blow me down it is newsletter time again! 

Actually the Mid-Canterbury nor ’westers have been blowing us around and drying things out quite a bit lately, but today is a perfect summer day at last.  About time too when you consider that this time next week will be December!

I am not sure I am ever ready for Christmas, (there is always next year!). However I did finish putting together this tree the other day using wool fabrics.  If you got really carried away, or perhaps started on boxing day you could make a whole forest by next Christmas!

 The Wool Christmas Tree is available as a pattern $23.00 or as a kit for $69.00 including the pattern, wool fabrics, and antique cotton reel base.  The cotton reels are also available separately for $12.50 each and look good just as decorations, candlestick holders or to wind your favourite antique lace on to.

If you are looking for something bright and fun to sew for a small person or Suess fanatic (I love Dr Suess), these fabrics have just arrived in featuring Horton our favourite elephant as other well-known characters from the books ($29.90 pm).  There is also a panel ($18.00) with larger pictures that would look great inset into a quilt, large floor cushions, pillow cases or library book bags.

This week’s recipe is a simple dressing that can add a real taste zing as well as saving you money as shop bought pesto and dressings can be expensive, and if you make your own you can alter to suit your tastes with sun dried tomatoes, nuts and herbs.

Pesto Dressing

• 50 g pine nuts, lightly toasted
• 1 c basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ olive oil
• 50 g finely grated parmesan

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Well, that is it from me today.  Take care and happy stitching.

Rachel

Annie’s CQS