Hi there.  Well, I hate to say it but the Christmas music is playing, the reindeer are revving up and the big guy has just got the red suit back from the drycleaners!  Almost time for the show to begin.

Christmas means different things to different people and I think it is also important to remember that for one reason or another it is not always a happy time for everyone.  Imagine if we all did at least one kind thing for someone else this Christmas what a much better place it would be!

This week I thought I would show you a couple of little (quite achievable) projects that I have just put together as kits that you could make or give as gifts for someone special.  The first one is this gorgeous little wool needle case from Marg Low Designs ($16.00) this would easily fit into an envelope or small parcel

The other is this dinky little pincushion from Hatched and Patched which I have put together as a kit ($16.00) in a couple of different colour variations (French General, Modern and Cottage).  This is also a really good project to encourage young people into sewing, and you never know your young protégé may turn out to be the next Kaffe Fasset or Sue Spargo!

We also have lots of small items such as retractable tape measures, thimbles, small scissors and threads that you could put together as a sewing kit or if you let us know we can do this for you.

If you are looking to add a little extra to Christmas in the way of decoration, parcel tags, or projects to keep the kids amused take a look at this cool site that I have found which is chock full of inspiration and free stuff that you can download.

http://www.northpolechristmas.com/santa.html

Now, on to the recipe

If you are into baking a storm for Christmas, remember to keep it simple.  We all have far too many sweet treats, so what about making some homemade crackers and packaging it up with some nice cheese and a fruit paste or chutney to make a special gift.

Parmesan Cream Crackers

In the food processor place

• 1 c flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ c finely grated parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ c cream

Extra flavourings such as pepper, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, garlic or poppy seeds can be added according to your taste.

Pulse in the food processor until the mixture forms a ball of dough.  (Add more liquid gradually if necessary).

Tip the dough onto a floured board and roll out thinly.  Cut into shapes and bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned at 200 C.

Store in an airtight container.

Well that is all from me this week

Take care and happy stitching.

Rachel

Annie’s CQS