Hi there.  I love this time of the year when the weather is supposed to be more settled and there is an abundance of fruit and vegetables, and plenty of daylight hours in the evening to be out and about.  I am baking up a storm today…you can scroll down to see the latest new recipe – a tasty treat to enjoyed with a good cuppa!

Anyway, back to all things stitching.  New this week I am excited to tell you that we have managed to push the walls of the shop out a little further and we are now stocking a large range of Metrosene threads.  These are very good quality polyester threads and recommended by the top sewing machine manufacturers.

Hot off my sewing machine this week is this very cute little bag from The Birdhouse.  It is called Stitching with Friends Zip Case and I have put together as a kit using some gorgeous Japanese taupe fabrics, zipper, pelon, lining fabric, and of course the pattern for $68.00.  The pattern is available on its own for $23.00.

Also new in from The Birdhouse is her latest pattern in her Christmas hanging series called “The Carolers” which includes the pre-printed stitchery as well as a hard copy of the design.  You can check this out on the Annie’s website.

Now, back to the baking….

Date and Ginger Loaf

• 3 ½ c pitted dates, roughly chopped
• 1 c brown sugar
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 c water
• 1 ½ c crystallised ginger, roughly chopped
• 2 ¾ c flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs lightly beaten

Place the dates and the sugar, butter and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil.  Add the ginger and cool.

Preheat the oven to 170C.  Stir the flour, baking powder and eggs into the date mixture and pour into a greased loaf tin.  Bake for about an hour or until a skewer comes out clean.

Happy stitching

Rachel

Annie’s CQS