Hi there,

Today is one of those days when it really starts to feel more like winter than later summer!  However it is also time to start thinking about all those stitching projects for the longer nights and cooler months…and oh boy…we have projects for you!

Here’s a little one just to get you started.  This is a great little bag made from a panel (just $16.00 for everything you need, with the exception of a little time and a wee bit of thread!).  This is the bag that you give to the friend having the baby, or for the kids that need something to carry their togs in, or it is the one you stuff in the bottom of your other bag for when you go to the supermarket for two things and walk out with your arms full!  Because there is not batting or lining, you just chuck it in the washing machine when it needs freshening up.

New in this week is Moda’s new range from Basic Grey called “Black Tie Affair.”  This is lovely with subtle muted tones of grey, taupe and black that will go with any décor.  As well as metreage we have 5” charm squares and layer cakes in this range.  We also have 5” charm squares for Barbara Brackman’s new range “Old Cambridge Pike”.

Now, there is something else I would like to tell you about……..it is a crazy idea I know, but imagine if ironing was fun….no, scrub that…imagine if ironing was made easier???

Mary Ellen’s Best Press is a clear spray starch that has been available in the US for many years, but I am pleased to say it has finally made it to New Zealand in the form of a (16.9 fl oz) 500 ml eco-friendly pump spray bottle ($22.00).  This is brilliant stuff for your patchwork with crisp flat seams for precision piecing. But if you have to justify it as a household expense you could iron the odd shirt if you had time in between the stitching!  Even the name of the fragrances make you feel like you are having a holiday ‘Caribbean Beach’, ‘Lavender Fields’ or if you are allergic to holidays there is always ‘Scent Free'.

While you are still dreaming of a holiday…check out my dream holiday in France.  The workshops sounds amazing, not to mention the food!  http://www.craftyretreats.com/

Anyway, enough of that…on to the recipe.  This is a delicious hearty soup with plenty of flavour.

Curried Lentil Soup

• 1 brown onion
• 2 cloves of chopped garlic
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 400 g diced tomato (tinned or fresh)
• 3 c vegetable stock
• 300 g kumara, peeled and cut into cubes
• 300 g cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 medium zucchini, cut into cubes
• 400 g tin or brown lentils

Fry the onion and garlic in a little oil in a large saucepan and then add in the curry powder and cook until fragrant.  Add the tomato and stock and bring to the boil.

Add in all the vegetables and simmer until tender.  Lastly add in the lentils and season with salt and pepper.

Serve with naan bread.

That’s it from me this week.  Take care and happy stitching.

Rachel