Hi there.  Wow, here we are at the 1st of December already and I can just about hear the “Ho ho ho’s” and the jingle of the sleigh bells.  (That is right before we get mown down in the frantic festive fun and frivolity…and that is probably enough “F’s”!

If you are looking for some great gift ideas for your quilty friends we have flowery Fiskars cutters, and the fabulous 2017 calendar from Inspirations which is on special, and a great new product called Needle Nannies.

http://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/manufacturer/258-needle-nanny.html

These are little discs or badges clip onto your clothing or your sewing bag with a really strong magnet to hold your needles and pins (it will actually hold a large pair of scissors if you ask it to!).  They come in their own little gift boxes and there is a range of really cool designs including ones designed by Kaffe Fassett, Sue Spargo and Blackbird Designs.  They are $18.50 and would be great for posting to a special friend or for popping into the Christmas stocking.

The other thing that I am excited to tell you about is the new Block of the Month we will start early next year called “Dancing Chickens and Flying Pigs” by Anni Downs from Hatched and Patched.  This is quirky and fun and with a combination of simple wool applique and embroidery worked on hanky linen.  The BOM is $34.00 per month for 12 months and will include the pattern, fabrics and stabilizer.   More details on our website.

Don’t forget about the Bernina Sale which continues until Christmas Eve, as well as the 20% off all Bernina and Bernette Accessories, and if all else fails we have Gift Vouchers for every occasion!

On to the recipe, a little ‘healthy’ gluten free treat for the festive season.

Gold Nuggets

• ½ c good quality dried apricots
• ½ c peanuts or walnuts
• ½ c sunflower seeds or almonds
• ½ c pitted dates
• ½ c seedless raisins
• 1 tbsp skim milk powder
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (approx.)
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ c desiccated coconut, plus about ¼ for rolling

Put the fruit and nuts into the food processor and chop in batches.  Mix with the skim milk powder, lemon juice and honey and work in the coconut.  With wet hands shape into balls or logs and roll in a little extra coconut.  Place in the fridge to firm up.

Happy Stitching

Rachel