Hi there.  We all have weeks when you wonder how much more life can throw at you…but somehow we get through.  Often it is the little things that make a difference…a hug, some words of encouragement or a tasty treat (see recipe below).   A little time spent stitching can help too.

This week I have been busy with classes as you can see from the Annie’s Facebook page with Tuffets, a class in Temuka, our regular Tuesday night and a wool applique class this Saturday.  Next weekend we will be off to Akaroa for our annual retreat!

We have just received the first shipment of the new Sue Spargo book “Cuppa”  ($56.00) which is full of full of gorgeous designs all based around the idea of having a good cup of tea or coffee.  I was talking with Sue earlier this week and she was telling me that she is working on her new book “Fresh Cut”.  This will be something to look out for later.

We have also received a shipment of the very popular Horn Sewing Chairs in the Fluro print (black background with bright sewing machines and cotton reels featuring on the fabric).  These gas lift height adjustable chairs on casters are especially designed to give you the right amount of back support when you are sewing and are $399.00 each.  (Yes, we are worth it!!!)

There seems to be a real campaign at the moment to try and reduce the amount of plastic shopping bags that we use for the good of the environment, and replacing these with a few reuseable cloth ones that you stash in the car or the handbag is a great option.  Here is a really good free pattern.  Why not use up some of that fabric from the bottom of the stash and make some for a friend as well!

https://www.thespruce.com/sew-a-compact-fold-up-grocery-bag-2977420?utm_term=fabric+grocery+bag&utm_content=p1-main-3-title&utm

Well, that is all from me..it is time to get my sewing out and have another bikkie!

This week’s recipe is for these wicked cookies.  They are so good they should come with a government health warning!!!   Delicious straight from the oven, they would also be amazing as an icecream sandwich.  The recipe looks a bit strange as there is no flour, but it does work.  Watch them carefully in the oven as they could burn easily.

 
Chocolate Brownie Cookies (Gluten Free)

• 3 cups of gluten free icing sugar
  ¾ cup cocoa powder
  1 tsp salt
  2 large egg whites
  1 large egg
  125 g dark chocolate, chopped
  3 tbsp cacao nibs
  Place the sugar, cocoa and salt in a bowl then add in the egg whites and egg and mix well.  Fold in the chocolate and cacao nibs.  Put heaped teaspoons full of the batter onto trays lined with baking paper.  Allow room for spreading.   Bake for about 15 mins at 180 C until the cookies are puffed, cracked and set around the edges.   Let the cookies cool (they will firm up) and then transfer to a rack.
   
  Happy Stitching
  Rachel