Hi there, another week rolls around and we are another week closer to summer...bring it on!!! This seems little comfort when the whole country is in the grip of a wintery blast and in the middle of school holidays as well.

We have plenty of projects and ideas to keep the kids busy from making button necklaces, YoYo animals, small bags and embroidery projects to rag rugs and quilts. We have plenty of bright felts and wools and fabric pieces from $1.00 and fabrics on special from $10.00 per metre. No excuses to be bored!

This is a little kit for a pincushion that I have put together using some Japanese woven fabrics. This contains everything you need including fabrics, pattern and the crushed walnut shells for the stuffing to keep your needles sharp for $8.50.

For a larger project, this beautifully packaged kit from Moda is well priced at $149.00 and measures 59” x 76”. It is called ‘Spellbound’ from Urban Chiks. .

Don’t forget about the wool class this Saturday. It is $20.00 for the day 10-4, and everyone is welcome to come along for a day of hand sewing. Bring your wool projects, stitch, chat and be inspired!

If you have a few minutes to spare on a wet day check out this blog spot http://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.co.nz/ There are also lots of hints, tips and tutorials on the website. Well worth a look.

This is run by Charlotte Scott who is the slightly mad quilt lady based in Opua (somewhere near Paihia!) who has also set about to produce a quilting pod cast and blog highlighting the talents of New Zealand quilters, teachers and industry experts.

http://www.theslightlymadquiltlady.podbean.com/

Speaking of things to do, the biennial exhibition of work by members of the Canterbury Embroiderers Guild is on at the Canterbury Museum from 21-30 July.

Well...that is all from me, stay warm. Speaking of warming the cockles of your heart...Vicki who is one of my right hand women in the shop shared this recipe with me the other day (including samples, which were excellent – either straight out the jar or to accompany to a steam pudding or delicious dessert, or perhaps some nice cheese.

Prunes in Brandy

Pack your pitted prunes into a jar. Make a sugar syrup with 110 g of sugar and 120 ml of water, the zest of an orange and a small stick of cinnamon and boil for 5 mins. Cool and pour over the prunes, and then top up with brandy. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place. The longer you leave them the better they will be...but if you can’t wait, overnight will do!

That is all from me this week, stay warm!

Happy Stitching

Rachel