Hi there,

Quilt Market in Houston has been and gone for another year, and it is exciting to see all the new fabrics that will be released in the coming months. I am also heading off to Melbourne in a couple of weeks to catch up with the Australian designers and wholesalers that we deal with. This is something I always look forward to.

The trend towards modern quilting is still alive and well and there are some great books and magazines now available to support this including Quiltmania’s Simply Modern ($25.00) and also a another publication that I have recently come across called Modern Quilts ($32.00) These are both packed with patterns, ideas and inspiration.

The great thing about this industry, is that there is something for everyone no matter whether it is brights or landscapes, reproduction or art quilts that spin your wheels!

In the meantime we are playing catch up in the shop with lots more stock arriving and samples half started! Just arrived is another shipment of the very popular Moda 100% Wool Scrap Bags. These are $36.00 and include a selection of colours to boost your wool stash.

We also have a great deal on 100% Makuba silk ribbons. These are usually $9.90 each, however because we were able to secure a fabulous bulk deal, they are now just $3.00 each. It is not possible to put these all on line......but let us know the colours you would like and we will our best to choose for you.

Silk embroidery is now being used in all kinds of fabulous ways from wool work to artistic embroidery and clothing. If you need further convincing have a look at these images from French designer Cecile Franconia.

https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=cecile+franconie&rlz=1C1NOOH_enNZ508NZ508&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjV9ub2wa7XAhWGkZQKHZh_AekQsAQIJw&biw=1301&bih=702

Well..it is time for me to go and pack my bags as I am off to Wellington for more training with Bernina New Zealand...we never stop learning!

This week’s recipe is a super simple one that you can play around with and add your favourite dried fruits and nuts if you wish.

Simple Bran Loaf

• 1 c bran
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1 c sultanas
• 1 cup milk
• 1 c flour
• 1 tsp baking soda

Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a large greased loaf tin. Bake for 30 mins at 180C.

That’s all from me, happy stitching!

R