Hi there. So much stitching to do, and so little time!

This week I thought I would show this stunning quilt I am working on from French General. The fabrics are very vintage and delicate and the printed centre panel is a portrait of Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) who was the last Queen of France before the French Revolution.

I have a limited number of kits available ($499.00) which include the pattern, centre panel and around 15 metres of fabric. I know this sounds a lot, but it is a special quilt and I am happy to do lay-by arrangements. The finished quilt measures 84” x 90”.

Of course we have extra fabrics from the Jardin de Versailles range in the shop and the centre panel and the pattern are available separately.

Don’t forget that this Saturday is our Woolly Stitchers Day (10am-4.00). It is $20.00 for the day and if you are working on wool applique and need some help or inspiration or would like to start you are more than welcome to join us.

This new pattern ($23.00) has just arrived in from Sue Spargo for this snazzy zip pouch and I am just putting together some kits for it at the moment. A good one if you don’t want too much of a commitment in terms of embellishment!

Another reminder that our 20% off Bernina and Bernette accessories continues until the end of next week, so don’t miss the opportunity to grab some of those things like quilting rulers, trolley bags, feet and accessories at a good price. The sale on Bernette machines also continues until 31 August. You can check this out at www.bernina.co.nz.

This week’s recipe is good stand by when you need to whip something up for morning tea.

Orange Marmalade Muffins (makes 12)

1 ¼ c bran

1 ½ c self-raising flour

1 egg

Juice and grated rind of an orange

½ c marmalade

¼ c milk

¼ oil

Preheat the oven to 200 C. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg, orange rind, juice, marmalade, milk and oil together

Blend the two mixtures together until just combined and then spoon into the muffin tray. Sprinkle a little of the topping mixture of each muffin and then bake for about 20 minutes.

Topping:

4 tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

¼ cup flour

1 ½ tbsp. butter

Orange zest

(Rub the butter into the rest of the ingredients)