Hi there...well we are now into Christmas Sale mode for our Bernina and Bernette sewing machines and overlockers, and with 20% off all machine accessories now is definitely the time to make the most of the savings! We will be open all weekend (including Christchurch show day) and the sale extends until Christmas Eve.

I am excited to tell you about some really cool small kits that are brand new from Sue Spargo. These would be perfect for the Christmas stocking or if you are wanting to try your hand at wool applique but are not too sure where to start – without having to make a huge investment.

There are six different kits featuring birds, butterflies, houses and ladybugs with lots of colour options. The instructions are very clear and there are stitch guides and a full colour picture included. The best thing is that all the pieces are pre-cut for you ready to start! They are simple and would look awesome joined together to make a cushion or a small quilt, wall hanging or a feature on a bag. I think they are well priced at $28.00 each as you are not having to buy more than you need.

I am also excited about the beautiful new Tilda fabrics that has just arrived in called “”Bird Pond”. I went a bit crazy and ordered the whole range! We have plenty of Tilda books in store as well if you need more inspiration.

If you pop into the shop, be sure to ask about the braids that I brought back from Hong Kong and the handmade ceramic beads and the silk brocade fabrics from India. These stunning silk fabrics would be perfect for crazy patch or for including in the Winter Garden quilt that Griet Lombard is teaching for us in February.

Anyway...enough rambling from me...If you love peanut butter, this cookie recipe is a good one for filling the tins. They are also supposed to have ¼ c of chocolate chips included, but I think they are sweet enough, although I did put a chocolate button on top of some of them.

Peanut Butter (Chocolate chip) cookies

• 125 g butter
• ½ cup each of white and brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• ¾ cup of peanut butter
• 2 c flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts
• ¼ c chocolate chips

Heat the oven to 170C. Cream the butter and sugar and then add in the egg and peanut butter and stir to combine. Fold in the sifted dry ingredients and crushed peanuts. Roll into balls, place on a tray and flatten slightly before cooking for about 12-15 minutes until golden. Makes about 45.

Happy stitching,

Rachel