Hi there,

You know it is Autumn when picking up leaves is a never ending job, and I think this must have been a bumper year for leaf production. If anybody has a use for large quantities of acorns we have plenty at the shop here free for the taking as well! BYO rake :)

I hope that you have reminded all family members that it is Mother’s Day this Sunday, and of course it is also permission for all women to buy themselves a present just because we are all fabulous! With this in mind I have a great idea. What you need is a new free standing magnifying lamp that transforms from a table lamp to a floor lamp meaning that you sort of get two for the price of one, and it is completely portable! Ideal for at your work desk, at the sewing machine, in the caravan or as a reading lamp. The biggest problem you will be keeping the other members of the family from borrowing it! These are on special for $239.00 and you will also receive a free gift with purchase.

If you are running close to time for delivery, we can email a photo of your purchase or voucher for your special Mum.

I also thought I would show you this pattern by Rosalie Dekker for Nellie’s Sewing Bag. This one has been around for a while, but we have revisited it with the inclusion of the Sashiko Coaster panel which looks pretty smart as well as being practical with lots of inside pockets. The kit is $87.50 including the Japanese woven fabric for the bag, lining and handles as well as panel. Just add the Sashiko needle and the Sashiko thread in the colour of your choice and you are away. The pattern is available separately for $24.00 and the panels are $20.00.

If you need some more inspiration on a cool autumn day this is a really great website with loads of free patterns, stitch-a-longs, downloads and ideas.

https://my.modafabrics.com/inspiration-resources

Of course once you have the ideas, we can help you out with all the Moda fabrics and books, threads, and haberdashery you might need along with a good measure of friendly advice or encouragement if you need it!

Before I forget, the winner of the $50.00 voucher from Annie’s for April is Lynn Allan. Congratulations Lynn, your voucher is here waiting for you.

On to the recipe.....this is a very tasty meal to feed the family (and the left overs are good too).

Sweet Thai Crispy Beef with Coconut Rice (Serves 6)

• 500 g lean beef very finely sliced
• 50 g sesame oil
• 6 cloves of garlic
• ½ c raw sugar
• ½ c mint leaves
• ½ c coriander leaves
• 150 ml fish or soy sauce
• Juice of 7 limes
• Crispy shallots

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together and leave in the fridge for 2 hours. Drain and reserve the liquid.

In a smoking hot wok, quick fry the beef in small batches and then put this back into the liquid.

For the rice –

Prewash 2 cups of Jasmin Rise and place in a large pot or rice cooker. Mix in 1 ½ cups of coconut milk and 1 ½ cups of water. Cook for 15 mins with the lid on, and keeping the lid on let it rest for a further 15 mins. Fluff up and add in the juice of 2 limes.

Serve a mound of rice on each plate and top with the beef and some crushed peanuts or cashews and some crispy shallots.

Take care and have a great Mother’s Day!

Rachel

Annie’s CQS