Hi there. It has been an exciting week as we became first time grandparents, we having just returned from a fantastic long weekend for our Handstitching Retreat at Lake Rotoiti (Nelson)...oh yeah, and that other fella received his crown!

Anyway....back to the new baby, our little grandson Lincoln Tate Maw was born in Australia last Friday. It is very exciting and I am now “Granny Rachel” and a sucker for every cute little outfit, toy fire engine, quilt and knitting patterns along with “kiwi” themed items to remind him of his heritage!

We have just had another shipment of goodies in from the US this week including these gorgeous needle nannies. These are magnets which you can attach to your cross stitch or embroidery without damaging your work and are perfect for parking your needle – they are also super cute, fun and just $22.00 each. (Also the perfect gift for your stitching friends – or you could just collect them for yourself and have one for each project!)

If you are after a small cross stitch project, this is one I really enjoyed making. This is a free pattern from “La De Da” and we have teamed this up a piece of 36 ct linen and a choice of either Weeks Dye Works thread in Onyx, Fathom or Red Rocks. My sample was stitched using Onyx, and these packs are just $14.90 each.

If you would like to broaden your sewing skills with some dressmaking, designing or alterations, why not join us on Wednesday evenings with skilled tailoress Paula Preece from 7-9 pm. If like me, you have a heap of fabric in the cupboard, why not have a another look at it, regain your confidence to sew and make yourself some new outfits. If you just want to know how to put up your new jeans or put in a zip, that is ok too. These classes are just $18.00 each and are suitable for all skill levels.

Our regular classes for quilting, stitching, patchwork, applique, English Paper Piecing or whatever you would like to have a go at, are held each Tuesday night from 7-9.30pm and every second Thursday morning from 10am-12.30pm. These classes are $8.50 each, everyone is welcome and there is always a cup of tea or coffee on offer as well.

Next weekend I will be in Motueka as a merchant for the Quilting Connection Exhibition at the Motueka Recreation Centre on Wharf Street (Friday to Sunday). This is talented group always put together a very good quilt show, so come along and be inspired!

On to the recipe...there are lots of apples around at the moment and these muffins can be whipped up in a hurry and pretty much use what is in your cupboard.

Apple Crumble and Oat Muffins

• 1 ¼ c self raising flour
• 1 c wholemeal flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ½ c brown sugar
• ¾ c milk
• 2 eggs
• 125 g melted butter
• 2 grated apples
• Crumble topping
• Rub together the following incredients
• ¼ flour
• ¼ raw sugar
• 1/3 c rolled oats
• 40g butter

Preheat the oven to 190C. Mix together in a large bowl the flours, baking powder, grated apple, cinnamon and sugar. In a separate bowl whisk together the wet ingredients together and then add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Place in greased muffin tins and place 2 tsp full of the crumble onto the top of each muffin before cooking for about 25 minutes or until cooked and golden.