Hi there…well, we are all packed up and rearing to go!  Blenhiem here we come for the Sew Marlborough mini symposium.

Don’t forget that our Bernina symposium specials on machines and overlockers continue until the end of July, so there are some great deals on the ex-class models from the weekend especially the B350, the 570PE and the 700D overlocker.  We have these models in store if you would like a demo, or you are welcome to check them out on the Bernina website.

www.bernina.co.nz

This week I thought I would show you the wool table runner project that I have just recently finished.  Available as a kit or a pattern this features hand dyed and felted wools and is mostly completed in blanket stitch with just a few french knots on the black wool background.  The kit is $159.00 and the pattern is $24.00.

If you are looking for a really cute kids quilt that is a little different, this pattern from  Claire Turpin called the Bird-Fish Mini Quilt has just arrived in, and would be a good way to use up your scraps of bright fabric.  The pattern is $9.50 and the finished size of the quilt is 29” square.

Now….on to the recipe which is a wee bit of a twist on the classic sticky date pudding, but just as delicious.

Sticky Fig and Pecan Cakes

• 150g dried chopped figs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 100 g butter
• ½ c firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 c self-raising flour
• Pecans

Preheat the oven to 180C, and grease a muffin tin and set aside.

In a food processor, blend the figs and baking soda with ¾ cup of boiling water until combined and let it stand for about 5 mins.  Add the butter and sugar and process until the mixture is almost smooth. Fold in the lightly beaten eggs and flour and mix until just combined.

Spoon the mixture into the muffin tins and decorate with the pecans, and bake for about 20 mins or until a skewer comes out clean.

Serve with custard or icecream.

Well..that is all from me this week.  It is time for me to Beetle off.  Give me a wave in the VW if you see me heading toward Blenheim.  (Don’t panic, we are taking the big car and the trailer as well with plenty of goodies on board!)

Take care and happy stitching,

Rachel