Hi there, summer has finally arrived and we are now on the countdown to Christmas and all those dreadful deadlines for the all the ‘must have done before Christmas things’ that seem to go with it.  On the up side it is also a really good excuse to catch up with friends that seem to have slipped under the radar for the last eleven months!

All that aside………..this week I need your help.  I need to make some room as the builder is coming to make a hole in the wall,

so all the Christmas decorations in the shop are half price!

We also have a whole basketful of Moda Jelly rolls from Blackbird Designs, to be more specific the gorgeous Autumn Lilly range which is soft sky blues, peachy pinks, taupe and creams which are on special.  These are usually $86.00 and are now $20.00 off.  At $66.00 each they make a really good priced jelly roll race quilt, clothesline bag or present for Christmas!  We also have a good selection of fat quarters from this range and you may remember a couple of weeks ago I showed you the folded log cabin quilt that I had just finished using the jelly rolls.

You can check out the range at this link.

http://www.unitednotions.com/fcc_autumn-lily.pdf

Back to all things Christmas, this is a lovely little stitchery which you could make for yourself, a very good friend or perhaps give the kit ($16.50) to your friend for her to make herself.

Well, that is all from me this week, as I have to go and find some space in the shop, however before I forget the November winner of the $50.00 voucher from Annie’s is Jan Johnson of Ashburton.

…and the recipe, how about a cool refreshing drink for a hot day.

Fresh Pineapple Lemonade

• 1 ripe pineapple (peeled, quartered and core removed)
• 2 whole lemons
• 1 c lemon juice
• 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• ½ c caster sugar

Cut the pineapple and lemons into chunks and put into a food processor with the other ingredients.  You may need to do this in two batches.

To serve half fill the glasses with the pineapple lemonade base and then add chilled soda water, ice and garnish with a sprigs of mint.  This also makes an excellent base for a cocktail if you wish to add white rum or vodka. 

The pineapple lemonade base can also be frozen in an ice cube tray to be used for later.

Take care and happy stitching.

Rachel

Annie’s CQS