Hi there.  Another week has gone by and we rapidly approaching the shortest day and the down side to summer, although it doesn't really feel like it!  However it was a nice surprise to see the first of my spring bulbs flowering this week.

We have just returned from another fantastic weekend in Akaroa for our annual retreat.  There was plenty of stitching done as well as lots of eating, shopping, walking, talking  and the odd glass of wine.  If this sounds like something that would appeal to you, keep it in mind for next year, but be sure to book in early as places are fairly sort after!

This week I thought I would show you the Caravan Cushion which is a pattern from Australian Designer Natalie Bird from The Birdhouse (who is coming to teach at Annie's in September).  I have put together a limited number of kits in these colours which are $69.00 or it is available as a pattern $22.50.

Also new in this week is this very nifty little wooden sewing box.  Easy to carry, with two draws and two lift up sections at the top, it is ideal to fill with all your sewing things or as a storage box for the fishermen to house  all the fly tying bits and pieces.  These are well made and well priced at $54.00.

The Simply Vintage magazine from Quiltmania has been very popular and I have managed to snag a few extra copies from the distributor.  Containing about 30 projects it is very good value at the new price of $24.00, and if you would like to put this on a standing order please let me know.  (It comes out quarterly.)

There was a small problem with the last issue in that the templates for the Bonnie Sullivan BOM were left out, however these are now available as a download.

http://www.quiltmania.com/assets/images/accueil/news/SusiesWorld-part1-gabarit.pdf

Well, that is about all from me this week.  I am off to the Gift Fair this weekend to track down more goodies for the shop and busy preparing for the Quilters Gathering in Karamea in a couple of weeks time.  No rest for the wicked!

This week's recipe is very simple and tasty,  goes well with a glass of something and is ideal when you have to 'take a plate'.

Cheese Ball

• 1 carton of cream cheese
• 1 tsp worcester sauce
• 1 small finely chopped onion
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• freshly ground pepper
• chopped gherkins or relish (optional)

Place all the ingredients in the blender  and blend until smooth.  Form into a large ball (or two smaller ones) and coat with chopped walnuts.  Refrigerate until well chilled and then serve with crackers.

Take care and happy stitching.

Rachel