June Newsletter
G’day
I didn’t manage to sort out my quilt’s problems so have hung it in the stair well and someone might come up with a helpful solution. Have to move on to the next project. Some quilts, in my experience, are like that, it may forever stay as it is.
I feel very privileged to share my next bit of news with you. I had a lovely lunch recently with Barbara Bilyard’s family – they have asked me to complete a masterpiece she worked on for several months (that’s scary but I am sure she’ll tap me on the shoulder if I go too far from her original plan). The family have also agreed for me to add ‘Barb’s Quilts’ to my teaching Cv (that’s exciting but I feel like adding “ditto the above”) I’ll give both opportunities my best shot Barb!
They would also like to sponsor an award at future symposia. To raise some funds to do this I have for sale copies of her S-Bends workshop on CD. On it she makes making her quilts ‘sew simple’ with written, audio and visual instructions. These are $15 each and that includes postage.
I was at a show in Waiuku early last month and demonstrated my string quilts – I had a pointed bamboo ‘presser’ with me and several asked after them. I now have some in the studio so if you want one let me know (cost $7 each).
The Pumpkin Patch continues to share its largesse with me (and the snails). It was my turn to host the local garden club earlier in the week. Now I know my garden isn’t all in rows and pretty flowers but it was fun to see them taste their way around various herbs, ooh and aah over my lemon tree that seems to have more lemons than tree at present and ask after names of the various camellias. (I had to confess that one was a ‘dark burgundy’ and t’other was a red one – obviously if I can’t eat then I can’t name it. Not a good look for the gardening ladies!!). At least they were all gracious enough to admire and taste for themselves.
The Chopping Block worked overtime for the afternoon tea. I had made mini-muffins using my dried tomatoes and some quick rocket and walnut pesto. Put out a plate of the various fruits I have dried, made some biscuits with this dried fruit and baked a very simple Lemon Cake. The ladies demanded the recipe so as I have written it out for them I will give it to you.
Heat your fan oven to 160deg and butter an 20cm pan.
Now cream 125g butter, 1 cup sugar and zest of 2 lemons; beat in 3 eggs; sift 1 cup flour and 1 tsp baking powder and add alternating with ¾ cup yoghurt. Bake 45-50min.
Mix the juice to 2 lemons with 1 cup icing sugar and drizzle over hot cake (I had do drizzle several times as it was absorbed). Decorate with zest.
Absolutely moist and yummy!
Regards
Natalie
Regards
Natalie
