Newsletter Archive
- QBOTMC News - Club Quilts Update, 4 Patch Art Square Block & Iced Doughnuts
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- Hi , We hope you've had a fantastic week. As you'd expect, ours has been busy, with the children now back at school. We have great teachers and everyone's happy, so it's been a good start to the school year for us. What I'm not so happy about this week is the covering of school books... I'd forgotten about this little job that Mums get to do in the first week, and frankly, I can imagine more fun things to be doing than covering the seemingly hundreds of books that have been dragged home.... Just how do you stop those little bubbles and wrinkles in the contact?? -------------------------------------------------------- This week's block is another classic pieced one, that we hope you'll find a use for. The Four Patch Art Square Block has a fancy name, but is a really quick and easy one to put together. Please click on the link below to download your copy of this block pattern: http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=four-patch-art-square-block.pdf -------------------------------------------------------- We came across these tips and through them worth sharing with you too: Always use all-cotton thread when working with old fabrics because synthetics (even cotton-covered polyester) are likely to cut the fabric. Wash out disappearing pens used in a quilt with plain water only. Detergents and ironing may set the ink permanently. Keep an album of all your quilt projects. This record may be valuable someday, and your future family members will love it. (If you need some Quilt Journal Pages, don't forget the selection you received as downloads from us as one of your New Members Bonuses.) ------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE - Have you checked the Members' Area of our QBOTMC website lately? We've added several new quilt projects in the last month, and there's some good ones (if I say so myself!) Our single bed sized Butterflies and Flutterbies quilt is finally in, as is our Sashiko Sampler and a quick Christmas Table Topper plus more. Even more exciting is that Annette's coming down next week ( we live 10 hours drive apart) to write up patterns with me, so we should have several more brand new quilts to add in the few weeks after that. Watch this space!!! ------------------------------------------------------ I was looking for lunch box ideas and thought these could be good... Iced Doughnuts These doughnuts are baked, not fried, and any kid will be delighted to find one in their lunchbox! Makes 12 Ingredients 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1 egg, beaten 1 tbs olive oil 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 25g dark chocolate melts 100s and 1000s or shredded coconut, to decorate Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sift flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt into a large bowl and stir in sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, olive oil and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Fill a 12-hole mini-doughnut pan with mixture and bake for 8 minutes or until cooked (when a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean). Allow to cool slightly, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water (don't let the bowl touch the water). Alternatively, melt it in a microwave on medium (50%) heat for 1 minute, stir, then cook in 30-second bursts, stirring after each. Dip half of each doughnut into the chocolate, then coat in 100s and 1000s or coconut. Topping variations: Sift 1/2 cup icing sugar into a bowl with 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice and stir to dissolve. Dip 1/2 the doughnut in icing, then in 100s and 1000s. ------------------------------------------------------- I'm off to find a mini-doughnut pan... Until Next Week - Happy Quilting! Regards, Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - Australia Day Recipes and a 7 Grid Chain Block to Try
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- Hi , We hope you've had a great week. It's been a good week here, but I must confess to feeling a little bit sad that the children are finally about to head back to school on Monday. I don't know why it's always like this - at the start of the holidays those 7-8 weeks seem to stretch forever, and before you know it, Christmas is over and the New Year started, then it's back to checking uniforms and school shoes, thinking about packed lunches and setting the alarm clock to practice waking up early again... They're excited about starting a new year of schooling, and finding out who their teachers will be, but they're already starting to ask just when Easter is, so they can plan their next lot of holiday adventures. Whilst the holidays have played havoc with my working schedule, I will miss having lunch with them each day too... Anyway, there's still the Australia Day public holiday on Thursday to look forward to. ----------------------------------------------------------- This week's block of the week is the pieced 7 Grid Chain Block. This is a simple pieced block and a good one to add to your quilt block library. Please click on the link below to download your copy of this block: http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=7-grid-chain-block.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------- And since we're celebrating Australia Day this week, I've chosen a couple of 'classic' recipes that you just need to try: Aussie Meat Pies Ingredients 900g beef rump steak, trimmed, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped 2 rashers middle bacon, trimmed, chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons plain flour 2 cups salt-reduced beef stock 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 4 sheets frozen ready-rolled shortcrust pastry, partially thawed, halved diagonally 2 sheets frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, partially thawed, quartered 1 egg, lightly beaten Tomato sauce (ketchup), to serve Method Process steak until mixture resembles mince. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and bacon. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until golden. Add mince. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up mince, for 6 to 8 minutes or until browned. Add tomato paste and flour. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until combined. Add stock and thyme. Stir to combine. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 30 minutes or until sauce has thickened and meat is tender. Season with pepper. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Line eight 7.5cm round pie moulds with shortcrust pastry. Trim excess. Fill cases with steak mixture. Top with puff pastry. Trim excess. Press edges together with a fork to seal. Using a small sharp knife, cut a small cross in pie tops. Brush with egg. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Serve with sauce. ************************************************ Pavlova ( a classic Aussie meringue dessert) Ingredients (serves 6) 1 tablespoon cornflour 6 eggwhites 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 1/3 cups caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon white vinegar 200ml pure cream 250g frozen raspberries, slightly mashed (or your fruit of choice) Method Preheat oven to 200°C. Draw a 24cm (diameter) circle on a sheet of baking paper. Place, pencil-side down, on a baking tray. Dust lightly with 1 teaspoon cornflour. Using an electric mixer, beat eggwhites and cream of tartar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating constantly until thick and glossy. Add remaining 3 teaspoons cornflour with the last tablespoon of sugar. Fold through vanilla and vinegar. Spoon meringue onto baking paper. Shape into a circle, using the pencil mark as a guide, with a slightly higher edge and a low centre. Reduce oven to 100°C. Bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until dry and crisp. Turn off oven and open oven door. Cool completely in oven (pavlova may sink during cooling). Slide pavlova onto a serving plate. Spread with cream and top with raspberries. Serve. -------------------------------------------------------- Yum!! I'm off to try these out for Thursday. Maybe the kids will help me.... Until Next Week - Happy Quilting! Regards, Jody and Annette PS. Keep an eye on your Inbox for this weeks' new bag pattern too!
- QBOTMC News - Dutch Rose Block, Quilt-y Sayings and Banana Yoghurt Muffins
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- Hi , We hope it's been another great week for you. It's already mid January, and the time is flying by again. I'm feeling it now as the children go back to school in only another week and a half, and their 8 weeks of holidays seems to have just evaporated. Whilst it's not so handy for proper regular work for me, I love having them home and doing 'stuff' with them. Needless to say - they have not been at all interested in any sewing projects these holidays.... and I'll get back into mine properly when they're back at school. ---------------------------------------------------- This week's block is a really lovely pieced block. The Dutch Rose block will have you practising those inset seams, but we think it's well worth the effort. Please click on the link below to download your new block for this week. http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=dutch-rose-block.pdf --------------------------------------------------- We found these this week and thought them worth sharing... * "There is a very fine line between hobby and mental illness." - Dave Barry * People that are organized are just too lazy to get up and look for it! * She who dies with the most fabric wasted a lot of time! -------------------------------------------------- And with Back-to-School in mind, these sounded worth a try too... Banana Yoghurt Muffins Ingredients 1 3/4 cups self-raising flour 1/2 cup caster sugar 1 cup natural yoghurt 1 egg 2/3 cup vegetable oil 2 large bananas, mashed Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 12-hole, 1/3 cup-capacity muffin pan. Sift flour and sugar into a bowl. Combine yoghurt, egg, oil and 1 cup mashed banana in a large bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Spoon mixture into muffin holes. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand muffins in pan for 5 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or cold. -------------------------------------------------- Until Next Week - Happy Quilting! Regards Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - Diamond Ring Block, Tips & Maraconi & Vegetable Frittatas
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- Hi , We hope you had a great week and that this New Year's shaping up to be a wonderful one for you. I have to be very thankful that finally the sun came out, and our week away at the beach turned out to be a brilliant one! The kids had a ball with swimming and fishing, and Miss 5 has learnt to ride a bike without training wheels. After she had a couple of falls, we told her she wasn't a proper bike rider until she had had several different bumps, bruises and grazes (to make it better), and bless her if she didn't just keep getting back on the bike until she had it mastered. She's proud and happy now, and I have to think that maybe I too could take a leaf out of her book and just get on with the things I need to do without putting obstacles in my own way... Onward and Upward with those New Year's Resolutions...! ----------------------------------------------------------------- This week's block is a rather lovely pieced Diamond Ring Block. We think it looks great in a straightforward layout, but please click on the link below to download your copy and see what you think. http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=diamond-ring-block.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------------- And for some more hints and tips you may find useful: * Use different widths of masking tape to guide you in an easy way to quilt parallel lines without marking the quilt top. * Make sure you always use only cotton thread when stitching older fabrics because synthetic threads (even cotton-covered polyester) are likely to damage or cut the fabric. * Better to buy more fabric than you think you need for a quilt (or bag!), rather than too little, as this allows room for mistakes, shrinkage or making a sample block, and (equally importantly) for building your stash. (Now - THAT'S a New Year's Resolution!!) ---------------------------------------------------------------- And we thought these sounded kind of quick and easy for these hot summer days.... (sorry those in the North!) Macaroni And Vegetable Frittatas Ingredients 120g (3/4 cup) macaroni pasta Olive oil, to grease 2 x 125g cans corn kernels, rinsed, drained 1 small red capsicum, halved, deseeded, finely chopped 1 medium carrot, peeled, coarsely grated 80g (1 cup) coarsely grated cheddar 7 eggs, lightly whisked 125ml (1/2 cup) milk Method Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain. Refresh under cold running water. Drain well. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush six 185ml (3/4-cup) capacity non-stick Texas muffin pans with oil to lightly grease. Combine the macaroni, corn, capsicum, carrot and cheddar in a large bowl. Spoon evenly among prepared pans. Whisk together the egg and milk in a jug and pour over the macaroni mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 20-23 minutes or until just set. Remove from oven. Set aside in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully turning onto a wire rack to cool. -------------------------------------------------------------- It's Bag Pattern week again too, so keep an eye on your Inbox today as well. Until Next Week - Happy Quilting! Regards, Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - Birds and Star Block, New Year Resolutions And More Tips
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- Hi , Happy New Year!!! We hope you had a good week and that you're looking forward to 2012 for the good things it's going to bring. We hope those New Year's resolutions are still working for you too. I know just how easy it is to start the year FULL of good intentions and plans (yes - go to the gym, finish those UFO's etc), but I've decided to try and be systematic this year and do it properly. I'm planning on taking a couple of hours out to work out how and when this year's going to go for me, what I'm going to sew and what else can be included... Of course, taking the time to plan is a resolution in itself..... ------------------------------------------------------------ This week's block is a good pieced one that we're sure you're going to love. Definitely one to add to your collection. Please click on the link below to download your copy of the Birds and Star Block. http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=birds-and-star-block.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------- And if you have the time still for some quilting: Before you start quilting, bring the bobbin thread through the quilt to the top and hold both thread tails when taking your first stitch. This prevents snarls on the lining side. Put on some favourite music - but probably not rock and roll - to help you establish a rhythm for your quilting. Use a thread sleeve on your monofilament spool to prevent threads from prematurely unwinding and tangling. ------------------------------------------------------------ I just found this quilter's list online and it sounded kind of good to me.... Give away one UFO that I will never work on or complete. Make and donate a quilt to charity. Participate in an online chat group with quilters. Enter a contest. It doesn't matter if you win or not. Go online and check out all of the quilt sites. Buy new rotary cutter blades and replace that old one in your cutter. Participate in a quilt block swap. Attend a local quilt show. Buy new sewing machine needles and use them. If you piece, try appliqué. If you appliqué, try machine quilting. If you machine quilt, try hand-piecing. Join a local community group or quilt guild. Buy or borrow a few new quilt books. Dye some fabric. Challenge yourself to make a quilted gift for someone. Try paper piecing. Try foundation piecing. Make a quilt just for yourself. Use this quilt every chance you get. Ask for quilt magazine subscriptions for holiday/birthday gifts. Take a class on how to use your sewing machine. Make time to quilt every week. Teach someone else to quilt. Write an article for your guild newsletter. Learn to machine quilt or embroider. Learn to appreciate art quilts. Take a class on a new technique, or a technique you think you dislike. Restore an antique quilt. Ask relatives if your family has any family quilts and ask to see them. Document your quilts - put labels on them. Display your quilts. Try folding over chairs, buy a quilt rack, or folding some on the foot of the guest bed. Display folded quilts in a bookcase. Spend time quilting with your mom, your grandmother, your daughter, or your girlfriend. Bring your husband to a guild meeting. Give extra fabric, thread, needles, etc. to a women's shelter or other charitable organization. Volunteer to serve your guild as an officer or chairperson. ------------------------------------------------------------ Have a great week! Until Next Week - Happy Quilting! Regards, Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - Fireworks Star Block & Christmas Leftovers
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- Hi , We hope you had a lovely Christmas, or holiday break and that Santa brought you everything you wanted! We all spent the day together with the usual fun, laughter and waaaay too much food, as you do.... Just got to get through New Year's Eve, then I'll think again about the gym and why I went in the first place!! We have a gorgeous pieced fireworks block for you to try this week and a yummy idea to try with some of those festive leftovers. It's bag pattern week again too, and this is a super quick and stunning little purse that you can still whip up in time for your New Year's Party. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This week's block can be either pieced with the templates provided, or you can foundation piece it if you choose. Please click on the link below to download your copy of the last pattern for the year! http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=fireworks-star-block.pdf -------------------------------------------------------------------- This sounded worth a try too if (like us) you still have a fridge full of Christmas food... Christmas Ploughman's Pate Ingredients (serves 4) 1 1/4 cups (200g) shredded cold cooked chicken or turkey 1 cup (180g) chopped ham 125g cream cheese 1 tbs chopped chives 275ml chicken consomme (tetra pack may be easiest) 2 gelatine leaves 8 pink peppercorns Wedge of cheddar, good-quality chutney, watercress leaves and crusty bread, to serve Method Place chicken or turkey, ham, cream cheese, chives and 100ml consomme in a food processor, and process until smooth. Spoon into small serving dishes or 1 larger dish, then smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Place the remaining 175ml consomme in a saucepan over medium heat until just below simmering point. Meanwhile, soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for 5 minutes to soften, then squeeze out excess water. Remove consomme pan from the heat, add gelatine and stir to dissolve. Allow to cool slightly. Uncover pate and press peppercorns onto surface, then cover with a thin layer of consomme mixture. Cover again and chill for 1 hour or until jelly is firm. Serve the pate (it will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days) as part of a ploughman's lunch with cheddar, chutney, watercress and crusty bread. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Until Next Week - Happy Quilting, and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Best Regards, Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - Christmas Bell Applique Block & Christmas Drinks
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- Hi , We hope it's been a great week for you and that everything's under control now, and you can sit back and take a well-earned break in this last few days before Christmas. I'm pleased to say, that kids and all, I'm now as ready as I'll ever be for Christmas, and I'm enjoying a bit of hand sewing at nights now in front of the TV. (I'm even tackling something that's been sitting in my 'to do' pile for over 12 months!) It probably helps that we're going to family this Christmas, so I don't have to organise the house as well.... Just in case you have time now too, this week we have a quick applique block that you may like to sit and stitch. The Christmas Bell block is fairly simple, and will make use of your christmas-coloured scraps. Of course, if you're THAT organised, you could make a start on something for next year....! ----------------------------------------------------------- Please click on the link below to download your copy of this week's block: http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=christmas-bell-applique-block.pdf ----------------------------------------------------- And rather than food, we thought it time to share a few drinks recipes that you may like to try... Blackberry Vodka Cordial Ingredients (serves 12) 900g fresh or frozen blackberries 450g (2 cups) sugar 375ml bottle vodka Chilled soda water, to serve Method Place the blackberries, sugar and vodka into a large clean glass jar. Seal and invert to combine. Set aside in a cool place, turning occasionally, for 24 hours or until the sugar dissolves. Pour the blackberry mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl or jug. Use the back of a spoon to press firmly to extract the liquid. Discard the pulp. Transfer the blackberry cordial to a clean bottle or jar and place in the fridge until serving. Serve the blackberry vodka cordial with chilled soda water. ``````````````````````````````````````` Traditional Sparkling Cocktail Ingredients (serves 8) 8 sugar cubes 1 teaspoon Angostura bitters 2/3 cup brandy 750ml sparkling white wine, chilled Method Divide sugar cubes between 8 champagne flutes. Drizzle each with bitters. Place 1 tablespoon brandy in each flute. Top with wine. Serve. `````````````````````````````````````````` Hazelnut Egg Nog Ingredients (serves 8) 6 eggs, separated 1/3 cup caster sugar 3 cups hot milk 1 cup hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico) 3/4 cup thickened cream Ground nutmeg, to serve Method Using an electric mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and creamy. Beat in hot milk then liqueur and cream. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites in a bowl until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into liqueur mixture. Pour into glasses. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve warm or cold. ````````````````````````````````````````````` Apple, Orange and Ginger Punch Ingredients (serves 8) 2 cups apple juice, chilled 1 1/2 cups orange juice, chilled 2 cups dry ginger ale, chilled 3 cups lemonade, chilled 2/3 cup vodka (Optional) 125g strawberries, hulled, diced Ice cubes, to serve Method Combine apple juice, orange juice, dry ginger ale and lemonade in a large jug. Add vodka, strawberries and ice. Serve. ---------------------------------------------------------------- We hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Happy Holidays! Until Next Week - Happy Quilting ( and Christmas!) Regards, Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - Star of Bethlehem Block 2 and Rum & Orange Chocolate Balls
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- Hi , We hope you've had a great week! It's been another busy one here, but with less than 2 weeks until Christmas, there's still time to fit some last minute sewing, shopping and cooking in, and hopefully we can help! This week we have a lovely new Christmas Star of Bethlehem pieced block to try, another recipe well worth a go, and our newest Christmas bag pattern arriving in your Inbox shortly! (And yes - it's quick and easy if you still need to whip up a present or two!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This week's Christmas block is the pieced Star of Bethlehem Block 2. It's a lovely block, and we hope you can use it in a project sometime soon. Please click on the link below to download your copy now: http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=star-of-bethlehem-block-2.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------------------- And these sounded a bit yummy too... Rum and Orange Chocolate Balls Ingredients 100g pitted prunes, roughly chopped 80ml (1/3 cup) dark or white rum 250g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped 125g unsalted butter, chopped 250g scotch finger biscuits, halved (shortbread style cookies) 80g roasted peeled hazelnuts 1 orange, zested 50g flaked almonds, roasted, finely chopped Cocoa, to dust Method Place prunes and rum in a small saucepan over low heat and bring to the boil. Remove from heat and set aside until needed. Fill a small saucepan one-third full with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place chocolate and butter in a small heatproof bowl, then place the bowl over the pan of simmering water and stir until melted (don't let the bowl touch the water). Process biscuits, hazelnuts and prune mixture in a food processor until finely chopped. Add orange zest and chocolate mixture, and process until just combined. Spoon into a large bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes or until firm enough to shape. Line a large tray with baking paper and place almonds and cocoa in separate shallow bowls. Using your hands and working quickly, roll the chocolate mixture into 3cm balls and place on the tray. Roll half the balls in almonds to coat, then dust the other half with cocoa. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Pack in a pretty box lined with baking paper and tie up with a big christmassy ribbon for a special gift too! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Keep an eye out for your new bag Pattern arriving in your Inbox shortly. Until Next Week - Happy Quilting! Regards Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - December Autograph Block, Christmas Poem and Bonbons
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- Hi , We hope you've had a good week. With all the holiday and end-of-year preparations now, it's got me thinking about this year and just how quickly it's gone. We've had a fun year, and have made up all sorts of wonderful new projects, but it's flown by very quickly. Now that I'm another year older, I know they say that the years go faster the older you get, but still...? Even Master 7 said the other day that the year's gone really fast! (And now they're on school holidays - yes - ALREADY) That's OK though, as now that the end of 2011 is in sight, we can spend some time planning out 2012, and already there's so many exciting things we want to do, that's it's becoming a matter of fitting them in! Watch this space, and we'll let you know all about our plans as we get closer... ------------------------------------------------------------- We have one final Autograph Block for this year, and for those of you making up this quilt, hopefully you've still got enough time before Christmas, if you need it for then. This is the final December pieced Block, and we know you're going to love it too. Please click on the link below to download this block: http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=december-autograph-block.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------- I was thinking too of all things Christmassy and came across this poem, that I just had to share... (I'm supposed to be doing my present shopping this week too...) 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck... How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to Elves. Vertically Challenged they were calling themselves. And labour conditions at the North Pole were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, Released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their rooftops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened. His fur trimmed red suit was called Unenlightened. And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation, Demanding millions in over-due compensation. So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, Demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he'd never had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion. Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her. Nothing that might be construed to pollute. Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot. Nothing that clamoured or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls, or just for the boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific. Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic. No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden. For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt. Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away. So Santa just stood there, dishevelled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next. He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, But you've got to be careful with that word today. His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found. Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering the left or the right. A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere...even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth... May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth. Author Anonymous ------------------------------------------------------------ And today's recipe is not one to eat straightaway... Christmas Bonbons Ingredients (serves 8) 8 cardboard cylinders (toilet rolls are ideal) Mixed lollies/sweets, to fill each bonbon 4 sheets green metallic crepe paper 8 self-adhesive labels 16 tinsel pipe cleaners Method Fill cardboard cylinders with lollies. Cut crepe paper sheets in half. Wrap 1 piece of paper around each cylinder. Trim the ends to 5cm and twist to enclose lollies. Write the names of guests on labels and attach to the cylinders. Tie pipe cleaners around bonbons to decorate. Notes You can make these bonbons up to 1 week ahead. They can be handed out as lolly bags or used as name tags at each place setting. ** For a 'dressier' alternative, you may like to use fabric instead of crepe paper. There's some gorgeous Christmas prints that you could use to theme your table, and just tie the ends with ribbon instead...!!! ------------------------------------------------------------- Until Next Week - Happy Quilting (and Christmassing) Regards Jody and Annette
- QBOTMC News - LeMoyne Star Block, 10 Commandments of Christmas and Icecream Treat
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- Hi , We hope you've had a great week! I'm just starting to realise that although I've managed to finish a couple of new Christmas projects, that the days are Racing by, and I need to stop being so complacent that my Christmas shopping will somehow take care of itself this year. I have made a start, but I'm feeling a bit left behind this week as other friends tell me they've already finished.... I STILL have to decide what Little Miss 5 would really like. I thought a letter to Santa might help, but bless her - she asked for more Lego for her brother! ( I don't know if that then means that she hopes he'll let her play with it...?) This week I'm going to write my List and then I'll be ready to take on the craziness at the shops next week. That's the plan anyway!!! ----------------------------------------------------------------- This week we have another great pieced block for you to add to your Block Library. It's a LeMoyne Star Variation, and would look stunning in a quilt project. Please click the link below to download this week's block: http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/members/download.php?file=lemoyne-star-variation-block-4.pdf (I've had to change browsers and for some reason it played up with the download link last week. If you can't click this block link, try copying and pasting the full link (with no gaps) into your web browser bar and it should open through there for you.) ----------------------------------------------------------------- I found these 10 Commandments of Christmas Online and thought them worth sharing.... Christmas party commandment: plan once, enjoy the night The first step is to create three master lists - guests, menu and shopping - that will help you keep track of everything for the party. Keep the lists in your handbag so you'll know exactly what you still need to purchase and how many guests have RSVP'd at all times. Christmas party commandment: make the guest list work You might want to call guests before you even set the date for your party. Inevitably, not everyone will be able to come. But if it just wouldn't be the same without them, make sure they're free and invite them then and there. Your other guests should be invited as soon as you set the date. Try to give people no less than three weeks' notice -- remember, holiday schedules fill up fast. A good strategy: Invite friends and family by phone, then follow up with a written reminder. Or let your Christmas cards do double duty -- as a holiday greeting and an invitation. Christmas party commandment: sort the food and drinks Whether you're planning a brunch, a cocktail party or a barbecue, food and drink are your party's most important ingredients. The first thing to plan is the main dish. Jot down a list of recipes you're confident cooking and build the rest of the menu around it. And don't make things too hard on yourself. If you'll be cooking a complicated main dish, go for simple side dishes that can be easily prepared in advance. Don't rule out convenience foods like barbecue chicken served on platters of fresh iceberg lettuce or Turkish bread and dips bought from the local kebab shop. Take a careful look at the servings each recipe provides and make sure you have enough to feed your crowd. This is well worth planning as over-catering is an expensive hassle while under-catering puts a real dampener on a party. Finally, don't forget to budget Christmas drinks. Plan to have a variety of nonalcoholic drinks on hand. It's best to buy more than you think you'll need. Buy lots of ice the day of the party. That way, you won't have to waste precious fridge space. When it comes to alcohol, don't feel obligated to set up a full bar. Unless you're having a cocktail party, it's fine to limit your selections to wine and beer. Christmas party commandment: compile a comprehensive shopping list Look over each item on your menu and list everything you'll need to make it happen. Note each ingredient, then check your kitchen for what you have in stock and what you need to buy. Make sure you have all the serving equipment you need to dish out your food and drink plans. No kitchen ever has enough serving platters during party season, but cheap platters can be bought from $2 shops and covered with foil to make-do or stretch what you have. When it comes to glasses for drinks, some bottle shops will offer free glass hire if you purchase enough alcohol from them - just be sure to plan it in advance as this service is busy at Christmas. Christmas party commandment: make sure your kitchen can handle it It's quite pointless to plan a party that your kitchen can't handle. Every kitchen has space constraints; make sure you know yours. For example, can your refrigerator fit all those platters of cold hors d'oeuvres? Can your stove handle heating the five dishes you plan to serve hot at the same time? If not, now's the time to make adjustments and plans. The sanest way to shop for a party is in stages. Divide your shopping list by store and buy all the non-perishables you need as early as possible. Christmas party commandment: go for visual appeal A beautifully set table can make even plain food look elegant and inviting. And you don't need to spend a lot of money to do it. Start with a great tablecloth, add a bowl of Christmas balls, fruits or candles. Candlelight is the kindest light of all but can be hot and dangerous if there are children attending the party. Christmas party commandment: make food ahead of time if you can Waiting until the last few days before your party to cook everything just doesn't make sense - especially when, if you examine your menu, you'll see that much of it can be prepared ahead, frozen and reheated. Your children can - and should - help out to get the party ready and then help host it by clearing away glasses and passing around nibbles. Christmas party commandment: don't go insane cleaning the house Don't attempt a top-to-bottom housecleaning before your party. Confine your efforts to the rooms your guests will see and use - close the doors to the others. Clutter removal is key to the rest of your housecleaning. Consider setting up several food areas so that everyone has enough space to mingle but eat. For example, use the coffee table for nibbles, your buffet top for the cheese platter and the laundry bench for drinks service. Christmas party commandment: enjoy yourself The final commandment is both the hardest and the most important thing - have fun! It takes a lot of planning and effort to pull of a Christmas party, and most guests are delighted that you have invited them along. They don't care if you forgot to put out the nice cutlery or your dog threw up in the front yard. So take a deep breath before you open the door to guests and relax. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- And for those of us having a hot summer Christmas, try this... Christmas Pudding Icecream Ingredients: 250g butter 1 kg mixed dried fruit 200g glace cherries 4 tbsp brown sugar 1 cup milk 1 tsp bicarbonate soda 1/2 cup brandy 200g walnuts, chopped 4L good quality ice cream 1 bottle of Ice Magic (hard chocolate ice cream topping) Method: Set aside 2 cherries to top the puddings with. In a large pot, melt the butter and add the brown sugar, fruit, cherries and milk. Bring to the boil and add the bicarbonate soda. Simmer for 5 minutes until the fruit is all puffed up. Stir in the brandy and walnuts. Stir through the ice cream while the mix is warm. Line two pudding bowls with cling wrap and pour the ice cream mix into both bowls. Cover with cling film and freeze for 12 hours. When ready to serve, pour over Ice Magic and add a glace cherry to the top. Makes two puddings. Notes Use large noodle bowls to form these puddings. You can make mini-puddings by using a muffin tin lined with cling wrap. If you make them for your children you can just omit the walnuts and brandy for a G rated version. (This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung for Kidspot) --------------------------------------------- Enjoy! Keep an eye out for this week's new bag pattern arriving in your Inbox shortly. Until Next Week - Happy Quilting! Regards Jody and Annette