Hi 

I can hardly believe that September is just around the corner, though the days are growing perceptibly shorter now and, rather than snoozing the long, light evenings away on the cool slates in the courtyard, even Ben is happy to come indoors at about 8 o'clock when the light begins to fade.

September is the month that children return to school, and I expect everyone reading this has memories of stiff new school shoes, uniforms that had plenty of "growing room" and of returning to classrooms changed in our absence - floors newly polished, woodwork painted and perhaps new teachers too.  In her "Rosie's Recipes" this month Rosie has some simple, but delicious ideas for foods it's fun to make with your children - and that don't demand too much time and effort after a tiring school day.  (She shares some of her childhood artwork too!)

In August the e-zine projects were all about fun on the beach, with lots of cottons, linens and sun-bleached seaside colours .... 

September brings a change of mood .. in the gardens and orchards around our village the apples are beginning to turn to russets and rosy reds, whilst the first blackberries are appearing in the hedgerows.  Summer isn't over yet by any means but there is a sense that the year is turning and soon the swallows will be leaving for warmer countries.  The projects in this month's ezine reflect this feeling, with a shift towards more vibrant colours and richer textures ......

With a definite woodland theme.  If you enjoy squirrelling away your precious scraps and mementos, then you'll enjoy the Squirrel Scrapbook Cover, there's a Woodland Elf painting the toadstools too and the amazingly popular Aviator Mouse pattern is also included.  I've also popped in one of my first-ever embroidery patterns, a very sleepy dormouse - somehow he just seemed to fit perfectly in this issue.  There are articles on beadwork, vintage embroidery transfers and making the perfect buttonhole too, as well as the second extract from "The Art and Practice of Mending".  

  As always, the end of the month is a brilliant time to subscribe. You'll receive the current Issue (August) plus your free copy of "The Stitcher's Companion" delivered to your in-box straight away, followed by the September issue when it's published on Thursday 30th August.