QBOTMC News - Hand Weave Block, Healthy Choc Orange Truffles and our New York Tote

Published: Tue, 10/23/18


We hope you've had another great week this week.  It's been one of those weeks here, where
random 'stuff' seemed to crop up, and I don't feel like I have that much to show for myself. 
I did manage to get a new quilt top put together for the next issue of our Online Quilt Magazine,
and now the pressure is really on to get quilting and get it finished in time!!

I have also decided that I am now ready to officially embrace Christmas and start thinking
about it seriously.  I know it doesn't seem like such a big deal, but aside from all the usual
Christmassy things - presents, food, who's going where and when, I'm now planning out this
year's Christmas quilt projects, and I'm looking forward to actually getting started!!

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This week's block is the Hand Weave Block.  It's kinda cool actually, and check out how it
changes when you play with the colours too.

Please click the link below to download this week's block.

http://www.onlinequiltmagazine.com/members/content/f/id/697/

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This week's tips are of a practical nature -

1.Ensure your binding goes on smoothly by running a row of stitching around the edge of the quilt to hold
all three layers together, before you attach it.
 
2.Make your quilt rod / hanging sleeve from a patchwork of all the fabric used in your quilt. Then, if you
need to repair anything on the quilt top later, you will have a selection of the right fabrics to use.
 
3.When measuring a quilt for borders, take several measurements lengthwise and crosswise - especially
going through the quilt centre. You will need to square up your quilt at this point so your borders will sit
properly when they are joined.

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Healthy Chocolate Orange Truffles

(I was thinking that Christmas doesn't mean we can't indulge, but we could indulge healthier...)

Ingredients

    2 tablespoons black chia seeds
    60ml (1/4 cup) fresh orange juice
    85g (1/2 cup) dry-roasted almonds, plus extra 1 tablespoon finely chopped
    2 teaspoons finely grated orange rind
    200g / 7oz medjool dates, pitted, coarsely chopped
    45g (1/2 cup) desiccated/finely shredded coconut
    2 tablespoons cacao powder
    150g / 5oz dark chocolate (85% cocoa), chopped


Method

Step 1
    
Combine chia seeds and orange juice in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to soak.
    
Step 2
    
Process the almonds in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add the chia mixture, orange rind, date, coconut
and cacao powder and process until evenly combined. Roll level tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls.
    
Step 3
    
Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water
until melted. Place 1 ball in the chocolate and use a fork to roll the ball around until coated evenly. Use the fork
to transfer truffle to prepared tray, draining off excess chocolate over bowl (use another fork to gently push the
truffle onto the tray).
    
Step 4
    
Repeat with remaining balls. Sprinkle with the extra almond. Set aside to set. If it’s warm, place in the fridge
to set. Keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in a cool place.

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This week's bag is one of my all-time favourites, and one I really enjoy using as a casual over-the-shoulder
day bag.

Please click the link below to download our New York Tote.

http://www.onlinequiltmagazine.com/members/content/f/id/698/

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Have a great week!!

Until Next Week - Happy Quilting!

Regards,

Jody & Annette