QBOTMC News - Christmas Applique Block, Tips, Microwave Coconut Fudge and Christmas Weekender Bag

Published: Tue, 12/04/18


We hope you've had a great week, and now that we're into December, there's no holding
back from Christmas!  This year I'm feeling festive, and am looking forward to a good
Christmas at home.  I even relented on the weekend and we put the tree up (normally
they have to wait until after my birthday), and it looks pretty with its twinkling lights
at night.

I was busted with presents yesterday too - I had a couple of pool noodle toy thingys in
the boot/trunk of my car and forgot to hide them in the house before I picked the kids up
from the bus, and they both had a good look when they put their school bags in the car. 
That's OK - they have quite amicably decided on who gets which colour between
themselves, and I've told them to forget it, or Santa will take them back (or give them
to the parents instead!!)

They finish school tomorrow (!!!), so I really need to get organised and figure out how
to get the last things for them without them seeing more things they shouldn't.

-------------------------------------------------------

This week's block is a pretty Christmas applique design.  Please click the link below to
download the Christmas Ornament and Holly Applique Block.

http://www.onlinequiltmagazine.com/members/content/f/id/711/

-------------------------------------------------------

Remember this week those quick and super easy things you can make for your home (or as hostess gifts)
over Christmas.  

* Buy some lovely fabric, cut squares and hem the edges for a set of napkins - festive or otherwise.

* Use your scraps for fun mug rugs - whether pieced, appliqued or just show off the fabric print, they're
quick to make, easy to quilt and your friends will love them!

* Scraps again - make pincushions!  There's heaps of ideas online for these little gems, and who doesn't
love a cute new pincushion or two?!

* Make a new tablerunner (Table topper pattern coming in this month's Online Quilt Magazine too!!)

* For those travelling, make a handy name tag / luggage identifier tag for your bags.

* Make a quilted Christmas throw pillow cover or three!  Just make to fit your existing cushions and
re-cover them for the festive season, then put the covers away for next year!

-------------------------------------------------------

I'm all for quick and easy too, and this sounded like a nice foodie gift idea -

Microwave Christmas Coconut Fudge

Ingredients

    2 x 320g/11oz cans sweetened condensed coconut milk
    150g/ 1/3lb butter, chopped
    110g (1/2 cup) caster (fine white) sugar
    2 tablespoons glucose syrup
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    180g / 6.5oz white chocolate, finely chopped
    20g (1/3 cup) flaked coconut, toasted
    1 teaspoon silver cachous (edible small silver balls)


Method

Step 1
    
Grease an 18 x 28cm (7 x 11in) slice pan and line the base and sides with baking paper,
allowing the edges to overhang.
    
Step 2
    
Place the condensed milk, butter, sugar, syrup, vanilla and salt in a large microwave-safe
bowl. Microwave on High, stirring every 2 minutes, for 14 minutes or until the mixture
thickens slightly.
    
Step 3
    
Add the chocolate to the fudge mixture and stir until smooth. Working quickly, pour the
mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the surface with a spoon. Sprinkle with the coconut
and cachous. Set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place in the fridge for 4 hours
or until set.


---------------------------------------------------------

This week's bag is a very handy zippered overnight bag that you may like to give as a gift,
or make to use yourself this December.

Please click the link below to download our Christmas Weekender Bag pattern.

http://www.onlinequiltmagazine.com/members/content/f/id/710/

---------------------------------------------------------

Until Next Week - Happy Quilting!


Regards,

Jody & Annette