Hi there,

I can’t believe how the weeks seem to have flown by and December is almost upon us.  If you like me and are lamenting over the fact that you haven’t quite finished those Christmas projects, you are not alone!  But there will be another one next year and we will be super organised…right?
If you are looking for some gifts for your stitching friends, look no further!  We have good quality boxed sewing scissors from Klasse at a great price ($45.00), calendars for 2026 featuring William Morris or the Royal School of Needlework ($29.90), Annie’s locally made merino socks in two different colourways ($20.00 per pair), Sylko cotton reel tins to hide your treasures in for just $14.00 each and loads more!  Don’t forget that we also have gift vouchers, so start dropping the hints now.  ☺
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/category/1-wish-list.html

If your husband or partner has just invested in a new boat, jetski, golf clubs, vechicle, hunting rifle or something similar and you feel like you need to even the score, our Bernina Christmas Sale is now on with some great savings on both sewing machines and overlockers.  There is also 20% off machine accessories, although some exclusions apply such as bobbins and bobbin cases.  Come and talk to us we are always happy to give you a demonstration, in the meantime you can check out the Bernina website. www.bernina.co.nz

Just arrived today we have some stunning new fabrics from Anna Maria.  We have fat quarters and metreage, so start planning another project as I am sure these will be popular.    These fabrics would be great for fussy cutting.   I am almost tempted to remake this quilt pattern (Anna’s Garden $23.00) from Australian designer Lynne Wilson in these new designs. 

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/search.html?tag=Anna%20Maria 

Speaking of designers, our very own Maria Morrissey from Oamaru seems to have boundless energy and an amazing way of looking at fabric and textiles and reimagining them in different ways through stitching and embellishment.  

This beautiful bag is one of her newest creations.  She has used one of the “Stanley” panels from Kasia which she has them embellished with a huge variety of stitches and her handmade buttons to create something both useful and quite unique.

Maria is keen to teach this class at Annie’s Friday-Saturday 23-24 January 2026.  There will be a bit of work to do prior to the class and there will be more details to come, but you can register your interest now.  You can also follow us on Facebook.

Now, onto the recipe.  This is one from my Great Grandmother which I found in my mother’s extensive recipe collection (yes, recipe collecting runs in the family!)

Grandma Irvines Christmas Pudding

• 2 packets of mixed fruit

And 4 oz (113 gm) of each of the following ingredients

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Suet
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 cup of cold black tea.

Mix all together thoroughly and pour into a greased basin cover and steam for 4-5 hours.

Well..I need to tootle as I need to go and pack my bags for our trip to Melbourne.  I am excited about attending our industry trade show which has not been held for a number of years, and also spending some time with my grandson, and his parents of course!

Have a great week!
Rachel and the team at Annie’s.
03 3076 277