Hi there.  Well it is winter, but perhaps not as we know it.   With day time temperatures in the early 20’s in Mid Canterbury last weekend it is all a bit bizarre and makes you wonder what is around the corner.  Best just to enjoy it while it lasts!
I love scrap quilts, and I have to confess I started another one this week with a “French” feel to it, which will eventually be a pattern with an optional starter kit. 

Watch this space as it is very much still in the construction phase.

It was suggested (perhaps a little unkindly or truthfully) that I am a “serial starter”.  I think this is a symptom of having way too many ideas and not enough time to sew.  I am sure I am not alone in this, but it is always exciting starting something new.
However, I have finished this little quilt “Market Day” designed by Anni Downs from Hatched and Patched.  This quilt features simple embroideries, patching and applique and is available as a kit ($220.00)or as pattern ($23.00).

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/5307-market-garden-kit.html 

We are also really looking forward to our three day retreat at the Hotel Ashburton coming up next month 17-19 July, and excited to tell you that Greit Lombard will be joining us as guest exhibitor for the weekend.  Greit is a well known tutor, designer and textile artist and one of the most creative people I know!  She will also be doing some demonstrations.   (Many of you will know her for her “Bunnies” pattern.)

We still have a few places left  for the retreat, so if you are keen to join us for three days of stitching, shopping, demonstations, good company and food all under one roof – be in quick!  More details on the class page of our website or you are welcome to call into the shop or email us and we can send you the registration form.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

I am also looking forward to heading north again for the Motueka Quilt Show 12-14 June in the Memorial Hall (behind Countdown) where we will be one of the merchants.  If you are planning to come to the show and  you have a shopping list or something you need me to bring.  Let us know and I will make sure it gets included with the packing.

If you don’t already have a pair of snips in your sewing tool box, these “Morris” pattern ones are a great addition.    They also make a great gift at $8.50 a pair – or buy two pair for just $15.00! 
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/5112-william-morris-woodblock-floral-thread-snips.html

Also just arrived in store is the beautiful new French General range Fleur de Paris which includes soft blues, pinks and classic French red prints.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/search.html?search=Fluer%20de%20Paris&limit=100

I love to make home made cracker biscuits and this week’s recipe makes a healthy and delicious version, great on their own or with cheese.  They also look great as part of a cheese board or platter and are very easy to make and are gluten and dairy free.

Seed Crackers

• ½ c Sunflower seeds
• ½ c Pumpkin seeds
• ¼ c  Sesame seeds
• ¼ c Linseed/Flax seed
• ¼ c Chia seeds
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup water

Place all the ingredients in a bowl, combine and let the mixture stand for at least 15 minutes for the seeds to soften and bind together.  
Tip out onto an oven tray lined with baking paper and spread the mixture to about 4mm thick.  Sprinkle with flakey sea salt and bake for 30 minutes at 170 C.  Remove from the oven and slice or break into crackers then return them to the oven for another 20-30 minutes until crisp.  Cool and store in an airtight container.  (Keep any crumbs and use as a garnish for salads and soups).

That’s all from me this time, happy stitching!