Hi there. I am not sure where this month has disappeared to, if you are like me there is a temptation to send a message to Santa saying something like “Hang on a minute mate, slow down those reindeer!”

While every day is a good stitching day, if you are looking for something Christmas themed we do have Christmas sashiko panels, beautiful cross stitch projects and plenty of patterns for Christmas tree skirts, wall hangings, runners and of course fabric.

This little cross stitch kit that I have designed includes your 35ct linen, pattern, thread, vintage cotton reel and antique style scissors to make the scissor holder and needle minder. This would make a gorgeous gift or project for a friend or fellow stitcher – beautifully packaged for just $22.50 each.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/4426-vintage-cotton-reel-scissor-holder-with-needlekeep.html?search=vintage%20cotton%20reel

New in this week we have a great selection of small cross stitch kits which make perfect stocking stuffers for those crafty kids. We have also had a HUGE amount of fabric arrive this week from numerous distributors. I think it must have all arrived on the same boat! This includes beautiful Liberty fabrics, linens, lots of Japanese wovens, some really nice woven stripes from Moda along with reproduction fabrics that are perfect for fussy cutting. These will be added to the website over the next week or so, but you are always welcome to give us a call at the shop or pop in and see us...there is always lots to look at! J

We also have plenty of beautiful books including Sue Spargo’s latest “Truffle Duffle” ($68.00) featuring more mushrooms and fungi than you have ever seen in one place, collated into a stunning wool appliqued small quilt or wall hanging.

Back in stock also are her very popular books, Chirp, Rooted, Tinsel, Folk Tales, Fresh Cut, Birds of a Feather and of course the very popular Creative Stitching – this one is a definite must have for any hand stitcher or embroiderer.

If you need some help to get started on these projects we have Cross Stitch this Friday night from 5-8 and our monthly wool applique class on Saturday. (These will be the last ones for this year.) More details on the class page of our website.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/index.php?option=com_mijoshop&route=product/search&search=sue%20spargo

This week’s recipe is a very versatile one that can be adapted to use a multitude of left overs bacon, ham, salami, and any combination of vegetables – try swopping out the potato for kumara to make a delicious lunch dish, or barbeque plate. Dress it up with a swirl of tasty sauce and some fresh herbs or rocket. Delicious!

Potato Tortilla

• 500 g potatoes
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large red onion
• 6 slices of salami
• 1 red capsicum
• 6 eggs

Peel and cook the potatoes until just tender. Drain and set aside. Fry the onion and then add in the capsicum and other vegetables. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper and add in the meat and vegetable ingredients.

In a large clean (and oven friendly) frying pan that is well sprayed with oil, gently pour in the mixture and cook on a low-medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the egg is almost set.

Place the pan in the oven to grill for a further 5 minutes until golden. Transfer to a large board, chop into wedges and serve.

As a heads up, we will be taking a couple of days off over Christmas – closed December 25-29th and then January 1-2 for New Year.

Happy stitching,

Rachel and the team at Annie’s.

03 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz