Hi there. It is hard to believe that we are into March already, and the march towards the end of daylight savings and winter! As the early mornings and evenings get cooler...the thoughts drift to “where is the firewood that I ordered in October???”

This week I thought I would show you one of the quilts that I have just finished. Called the “Emperor’s Wheel” this is a pattern ($29.00) by Australian designer Chris Jurd and features a wide variety of Japanese fabrics and foundation piecing. Unsure about foundation piecing? Why not come and join us for our Thursday morning class at Annie’s? (More details on the website, or you can give us a call.)

We have put together a starter kit ($230.00) for this quilt containing many of the same fabrics that I have used, however the central motif is not included as cut this piece from a bag that my friend brought back from Japan for me some years ago. Sometimes it is all about the collecting as this helps to tell part of the story of the quilt! The good news is that we have other fabrics that you can use.

Coming up we have our (Free!) Cross Stitch night this Friday from 5-8pm in the classroom at Annie’s and our Wool Applique Day next Saturday (23rd ).

I have also just finished my entry for the Bernina 12”x 12” block competition. I actually really enjoyed making my piece which is a little left field, but it was fun doing something small, creative and just reflects how you feel at the time! The theme is “Patched” which you can interpret any way you like...it could be patchwork quilt, mending, eye patch, elbow patch, aerial view of the Plains, gang insignia...or absolutely anyway that you want to interpret it. Give it a go...it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just your work - and there is a fabulous sewing machine up for grabs for the viewers choice sponsored by Bernina NZ.

Entry forms are available from any Bernina dealer or on line and finished pieces need to be completed by the end of April. Drop your completed quilt and entry form into Annie’s by April 20th and you will receive a free gift as an extra thank you! ☺ https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Learn-Create-NZ/Classes-Events/Challenges/New-Zealand/PATCH-Quilt-Challenge-2024.

I have also just confirmed that Annie’s will be hosting the exhibition here in June.

I am also really excited about a stitching retreat that we are planning at the Hotel Ashburton later this year. I am still putting together the final details, but I can tell you there will be a Christmas theme, some extra events, guests, displays, VIP shopping, demos, special accommodation deals, good food and great company...so save the date (21-23 June) more details coming soon.

For all you cat lovers out there, I though you might like a peak at this new fabric that has just arrived in. Give us a call or you can find it on our website.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/index.php?option=com_mijoshop&route=product/search&search=whiskers

Now, on to the recipe. Well...sort of recipe. We have an abundance of chillies in the garden this year, and while you can freeze them, room in my freezer is also at a bit of a premium.
Chilli flakes....dry your whole chillies in a dehydrator or in the oven on a low temperature setting. When completely dry crumble them in your fingers and store in a glass jars.

Roast Chicken with Lemon and Chilli

Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons over a whole chicken. Place the cut lemons inside the chicken cavity. Sprinkle the chicken with freshly ground pepper, sea salt and chilli flakes and oven roast or barbeque cooking until the juices are clear.

The winner of the Annie’s $50.00 voucher for last month is Delia Achten. Congratulations Delia, your voucher is here waiting for you!

Also just a reminder that Altrusa’s Fabric and Craft Bazaar is on this Saturday at the Sinclair Centre in Ashburton from 10-4. So, why not make a day of it with a visit to Annie’s as well. ☺
Happy stitching, and we look forward to seeing you at Annie’s soon!

P.S If you need your sewing or overlocker looked at now would be a good time as Robbie our technician will be not be available next month.