Hi there. The reps from the fabric companies are back at work and showing me beautiful fabrics that will be coming my way in the months to come. I have to confess to having “grasshopper brain” at the moment as my mind flits from wanting to make this or that, wanting to try to patterns, dreaming up my own designs and leaving a trail of unfinished projects in my wake!

However....I would like to show you a large cross stitch undertaking that I have recently finished, is framed and now hanging in the shop. Yes, it did take a while in between other projects with a major push over lock down to get it finished.

The pattern ($39.00) is called “A Dutch Beauty” by Permin with the original design being worked by a 13 year old girl in 1790. My version is worked on 32 ct linen using DMC stranded cottons.

We have just had a large shipment of goodies arrive in from the US with lots of items that have been difficult to get lately including water soluble, white and fading marking pens, large scissors, sashiko needles, bag feet, bias makers, non-stick Teflon coated sewing machine needles which are ideal for sewing vinyl and don’t “gum up” when using applique adhesives.

These gorgeous new scissors have just arrived in from Paper Craft and Fabric Designer Tim Holtz, and are my new favourites! With plenty of room for your finger there are two sizes – 5” (12.3 cm) $32.00, and 6” (15.2 cm) $39.00. These scissors are resistant to rust and corrosion with high durability Titanium coated blades, that are strengthened for high durability with precision ground ultra-sharp blades. They also come in a very cool foam lined display box featuring on of Tim’s designs. You can also feel free to add your own note to the box warning anyone of the perils of touching your good scissors, let alone using them to cut paper or toe nails!!!!

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/latest-products.html

If you are out and about over the long weekend we will be open on Waitangi Day. The latest edition of Inspirations Magazine is now in store and you can check this out along with Kaffe Fassett’s new book “Quilts in Burano”, and some gorgeous new Japanese fabrics.

Before I forget the winner of the $50.00 voucher from Annie’s for January is Shona Lyon from Temuka.

Now...onto the recipe. If you have an abundance of tomatoes this is a good recipe for making soup in industrial quantities! A good freezer filler and a tasty lunch on a winter’s day.

Grandma’s Tomato Soup

• 5 ½ kg tomatoes
• 3-4 chopped onions
• 1 tbsp salt
• ¾ c sugar
• ½ tsp pepper
• 300 ml water
• 7 sprigs of parsley
• ½ tbsp pickling spice
• 110 g butter
• 3 tbsp flour

Boil together for 45 mins. Put the soup through a moulie or use a stick blender to bring the soup to the desired consistency. Melt the butter and add to the flour. Mix to a paste and then add this carefully to the soup. Boil together for a further 5 minutes before preserving or freezing.

Don’t forget about Ashburton’s Multi Cultural Bite Event which is on this Saturday at the new venue - Ashburton Domain. This is one of our region’s premier events and celebrates our diversity through music, song and dance performance as well as delicious foods.

Have a great weekend!

Rachel

Annie’s Country Quilt Store

www.anniesquilts.co.nz