Hi there. As we are reaching the end of the calendar year, it is interesting to reflect on what a crazy year it has been. Last December, if anyone had said that 2020 would be the year of the “lockdown” and that we would be in the middle of a global pandemic with all its flow on effects, you would have accused them of watching too many scary movies!

A good thing that we have our friends, family and our stitching to keep us on track.

I am currently working on the sample for a new Block of the Month for next year called “Forever More” by Pam Buda for Marcus Fabrics. This 12 month project is all machine piecing with really good instructions resulting in a gorgeous quilt (80” x 80”). I don’t have a price or a final shipping date yet, but I will only have a limited number of kits, so if you are keen to register your interest let me know.

I love scrap quilts and for the last couple of nights I have been playing around with some tiny blocks for this fabulous quilt that is featured in the current issue of Quiltmania (No. 139) by Lynn Wilder. It is a great scrap buster using some tiny pieces! This issue of Quiltmania also features two patterns from Australian designer Kathy Dougherty. We still have good stocks of her “New Vintage” range which features some wonderful bird prints along with long of fabrics that are great for hexagons and fussy cutting.

The new issue of Simply Vintage No. 36 has also arrived, but as we are always behind in the shipping of these magazines from Europe, the Christmas edition is not expected until late January/February.

The Bernina Sale continues and there is 20% off Bernina and Bernette feet, bags and accessories. We have a couple more shipments of machines, so stocks are looking a lot better with Bernina B325, B335, B475, B570, B770 and L450 overlockers available now. The Sew n Go machines which are ideal for beginner sewers ($199.00) and come with the full guarantee, are also due in before Christmas.

Don’t forget that we also have Gift Vouchers available, and on-line shopping of course. www.anniesquilts.co.nz

If you need something to look forward to next year, it would be great if you could join us for our “Hand Stitcher’s Retreat at Lake Rotoiti (Nelson Lakes National Park) in April next year. More details on the Annie’s website.

Registrations are also being accepted for the next National Quilting Symposium to be held in Wellington in 2022. https://www.quiltsymposium2022.co.nz

Before I forget the winner of last month’s $50.00 voucher from Annie’s is Maureen Puckett from Ashburton. Congratulations, you voucher is waiting for you!

Now, onto the recipe.

We have an abundance of broccoli in the garden which have grown to monster proportions, so this is a good way to serve it.

Broccoli Salad

• 2 small heads (or 1 large) cut into florets
• 230 g can of water chestnuts sliced
• 4 T vinaigrette
• Freshly ground pepper
• Crispy fried bacon to garnish

Cook the broccoli until bright green and just tender. Drain and then combine with the water chestnuts and vinaigrette. Garnish with the pepper and bacon. Serve warm.

Vinaigrette – Combine 3 parts oil, and 1 part vinegar, 2 tsp French mustard, 1 tsp sugar and salt and pepper to taste.