Hi there. It never ceases to amaze me that we live in such a technically challenging age with computers, the internet and so many things that we feel we have control over. But then nature throws the odd curve ball ...be it floods, earthquakes, drought or bush fires, just to remind us of our place in the scheme of things!

We have lots of customers who are eagerly awaiting the first blocks of the long awaited Field Journal Club Block of the Month, as we are too. However I have just heard today that the Australian bush fires have disrupted postal services and we will just have to wait a little longer. Frustrating as it is, rest assured we will be getting these parcels out to you as soon as we can. In meantime our thoughts go out to those whose lives and property is being threatened.

However we do have parcels still arriving from other parts of the world with a new shipment of Kaffe Fassett fabrics and his new book Quilts in America ($59.90) which is packed with colour and design.

Just a couple more dates to put on the calendar. This Saturday (9 March) we will have Woolly Stitchers Class again. This is a monthly get together for those who love working with wool fabrics and applique highlighting designers such as Sue Spargo and Wendy William’s. Everyone is welcome and there are more details on the website.

I am sure we all know what UFO’s are (Un-Finished-Objects), and I am sure we all have a few of them. It is time to dig them out as I have set aside as UFO Day. Saturday 27 April is to day to dig those babies out of the back of the wardrobe and I will help you to get the job done....or at least make some progress. It is $20.00 for the day (10am-4pm), bring your lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided.

I have also slotted in another of the very popular Tuffet classes (25-26 May) If you can sew a straight stitch on your machine you can do this! Book in for the class, choose you fabrics and we will help you to make a unique foot stool which you will complete over the weekend. Bring a friend and make it a fun weekend away!

Another regular feature on the Annie’s CQS Calendar is our annual retreat in Akaroa. A weekend filled with good food, good company, a few laughs...oh, and some stitching as well! This will be June 28-30 with accommodation at the Akaroa Village Inn as usual with catering provided by the acclaimed Bully Hayes Restaurant. Let us know if you are keen to join us as places are limited.

Before I forget, congratulations to Ashburton’s Norrie Wilson who’s name was drawn as the winner of the $50.00 Annie’s voucher for March. Well done Norrie, you voucher is waiting for you.

Watermelon seems cheap and plentiful at the moment and these recipe hero’s some of my favourite things, watermelon, cheese, nuts and seeds!

Watermelon, Cumin and Feta Salad

• ½ watermelon
• 1 red onion
• 2 tsp toasted cumin seeds
• 200 g feta
• 3 tbsp good quality olive oil
• Lettuce, sprouts, rocket or a combination of your favourite salad vegetables
• Toasted chopped almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds or a combination of your favourites.

Remove the rind and the seeds from the watermelon and cut into thin slices and combine with the chopped onion and salad greens in a large bowl. Add in the finely sliced feta, nuts and seeds and and dress with the olive oil and black pepper.

Well....that is all from me this week, take care and happy stitching

Rachel

Annie’s CQS