Hi there!  Isn’t it wonderful what a little bit of sunshine does for the soul!  It really is starting to feel like Spring along with the urge to plant things and eat fresh salads, go for walks, get the bike out of the garage, sew with pretty floral fabrics all starting to kick in!
The urge to travel to visit the other side of the world and visit countries unknown to us kicked in several of years ago (pre-covid) and that is finally coming to fruition this week as Robbie and I take off on a textile tour of Spain and Morocco.  Keep an eye out for some pictures on the Annie’s Facebook page.

However it will be business as usual at Annie’s as we leave things in the very capable hands of Rosie, Jane and Jack while we are away.

We have just had another order of beautiful cross stitch patterns and threads arrive from the US, and these will be loaded on to the website in the next few days.
I also thought I would show you this very handy hand bag/backpack that I have just finished using the Dutch Heritage fabrics.  This is a ByAnnie pattern called “Switchback” ($24.00) which is available now along with the zips and soft and stable that you need.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/4962-switchback.html?search=Switchback

You can check out the beautiful Dutch Heritage fabrics that we have on line here too.  These are not easy to find in New Zealand, but we do have plenty of bolted fabric as well as fat quarters and smaller cuts, patterns and books to tempt you.   Need pattern/designer inspirations, think Petra Prins, Margaret Mew, Max and Louise, Di Ford, Karen Styles, and Quiltmania.  

Speaking of bags, the Poppins bags have been hugely popular and if you are keen to make one and need some help or just a reason to carve out some time to make it happen I have scheduled a class for Friday and Saturday 21-22 November.  Choose your favourite fabric or one of our kits and make it a date!  More details on the website.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

If you are looking for the best Christmas present for yourself or a quilty friend don’t forget about the stunning 2026 Calendars we have in stock featuring William Morris Designs or the amazing work from the Royal School of Needlework which are just $29.90.  A full year of truly amazing inspiration!
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/index.php?option=com_mijoshop&route=product/search&search=Calender

The recipe this week is for a delicious fruit loaf courtesy of the Ranfurly Quilting Ladies who are all extremely good cooks!

Granny’s Weet-Bix Loaf

• 8 Weet-Bix
• 2 c sugar
• 90g butter
• 2 c sultanas (or mixed dried fruits, dates and nuts)
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 c boiling water
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 c flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp mixed spice

Preheat oven to 175 C.
Crush the Weet-Bix into a bowl, add the sugar, butter, fruit, nuts and baking soda.  Pour boiling water and cool.
Add the beaten eggs, sifted flour, baking powder and mixed spice and combine.  Pour the mixture into two lined loaf tins and bake for 45 mins.

Keep an eye out for these events coming up…  

• 25-28 September - Thread Connexions  - An exhibition of Fabric Art.  Cobham Intermediate, Burnside, Christchurch
• 24-26 October Quilts &Cake.  Winton Memorial Hall
• 25-27 October  (Labour Weekend) Golden Bay Stitch and Quilt Group Annual Show.  Collingwood Memorial Hall.   - Annie’s CQS will be there as a merchant ☺
• 31 October-2 November Auckland Festival of Quilts – Auckland Netball Centre, 7 Allison Ferguson Dr, St Johns, Auckland

Have a great week!
Rachel and the team at Annie’s.
03 3076 277
www.anniesquilts.co.nz