Hi there. Thank you so much for all the glasses (spectacles) that have been donated which we will be taking with us to India to be reused for the local people. We don’t leave until the 10th of October, so there is still time to drop them into us if you have some that you no longer use lurking in the back of the cupboard.

I mentioned some time ago that we will be starting a new Block of the Month program very soon – Anni Down’s “Here, There and Everywhere”. There is a lot of work in cutting this quilt and preparing the blocks for you, however I am pleased to say that the Block 1 will go out on the 20th of October. (Yes, all those 1 ½” squares are pre-cut for you!)

This is a great project which can be personalised with details of your own adventures with the finished quilt measuring 69” x 69” or 175 x 175 cm. This 10 month project with simple piecing, wool applique and embroidery is $49.00 per month and includes the pattern and all the fabrics (wool and cotton) that you need to complete the quilt top.

If you are keen to sign up for the Dancing Chickens and Flying Pigs BOM it is not too late for this as this very popular program is ongoing. You can check out the details on the website at https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/1667-dancing-chickens-and-flying-pigs-bom-each-month.html?search=dancing%20chickens%20and%20flying.

Just in case you need a small project to keep you going – this little sashiko pincushion is quite classy and a good way to introduce yourself to this simple and effective form of traditional Japanese stitching. This kit is $14.00 and includes the fabric, thread, button and instructions.

Now, before I forget (as I did last week), the winner of the Annie’s $50.00 voucher for August is Ruth Clarke from Roxburgh. Well done Ruth! Get in touch with us to claim your voucher which is waiting for you to spend in store or on-line.

Now...on to the recipe. Yesterday I was very excited to find the first of the new season asparagus in the shops. We do have a new plot in the garden, but at two spears every once in a while, it is definitely not keeping up with my desire for this green delicacy!

Aparagus Rolls with a difference!

Instead of the traditional thinly sliced white bread with the crusted cut off, how about trying this tasty alternative which is completely gluten free!

• Blanched asparagus
• Sliced ham, prosciutto, cooked bacon or deli meats of your choice
• Sliced red capsicum
• Finely sliced celery sticks
• Rocket leaves

Toss the blanched asparagus spears in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, salt and freshly ground pepper, and then place the vegetables on a slice of the cooked meat and roll up and secure with a tooth pick. Delicious for a light lunch, snack or a ‘take a plate” option.

Happy stitching,

Rachel

PS. If you are need of a “quilty fix” don’t miss the Canterbury Patchwork and Quilting Guild’s exhibition “Celebrating 40 years of Creativity” which coming up next monthis at Papanui High School from October 10. Mark it on the calendar!