Hi there....the weather in last couple of days seem to have been a really long way from the sunny beaches of Northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea, however we are back from holiday and happy to settle back into work safe in the knowledge that in this country, there are not too many things that want to bite you, sting you or eat you!

It really takes all the fun out of going to the beach when you have to factor jellyfish, crocodiles and snakes into the equation. I have also decided that there is nothing remotely romantic about the idea of being stuck on a tropical island! We really do take for granted the things that we have at our fingertips like access to great health care, emergency services, education, an abundance and variety of food as well as meaningful employment.

Anyway...the girls did a great job of looking after the shop while we were away and I am excited to tell you about some of the parcels that have arrived.

The 2019 Sue Spargo Calendars have just arrived in and are chock full of full colour inspiration each month. These are beautiful and would make a great gift for yourself or someone else – they are $44.00 each and we have already been busy sending out the pre-orders. We have ordered extra so hopefully you don’t miss out – but be quick!

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/1954-sue-spargo-2019-calendar-now-in-stock.html?search=2019

We also have a new shipment of Quiltmania magazines as well as the Australian Quilters Companion (which comes with a free video). There is a new range of fabric from Melbourne shop owner and designer Kim Hurley (Lucello) which has a very romantic French flavour, more Japanese fabrics and lots of new treasures in the “$1.00 bin” in the shop.

I know that many of you have the very popular “Daylight” table lamps, either with regular bulbs or LED as we have sold a huge number over the years. I have just managed to get hold of these very handy Portable Lamp Bags at a very special price from our supplier of just $22.00 (normally $43.90). These are very durable, padded and come with a handy shoulder strap for carrying you light to class or when you are off on holiday. If you have one of the portable lamps with the grey detachable base, simple unclip it and these fit in the bag with no problems.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/1985-portable-lamp-bag.html

If you are looking for a good excuse to run away for the weekend we still have some places in our very popular weekend Tuffet (footstool) class on 8-9 September, so why not make it a girl’s weekend? More details are on the website as well as the Annie’s Facebook page, and everyone goes home with a finished Tuffet.

Before I forget (as I am sure I still have ‘holiday brain’), the winner of the $50.00 voucher for July is Margaret Mahon from Christchurch. Congratulations Margaret, your voucher is waiting for you!

Now, on to the recipe....Try these delicious coconut morsels for an after dinner (or anytime) treat.

Coconut Truffles

• 60 ml cream
• 360 g white chocolate
• A few drops of coconut essence

Place these ingredients in a heat proof bowl. Melt them over a pot of boiling water being careful not to let the bowl touch the water.

Stir to combine and when the chocolate is melted remove from the heat and leave to cool. Refrigerate until firm.

Scoop out teaspoons full of the mixture and place on a lined tray and refreeze for about 30 minutes.

Roll into balls and roll in desiccated coconut. Store in the fridge (out of sight!)

That’s all from me until next week.

Happy stitching,

Rachel