Hi there. Well I hope you have all survived the school holidays with children and grandchildren and that you are ready to get stuck into the sewing again.

I know that many of you are enjoying the Japanese sashiko work so I thought I would show you the latest kit that I have put together using a pattern from Bebe Bold. It is called the Shippo (overlapping circles) Table Runner. The kit is $$74.00 and includes the thread, pattern and fabric for the stitching and borders. It would also make a very nice wall hanging at the end of a hallway. Sashiko is a very relaxing form of needlework with a large needle, so it is good if you want something that is a bit easier on the eyes.

Speaking of the need to see clearly, I think it is really important to have great lighting - you really can’t hold a candle to the new LED lighting that is available now! We have lots of options available from led magnifying lamps, sewing machine lights, standard and table lamps....and as an extra bonus we will have 10% off all lights in store for the next two weeks while I am on holiday!

Don’t forget the Bernina Road Show is on in Christchurch on Saturday August 4th at the Coltswold Inn (Papanui Road). This is a good opportunity to ‘ask the experts’ as the team from Bernina NZ will be on site to answer questions and show you what is on offer and what is coming up in the way of new developments in the industry. This year is Bernina’s 125th anniversary so there is a lot to celebrate, as well as a brand new sewing machine to give away! This is also a good opportunity to see the Bernina long arm quilting machines in action. See you there!

This week’s recipe is one which was shared by Marilyn Gibbs who is a member of the Waimea Quilters group. (I have just found it again, yay!!) It is very tasty, feeds a crowd and very much enjoyed by all the team of helpers involved in putting up their quilt exhibition back in April.

Taco Soup

• 1 kg mince
• 1 large chopped onion
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 heaped teaspoon of crushed garlic
• Brown these ingredients in a large pot and then drain any excess oil. Then add the following.
• 3 cups water
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes
• 440 g can of tomato sauce
• 1 can each of chick peas, red kidney beans, whole kernel corn and white beans
• 1 small jar of olives
• 1 satchel of Taco Mix

Simmer for at least 15 mins and season to taste.

Garnish with grated cheese and chopped avocado and serve with sour cream and corn chips

Happy stitching...I am off to start packing. Actually that is a lie, as I hate packing and it is always done at the last minute! Keep checking the Annie’s Facebook book page, just in case I get a chance to post any ‘holiday envy’ shots from Cairns, Port Douglas or Papua New Guinea.

Rachel

Annie’s CQS