Hi there.  I think it is about this time each year that I look at my diary and wonder how everything is going to fit in!  We have a busy time coming up with classes and my never ending “to to list” seems to be lengthening as we speak!

The best news today however is that I have just heard from Bernina NZ that due to our strengthening dollar against the Swiss Franc and the US dollar, the price of the machines has come down quite significantly.  It is now time to start dropping the hints about that new sewing machine for Christmas! Also if you are in the market for a new overlocker or cover seamer talk to us about special pricing for October.

We have had a great response to FREE Bernina machine and overlocker classes with Bernina’s National Education Julie Veck, and we are now offering additional afternoon sessions on 25-26 October (Tuesday-Wednesday).  As I said, these sessions are free, but you do need to book.

Just arrived in store this week is this very beautiful book "A Passion for Needlework"  from the producers of the embroidery magazine “Inspirations”.  Chock full of projects, hints, tips and gorgeous full colour photographs, and is well priced at $45.00.  Order your copy today so you don’t miss out,  as numbers are limited.

I really enjoy working with wool fabrics and I am pleased to say that Marcus Brothers have just released a new range of colours which are pretty, bright and will coordinate beautifully with the others in your stash!  These pieces are $8.50 and measure 17 ½” x 13 ½”

This week’s recipe is a delicious salad which could be a meal on it’s own or as a popular side dish for the BBQ season

Curried Kumara and Orange Salad

• 500g kumara
• ¼ diced red capsicum
• 1 small orange, peeled and sliced
• ¼ c of raisins
• ¼ c toasted shredded coconut
• 1/3 c roasted peanuts
• 1 sping onion
• For the dressing:
• 1/3 c  each of mayonnaise and sour cream
• ¾ tsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Cook the kumara until tender, cool and cut into 2 cm cubes before adding to the rest of the salad ingredients.    Combine the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.

Before I forget the winner of last month’s $50.00 voucher from Annie’s CQS is Desley Hayward from Timaru.

Take care and happy stitching,

 Rachel

Annie's Country Quilt Store

(03) 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz