Hi there,

We are almost at the end of another month, the acorns and leaves are falling and I am revisiting my extensive scarf collection on a regular basis to add that extra layer as the temperatures cool and we we head towards winter.

It is always a good time for stitching, but it is comforting to sit beside a warm fire or park up in a sunny spot and spend a couple of hours with needle and thread. We have just had another shipment of beautiful cross stitch patterns and threads arrive from the US including some from Blackbird Designs, Scattered Seeds, Lila’s Studio, Liz Matthews, Stacy Nash and Hands Across the Sea. If you have a few minutes, grab a cuppa and check these out on our website. You are also very welcome to join us for our Friday night cross stitch get together from 5-8 at Annie’s. This is free – check the dates on the class page of the website and bring your stitching, something to nibble on, and your beverage of choice. (Tea and coffee provided)

We also have our favourite magazines “Quiltmania” and “Simply Modern” back in store with a change in supplier. If you would like these magazines put aside for you or posted out, please let us know.

Next week we will be heading north for our annual “Handstitchers Retreat” at St Arnaud – a stunning part of the country in the Nelson Lakes National Park with views that I never get tired of! Places are limited, but if you are keen to join us next year be in early and let me know.

Our Bernina Autumn Sale is in full swing with some good saving available on machines and overlockers and don’t forget about the 20% off machine feet, accessories and trolley bags. Rosie has made this gorgeous little pillow using the embroidery unit and a couple of the designs on the Kaffe B770* machine. We do have the very last one of these gorgeous machines still available (*one only) give me a call if this is your flavour, and keep an eye out for the new Kaffe B570’s which are due to be released in New Zealand mid year.

You still have a few days left to enter the prize draw for the Bernina sewing machine which we are giving away when you make a purchase over $200 in store or on line. There are also a whole lot of other prizes that we are giving away as part of our “20 years in business celebrations” and we will draw after close of business this Sunday and let you know in next weeks newsletter.

Now...on to the recipe. This is a delicious cake that you can whip up for afternoon tea or serve with whipped cream for dessert or sweet treat. It is also good with fresh or tinned fruit that you have on hand.

Upside-down Pineapple Cake

• 1 tin pineapple pieces or fruit of your choice
• 75 g brown sugar
• 50 g melted butter
• 175 g soft butter
• 150 g castor sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g self raising flour
• ½ tsp baking powder

Pre-heat the oven to 180C. Grease and line a 20 cm cake tin and arrange the fruit in the bottom. Sprinkle over the brown sugar and then the melted butter. Whizz the softened butter,eggs, castor sugar and vanilla together until combined. Fold in the flour and baking powder and spoon the batter over the fruit. Bake for about 55 mins or until a skewer comes out clean. Rest the cake in the tin for 5 minutes and then turn out onto plate. This cake is best enjoyed the day it is made.

Have a great weekend, and I hope you find a space for some stitching time!

Best wishes,

Rachel and the team from Annie’s.