Hi there.  Well, I am back from my trek to Wellington and I now know a lot more about Bernina Sewing machines that I did a couple of weeks ago, but one thing for sure is that the learning will continue for a long time yet.
The worst part about the week was that I brought back a "North Island cold" which I am sure is farrrrrrrr worse than the local variety!

Anyway, stocktaking is almost done and I am pleased to tell you that we will be launching the Bernina machines in store on Saturday May 7.  Keep this date in your diary as there will be some pretty sharp prices, prize draws and lots of free information, help and advice from the  Bernina NZ staff from head office who will be in store for the launch as well.  Some of the basic necessities have already arrived, including sewing machine needles, oil, and bobbins....and the boxes keep coming in!

In the meantime we have new fabric that has arrived including the brand new range of Tilda fabrics which  we are just unpacking now, and I can tell you that they are just gorgeous.  We also have the latest Tilda book called "Home Made and Happy" by Tone Finnanger, and I have also splashed out and invested in some of the very pretty buttons and ribbons that they produce that match up so perfectly with the fabrics.  It is well worth popping into the shop for a look.

If you need more Tilda inspiration, have a look at the blog below.  The fabric and projects are always beautifully photographed.

http://www.tildasworld.com/blog/

I also thought I would show you these very foxy little sewing kits that would be ideal as a gift or as a traveling kit  for the bottom of the bag with everything  you could need including needles, quick unpick, thread, buttons, scissors.....  These are $12.50 and come in orange, red or pink.

On to the recipe...these chicken balls make delicious nibbles, or you can serve them as a meal with a nice crisp salad.  They are also great for kids, and can be eaten warm or cold.

Chicken Balls

• 1 onion
• 1 large apple, peeled and grated
• 2 cooked chicken breasts or left over roast chicken
• 1 tsp chicken stock
• fresh herbs to taste
• 50 gm fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• salt and pepper

Chop the onion and chicken in the food processor.   Squeeze the excess juice out of the grated apple and mix in with the chicken and onion and add the other ingredients.
Roll the mixture into balls and, roll in flour and then fry in a shallow pan with a little oil for about 5 minutes or until golden.
 

Before I forget, last month's winner of the Annie's $50.00 monthly draw is Hannah McAtamney from Hinds.  Well done Hannah, your voucher is waiting for you.
Well, I must run.  Happy sewing.

Rachel

Annie's Country Quilt Store

(03) 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz