Hi there.

Plans are underway for our annual stitching retreat in the Akaroa (7-9 July) and you are more than welcome to join us for a fantastic weekend away with like minded patchworkers, embroiderers who all enjoy good food, good company and the chance to run away for a couple of days to this beautiful holiday spot.

Based at the Akaroa Village Inn and the Boat Shed we will be taking the shop and tempting you with the new fabrics that have arrived in along with some new kits, projects and ideas for 2023. You will also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, shopping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the village with its quaint French influence. Registrations forms are on our website, or you are welcome to phone us if you would like some more information.

New in this week.... more bright and beautiful Kaffe Fassett fabrics have just arrived in the country and have landed at Annie’s. We also have more Kaffe jelly rolls in both warm and cool tones and plenty of mixed charm square packs from the Kaffe Collective.

This very cute panel is sure to appeal to young Mums and soon to be Nana’s! J Measuring .9ocm x 112 cm it is $30.50, and if you need a binding, batting or backing to go with it, we can sort this out, as there are some co-ordinating fabrics that go with this.

Our Wednesday night dressmaking classes with Paula Preece as going really well with some very gorgeous tops and tunics in the making at present. If you are new to sewing, have been inspired by “The Great British Sewing Be” or haven’t sewn for a while and need to regain your confidence, this is the class for you. If you would like to join in this class or our next one to make a simple unlined jacket, let us know and we will book you a space. Don’t have a sewing machine? No problem, we can sort that out too, with Bernette and Bernina class machines to hire or purchase.

This weeks recipe is another crock pot gem. The left over beef is great in stir fries, bao buns, or as a dumpling filling.

Black Vinegar Braised Beef

Trim the fat from a 1 kg piece of beef and place in the crock pot on low for about 6 hours with the following ingredients:

• 1 c Chinese rice wine vinegar
• ½ c Chinese black vinegar
• ¼ c Brown sugar
• 1 c Oyster sauce
• 4 Cloves crushed garlic
• 1 ½ c water and 3 whole star anise

Remove the meat from the liquid and either slice or shred it and serve with rice and Asian greens.

Strain the cooking liquid, reduce down to make a sauce.

Take care and happy stitching from Rachel and the team at Annie’s

03 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz