Hi there, another week rolls around and I have to say it is feeling a lot more like autumn on these cooler Mid Canterbury mornings, however I am still hoping for an Indian summer.

This week I thought I would show you this lovely little wall hanging from Hatched and Patched.  It look great in your sewing room or to make for a special ‘quilty’ friend.  I enjoyed making this one and have put together as a kit for the Sewing Day Sampler with all the fabric and batting for $59.00, the DMC thread pack is $18.00, or you can buy it as a pattern for $22.50

Don’t forget to mark in your diary the Trunk Show for Australian tutor Karen Styles who is holding a workshop for us 14-15 March focusing on techniques for precision piecing (either hand or machine) fussy cutting, and the use of colour to produce beautiful heirloom quilts.  More details are on the class page of the website.  There are still a couple of spots in the workshop if you can join us for a great weekend.

The Trunk show will be a chance to hear Karen talk about her journey through the quilting world as she shows her quilts on Friday evening 13th March.  Tickets are $5.00 each (door sales) with supper and some spot prizes at the Linton Lounge of the RSA in Ashburton (rear of the building).

We are also looking forward to hosting well known embroiderer and stitcher Jane van Keulen again soon for another workshop.  She has designed this stunning piece for us which has a very ‘vintage’ feel to it combining a variety of different threads, fabrics and textures as well as interesting combinations of stitches and beading.  We are taking registrations of interest for the class, and I will let you know as soon as I have a confirmed date.

Places are also filling up for the Sue Spargo workshops in Nelson and Ashburton in September 2015.  Registrations can be made through the website or you are welcome to give us a call at the shop.

Phew! There is lot's happening at Annie's, and by the way...we are also taking registrations of interest for people keen to help with stock taking!!  (She says as you all start looking REALLY busy!!!)

Before I tootle off, if you are planning to be in the Marlborough region  17-19 April the Picton Quilters are holding their 20th Anniversary exhibition and I am sure they will make everyone very welcome.

This week’s recipe is for my version of a really delicious dressing that I tried the other night a top of a grilled zucchini, meatball salad/open sandwich inspired by a recipe in the latest addition of Dish magazine.  It would be a very tasty accompaniment to chicken, pork or other vegetable dishes.

Hazelnut and Smoked Paprika Dressing

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ c raisins
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• ¼ tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ sliced roasted red capsicum
• ¼ c roasted hazelnuts

Put the vinegar, paprika, raisins, garlic and chilli flakes into a small saucepan and warm over a low heat for 2-3 mins to plump up the raisins.  
Tip into a bowl with the olive oil, capsicum and nuts.  Season with salt and pepper.

Well, that is all from me this week, take care and keep stitching.

Rachel

Annie’s CQS