Hi there!  While I realise there may still be a bit of winter to come, isn’t it great to see the daylight hours stretching out a little and the early daffodils in bloom.  It almost feels like Spring time!

It has been a very busy time at Annie’s with trips around the South Island to various events and our very successful “Annie’s Mid Winter Stitching Retreat” at the Hotel Ashburton.  With guest speakers, exhibitions, goody bags, spot prizes, shopping opportunities, demonstrations and much more this is an event not to be missed.  You are welcome to register your interest with us for next years event in July 2026.

We are excited about the new fabric that has been arriving including the latest offerings from Anna Maria Textiles and William Morris, and we have lots of new kits available, all of which are being added to the Annie’s website.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/index.php?option=com_mijoshop&route=product/search&search=AMT

Also just arrived are fabulous woven stripe fabrics from Kaffe Fassett and the gorgeous new threads and sashiko panels in pink, minty green, terracotta and grey.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/search.html?search=sashiko&page=2

This is my version of the “Shackbaggerly” pattern from Hugs and Kisses.  This hawandi/boro style block book is ideal for your works in progress with handy inside pockets, the gathered elastic band holds everything together when you are travelling, going to class or sitting on the couch.  The kit (as pictured) includes all fabrics as well as the precut applique papers is $69.00 or pattern only is $24.00.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/index.php?option=com_mijoshop&Itemid=124&route=product/search&search=shackbaggerly

At Annie’s we love Liberty, and these little fabric pots using a selection of  Liberty Tana Lawns are available as a kit ($16.50).  You can also add some special pieces of old doillies and lace if you want to personalise them.  Ideal as a gift for yourself or a friend, but I am not going to tell you how many weeks it is until Christmas!
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/index.php?option=com_mijoshop&route=product/search&search=liberty%20pots

Before I leave you to your stitching, there is also something else I would like your help with.  We all know that times are tough at the moment and there are some people in our community that could do with some warmth and comfort.  I was recently approached by the Christchurch based charity Comcare Trust. 
“Comcare Trust is a charity who supports individuals who experience mental health and/or addictions to live well in the Canterbury community. As a whole, our organisation consists of a range of different services, from support to find and maintain housing, support with physical activity and nutrition, support with seeking jobs, and community-based support depending on what our clients need.”

What Comcare needs right now is blankets and quilts to keep people warm.  If you are able to help it would be greatly appreciated.  As quilters, spreading a little love and kindness through our stitching is part of what we do, and I thank you for your help.  Quilts and blankets can be dropped into Annie’s Country Quilt Store and will be passed on to Comcare to distribute.

Now…on to the recipe.  This is the ideal winter dessert, that you don’t have to eat for a week when you forget that you are not feeding a family of five!

Cake in a Mug

• 4 tbsp self raising flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa
• 1 beaten egg
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp chocolate chips

Combine the flour, sugar and cocoa in a mug.  Pour in the egg, milk and vanilla and stir to combine.  Mix through the chocolate chips and then microwave for 3 minutes.  Serve with a good dollop of cream or icecream and tuck in!

That is all from from me for now, except to tell you that the winner of last month’s $50.00 voucher from Annie’s is Diana Tippett from Otautau.  Congratulations Diana, your voucher is here waiting for you!

• 17-19 October Annie’s Country Quilt Store – Escape to Hanmer Retreat.  (Save the date…more details to come!)

Have a great weekend!
Rachel and the team at Annie’s.
03 3076 277
www.anniesquilts.co.nz