Hi there. It is hard to believe that we are more than half way through January, but I am sure it is not too late to wish you all a “Happy New Year” and the hope that 2023 will bring you joy, creativity, good fortune and happiness!

There have been lots of beautiful new fabrics arrive through the door including the new “85 and Fabulous” range from Kaffe Fasset. The new Adamstown range from Jo Morton is also selling well and a beautiful new range from Jen Hewett called “Unruly Nature”. You can check these out on our website. We have a good range of charm squares and jelly rolls in stock now too. www.anniesquilts.co.nz

I also thought I would show you this new bunny quilt designed by Elizabeth Hartman that I have just finished. Available as a pattern ($24.00) or a kit ($194.00). The bunny block would also look very cute as a centre medallion on a small cot quilt, pram cover or nappy bag. When you purchase the quilt pattern there is also a pillow pattern featuring the bunny with glasses which is available as a free download.

The start of the new class year is also fast approaching with regular Tuesday night and Thursday morning classes kicking off right after Waitangi weekend. These classes are $8.50 each for 2 ½ hours of help, advice for your chosen project with some good hearted banter thrown in...and lets face it, you can’t buy a coffee and a muffin for that! If you don’t have a sewing machine, we have some new class room machines that you can use too. Maybe 2023 is your chance to try something new or perhaps bring along a friend?

Dress making classes are also starting on Wednesday the 8th of February. These are a 3 week course tutored by very talented seamstress Paula Preece. The first classes to make a skirt is filling up fast, but if you are keen to join us, give us a call. In the next class will be make a simple top or tunic...or perhaps even more than one!

We are also planning some after school classes for young adults (intermediate age and up) who would like to learn to sew, make some really cool projects in a small group situation with lots of help and advice available. This will include the use of our new Bernette sewing machines in our classroom at Annie’s, and most of the materials that you will need. These classes will start in March and you can give us a call to register your interest. This would also make a great gift for a grand child or young person in your family.

Next week I am flying to Palmerston North for the start of an amazing week with a whole bunch of very enthusiastic like minded people for our Fibre Art Tour filled with workshops, classes and visits to quilt shops, galleries, artisans, specialty shops, wineries, award winning cafes, restaurants and so much more. Keep an eye out on the Annie’s Facebook page to follow our progress and let me know if you would like to join us for the next trip!

Now...on to the recipe. This is a tasty recipe for lunch or a Sunday night tea and if you are gluten free simply substitute the self raising flour for pea, rice, bean or any of the many different flours that are now available along some some gluten free baking powder.

Rosti Pizza

• 1.2 kg floury potatoes
• ¼ cup chives or a small onion finely chopped
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 1/3 c self raising flour
• Cheese
• Oil
• Toppings: tomatoes, rocket, mushrooms, ham, chorizo, olives or whatever is your favourite J

Preheat the oven to 200C or 180 fan bake. Line two trays with baking paper.

Coursely grate the scrubbed potatoes into a large bowl and squeeze out any excess liquid. Add a little lemon juice to prevent discolouring. Mix in the flour, chives, egg and season well with salt and pepper.

Devide the mixture between the two trays and spread out to about 25cm round with the back of a spoon. Spray with cooking oil and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and cover with grated cheese and grill until melted. Top off with your rocket, extra vegetables and cooked meats and eat up!

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

03 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz