Hi there. Remember when all you wanted for Christmas was your two front teeth? For some of us that was quite a while ago, and it is now more about being long in the tooth. With that comes a little more wisdom and the realisation that not everything has to be done before that December 25 deadline, and that they are still making days. In fact I have it on good authority that if we make a little time for a bit of stitching in amongst the craziness, it makes us much nicer people!

Speaking of doing things for yourself, don’t forget your own presents! This week I am excited to tell you about a large shipment of Omnigrid rulers and cutting mats that have just arrived. We have managed to get these at a very good price from the supplier so that we can pass the savings on to you....and a 20% discount is not to be sneezed at. You can check these out on own website...but be quick as once they are gone, they are gone!

Some beautiful new cross stitch patterns have also just landed, and we are also taking pre-orders for the new Blackbird Designs book "When The Leaves Fall" (10 projects).

If you are looking for a nice easy hand stitching project over the holidays, I have put together this quilt using 2” hexagon papers, Liberty fabrics and recycled old embroidered doillies. A Sewline fabric glue pen makes the process of attaching the fabric to the paper templates a whole lot easier and quicker. Talk to us if you would like a demo. We have both Liberty Tana Lawn and Liberty Cotton fabrics on the bolt as well as pre-cuts. When stitching your hexagons together, the secret is to have a nice fine needle and a strong fine thread.

Keep an eye out on the Annie’s Facebook page for some last minute gift suggestions. We have some really nice sewing theme tins which you fill with some threads, needles, small scissors and a tape measure to make a handy sewing kit. There are also lots of small kits and projects to keep idle hands busy over the holidays. Gift vouchers are always another option too.

Anyway...onto the recipe. This is super easy fresh and fruity summer dessert perfect for a warm day. Equally good if you substitute necatarines for peaches, and for the small people why not swop out the sparking wine for lemonade, serve in some pretty glasses and you have the makings of a party! J

Sparkling Peach Dessert

• 4 ripe peaches
• 4 scoops of berry sorbet
• Sparkling wine or grape juice, well chilled
• Sprig of mint for garnish

Peal and dice the peaches and divide the fruit into 4 wine glasses or dessert dishes. Place a scoop of berry sorbet on top. Pour in a little of the sparkling wine into each glass and then garnish with mint or toasted almonds. Serve immediately.

**Don’t forget that our Bernina Sale on machines, overlockers, feet and accessories continues until Christmas Eve and we will be open over the holiday season, with just a few days off for the Statutory holidays. If you are on holiday or passing through Ashburton, we look forward to seeing you then!

Happy stitching and have a great weekend!