Hi there. Gosh it is December already!! It won’t be long before we are heading off on our Fibre Arts Tour of the lower North Island which I am really looking forward to. The bus is starting to rev up, and it is not too late to join us for this amazing trip featuring classes with workshops with Griet Lombard and Diane Southy, visits with very talented embroiderers, quilters, doll makers and designers, lots of shopping, good food, quality accomodation and loads of crafty inspiration and along the way. I will be hosting the tour which is being organised by Jane Spence from Farm and Leisure tours. You can check it out at the link below. Don’t miss out as this is an opportunity that doesn’t come along every day...and afterall life is short!

https://www.farmandleisuretours.nz/tour/annies-country-quilt-store-fibre-art-tour-2023

It has been an exciting week with more surprise parcels arriving. With the time it takes between placing the fabric orders and actually receiving the goods it is like Christmas has come early! This includes some beautiful new Dutch Heritage fabrics from Petra Prins.

There are lots of fabrics that I love, but these are some of my all time favourites, with reproduction designs inspired by traditional floral prints from in 17th and 18th century Dutch Chintz. (Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century, and then I remember about the lack of plumbing and women’s rights!!) However if I ever get to the Netherlands, a visit to Petra’s shop is definitely on my must do list. In the meantime you can step into her world at Annie’s and see the fabrics in store, on our website and have a look at some of the samples in the shop I have made using this fabric. I am currently working on Mary Gibbs 1812 which we also have available as a starter kit.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/category/47-dutch-heritage-fabrics.html?limit=100

If you are looking to make some useful small gifts for friends and family these little pouches “Bridget’s Bagettes” are a great idea. The kit has everything you need to make three pouches and is $32.00. (Alternatively you could just give the whole kit as a gift and bank the time for one of your own projects!)

We also have Annie’s gift vouchers available if you need to start dropping hints to your nearest and dearest about what you would REALLY like for Christmas this year. If you have after many years of experience (like me) given up on that idea entirely, come and see us as the Bernina sale on machines and accessories continues until Christmas Eve!!

The winner of the $50.00 draw from Annie’s for November is Lorraine Holmes from Rolleston. Congratulations Lorraine, your voucher is waiting for you to collect.

On to the recipe....at this time of year we often seem to be looking for something a little bit fancy by way of finger food for that supper or take a plate occasion. These little tarts are quick and easy especially with the help of some store bought pastry shells, but you could use some fancy crackers as an alternative.

Roasted Tomato Tarts

• 24 cherry tomatoes
• Fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 150 g cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 185C. Toss the tomatoes in a bowl with the sweet chilli sauce and seasoning and place on a lined oven tray or roasting dish in a single layer. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until they start collapsing. Mash the cream cheese, thyme (reserving some for garnish), lemon juice and garlic together until it is a spreadable consistency. Spoon or pipe this into the tart shells, and top each one with a warm roasted tomato and a sprig of thyme just before serving.

Happy stitching and have a great weekend!