Hi there. Well...it has been an interesting couple of weeks as we have all reflected on the life of our Queen and what changes are in store under King Charles in the years to come. Certainly an interesting time in our history in which the media has played a huge part with saturation coverage of every aspect. While this is important, I look forward to hearing about what else has been going on in the world too.

Meanwhile in our little part of the world...preparations are continuing for our National Symposium in Lower Hutt in less than two weeks time, and I am looking to seeing you in the merchant mall! I mentioned last week about the ex-symposium machines and the great savings that are available on the B770, B570, Q16 (with table), B475 and B335 models which will be used in the classrooms.

If you like a little colour in your sewing room there are also some of the special edition Kaffe Fassett Bernina 475 machines still available which come with additional Kaffe designed embroidery stitches and a free trolley bag. If you are looking for a new machine, or perhaps a second machine – this is a great time to buy.

We also have some great savings on the Bernette range of machines, with the special pricing available until October 16th.

You can check these out on line or in store at annies or at www.bernina.co.nz

Just arrived in today are some new Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably fabrics with some very useful stripes in the mix which is good to see.

We also have patterns and templates from Jen Kingwell arrive in and a great little special to go with these is this 28mm rotary cutter which is ideal for maneuvering your way around templates. These are a bargan at just $16.00 each and suitable for either left or right handed people. Be in quick as stock is limited. Cutters are a bit like scissors – you can never have too many!

Coming up this Saturday we have our monthly wool applique day and everyone is welcome to join us for an interrupted day of hand stitching (more details on the class page of the website). If you are in the Nelson area don’t forget about the Waimea Quilters exhibition on this weekend (24-25th September) at the Wakefield School Hall.

On to the recipe...this is a delicious muffin recipe combining some of three of my favourite things, prunes (or dates), walnuts and cheese.

Spiced Date and Walnut Muffins with Camembert

• 1 egg
• 125 g butter
• 1 c milk
• 2 c self raising flour
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 c chopped prunes or dates (chopped)
• 1/3 c walnuts
• 200 g camembert (or brie)

Whisk the milk, egg and melted butter together. Combine all the rest of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until just mixed and spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake at 190C for 15-20 mins. When cool, make a diagonal slice in the top of each muffin and insert a slice or camembert or brie.

Happy stitching,

Rachel