Hi there. My husband knows all too well that I am a much nicer person if I get to do a little sewing every day, but it seems lately that life has been conspiring against me and it is a real fight to eek out a little stitching time this side of midnight!

At least we still have a few more weeks to enjoy day light saving and hope for some more warm days to dry the firewood before we need to use it.

While I seem to have a never ending pile of half started and not quite finished projects, I am pleased to be able to show you my version of Ink Circles Floral Puzzle which is worked on 32 Count Charcoal linen using DMC threads. The pattern is available from Annie’s ($39.00) and I have also put this together as a kit ($75.90). I did substitute a couple of the recommended colours to give it a softer more antique look.

I would also like to show you this very cute cot panel from Makower called Baby Safari that has just arrived in ($28.00 each) or ($74.50) with backing and binding fabrics from the same range making the quilt reversible. Just add the batting of your choice and a little time and you have a beautiful handmade gift.

You could also check out the free patterns and projects on the Makower website

http://www.makoweruk.com/projects/

We also have fat quarter and 1/8th bundles from this range for all those other baby gifts and necessities...think bibs, bags, cushions, play mats, changing pads, pram covers etc. (I am a little out of touch with the baby necessities, but I am sure you can think of lots more!)

We have had lots more Grunge blender fabrics arrive in this week, as well as some more very tempting cross stitch patterns that have been added to the website.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/latest-products.html

Before I forget the winner of the $50.00 voucher from Annie’s for February is Nicky Bradley from Ashburton.

This week’s recipe is a good one to use up any extra tomatoes that you might have in the garden.

Tomato Chutney (makes 2 jars)

• 3 red onions
• 1 kg ripe tomatoes
• 8 cloves garlic
• 2 thumb size pieces of fresh ginger
• 300 g brown sugar
• 250ml red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp chilli flakes

Thinly slice all the vegetable and place in the pot with the rest of the ingredients. Simmer on a medium heat until the tomatoes are broken down. Turn up the heat and cook until the mixture is thick and jammy, (about 20 minutes) stirring often so it doesn’t burn.

Pour into clean jars and seal.

Stay safe and well and don’t forget we are just a phone call or an email away if you would like us to put anything in the post to you.

Take care,

Rachel

Annie’s Country Quilt Store

03 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz

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