Hi there and Happy New Year! Another year ticks around...good thing that we are not getting older....right? There are still way too many projects out there to take the foot off the pedal yet!

This week I thought I would show you these super cute little purses. “Bitty Bowlers” by Ric Rac are available as a pattern ($12.50), or a kit ($19.50) with outer fabric, lining, zip and violene to make one bag, with three different colour options available.

Just arrived in are some brand new Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics direct from London. I won’t lie to you, these fabrics are expensive, but they are a super fine cotton that is lovely to sew and beautiful to wear. If you don’t want a whole top made from Liberty think about just the sleeves on a linen top or the collar perhaps. I have seen some very classy masks made in this fabric also! (These are not on the website yet, so just give us a call or send an email.)

One of my more long term hand sewing projects is using the Liberty Tana Lawns for large hexagons in combination with old embroidered doillies...another work in progress!

If you are out and about the Christchurch Embroiderers exhibition “Common Threads” at the Buddist Temple on Riccarton Road is will worth a visit (Tuesday to Saturday 9-3). While you are there you could also check out the stunning work of artist Leonore Ashby who has made some amazing minature art pieces using very fine knitted wire. The vegetarian restaurant at the temple is also very good.

Speaking of embroidery, the Ashburton Embroiderers Guild exhibition is on at the Ashburton Art Gallery from 5-27 February so be sure to mark this on your calendar as well.

Tomorrow night (14th) we have the once a month Friday Cross Stitch Gathering at Annie’s from 5-8pm. Everyone is welcome and it is free. More details on the class page of the website or Facebook.

Before I forget the winner of the $50.00 voucher from Annie’s is Judy Nally of Timaru.

Now, on to the recipe. If you are finding that you have an abundance of zucchini at the moment, try this tasty side salad to accompany some chicken wings or barbeque meats.

Zucchini Ribbons

• 8 zucchini
• 2 ripe tomatoes or a handful of cherry size ones
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion or spring onion
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Pinch of sugar or a little honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Top and tail the zucchini and slice lengthwise into ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Coursely chop the tomotoes and place in a large bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients together well and then pour over the vegetables, mixing to coat.

Happy stitching,

Rachel

Annie’s Country Quilt Store

03 3076 277