Hi there.  First up, no your computer is not broken and neither is your email link, it is just a while since I sent out a newsletter!
After being overseas for a month and then triping around the upper South Island with a retreat and a show  has meant playing catch up all round!
Many of you followed our textile (and food) adventures through Facebook as we explored Berlin, Amsterdam, Belgium, France and London.  Catching up with friends, biking in Amsterdam, the Quiltmania Show in Nantes, the Bayeux Tapestry, Versailles, Bath and Hampton Court were all highlights, amongst many others.  Just being there and trying to take in layers and layers of history, the art work,  the architecture and the atmosphere was truly inspirational.

We visited a lot of quilt shops in our travels,  and I can honestly say that we are very well supported by the distributors that we have, as there were very few things that I saw that we do not have here or have access to.

I think that we can all be proud of the patchwork, quilting and needlework skills we have developed in New Zealand (and Australia).

At the moment we are focused on our first of what we hope will be our annual retreat at the Hotel Ashburton later this month.  A weekend with like minded people, some retail therapy, good food, guest speakers, exhibitions, and demonstrations   - a recipe for a fantastic few days away!
This month we also have some great deals on Bernette and Bernina machines, with a $1000 trade in deal on the B570 and B770 machine.  Ask us about this, as it is for a limited time only.

While we were away it was also sad to hear that Quiltmania publishing has closed down which will mean no more of these beautiful books and magazines.  However we do still have some titles in stock, so look out for these on our websites and be in quick!
Now for your fix of quilt inspiration – “Of a Feather” designed by Sue Spargo….this quilt made by Suzy Brown (Timaru) is absolutely stunning.  The skill, workmanship and the tenancity to see this project through to completion is pure “Wow!”  

We do have this book “Of a Feather” ($59.90)  in stock, which also includes some smaller projects, and of course we have plenty of wool fabrics, Sue Spargo threads, needles and fabrics that you could need.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/4192-of-a-feather-by-sue-spargo.html

I have also just finished this cross stitch pin drum from the Blackbird Designs book “Crowns and Shields” ($39.90).  Kits also available.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/3852-crowns-shields.html?search=crowns%20and%20shields

Before I forget the winner of the Annie’s $50.00 voucher for April is  June Crum and the May winner is Ria Avenell.  Congratulations, your vouchers are at the shop here waiting for your next shopping adventure!

Now for the recipe.  This is a tasty dish that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Crumbed Chicken Schnitzels

• ¼ c sour cream
  1 egg white
  1 tsp dijon mustard
  2 Chicken breasts
  100 g crushed cracker biscuits
  1 c grated cheese
  ½ tsp each of garlic and onion powders

Heat the oven to 220 C.
In a bowl which together the sour cream, egg white and mustard and seasonings until smooth.
Slice the chicken breast in half horizontally.  Place between two layers of cling film and bash with a rolling pin to flattten it out.
Paste the sour cream mixture over the chicken and then dip into the crumbs.
Place on a greased wire rack over a meat dish and bake until crispy and cooked through.  Cool slightly so that the coating sets.

Rachel
03 307 6277
www.anniesquilts.co.nz