Hello from Palmerston North! 

After a very full on week, at National Symposium, it is almost time to pack the trailer again and head South.  It has been great to see so many wonderful and talented people, touch base with friends, suppliers and be re-inspired!  (If for no other reason than this, you should right now be registering for National Symposium 2017 in Christchurch!)

http://quiltsymposium2017.org.nz/

The last couple of months has been absolutely full on in terms of making samples and kits, planning, re-planning and thinking ahead in terms of the next 12-18 months, but I can honestly say that I am still excited about new fabrics, new designers, new projects, books, patterns and the absolutely fabulous opportunities in this business that make me want to get up and stitch and share what I have learnt with my customers every day……I just need an extra 12 hours in every day (at least) to achieve all I want to do!

If you go to Annie’s Facebook page you will find some more pictures of the quilts that were on display as part of the Symposium attractions.

This week I thought I would show a picture of my brand new six month BOM quilt called ‘Sample This’ featuring a variety of different fabrics and textures including Japanese taupe’s, cottons and batik fabrics.  The quilt measures about 80” square although if wish to add wider borders this is an option.  The cost is $100 for the first two months (this includes two ruler sets which are required for the pieced blocks, and $70 each for the following four months.  A 10% discount is offered if you would like to purchase it as a full kit.

One of the international tutors that has been teaching at Symposium this week is Australian Sarah Fielke who has a great technique when it comes to hand quilting, and although as she says it does take practice, if are keen to give it a try she has an excellent video on you tube which is well worth a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DXN5Ger_jo

This week’s recipe has been given to me by my new friend Janelle (she could be my new BEST friend if she drops her credit card at my stand in the merchant mall again today!!)

Janelle’s Buttermilk Tarts

• 1 packet sweet short pastry rolled out into into tart shells and baked blind for approx. 15 mins at 180C.
• 1 c buttermilk
• 2-3 egg yolks
• ½ c sugar
• 80 g melted butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• Vanilla essence
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• 1 c fresh blueberries

Melt the butter and when cool add the egg yolks and whisk lightly.  Add the buttermilk, sugar and flour, vanilla, lemon juice and zest and mix well.

Sprinkle the blueberries into the pastry cases and then pour the custard over them.  Bake at 180C for 30-45 mins or until set.  (The custard will firm up as it cools).  Serve cool or chilled.

Well, that is all from me this week, take care and keep stitching!

Rachel

Annie’s CQS