Hi there!  Well the best thing that you can say about the weather at the moment, is that at least we don’t feel guilty about being at the sewing machine instead of the garden!

It is also a good time to get out the diary and clear the schedule for 25-27 August for our weekend with International tutor Katrina Hadjimichael.  This is an opportunity not to be missed with lots to learn from this very talented lady.

We will be holding a Trunk Show (show and tell of her quilts) on the Friday night, and then the workshop will follow on Saturday and Sunday forcusing on her ‘Longbourne’ quilt which is part of her Jane Austin series of designs featuring stunning applique, English paper piecing and a variety of hand and machine techniques.  The cost of the workshop is $165.00 for the two days and this includes a comprehensive pattern with lots of notes, colour photocopies and pattern sheets valued at $46.00.

Registrations are now open, and full class requirements lists including the paper piecing templates that will be needed will be sent out when payment details are confirmed.  Class fees can be made in full or split into two payments.

You can check out Katrina’s blog at the address below to more images of her work and that of her students.

http://katrinahadjimichael.blogspot.co.nz/

New arrivals in the shop this week have been a whole colour range of Kaffe Fassetts aboriginal dot fabric (great blenders to go with some of his more riotous prints!), more Creative Stitching and Stitches to Savor books from Sue Spargo as well as the very popular FQ Pop Up pattern and refill.  You can check these out on the website.

Something else to mark in your calendar and well worth a trip to Ashburton for, is the ‘Multi Cultural Bite’ this is an ethnic food and entertainment annual treat held each year on Waitangi weekend (Saturday 6th) which draws crowds from far and wide.  More details on the link below.  When you had your fill of tasty morsels and treats, don’t forget to come and visit us at Annie’s as we will be open all weekend.

http://www.multiculturalbite.co.nz/

On to the recipe…I love caramelised onions and this was a great was to use up the abundance of huge red onions in the garden, and it makes a nice gift to share with a friend as well.

Caramelised Onions

• ½ c oil
• 1 kg onions thinly sliced on the grain
• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 ½ tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• A pinch of chilli flakes
• ¼ c balsamic vinegar
• ¼ c brown sugar
• 1 c water
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients except the salt and pepper in a large heavy based pot and place on a low heat.

Stir occasionally, cook over a very gentle hear for 1-1/2 hours until the onions are a deep brown colour with a slightly jammy consistency.  Add a little more water during cooking if needed to prevent the mixture sticking to the base of the pot.

Cool, place in clean jars and refrigerate until needed.

Take care and happy stitching

Rachel