Hi there, and happy almost Easter!  Time for chocolate, hot cross buns and perhaps even a day off?

Speaking of days off…Annie’s will be closed Easter Friday and Sunday, but I will be here, bright eyed and bushy tailed on  Easter Saturday and Monday and look forward to seeing you then.

In the meantime I would like to show you this table runner that I have just finished.  This will be available as a kit for $79.00 and includes the pre-printed sashiko panel for you to stitch over for the centre as well as the thread, sashiko needles, fabrics for the outside border, binding, pattern.          

This traditional Japanese stitching is very easy, relaxing and a portable project that you can do by hand.  Sashiko was originally used as a way of mending or adding strength to kimonos used as work clothing.  We have other panels and projects available in the shop as well as a variety of different colours in the sashiko threads.

http://embroidery.about.com/od/Embroidery-Types/g/Sashiko-Embroidery.htm

Another great product that I would like to tell you about is the Heat Press batting tape.  This is brilliant stuff and eliminates hand tacking pieces together or bulky lumpy joins when you try and do this on the machine.

The first part of this process is getting all those left over bits that you have saved from the last ten years, (otherwise known as ‘money’) out of the cupboard.  Then it is simple matter of butting up two edges that you wish to join and pressing the batting tape over the join.  (I like to use on both the front and the back for extra strength.)  Then you can stitch on it, over it, through it or any way you like and it easy as that!

Because I think it is so good, I have negotiated a deal with my supplier and this week we are offering the 13.7m rolls at a discounted price.  Usually Heat Press Batting Tape is $23.00, this week it is $18.50, a saving of $4.50 per roll.

Before I forget……we have just finalised the dates for our annual quilting retreat in Akaroa – 24-26 June, so let us know if you have a space in your diary for a fabulous weekend, as places fill up fast!

On to the recipe, this is a delicious cake with an Easter spicy flavour without the hot cross or the raisins just for something different.

Spicy Yoghurt Cake

• 250ml natural yoghurt
• 125 g butter
• 375 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ¾ cup self raising flour
• ¾ cup wholemeal flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 c grated carrot
• 100 ml oil
• 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
• ½ tsp each of cinnamon and ground ginger
• 1 tsp mixed spice

Preheat the oven to 180C.  Beat the butter and sugar together and beat in the eggs one and a time.  Add in the dry ingredients and gently mix to combine.  Pour the mixture into a prepared 23 cm cake tin and bake for 40 mins or until firm to touch.

Cool and serve dust with icing sugar.

NB:  Please note there will be no classes next week as I will be in Wellington learning all about the Bernina’s!

That’s it from me this week.  Take care and happy stitching.

Rachel