Hi there. 

What a hectic week it has been!  Thank you so much for all the messages of support I have received since our decision to take on the Bernina dealership.  It has been a huge learning experience for all of us and continues to be so, and I appreciate your patience as we get the hang of things.  Our launch last Saturday went really well and it was great to see so many people call in.

As the quilting industry gears up Spring  Market (wholesale) in the US, it is exciting to see some advanced peaks of some of the new patterns and fabrics that will be released early next month including the new 2017 Calendar from Sue Spargo.  This is the second calendar that Sue has produced and as last year's one was hugely popular.   We are now taking pre-orders.    These probably won't arrive in store until the beginning of August, and we will try and keep them as the same price as last year $42.00, hoping that there is no horrendous swing in the value of the NZ dollar in the meantime.

Sue is also releasing some new patterns and they are on order as well.

Speaking of other things that are new and exciting, US designer Tim Holtz has just released another range of fabric with an aeronautical theme which we are just bolting up now called 'In Transit'.  If you are looking for make a quilt for the man in your life, or for someone who has a real bent towards flying, these are stunning fabrics (with no flowers involved!).

In terms of fabric trends, there seem to be lots of aeroplanes and bee themed prints coming through which is interesting.

I thought I would also show you another project that I have been working on.  This little wall hanging called 'Summer Love' (which you could transform into a cushion if you are limited for wall space) is from Primitive Gatherings and features  a little wool embroidery and lots of little half square triangles.   Because it is a small project, it s not too daunting.  (Finished size is  13" x 15" ).  I have put this together as a kit ($79.00) with everything for the quilt top, or it is available as a pattern for $23.00.

On to the recipe...and soup season is rapidly approaching!

Lentil, Pancetta and Herb Soup

• 1 large onion
• 1 stick of celery
• 2 large carrots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 handful each of fresh  parsely, thyme and rosemary
• 60 g panchetta or you could use chorizo
• 400 g tin of diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tin of  cooked lentils (rinsed)
• 1.5 litres of chicken or vegetable stock
• grated parmesan to garnish

Finely chop the fresh vegetables.  Saute the onion in a pan with a little oil for 2-3 minutes before adding the rest of the vegetables, and then the herbs.  Add in the panchetta and brown a little before adding the rest of the ingredients except the cooked lentils.  Simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, add in the lentils and  season to taste.  Serve with grated parmesan, chopped parsley and crusty bread.

Before I forget the winner of our $50 monthly draw for April was Faye Holden from Alexandra, and the winner of the basket of sewing goodies (valued at more than $450.00) which was drawn on our Bernina launch day was MaryClare Wood from Temuka.

If you are still keen to take advantage of our launch specials (Up to 30% off the new Bernina's), and 20 % off all Bernina accessories, these deals finish this Sunday 15th May.  You can have a look at the Bernina feet and accessories that are available on the website and let me know what you need.

https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Home-New-Zealand

Rachel

Annie's Country Quilt Store

(03) 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nz