Hi there.   I hope you are all going to make the most of the short working week in Canterbury and the holiday weekend.  Not only does this weekend mark the start of serious gardening weather and hopefully and end to the frosts,  there are lots of things on including the  Christchurch A & P Show, Cup Week, and Geraldine Arts and Plants Festival.  If you are passing by this way be sure to call in,  as Annie’s will be open all weekend.

News is filtering through from the US (no, not about Donald and Hillary) from the International Quilt Market and Festival, with some incredible work on show in Houston once again.  If you would like a sneak peak, this link showcases a good many of the quilts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2XDK2SAupc

I am off to Melbourne next week to hear all the news from the Australian designers and also to catch up with fabric designer Anna Maria Horner from Nashville.  We have a growing collection of her fabrics in store and you can check out her website at http://www.annamariahorner.com/

I have been doing a bit more hand work lately, as as much as we don't like to admit it, sometimes the tired eyes need a little help.  My best advice is work with a really good (preferably daylight light), and to try some magnifying glasses.  If you already wear glasses these clip on magnifiers from Star Mag are brilliant.  There are four different strength lenses in the pack from 1.7-3.0 and they flip up from your glasses when you don't need them.  Normally these retail for $29.99, however due to the benefits of buying in bulk along with the generousity of our suppliers, this week they are 10% off, making them $26.99.  Perhaps an early Christmas present to yourself?

Well...moving right along, as there seems an awful lot to do before Santa comes calling.

This week’s recipe is a taste of summer and so easy the kids can make it for you!

Strawberry Meringue Crush

• 450 g fresh strawberries (hulls removed)
• 6 mini meringues
• 80 ml cranberry juice
• 450 ml cream

Chop the strawberries and place them in a bowl with the cranberry juice.  Cover with cling film and place in the fridge until ready to assemble the rest of the dessert.

Whip the cream to soft peaks.  Place the meringues in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

When ready to serve fold the cream, strawberries and crushed meringues together and spoon into glass dishes.  Decorate with extra strawberries and chocolate

Take care and happy stitching,