Hi there! This is one of those weeks when I have cause to reflect and wonder where the years have disappeared to, due to a fairly major milestone in terms of wedding anniversaries. It takes a long time to train a husband!!

Anyway...moving right along, we are now into our Annual Bernina Sale with some amazing savings to be made across all Bernette and Bernina models (up to $1000.00 off), and there is also 20% off all accessories including feet, trolley bags, embroidery units, sew tables...in fact anything that is in your accessory book. But hurry as these offers are only until May 15.

We also have some specials on fabric as I need to make room for the new fabrics which have arrived which include the new Circus range from Tilda, Dr Seuss, Christmas and Reproduction fabrics. All very exciting!

We also have some great deals coming up for Mother’s Day on lights and magnifiers, but more about that next week. If you really want to buy yourself (or your Mum) something special....these are THE BEST sewing chairs. They are not the cheapest chairs out there, but we all know that back aches and still necks are no fun, and when you find a chair with great lumbar support it is hard to go past it. You are welcome to pop into the shop and have a test drive!

Made by Horn (the people who also do sewing cabinets) these chairs are gas lift, on casters, have a lift up upholstered seat so that you can hide your (fabric, wine or coffee) money in the cubby hole storeage and are extremely well made. Usually $420.00, these are on special for $389.00 while stocks last.

Another excellent product that I discovered when I was in Japan are these brilliant little thread snips. Usually $12.90 as a special offer we are offering to you for $6.50 per pair, which is great value and means that you can buy a pair for yourself and a couple of extras for friends!

I hope you all have a fabulous Easter weekend either because of, or in spite of the weather, and if you need more fabric, extra sewing supplies or a break from the rest of the family we will be open Saturday and Monday of the long weekend.

This week’s recipe is a version of a dish that we very much enjoyed on our recent visit to Japan. Okonomiyaki is a Japanese pancake which is delicious and you can play around with the ingredients depending on what you have on hand.

Okonomiyaki (makes 2)

• 1 c flour
• 2 eggs
• 160 ml water

Mix these ingredients to form a batter and then add:

• Shredded cabbage
• Cooked chicken, pork or seafood
• Spring onions
• Bean sprouts

Cook on a hot plate or in a large frying pan and top with Okonomiyaki Sauce and Japanese Mayonaise (available from Asian food stores or good supermarkets)

Happy Easter

Rachel

Annie’s CQS