Hi there... well September is upon us and the countdown is well and truly on for “Creative Construction” which is the title for this year’s bi-annual National Quilting Symposium sponsored by Bernina New Zealand (October 5-10).

I guess the next question is...are you ready yet? Please let us know if we can help out sourcing any of your hard to find class requirements or fabrics.

It is also important that all machines, cords and appliances are tested and tagged before they can be plugged into the power at the venue. (You certainly don’t want to be responsible for blowing up the whole system!) At Annie’s we offer a test and tag service which is just $5.00 per item. This is also done as part of all machine servicing.

Something else to remember is that we do offer a scissor sharpening service which is just $10.00 per pair.

This week I thought I would give you a peak at what I am working on at the moment. This is a gorgeous foundation pieced quilt called Logan’s Crossroad. This has been put together using Jo Morton’s Reflections range of fabrics from Moda, and comes as a complete kit with patterns, fabrics, as well as pre-printed foundation papers. It is beautifully packaged and comes ready for you to sit down and start sewing for $359.00. The finished size of the quilt is 94” x 94”. There are a limited number of these kits, so be in quick!

Also new in this week is the Quiltmania Special Children’s Edition for 2017 ($24.99) showcasing 13 quilts especially for kids, and the China Tea Cup Bird Feeders that I showed you last week have been so popular that we sold out....but the good news is that we have been able to get another shipment at this super dooper price. You can check these out on last week’s newsletter or on the Annie’s website or Facebook page.

Well, that is all from me this week...back to the sewing machine!

Now..on to the recipe – these are delicious! (You may find it easier to double the recipe)

Black Doris Plum Crumble Top Muffins

• 2 c self-raising flour
• ¼ c caster sugar
• 1/8th tsp baking powder
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1 ¼ c milk
• 50 g butter
• 7-8 Black Doris Plums (half of an 850g tin)
• 70 g currants, raisins or sultanas

For the crumble topping:

• 40 g melted butter
• ¼ c flour
• ¼ c rolled oats
• 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp shredded coconut

Preheat the oven to 180C, prepare the muffin tins.

Place the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, lightly beaten egg and milk and dried fruit. Drain the plums and remove the stones. (Leave the plums whole as they will break up when they are mixed in). Lightly fold all the ingredients together and pour into the muffin tins.

To make the crumble, put all the ingredients in a small pot and melt the butter and stir to combine. Sprinkle this over the top of the muffins. Bake the muffins until golden and cooked through.

Well, that is all from me this week...back to the sewing machine!

Happy stitching,

Rachel