Hi there.  We are just back from the annual Bernina Dealer Conference in Wellington.   It is an exciting year as we celebrate 125 years of Bernina.  This will see some special limited edition ‘gold’ machines launched later in the year, but last weekend was all about the launch of the new 5 series machines which I have to say are pretty impressive.

The new 570PE is my favourite – it is big and fast and includes a patchwork foot, dual feed, thread snip, more stitches than you can poke a stick at and is a joy to use.  Check out the link below as well as taking a look at the other new models on the Bernina website.  Need a brochure or a demo?  Call in and see us, as the new machine is in store now!

https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Products-NZ/BERNINA-products/Sewing-Quilting-and-Embroidery/NEW-BERNINA-5-Series/BERNINA-570-QE-en

What else is new?   I have just finished this kid’s quilt called Reptile Ruckus which is super cute and fun to make.  Available as a kit it is just $74.00 with everything you need for the quilt top as well as the binding.

There are still places in our FREE Bernina classes with National Educator Julie Veck (22,23,30 March).  If you are a Bernina owner (or would like to be one) make sure you reserve your place.  I can’t stress enough how valuable these classes are.  It is like owning a computer for years and then suddenly discovering how much more it can do!

Places are filling up in our other classes with Jane McDonald (Japanese hand stitching) and Sonya Prchal (Thread Painting) so don’t miss out as these opportunities don’t come along every day.  More details on the class page.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

I have just finished this cushion as a sample for Sashiko class with Jane McDonald on Saturday 21 April, as the picture on the website really didn’t do it justice.  This is suitable for people of all abilities and is a very relaxing form of stitching.

Coming up in May (11-13) I will be heading to Greymouth for the Quilt West weekend as a merchant and tutor.  This is a weekend of quilting, fun, inspiration, retail therapy and good old fashion West Coast hospitality.  Everyone is welcome and the class information and registration pack is available at the link below.

http://gallery.mailchimp.com/30b79b85c70c96ff6793ed66c/files/ec17daae-8662-40b9-8a74-f6e994bac175/RegistrationPack.pdf

We will also be on the road as merchants at show in Wakefield and Motueka in the next couple of months, but more about that later.

Before I forget the winner of the $50.00 Annie’s voucher for February is Alison Fougere from Ashburton.  Congratulations Alison, your voucher is waiting for you.

On to the recipe…and easy midweek meal, and although it is probably not traditional when I am cooking Indian I try and throw in as many vegetables as I can get away with as well as rice and homemade naan bread!

Creamy Chicken Korma

In a heavy saucepan heat -

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 chopped onion
• Finely chopped fresh ginger
• Cook together for about 5 minutes then add in 2 tbsp curry paste or powder.  Cook for one minute and then add
• 600 gm sliced chicken breast
• 150 ml hot chicken stock
• 400 ml can coconut milk
• Simmer on the stove top for about 20 minutes and then add
• 50 g almond meal

Freshly ground black pepper and salt

Scatter some freshly chopped coriander leaves on top and serve.

That’s all from me this week, happy stitching and don’t forget our 10% discount on Clover products finishes this Sunday.

Happy stitching

Rachel

Annie’s CQS