Hi there. This week I have to confess to having serious thoughts about having a mask burning party! That was until my son who lives just south of Melbourne where they have just gone into lockdown 8 or is it 9 (?) reminded me that they have been wearing masks every day for months in a much warmer climate, and really I have nothing to complain about....mmmm ok, so I am postponing that party for now.

The good news is that with restrictions in Auckland easing the new fabric is coming through. (Yay!!)

This new range “Love Always” from Anna Maria Horner features some new designs and some of the very popular ones such as the Echinacea flower which have been recoloured. This is a great print for fussy cutting, and all these fabrics would look fabulous in the Anna’s Garden quilt that I made a few months ago teaming them up with the shot cottons.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/2519-anna-s-garden.html?search=Anna%27s%20garden

You can also check out what else Anna is up to with future ranges on the Free Spirit website. Don’t forget to check out the free patterns and projects too.

We have also had some beautiful new Dutch Heritage fabric arrive, new Kaffe Fassett, and more shot cottons, Japanese wovens and novelty prints for those of us who are still making masks. If you don't want to make masks we have some all ready to wear - made by our local ladies as a fundraiser for Mid Canterbury Hospice and Ranui House. These are $5.00 each with new stock arriving regularly.

Another project that I thought I would show you is my version of “Jen’s Bag” which is a Wendy Williams project. It is quick and easy to make and personalise. Available as a pattern ($28.00) or a kit in the fabrics pictured ($87.00).

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/latest-products.html

It is great to have some events to look forward to and something to definitely mark on the calendar for 13-17th October is the Christchurch Quilters Exhibition "Vivid" at the Papanui High School Hall. I will be there as a merchant with lots of goodies from the shop 10-4 each day. See you there!

On to the recipe...you know it is Spring time when the asparagus is ready. Team it up with some fresh lettuce and smoked chicken and you have a meal!

Smoked Chicken and Asaragus Salad

½ a smoked chicken

½ cup of honey mustard dressing or vinaigrette

1 fresh mango (or tinned is fine)

1 bunch of asparagus, lightly steamed or blanched

½ cucumber, deseeded

1 red capsicum

6-8 Snow peas

1 zucchini, sliced or cut into ribbons

1 small lettuce

2 tbsp fresh chopped mint

Fresh coriander to garnish

Cut the smoked chicken into bite size pieces and toss in the dressing. Leave this to stand while you prepare the vegetables. Combine all the ingredients and serve.

Happy stitching

Rachel