Hi there. I am not sure where the last month has gone to other than to say it has been a busy one with National Symposium in Lower Hutt being the major event on the quilting calendar for some time. This was a very successful and well organised event and a huge congratulations goes out to the committee, the army of volunteers and the major sponsor Bernina for making it all possible.

Our car and trailer was well and truly loaded to the gunnels on the way there - not so much on the way back, but also not quite as well packed on the return either! A huge thank you also to everyone who visited us in the merchant mall and supported us. The winner of the draw for the Halo Go Rechargeable Magnifier Lamp is Annette Pawson from Lower Hutt.

We still have some great specials on the ex-symposium B335 sewing machines. These are new machines that have been used in the classrooms that are then cleaned serviced and repacked and sold off at discounted prices. With the second round of price increased that are due to kick in at the beginning of next year, this is a very good deal.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/2983-ex-symposuim-machine-bernina-335.html

We also have a limited number of ex-symposium walking feet which are available for the special price of $199.00 (RRP $269.00). Before you order please check with us to make sure that this accessory will fit your particular model of Bernina machine.

Something that is fun and a great opportunity to get your friends together for a night out or an end of year function is the “Snazzy Sneakers” class that we are holding on Wednesday 2nd November (7-9pm). Another class is also scheduled for Saturday 19th November from (2-4pm). It is $30.00 per person and the idea is that you come to class with a pair of canvas sneakers or shoes that you have purchased in your size. I will provide some nibbles and refreshments to help the creative process, along everything you need to decorate your one of a kind sneakers. If you have a group who would like to make a private booking please let me know. More details on the website. https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

I also have a new project to show you... the “Lucy Locket Pocket” bag from Bebe Bold, is a great little across the shoulder bag with adjustable straps that you can p0p your phone, credit card and other essential items in there and be off to town. The patterns are $24.00 and the full kit (in navy or cream) is $95.50 which includes the leather bag straps, fabrics and threads.

Coming up on Saturday 29th we have our Woolly Stitchers Day and if you have an interest in working with wool fabrics you are welcome to join us for a day of handstitching (more details on the class page of the website).

I am also looking forward to the first weekend of November we will be heading south to be a merchant at Country Day at Ranfurly.

Now....on to the recipe. This is a super easy and tasty vegetarian curry that you pretty much whip up with just a few ingredients. For the confirmed meat eaters simply add in some diced chicken or lamb.

Easy Vegetarian Curry

• 1 T red curry paste
• 1 capsicum
• Chopped spinach or broccoli
• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 large potato or kumara
• 400 g tin chick peas
• 400 g tin crushed tomatoes
• 400 g tin coconut cream
• Roasted cashew or peanuts to serve along with steamed rice.

In a heavy pan fry off the curry paste for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add in the chopped onion, capsicum and garlic cook until soft. Then add in all the remaining ingredients and simmer over a low heat for about 20 minutes. Serve with the rice and chopped nuts.