Hi there. What a week of ups and downs it has been with both the news and the weather! It has been really heart warming to see the donations of quilts and hand made blankets that have come in. Thank you so much for your generosity. We are still collecting quilts and these will be sent North over the coming weeks through our network of contacts to people who have lost homes or loved ones or where the need is greatest. I appreciate that giving a quilt is a sizeable donation and often includes a piece of yourself with each seam that is sewn. Thank you.

This week I thought I would show you this cute little "Netties Bag" that I have just finished. Designed by Australian Wendy Williams, it combines cotton and linen fabrics with some simple wool applique. Available as a kit ($76.00) or a pattern ($28.00), this is a design that you can make your own adding as much or as little in the way of embellishment as you like and another one to add to your “to-do list!”

Also just arrived...books! Lots of books including a good number by Japanese quilt artist Yoko Saito. You can check these out on the website. We also keep in stock a good collection of Japanese woven fabrics as well as indigo, sashiko fabrics and threads.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/new-at-annies.html

If you have a few minutes spare when you are having a cuppa take a moment to have a look at the Bernina Blog. There is a whole world of hints, tips and free information here that have you both informed and inspired. https://blog.bernina.com/en/

There is always something to learn (or be reminded about). https://blog.bernina.com/en/2023/02/sewing-needle-and-thread/

Remember to use the right needle for the job and change your them often – not just when they break! They are designed to last for approximately 8 hours of continuous sewing, and yes, having a sharp needle and using quality thread definitely does make a difference.

Our dress making classes are continuing with some amazing skirts almost finished. Next we are moving onto tops and tunics. Let us know if you would like to join us for these Wednesday night classes from 7-9.00 pm. More details on our class page. https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

Now...on to the recipe. This is an easy one to use up the abundance of Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes and the zucchini that is going wild in the garden!

Cherry Bomb Salad

• 50 g kalamata olives, marinated in olive oil
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 500 g (approx) cherry tomatoes
• ½ c fresh herbs such as oregano or marjoram

Heat 4 tbsp of olive oil from the olives in a non stick pan. Add in the olives and zucchini and saute for 2 minutes. Add in the tomatoes and herbs cook until soft and golden. Season with ground sea salt and cracked pepper and serve with grilled polenta, chicken or barbecue meats.

Take care and happy stitching from Rachel and the team at Annie’s

03 3076 277

www.anniesquilts.co.nzhttps://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/new-at-annies.html