Hi there. It is almost show time!!!

Yes, the event we have all been waiting and working towards for so long is almost upon us with New Zealand’s premium bi-annual quilting event opening in Christchurch next week.
Our National Quilting Symposium is not to be missed. Not just by quilters or those attending classes, but anyone who is interested in art, textiles, needlework, exhibitions, lectures and shopping. Bring your friends and come along to Burnside High School (October 1-6). It may be a while until Symposium is held in the South Island again, so why not make the most of the opportunity to be part of this amazing event which attracts people from all over the world.
Attending classes and need supplies or things that you need us to bring to Symposium for you? Now is a good time to send us your shopping list ☺
https://quiltsymposium.com/

If you are looking to invest in a sewing machine, the ex-symposium classroom Bernina machines are a good way to grab a great deal with up to $1000 off some models – pre-sales are now available, so give us a call at Annie’s and we can help you out with this.

We will be at Symposium as a merchant with loads of new samples, exclusive deals and chances to win. As a sneak peak I can tell you that we are very excited to be able to release two new patterns from New Zealand designer Griet Lombard. Many of you will know Griet’s work from her hugely popular The Bunnies Pattern. Now these fabulous The Owls, and The Dogs have been added to the pattern collection, available now exclusively through Annie’s CQS in store or through the website.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/manufacturer/309-griet-lombard.html

I am also very pleased to tell you that my version of “Maggie McGuire’s Garden” designed by Australian Lenora Jenkins is finally finished and beautifully quilted by Alison Bufton. Many hours of hand piecing have gone into this quilt for what I hope will be an heirloom piece. If you are keen to make your own version we have load of fussy cutting fabric packs available along with patterns, papers, templated, background and border fabrics.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/index.php?option=com_mijoshop&route=product/search&search=maggie%20maguire

What’s new in the shop? Lots of very pretty Liberty fabrics, both cottons and Tana Lawns, books, patterns, Christmas projects, collectable tins and our special on the Kaffe Fabric continues with 20% off while stocks last.
Our free Cross Stitch Gathering is on at the shop this Friday Evening from 5-8 pm and the Wool Applique Class is on Saturday. You are more than welcome to join us. More details on the website.

It is a great time to visit Ashburton (aside from a visit to your favourite quilt shop) as the daffadils are in full bloom and the annual Bookarama community fundraising event is on again in the Sports Hall 28 September until 3 October.

Now…on to the recipe. This is a great lunch box, quick tea or take a plate dish.

Bacon and Sun-dried Tomato Patties

• 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 rashers of bacon, finely chopped
• 2 x 250 g packs of microwave rice
• 2 ½ cups of chicken stock
• 50 g sun-dried tomatoes
• 50 g butter
• ½ c grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 c dried bread crumbs

Splash a little oil into a fry pan and brown the bacon and onion. Add in the two packs of rice and cook for about a minute before adding in the stock.
Cook for 10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and add in the tomatoes, butter, egg and parmesan. You could also add in chopped spinach, grated zuchini or whatever else you have in the fridge!
Cool and then shape into patties, roll in the breadcrumbs and then cook on greased trays or muffin pans.
Bake at 190 C for about 15 minutes or until golden. Serve with salad.

That’s all from me this time, happy stitching!
Rachel and the team at Annie’s CQS
03 3076 277
www.anniesquilts.co.nz