Hi there, I hope you had a fantastic Easter weekend and have had your fill of chocolate and hot cross buns. Although the weather was not great for outdoor pursuits, it was great for sewing I did manage to make some in roads on my hand stitching and cross stitch projects, although my hands are not thanking me for it!

However I do swear by this amazing product “Mary Ellen’s Made by Hand, Hand Therapy Gel”. The active ingredient is White Willow Bark which is a pain releaver and anti inflamitory and it does provide relief without leaving your hands feeling sticky or greasy. It won’t stain your fabric or effect your needle. It is $28.00 and is a must for stitchers and people who get painful, chapped or cracked hands.

Now we are all set for another long weekend! The shop will be closed Friday tomorrow for Anzac Day and then open on Saturday. Another day off on Sunday and Monday we will be here bright and early for another busy week.

The Bernina Autumn sale continues until May 18th, so there is plenty of time to come and test drive your new sewing machine or overlocker and make the most of the 20% of Bernina and Bernette accessories – machine feet, carry bags, extension tables, quilting rulers or anything else you can find in the accessories catalogue(some exclusions apply).

About this time each year in Nashville, cross stitch designers and suppliers from around the world converge on the city for their wholesale market. This year did not disappoint with lots of beautiful new designs and antique reproduction pieces.

We have just received the second of two large shipments from the US with all the latest releases, including two beautiful new booklets from Blackbird Designs. (“The Sweet Birds Sing”, and “Gifts of the Season”). These have all been added to the “Cross Stitch” section of our website, so why not grab a cuppa and have a look.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/category/13-cross-stitch.html?limit=100

Things to mark on your calendar (yes, Annie’s will be a merchant at these events ☺)

• 16-18 May “TheGreat New Zealand Quilt Show” – Wigram Airforce Museum, Christchurch.
  https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Promotions-NZ/New-Zealand/The-Great-New-Zealand-Quilt-Show-2025
• 13-15 June Motueka Quilting Connections Show – Motueka Memorial Hall, Pah Street.
• 18-21 July Annie’s Country Quilt Store Winter Stitching Retreat – Hotel Ashburton. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event. Register now!
  https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

Now on to the recipe. A delicious way to use the last of the cherry tomatoes that might still have in the garden or glass house.

Slow Roasted Tomatoes with Feta

• Cherry tomatoes (or pieces of larger ones)
• Sprigs of thyme or rosemary
• Olive oil
• Feta Cheese
• Balsamic vinegar

Preheat the oven to 120C. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place in a large lined baking tray cut side up. Season with a little sea salt and fresh herbs. Roast in the oven for 2 hours until they are looking a little shrivelled. Cool slightly and gently toss through the balsamic vinegar and chunks of feta.
Excellent as a salad, side dish or with your favourite pasta. ☺