Hi there…It is hard to believe we are almost a month into the new year already and we are all desperate for some sunshine.  Our thoughts go out to those people who have suffered as a result of the tragic weather related events in the North Island  over the past week.

I have have been making the most of the guilt free sewing time while the weeds grow with a number of new samples and kits finding a place in the shop including this beautiful bag “The Morris Tote” which uses Sue Spargo’s pattern, wools and threads and Kaffe Fassett X William Morris fabric prints.  We have a limited number of these kits ($149.00) so be in quick!

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/5107-the-morris-tote-bag-kit.html 

Speaking of William Morris, if you are a fan this is your chance to co-ordinate your sewing accessories with tweezers, snippers, quick unpicks, tape measures, pins and more which I think are very reasonably priced.  (Think what you would pay for these if you visited Liberty of London!)

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/product/search.html?tag=William%20Morris 

New fabrics from the “Joie de Vivre” range (The French General) have arrived including the most gorgeous little mini charm squares.   To celebrate the arrival of this new fabric we will give you one of these mini charm square packs absolutely free when you spend $100 on any fabric from The French General range!    This offer applies to both in store and on line purchases while stocks last! Limit one per customer.

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/category/58-french-general.html

Our class program kicks off again this weekend with the Friday night cross stitch night in the classroom.  Everyone is welcome to bring their cross stitch and a plate of food to share and join in the stitch and chat…or should I say “chat and stitch”!  It is always good to see what everyone is working on.

Saturday we have our monthly Woolly Stitching Class.  If you love working with wool fabrics, applique, embellishing and hand stitching or would like to learn come and join us.
The Bernina Skills Class planned for 13-14 February is now full, however if you missed out I have scheduled another class for Friday/Saturday 15-16 May.  This class is a great opportunity to make friends with your machine, filled with hints, tips and tricks of the trade.  Book today as spaces are limited.
More details on the website - https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

Just a reminder that if you have been thinking about purchasing a new sewing machine or overlocker now is a good time!  Beat the price rise on BERNINA and bernette  that will take effect 1 February – as long as you order your machine before the first of the month the old price will be honoured.

Now…on to the recipe.  This is a good “Tea (dinner) in ten minutes kind of dish which is great for busy people!

Ginger Chicken and Udon Noodles

• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 finel choped red chilli
• 2 cm piece of finely chopped or grated fresh ginger
• 400 g chicken breast
• 2 cups of chopped vegetables – brocolli, zuchinni, capsicum (or whatever is in the garden or the fridge)
• ¼ c each of oyster or soya sauce and water
• 400 g udon noodles

Place the oil in a pan and cook the garlic, ginger and chilli until softened, then set aside in a small bowl.  Brown the sliced chicken in the pan and then add the vegetables and cook through.  Return the garlic, ginger and chilli to the pan with the sauce and noodles, mix together and then eat!

If you are needing an excuse to visit Ashburton (and sneek in a visit to Annie’s),  the South Island Motor Home Show at the Show grounds is being held February 21-22.   This is a large event run by the Ashburton Lions Club with market stalls, entertainment, food trucks and lots to see.
There are also some fabulous exhibitions on at the Ashburton Art Gallery at the moment, and don’t forget to check out the collection of wedding dresses on display from the Museum collection.

That’s all from me this time, happy stitching!

Rachel and the team at Annie’s CQS