Hi there. 

I hope you are enjoying the best of the summer wherever you are with lots of warm weather for gardening and exploring, and long evenings for stitching and relaxing.

At Annie’s we are making plans for a busy year with our Thursday morning patchwork class starting again on February 1st.  If you would like to learn some new skills either hand or machine quilting, get some help with what you are working on or just be inspired you are welcome to join us.  If you are not into quilts, why not make a bag, cushions, a table runner, wall hanging,  or couch companion.   It is just $10.00 per class (10.00 am-12.30pm).  If you don’t have a project yet, no problem!  We can help you find one.

Our first Cross Stitch Night will be Friday 9th February (5-8 pm).  Bring your work, a small plate of nibbles to share and a drink of your choice.  (Tea and coffee provided)  There is no charge for this session, it is just about sharing ideas and enjoying some good company and a few laughs while we stitch (and try not to unpick!)

This week I am pleased to be able to show you this gorgeous little quilt that Rosie has been working on.  This is “Jardin de Poche by Veronique’s Quilt Designs and uses Cottage Garden hand dyed threads, hanky linen and Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics.  If you have been doing the “Field Journal” block of the month from Cottage Garden Threads, this is a great way to use up those left over stranded cottons.  The pattern is $38.00 and comes with a full colour booklet of all 36 block designs.  We also have an option for you to buy the pattern and hanky linen ($66.80) and we have a huge selection of cut pieces and packs of the Liberty fabrics which are also our website.

ttps://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/category/48-liberty-fabrics.html?sort=pd.name&order=ASC

Another very useful gadget is the Ultimate Thread Dispenser from Wonderfil.  Ideally suited for Wonderfil’s mini king size spools, this dispenser with it’s rotating base fits on the upright spool pin of your machine or beside the machine to improve stitch quality and consistency.  The Ultimate Thread Dispenser ($28.00 or two for $50.00) also stop ravelling, self tangling, pooling and other nightmares with specialty threads and metallics!  Below is a link to Wonderfils video about the dispenser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDjix9rUW0
Need more fabric?  We still have a great selection of Moda charm squares, jelly rolls, mini charms and layer cuts at never to be repeated clearance prices (almost half what you would normally expect to pay).  From retro to reproduction, bright to bold, classy to Christmas, moreish to must have, there is something for everyone – don’t miss out!
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online/category/12-charm-squares-and-jelly-rolls.html
Now, onto the recipe.  The vegetable garden is in full swing at our house and I have been making jams and preserves.  These pickled vegetables make a delicious addition to a cheese platter, or can be added to your favourite rice or noodle dish.

Picked Vegetables

Cut up about 4 cups of vegetables such a cauliflower, small carrots, red onion, chilli, capsicum and zuchinni cut into small bite size pieces (although small chilli and baby carrots can be left whole).
Place the vegetable pieces in a bowl and coat well with the following ingredients.

• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• ½ tsp each of mustard seeds and whole peppercorns
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Pickling liquid:  Heat together until the sugar has dissolved.
• 2 cups of rice wine vinegar
• 2 cups water
• ½ c raw sugar

Pack the vegetables into sterilized jars and pour over the pickling liquid.  Leave to cool before sealing the jars.  Store in the fridge.