Hi there. Well, as boring as it sounds, this week has been business as usual at Annie’s. In fact the most exciting thing that has happened is that we have had the driveway and car park at the shop dug out and resurfaced. The guys have done a great job and hopefully this will eliminate “Lake Annie” in the driveway each time it rains!

As usual more parcels have arrived including the latest edition of Quiltmania’s Simply Vintage magazine and loads more lovely books to keep you inspired! We also have plenty of copies of the latest and last ever copy of New Zealand Quilter. This is the end of an era and a huge congratulations goes out to Ann Scott and her team for their legacy of 100 issues!

Block 5 of the Dancing Chickens BOM from Hatched and Patched is due to go out this week. Featuring quirky stitchery and wool applique, this quilt has been hugely popular and it is not too late to join in the fun. Blocks are $34.00 each for 12 months and this includes patterns, wool packs, hanky linen and DMC threads.

Don’t forget about the class coming up “Hey Ewe” focusing on foundation piecing techniques for this cheeky flock.

Next weekend will be our regular monthly Saturday wool class. Everyone is welcome. More details are on the class page of the Annie’s website or you are welcome to give us a call at the shop.

That is all from me this week, as I am off to pack my bag. I am flying to Wellington tomorrow and will do some business in the city before heading up to Otaki for a quilters retreat. All that stitching, laughing, drinking and eating...of course it is all work!

This week’s recipe is a quick an easy one for “take a plate” type events or if you are having friends over for a drink.

Cheese Grapes

• 125 g softened cream cheese
• 60 g blue cheese
• 2 tblsp sour cream
• 125 g chopped walnuts
• 30 seedless green grapes

Place the sour cream and cheeses into a bowl and beat until smooth. Wrap each grape in a little of the cheese mixture and then roll them in the chopped walnuts. Refrigerate until firm.

Happy stitching,

Rachel