Happy New Year! For most of us Christmas is now just chocolate wrappers and credit card bills...and maybe a few extra pounds around the middle. However I hope you also took some time to make some memories with your friends and family which really is what Christmas should be all about.

Already I can see that 2018 is going to be a very busy and exciting year with visits from some great tutors, a bit of tripping around with teaching and merchant opportunities, some travel to Cairns (put the jug on Lorelle!!) and Port Douglas, and then to India later in the year.

We are also putting plans in place for our annual retreat in Akaroa in June – places are sought after and limited, so make sure you let us know early on if you are keen to join us for a fun weekend of stitching, good food and plenty of laughs.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have sort of got lost in my cross stitch. This is sort of a ‘me’ thing to do as the samples for the shop take a long time to finish, however as long as there is not too much unpicking it is quite satisfying.

This is the Hornibrook I have just completed. The cross stitch is mounted on this beautifully finished piece of wood that is designed to hold the threads for the stitching project you are working on. I like to think of it as an heirloom. The pattern is $79.00 and this includes the wooden base.

A lesser known fact about Annie (aka Rachel) is that she has a long held fascination with Dr Suess....the stories and more recently the fabric. This is so cool! For big kids as well as little ones...check out these stackable pop up boxes, storeage containers. These fold down flat when not in use, and can be purchased as a set of three springs with the pattern for $112.00.....you just need to add the fabric, stabiliser and a free afternoon! There is also a scrap saver size one which is great next to the sewing machine and a mini one that comes with a free pattern. Check these out on the website.

Before I forget...the winner of the $50.00 voucher from Annie’s for December is Jenny Adams from Ashburton.

Now onto the recipe...I have discovered that it is an amazing season for wild blackberries...think blackberry and apple sponge, crumble or pie or blackberry and apple jelly on toast or served with a delicious venison dish...mmmm

Blackberry and Apple Jelly

• 400 g cooking apples
• 1 orange or lemon
• 1 kg blackberries
• 3 ½ c water
• 1 ¾ c sugar (approx)

Wipe the apples, cut into pieces without peeling or coring. Thinly peel the rind from the orange or lemon. Put apples, rind, water and blackberries into a preserving pan and bring to the boil. Simmer until pulpy. Stir occasionally for about 30 mins. Turn into a jelly bag and leave to drip overnight. Do not squeeze the bag.

Next day measure the juice allowing a cup of sugar and a tablespoon of lemon or orange juice for each cup of juice. Heat the juices until boiling then add the sugar stirring until dissolved. Boil rapidly for about 30 mins or until the jelly gives the setting test.

Makes about 2 x 250ml jars.

That is all from me this week and happy stitching.

Rachel