Hi there,

I hope you are making the most of  the tail end of summer as we are fast approaching the end of daylight saving time next weekend.   Almost time to hibernate with the stitching!

We have lots of gorgeous kits and projects to help with with that here at Annie’s ☺  If you have a few minutes to spare, why not pull up a chair and a cuppa and cruise through the website.
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/shop-online.html

In terms of fabrics, just arrived are some new Ruby Star prints that go beautifully with the Kathy Doughty and Anna Maria ranges we have in stock.
If you are looking for something more muted the Jacobien inspired “Dressmaker” from Dawn Heese has some great prints if you are looking for fabrics to fussy cut.
https://www.marcusfabrics.com/category/2-233449/dressmaker/?sCatOpt=1-198564&DefShowFilter=1-198564

Don’t forget about your entries for the Bernina 12” x 12” challenge this year.  The theme is “Rework”  so there is plenty of scope for some really great ideas, and a chance to win a new Bernina 3 series sewing machine!  (It would be great to have your entries to us by April 13, many thanks!)  

I don’t enter a lot of challenges, but I have to say I did enjoy playing around with my 12” square last year, doing something creative and different – why not give it a go!
The first showing of these challege quilts will be at our           Mid Winter Stitching Retreat in Ashburton (18-20 July).  This will once again be held at the Hotel Ashburton with exhibitions, guest speakers, demonstrations, stitching, eating, goodies bags and VIP shopping.  Registrations are now open.  Follow this link for more information, then give us a call and we can book you in.  But you’ll have to be in quick as places are limited!
https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

If you are keen for a trip to Ashburton today (Saturday) the Altrusa Fabric and Craft Bazar is at the Sinclair Centre on Park Street from 9-3 and Annie’s will be open here in Tinwald until 4.30 pm as well of course!
Next Friday night (4 April) will be our next Crazy Cross Stitch night from 5-8 in the classroom here.  More details on the website.  Bring what you are working on and come along and enjoys some stitching time.

Now, on to the recipe.  Having just been given some beautiful big quinces, I thought I would share with you might favourite recipe for Quince paste…delicious with cheese and nibbles.

Quince Paste

Peel and core the quinces and steam them until tender.
Press the fruit through a sieve or use a stick blender to puree.  Measure the amount of fruit and place in a large heavy bottom pot and then add in the same amount of sugar.
Cook over a steady heat until thickened (45-60 mins) stirring constantly otherwise it will burn easily.  When ready you will see the mixture starting to come away from the sides of the pot.
Pour into a greased dish and leave to cool.  It will keep in the fridge, but can also be frozen.

Have a great weekend,
Rachel and the team at Annie’s.
03 3076 277
www.anniesquilts.co.nz