Happy Thanksgiving - Much To Do!

Above average temperatures for several weeks and then suddenly it was cold and windy. I guess it is an indication to stay indoors and sew :-D

Should you need a new pattern, Fireworks is now available in my Etsy Shop as a standalone pattern. You can get it at a discount of 25% for one week.

Fireworks

Fireworks is a simple pattern that requires no special rulers/templates and is NOT paper-pieced, making it suitable for all skill levels. 

Brightness

Walking Foot Quilting

Fireworks was first published in Make Modern's Issue 59.

Thank you, Paul

I used Island Batik's Fire and Ice Collection, but you could make it in any colors of your choice. Picture it as a Quilt of Valor. At 60" by 79", it certainly meets the size requirements for QOV.

In Peppermint Sprinkles

In Breezy, Black Background

But there is more. Two lucky readers can win a copy of the Fireworks PDF pattern. Leave me a comment on this blogpost, mentioning your favorite Thanksgiving Dessert. I will pick the winners next week. Please make sure that I have a way of reaching you.

Update - The two winners are Sara (#2) and Susie (#11). Emails have been sent.

But wait there is even more. 

On account of Thanksgiving, I am offering a 25% off sale on ALL patterns till Sunday, 12/1/2024.

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Earlier this month, I taught a Workshop on Improvisational Piecing.  It included modules on Color Theory, Improv Exercises and Layout & Composition.  The 5-hour workshop went by so quickly.

Using two fabric bundles (Island Batik Collections), the attendees made fabric pairs such that there was enough contrast between each pair.

Wild Blooms Collection

Morris Mist Collection

The workshop included five exercises, but the time limitation only allowed for four. Here are some of the attendees with their work.

Loving it

Your smile says it all

Inspired!

Happiness

I received excellent feedback. The attendees left inspired and energized. Since this was my first time teaching this class, I really appreciate these notes from Brenda and Robyn.

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Every year we travel to see Paul's parents (mom and stepdad) for Thanksgiving. Since Paul's mom passed away earlier this year, some people asked me - "Are you still going to Georgia for Thanksgiving?"

Yes, we are.  In times of turmoil, it is even more important to maintain our rituals and routine. 

Starter Syrup and Candied Fruit

I am baking my 30-day Friendship Fruit Cake plus two kinds of cookies - Chocolate Drops and Cranberry Shortbread. The cookies can change but the Fruit Cake is a holiday tradition and is more than expected at Thanksgiving :-)

Watch this clip from a favorite movie of mine, emphasizing our need to find a semblance of perfection in our random world. 

Life is random. In the middle of that randomness, carve some time to play with fabric, meditate with music and be good to yourself. A semblance of normalcy may go a long way to battle the absurd.

I wish that your Thanksgiving Holiday brings you just what you need. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

Lots of Love and Squishy Hugs!

Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 tbls olive oil
• 1 cup boiled and grated potatoes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 lemon - zest and juice
• 1 egg - beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbls + 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp red chilli powder (reduce if you prefer mild)
• vegetable/canola oil for deep frying



Spaghetti Squash

Patties

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and smear with a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Place in a roasting pan, cut sides facing down. Roast for 40 minutes.
• Remove from oven. Allow to cool and scrape the insides with a fork.
• Mix 1 tbls salt into the spaghetti and set aside for 15 minutes.
• Squeeze out the liquid from the spaghetti, the best you can.  Place in a mixing bowl.
• Add the potatoes, onion, parsley, zest and juice of one lemon, the beaten egg, salt and chilli pepper and mix well. 
• Add breadcrumbs 1/4 cup at a time, till you get binding consistency. You need not use all of the breadcrumbs. It depends on how wet or how dry your spaghetti is after the liquid has been squeezed out.
• Shape into lime size balls and flatten into patties
• Refrigerate for a couple of hours.
• Heat oil in a wok. Fry in batches. Drain on absorbent kitchen towels.
• Enjoy!!!

You should get about 24 fritters.

Variations - You can add 1/4 cup parmesan to the mixture or use parmesan bread crumbs.

 

  

Fried golden brown

So many reasons to be thankful...

I was not going to write about it because this is a quilting blog and not an everyday life kinda blog. But it is my quilter friends that I am thankful for and it is the everyday life that inspires my quilting.

with Sylvia in Reading Mall

Earlier this month, I drove to PA to meet with my quilty buddies.  Sylvia and I met up for lunch. She brought me this gorgeous Kaffe fabric. Not a FQ or a sliver but 3+ yards of it.

I love you!!!

Thank you, Sylvia.
How did she know I am having an affair with Kaffe Fassett fabric? Well, I am but that is another blogpost.

Next stop was Mari. We had so much to talk about that I forgot to take pictures - tch tch tch.  I showed her my WIPs. We exchanged ideas, lots of laughter and some yummy food. Yes, of course she showered me with fabric too.

You make me happy!

This is so me!!!

But this is not all. I received more fabric, but that is yet another blogpost. Thank you, Mari.


I have not met Bubby, but I know her from the M* forum.  I was tickled when I received this lovely card and this adorable turkey coaster from her.

Cuteness Overload

And I love the coaster. Thank you, Bubby.


Two weeks ago, Paul had to go to work really early. He had to be there at 3:00AM (yes, it is insane) to coordinate with team members in Australia.
Would I pack him a few sandwiches?
Of course. As I placed the sandwiches in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, I noticed that there were several plastic bags (with leftovers) in the fridge.
Since I would not be up at 2:45AM to hand him the correct bag (and he may be too sleepy/groggy to pick the right one), I placed a note on the sandwich bag saying "THIS IS THE ONE".
Made sure that it was front and center in the fridge and went to sleep.
Later in the day, Paul sent me the following picture.

Melts my heart

The original from February 2008

Of all the joys and blessings in my life, Paul tops the list. Thank you, Paul.


Every year we go to Paul's parents for Thanksgiving but this year Paul had to work on both days.  I assured him that I would prepare the turkey and all fixings.  When my sister asked about our holiday plans I told her that I am staying put to make sure that the hardworking man got a home-cooked meal on the holiday.

Can we come, she asked.
Yes, of course, I answered.

My sister is vegetarian and my niece is allergic to nuts. Paul loves turkey and stuffing etc. We sisters find that food bland and blah. I needed a game plan and an elaborate one to please everyone and kill no one.

When my sister arrived on Wednesday with her 2+1 (my nephew, my niece, and the exchange student from Guatemala) kids, the Indian lunch and the no-nut banana muffins were ready.

I had also prepared the dough for making thumbprint cookies. The kids gleefully made the depressions and messily filled them with jam and marmalade.

Making cookies - making memories

Can you see them smiling?   They were being so goofy!!!  Look at the picture below - everyone is so involved. And my sister took the perfect shot.

My favorite picture

Twenty minutes to heavenly bliss.

Strawberry Preserves & Orange Marmalade Thumbprints

We went out for a Mexican dinner, courtesy my sis :-D Thank you, Sis!!!

Mexican Dinner

Good times

In addition to turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, I chose to make roasted butternut squash soup, spaghetti squash fritters, roasted root vegetables, roasted broccoli, and an apple spinach salad.

Butternut Squash - cleaned

Seasoned with salt, pepper and cinnamon

Caramelized Sweetness

 Roasted the squash on Tuesday. The soup was made on Wednesday, while muffins were in the oven.

Can you see the silky smoothness?

I have made spaghetti squash before but this time, I wanted to do something special with it.  After roasting and scraping the strands, I added spices, boiled and grated potato, egg and breadcrumbs.

Spaghetti Squash - Roasted and Scraped

Shaped them into patties and refrigerated till an hour before dinner time.

Fritters

 Deep fried in hot oil till golden brown.

Deep Fried to Golden Brown

I don't think I would have tried these new recipes, if it was just Paul and me. I am glad that my sister came over. I had been wanting to cook squash and this was the perfect opportunity to show off my skills :-)

Cubed Sweet Potatoes

Red Beets

Broccoli

Root Vegetables in an olive oil bath

Roasted and Yummy

Roasted Broccoli

Mashed Potatoes - A little Forkplay

Buttered and Broiled Sexiness

Oh yes, I did make the turkey. Just one breast - in the slow cooker.

Sow Cooker Turkey Breast

Shredded and served.

Paul was happy with his regular Thanksgiving food and my sister was impressed by all the non-traditional items. Even the kids had seconds.

Our Table

It was my first time hosting and it was a hit. Here is my colorful plate.

My plate

I am so happy. I need to write down that squash fritters recipe before I forget it. Did you want it too?

A clean house, a refrigerator full of food, and a happy family. Could I ask for more?
Ah yes, fabric. Well, I took care of that this weekend. Here is a glimpse of my loot.

Yes, I bought the bolt

Saved 134, spent 81

Floral Magic

Perfect Backing for Baby Quilts

Look at those rich colors

And here is a glimpse of the works in progress, which were put aside for the last three days but are now back on the machine, the design wall and everywhere else.

My favorite bag - Becca

Making these for an upcoming art/craft fair. If you are interested in making these bags/pods, I suggest the Craftsy class by Joan Hawley.

A few of the Sweet Pea Pods

Here is another work in progress. The plan (hope) is to have it done by the end of the year. Therefore I am making it my OMG for December.

WIP - December OMG

So much is happening. I have four holiday parties to attend. Cards to write and gifts to pack. Trying to squeeze sewing in between. It is pure chaos and I love it.  So, what is up with you? I'd love to hear from you.

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties - see sidebar.