Just for Fun Fabrics

Kim recently entertained a young exchange student from Spain…. Or so we thought. He stayed the entire school year so it was not surprising when his family came during the winter to visit. They, father, mother and older brother, stayed with me. (Kim and I live close). It was then that we learned, in no uncertain terms, that the family is NOT Spanish; they are Basque! Just because most of the world thinks that the Basque country takes in an area of northeastern Spain doesn’t necessarily mean that inhabitants consider themselves to be Spanish! Proud and wonderful people, the Basques have their own language, architecture, culture, history, opinions on government, actually opinions on most things.
The area is known as Pais Vasco in Spanish and Euskadi in Basque. Their language, which is considered the jewel of Basque culture, is a pre-Indo-European tongue whose origin has remained a mystery until this day. These independent and self-sufficient peoples even have their own Railway Network, the Eusko Trenbide Sarea which is the Basque Government owned company which maintains and creates the railway system within the Basque region.
It is not surprising that the area is as rich in its gastronomical traditions as in every other area of life. Basque food is a great experience, Spanish but more. I’d like to share a recipe I particularly favor. It is from the Pyrenees region and perfecto to serve as the weather becomes cooler.

Which brings us in a strange sort of way to Thanksgiving which seems to get squashed between Halloween and Christmas and what a pity it is. Our country is going through trauma at the moment and is groaning but nonetheless the turning of summer to autumn is just as beautiful as ever it has been. Children still laugh, the youth still loves, young men still dream dreams and the rest of us must be content to sew! And the fall fabrics, lots of fabric actually, for that it seems to me, is reason to be thankful . I sometimes wonder how I could continue to live if sewing was not an option.

Having mentioned Christmas as well, it is truly on the door step, especially if you are planning to give hand made gifts. We have a few classes coming up that hopefully will help along those lines.

This Saturday morning, November 8, 10:00 is a class on the technique of “tipsy triangles”. Many things can be made once the technique is mastered and this time, we will be assembling them into a table runner. Depending upon the fabric you choose, the runner can be fall, winter, Thanksgiving or Christmas, fun or formal. Class fee $10.00. Come join us.

November 15 Towels decorated with fabric borders. This is the loveliest, easiest and most economical gift you are going to find this year. Bring the towel or towels you want to work on to class with you and depending upon the fabric you choose, the towel can service any season or holiday. But I’ll warn you, they are the perfect gift and even better to keep! Saturday morning at 10:00. Sewing machine needed. Class fee, $10.00