Almost 20 years ago, just after I learned to sew, I discovered Threads Magazine. The local library had a subscription, and while you weren’t allowed to check them out, I was hooked.  The articles on fabrics, garment construction, and sewing techniques were amazing.  Whenever I was in town and had a little time, I would sit in the corner of the Kaunakakai Public Library, perusing the back issues and absorbing information. Thanks to Threads, I learned the basics of pattern drafting, how to set sleeves perfectly, how to take a pattern from an existing garment, and masses of beautiful sewing techniques and finishes.  By the time I went to university, I was good enough to be hired by a costume shop (where, admittedly, I learned a HUGE amount more, because there is no substitute for hands-on learning from experts). When I went to buy a comprehensive modern sewing book a few years back, I instantly picked up the Threads Sewing Guide.  Then I questioned myself: am I just being a fangirl?  I spread out every …

Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays, and one of the few American things that I would really miss in New Zealand.  To help me to feel at home, my lovely in-laws have thrown a Thanksgiving dinner every year since Mr D & I got married.  This year, since we finally have our own house (with a dining room even!) we got to host it ourselves.  Exciting!  The in-laws came up from Nelson, and MIL cooked with me, so we’re continuing the tradition of doing it together. A few weeks before Thanksgiving, I was talking about the holiday with a friend from Scotland.  She asked if I make a vegetable turkey  since I’m vegetarian (well, not actually vegetarian, just complicated). “A vegetable turkey?  Like a tofurkey?” “No.  Like this:” She was joking. But I instantly thought “OMG!  I want one!” So I had lots of fun at the Sunday market buying vegetables, and just as much fun giggling and arranging them with MIL on Thanksgiving day, and despite the enormous potential for this idea to …