We are back from an amazing trip to Sicily, one of my favorite places in the world, and while we were there, I made an unexpected discovery.
Food Is Craft
It’s no surprise to anyone following me for some time that I have really embraced cooking as a way to express creativity in addition to quilting. So being in Sicily, being able to watch how much love and attention is put into time-honored traditions around food, I realized that food truly is craft.
When I think of my dear friend Annalisa Pompeo making cavatelli pasta by hand, many of her actions carry the same meditative rhythm as quilting.
Markets Full of Inspiration
As I walked through the vibrant color-filled markets of Siracusa, the bins of spices were reminiscent of the colors and textures of fabric shopping.
Whether we are crafting in fabric or in food, the act of creating is universal.
A Creative Confession
The truth is, I’ve been hesitant to share what I’ve been cooking behind the scenes, it feels like such a departure from what I’ve shared here in the past. I have so many fun meals to share that I haven’t posted because I fear it seems inauthentic. But the reality is, this is the craft that works for my life right now. And while I still will always love the act of stitching two pieces together, right now, I adore putting flavors together – especially Sicilian flavors!
What’s Coming Next
So here’s what I’ve decided — Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing some of these Sicilian discoveries – from the ancient technique of hand-twisting busiate pasta to the simple magic of Trapani pesto made with just a few perfect ingredients. I’ll show you how these time-honored traditions connect to the same principles we love in quilting: patience, attention to detail, and the joy of making something beautiful with our hands.
The Heart of Making
Some of the recipes are surprisingly simple, bringing that same feel-good comfort we find in our favorite quilting projects. Others tell stories about the people and places that make Sicily so special. All of them celebrate the universal language of creativity that connects us across cultures and craft forms.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey as I explore where food and fiber intersect, and discover that the heart of making – whether with fabric or flavors – is always the same.
Speaking of making and creating, I’m excited to share my latest interview today with Debbie Jeske @aquilterstable, where we get a peek into her studios (both kitchen and sewing!). You can catch it here on the blog – I can’t wait for you to read our conversation!
