Little Stories – Holiday Happenings

California Redwoods National Park - inktorrents.com photo by Soma Acharya

 

 

Hi Everyone!!  A very fond welcome to all my new and old visitors.  I have had quite an eventful winter break.  On two occasions, my husband and I first drove down to Southern California and then also to the north.  Apart from being outside and travelling, I have also been busy in my little atelier with sorting out projects, planning, painting, book binding, etc.   I LOVE to bake, so I have been playing with recipes too.  I have one to share with you today along with my other holiday happenings!

 

 

Katsushika Hokusai Fuji woodblock print - inktorrents.com photo by Soma Acharya

 

 

This year I swapped out my snowshoes and outdoor boots with my city boots.  I was all set to go to the Eastern Sierra to play in the snow.  Then I found out at the last minute that Bowers Museum in Anaheim is hosting an exhibit of an extensive collection of  Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock prints from the British Museum.  As a block printer myself, I could not pass up the chance to see these original prints up close.  Needless to say, it was an incredible visit and it happened to be on my birthday weekend.

 

 

Japanese ink Kakimori and Shikori Miruai - inktorrents.com photo by Soma Acharya

 

 

Afterwards we visited a few book shops and stationary stores there.   I got several incredibly beautiful Japanese inks for my birthday from my husband.  I love the simple joy of playing with these inks and writing Japanese with a brush.   I am excited about using these inks for both writing with fountain pens and for drawing.

 

 

Juki Sewing Machine - inktorrents.com photo by Soma Acharya

 

 

I recently got a new sewing machine.  To familiarize myself with the new machine, I started making something that is nothing fancy but very special – blankets for my kitties who love to sleep on them.   I “quilt” them with wavy lines.

 

 

 

Bobcat quilt pattern - inktorrents.com by Soma Acharya

 I made this bobcat pattern for a school mascot as a custom order

 

I used to design paper piecing quilt patterns.  For non quilters, it is a type of pattern that enables me to create almost any picture with fabric, like this bobcat.   The challenge in writing these patterns is that every sewing line (seam) has to be a straight line.  The curves are all made of straight lines.  I start with drawing the picture and then start drawing lines where the seams will go.  Figuring out the way each piece connects to another is like creating a puzzle.

You can see my currently available patterns in my shop.   I took a break from designing patterns, but I am excited to say that during this break I started working on a new one.  I will share as soon as it is ready.

 

 

Compass Mariner's Star quilt pattern - inktorrents.com by Soma Acharya

 

 

During the holidays, Rebecca Magee shared photos with me of this beautiful quilt she made.

 

 

Compass Mariner's Star quilt pattern - inktorrents.com by Soma Acharya

 

 

She used my Compass Needle pattern for the stars in the middle.  Isn’t the quilt gorgeous?!! 

 

 

 

Truman Fruitcake recipe - inktorrents.com photo by Soma Acharya

 

 

Due to severe food allergies, I can’t have store-bought fruit cakes and I am not really very fond of alcohol-steeped desert.  I recently happened on a recipe from the President Truman household that was posted by the National Park Service.  I made a few modifications to fit our taste and we really love it.

I am sharing both the original and my modified version with my notes.  I posted the recipe on this page all on its own so you can bookmark it directly.   I hope you like it.

 

 

California Redwoods National Park - inktorrents.com photo by Soma Acharya

 

 

I usually make a “official” end to my winter break with a visit to the majestic Redwood forests along the California coast.   It is a very contemplative time for me.  I took this photo from the car one morning.   Not the best photo technically, but I love the atmosphere.

 

 

Redwood cone ink drawing - inktorrents.com by Soma Acharya

Purchase handmade journals

 

At home, I finished a long-awaited drawing of the redwood cones collected from my own backyard in my nature journal which I made.

 

These are just a few things from my winter break.  I have so much more to share with you, from both my atelier and my  travels.  Thank you so much for continuing to visit me.   It is great to see familiar as well as new “faces” here.

Until next time,
-Soma

 

I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page.  Please consider paying a visit to some of them.

 

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October Colours – Autumn Forest Walk

 

October is here.  Alongside mostly cooler days, I have spotted colour changes in the leaves here and there.  I will soon be out and about a LOT more with my camera and paintbrushes, capturing the quintessential autumnal colours and enjoying not only my favourite seasons, also my most favourite festival – Halloween!  After being homebound for close to six months during spring and summer due to severe allergies, I look forward to this every year with much excitement.

I have a few sewing projects to share with you that are made from my patterns –

 

 

 

 

The camera was made by Becky as a gift.

 

Kat made a bag for a secret Santa present using the Artist Paintbox pattern.

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase Halloween Witch Hat

 

 

The first witch hat was made by Mary.  She used dot-to-dot quilting for it, which I found to be so unique.

 

The second one was made by PumpkinHollowQuilts.  She makes some of the best Halloween cross stitches and decorations.

 

 

They are all made from some of my favourite patterns, and I am delighted to be able to share them with you. 

 

 

 

 I made a Halloween-themed block from my Shattered Star pattern.  I earnestly meant to quilt this block by now.  Much to my chagrin, that is unfortunately not going to happen.  I am going to turn this into a pillow.

Linking up with One Monthly Goal hosted by Patty!  Great way to get those small or big finishes achieved.

 

 

 

 

Most of my things are still in boxes while we wait for a few home improvements.  I did pack some of my drawing/painting supplies in a bag since I can pretty much sit anywhere and start to draw/paint.  The only thing that could distract me is the call of the outside.

 

 

 

Purchase Autumn Forest Walk

 

The woods around here will very soon start to display the most amazing autumnal colours.   Mother Nature uses her Midas touch to transform the area into the most vibrant shades of gold and yellow.  Even painting that transports me to a different world. 

 

 

 

Purchase Autumn Forest Walk

 

In the spirit of sharing some of my autumn dreams with you, Autumn Forest Walk is now available in my shop.  If you are a tree-hugger (in the most literal sense) like me, you would probably enjoy having it around all year long as I do.

 

 

 

See you on Oct. 31st for Wandering Camera!

 

Happy October!
-Soma

 

I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page.  Please pay a visit to some of them.  

 

 

 

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