Charlie’s Adventure is a story I wrote along with a quilt I made. Charlie is my sweet little orange kitty who, contrary to everyone’s belief, has a sweet tooth that would rival anyone. He will do anything to get a lick of ice-cream, watermelon, sweetened cream, or anything else sweet you can think of.
One day, Charlie learned that on All Hallows Eve, if he puts on a wizard’s hat and a bow tie and sits very very quietly amongst the Jack-O-Lanterns, magic leaves will come and carry him to the Land of the Seven Sisters who would give him lots and lots of sweets to eat. So he came to me and asked if I would make him a hat and a bow tie. I was happy to oblige.
As the evening approached, he donned his starry hat and bow tie, smartly walked outside, sat down in the pumpkin patch and waited very patiently.
Charlie has a very bossy sister and two very clueless brothers. They all love to play with Charlie. His sister specially loves Charlie and keeps a wary eye on him at all times. Charlie excitedly told her all about his plan. She didn’t really believe him, but she was not about to let him sit outside all alone either. Who knew what peril would befall her brother! She was also not going to leave the other two out of sight, because then she would have to spend the rest of the night looking for all of them if they got lost. So the bossy sister pushed the disgruntled brothers out the door and all of them surreptitiously waited a little distance away from little Charlie as the sun sank below the horizon.
They waited and waited and waited some more. Then, when everything had gone quiet, all the kids had gone home after their Trick-Or-Treat runs and the Jack-O-Lanterns were about to go out, they heard a rustle and a swoosh. Suddenly they were off, all four of them, carried away on gigantic leaves! These were no ordinary leaves, of course! On each one of them, a different adventure awaited the little kitties. They stayed together, hopped around and rolled from leaf to leaf, played, and had amazing fun.
All this time, while they were busy playing, the leaves carried them onward and upward to the Land of the Seven Sisters. By the time the little kitties got there, they were exhausted. They sat in the midst of stars and each had their favourite food to eat while watching the Jack-O-Lantern-lit Earth turning down below. Charlie had his most favourite sweets to eat that day and nobody was going to stop him. Slowly as the night got deeper, they fell asleep on top of each other and were carried gently and silently back down to earth, down to their soft, warm beds.
I had a wonderful time drawing, creating the layout, and designing the patterns for Charlie’s Adventure. I definitely had just as much fun as my little kitties. Charlie was all right with sharing the story with all of you as long as he and his beloved Papa could have the quilt.
Now I am really glad to have finished the quilt so that they can huddle under it together and dream of sweet things.
Charlie sat and supervised as I wrote the story. Actually, he was trying to convince me to give him some sweet treats. He was most disappointed when that didn’t work, “Nobody at home ever gives me anything!” So he went off to bed to dream about his special All Hallows Eve adventure while snoozing with his pumpkin. Supposedly the pumpkin gives him sweet dreams.
He has always been the perpetual kitten of our home and continues to make us laugh with his antics. I was working on another large painting which I unfortunately had to restart after many hours of work, causing a fair bit of disgruntlement. As I have always wanted to illustrate this story, I put that painting aside to work on storyboarding Charlie’s Adventure. Storyboarding is usually done with rough sketches and no color, but I really wanted to play with my watercolors.
So, I did this very rough and quick watercolor sketch on a 3″x5″ card. It was hard for me to not add any detail, but I reminded myself that this is only a sketch, and I can add detail to my heart’s content on the larger painting. I am really looking forward to continuing with the illustrations and then turning that into a book. That will be my adventure!
Whether you read this story for the first time today or re-read it, I do hope you enjoyed it! Wishing Happy Samhain to the ones who celebrate and Happy Autumn to everyone!
Until next time,
-Soma
P.S. I always get asked – the patterns are available in my shop.
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. Hosts of linky parties – please grab a photo of you choice for your party. Thank you for hosting!
60 thoughts on “Charlie’s Adventure…and Mine”
Sallie (FullTime-Life) December 10, 2025 at 19:38
Dear Soma, I loved Charlie’s adventure and the wonderful way you presented it. I can imagine how much fun you had doing it — losing that one big picture must have been heartbreaking — all that creative love gone. I’m nowhere near talented the way you are, but I understand the pain since I almost lost my whole blog this past September when the platform I used suddenly went out of business. I wanted to thank you for your support and encouragement and I have tried to take a daily picture as you suggested. Project 365 is going to be my new year’s resolution now that with help) I finally have a new blog ready to go. It is here:
Debbie November 20, 2025 at 10:17
you quilt!!! i know you are extremely talented but i did not know you were a quilter…it is beautiful and so festive. i enjoyed the story of charlie, my husband has a sweet tooth also and i do believe he could “eat” charlie under the table!! the paintings/cards are beautiful as well!!
Lisa | Handmade in Israel November 20, 2025 at 01:10
Absolutely delightful! I loved reading about Charlie and his siblings. What an adventure they had! Your quilt and paintings are of course fabulous!
Linda November 19, 2025 at 04:42
I love ❤️ cats and Charlie is adorable. You have tremendous talent.
Veronica Lee November 18, 2025 at 21:23
Such a sweet and magical story! I love Charlie with a wizard’s hat and bow tie. The quilt you made is absolutely gorgeous and fits the tale so perfectly. Thank you for sharing this charming piece of your world!
rainbow evening November 14, 2025 at 23:56
beautiful drawing and interesting story…. love it.
Amy Johnson November 13, 2025 at 05:53
Charlie sounds like quite the kitty! I love your drawing of him, and the quilt is AMAZING!
Leah Tonna November 11, 2025 at 02:09
Oh Soma! Cats & Quilts, I’m in heaven.
Melissa November 10, 2025 at 20:10
Oh Soma! I love all of this so much! Charlie is such a lucky kitty to have a human like you care for him <3 Your quilt and paintings are gorgeous and your story is so very sweet! I hope you enjoyed a lovely Samhain and are having a wonderful week so far!
Brenda @ Songbird Designs November 9, 2025 at 12:27
You are so talented, Soma! Love the story and the quilt, and the sketch, and of course Charlie is just a cutie pie! Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings.
RachelSwirl November 8, 2025 at 12:46
You are so so talented, I’m loving the Halloween vibes eminating from that cute cat. Thanks for sharing and for participating in #MySundaySnapshot.
Peter B. November 7, 2025 at 15:56
Wonderful story. I like Charlie!
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs November 7, 2025 at 10:13
Aw, I love your story so much, Soma! And of course, Charlie too, he’s a cutie.
The quilt is gorgeous, that must have taken you some time to complete, and the watercolour sketch is beautiful.
Wishing you, your hubby and kitties a lovely weekend. :) x
Kirstin Troyer November 7, 2025 at 10:09
Awww the kitty with the pumpkins is so sweet. I’m not much into halloween but love all your projects that reflect it here.
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter November 5, 2025 at 17:08
What a delightful story! I love your illustrations so far, and the quilt that inspired them. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
Susan November 5, 2025 at 13:09
I enjoyed the story and all the artwork and the quilt.. Your drawings capture Charlie well.
Pat November 5, 2025 at 11:26
Your quilts and watercolors are lovely and so fall festive! I also have a sweet tooth, so Charlie and I would be good friends. I
Comedy Plus November 5, 2025 at 06:59
A most beautiful post and Charlie is most handsome.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Rain November 5, 2025 at 01:54
Soma, your story about Charlie is so dear, thank you for sharing it! And I love your beautiful art! ♥ Blessed belated Samhain!
Jackie's Photo Blog November 5, 2025 at 01:44
Sorry, I must have accidentally touched send before I put my url in.
Jackie's Photo Blog November 5, 2025 at 01:40
I think this is my first visit here. I love your story, and Charlie was adorable. The quilt is beautiful, a work of art! I love the sketch of Charlie in the pumpkin patch, and the painting of the pumpkin. You are very talented.
Debbie November 5, 2025 at 01:14
How lovely Soma, the story, the quilt and the paintings! You are very talented.
#WWWhimsy
Heidrun November 4, 2025 at 23:05
Yes, I agree with the comments before… and I admire your artwork, especially your quilt. Fine works at all for this lovely season.
Min @ Write of the Middle November 4, 2025 at 20:28
Hi Soma, I loved your story! And the drawings and the beautiful quilt! And your Charlie is a gorgeous boy! I have two tabby cats – Axel and Amaya. Thank you for linking up and sharing your story, drawings and quilt (and Charlie) with us at #WWWhimsy xo
Keith's Ramblings November 4, 2025 at 06:50
Simply delighful, the pumpkin picture at the end is love!y!
an artist reflects November 3, 2025 at 13:32
Love the beauty in the simplicity of your pumpkin illustration ~ divine art work ~ hugs,
an artist reflects
an artist reflects November 3, 2025 at 13:30
Charlie is adorable in your illustration, quilt and photo ~ sounds like a wonderful adventure ~ I never seem to get beyond the simple illustrations and you go the length to get the story and illustrations you want ~ Bravo to you ~ so creatively done ~ hugs,
an artist reflects
Lydia C. Lee November 3, 2025 at 12:16
That’s so cute!! Lovely work! #WWOT
Linda November 3, 2025 at 10:41
Lovely story and quilt.
Melynda November 3, 2025 at 08:54
How sweet! My older gray cat (we were friends for 19 years) would finish my coffee with cream if I didn’t keep track of him! Visiting from #MMBC
Carol November 3, 2025 at 05:05
Charlie is adorable and I love the image of him sitting in the pumpkin patch. Very cute story too – even the bossy sister – I have one of those too! #MMBC
Pat November 3, 2025 at 04:24
Both your quilt and watercolors are wonderful! :)
Kim Carberry November 3, 2025 at 03:05
Aww! Charlie sounds the sweetest! What a lovely story. The quilt and artwork is beautiful.
Natalie November 1, 2025 at 14:22
Your quilt and artwork are beautiful. I enjoyed reading Charlie’s adventure story. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
Kathleen Howell November 1, 2025 at 09:42
I love this story so much!!!
Eileen November 1, 2025 at 01:47
Hello Soma,
Charlie is a handsome kitty! I love your quilt, it is beautiful.
The story is cute. Halloween was quite here.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post.
Take care, have a great weekend.
PS, I appreciate your comment on my post.
Angie October 31, 2025 at 19:52
Soma – your creativity is off the charts! I think I am very much in touch with my inner child these days since our daughter give birth to our first grandchild in September. So, as I read your story, I imagined reading it to our grandson!!!! And so perfect for this Halloween night!
Susan October 31, 2025 at 13:31
I can’t decide which I like better the watercolors or the quilt. So beautiful.
Alycia Quilts October 31, 2025 at 09:52
What a sweet story and a wonderful quilt to go along with it. Love your storyboards – you have such talent!!!
Connie Griffin October 31, 2025 at 08:47
Oh what adventure they all had, I can understand his sister feeling she needed to keep track of them :) My orange cat is very finicky on what he will eat, but our black cat will eat just about anything it is crazy, I keep telling hubby just because he will eat it doesn’t mean it is good for him.
Your quilt is gorgeous you did a beautiful job designing it and the fun story to go with it too. I bet you will enjoy illustrating the book :)
Happy Autumn!
Marsha Ingrao October 31, 2025 at 08:46
Oh my gosh, this is a darling story. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Charlie and give him a sweet or two? Our kitty Moji has eaten a few too many treats. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing both the quilt, the watercolor of Charlie, and the sweet story. LOVE IT!
TerryK October 31, 2025 at 08:02
Such an engaging story and a beautiful quilt too! How wonderful you have Charlie to draw inspiration!
Gillena Cox. October 31, 2025 at 06:24
Thanks for linking to Art For Fun Friday
much♡love
Elizabeth V K October 31, 2025 at 05:52
Cute kitty Halloween story and lovely quilt.
Dixie October 31, 2025 at 05:47
Charlie so gorgeous off to Pleiades. What a lovely adventure story.
Beautiful quilt and a wonderful watercolour as well of Charlie, depicting his sweet expressive face.
Thank you for sharing, Soma.
Erika N October 31, 2025 at 05:08
That is a fun story and what a gorgeous quilt. Of course maybe not quite as gorgeous as Charlie. I have never heard of a cat who likes sweets. :) That story will make a great children’s book and what a fun way to honor Charlie. Happy Halloween. hugs-Erika OH and thanks for getting back to me about Turku. I meant to respond with an email but life somehow got in my way. I have bookmarked your posts so when I plan my Finland trip, I can look back on your info. It was very appreciated. Hugs Again.
tomthebackroadstraveller October 31, 2025 at 02:56
…I LOVE the Charlie’s Adventure quilt. Soma, I wish you a Spooktacular Halloween.
Thistles and Kiwis October 30, 2025 at 12:12
That is a beautiful quilt. We used to have a little black cat called Charlie so I do love this story.
Joanne October 30, 2025 at 11:56
Your quilt is just lovely and your watercolors are too. I’m pretty sure I have heard parts of this story before but it’s so adorable.
Gillena Cox. October 30, 2025 at 11:55
Happy Thursday. The final pumpkin art is my favourite
much♡love
Debra She Who Seeks October 30, 2025 at 11:13
Delightful! — the quilt, the story, and Charlie! I also had a cat with a sweet tooth, referred to on my blog as Her Royal Highness. HRH loved cherry turnovers (you may call them popovers in the USA). Every time I ate one, she would climb into the lap, stand up on her hind legs, and help herself to some of the flaky pastry at the other end of the turnover. We literally ate it together!
Bill October 30, 2025 at 11:08
Wonderful story and amazing quilt, I love the drawing as well. My wife has been doing some Halloween photos of our puppy with a very similar pumpkin like you have with your cat. Check out Halloween in our village on my blog
Karen October 30, 2025 at 10:47
cute halloween story and your quilt is so interesting – I love the eyes on it and of course the kitty!
Janine @ rainbow Hare October 30, 2025 at 10:19
Happy Samhain, Halloween or what you will, Soma :) What a wonderful quilt and story! Thank you for sharing it with us :)
jeanie October 30, 2025 at 07:43
This is so charming! I don’t know what I love most — Charlie’s Adventure story or the beautiful quilt. They are in perfect harmony! (And I like you painting too!)
Thanks for popping by Marmelade Gypsy yesterday!
Christine October 30, 2025 at 07:33
Lovely story and art!
Granny Annie October 30, 2025 at 06:34
Great watercolor work.
Maria October 30, 2025 at 06:18
oh Charlie is super cute! Your quilt is So So beautiful! Your artwork is heartwarming. Truly wonderful! Have a spooctacular Thursday and a Wonderful Halloween!
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal October 30, 2025 at 04:16
Yes I very much enjoyed Charlie’s adventure with his sister – and “clueless” bros – lol! I am glad Charlie and his Dad get to cuddle under that gorgeous quilt. I love the sampler aspect of the quilt, and the fabrics are so attractive. Have you ever designed your own fabrics on Spoonflower?
I just took a look at your quilt patterns and am especially drawn to the stars and want them all!
Thank you for sharing Charlie’s private adventures with us. :D
Cat October 30, 2025 at 02:47
That is adorable! Charlie is such a beautiful boy and the quilt is amazing (I never learned how to sew)!