I have been steadily working on custom patterns this week, so I didn’t have any time to sew. I have also been heading out after work a lot more with my camera. That in turn has resulted in my taking up running again. I used to swim regularly, I miss that since we moved here. Running is a good substitute. In the meantime, my friend Kris got the package that I sent her early this month. She is a wonderful friend and I love knitting for her. I used the Harvest Date pattern again to make a pair of mitts for her. I do love that pattern very much! I thought it was perfect for that October yarn.
I also included The Doctor Who – Time Lord Fairy Tales book in the package for her son. It was good timing too, they got a snow storm right around the time she received the package. She was able to wear her mitts and, due to cancelled school, her son was also able to read the book. Lucky boy, I haven’t finished reading my copy of the book yet. I liked this photo Kris took on the snow so much that I stole it from her website.
I recently heeded the call of the Sierras again; we packed our car on Friday night and headed out for the weekend. I have been going there for ten years and I still always find new places to explore every time I visit. John Muir famously said “The mountains are calling and I must go”. Who am I to disagree with him! These are the Cathedral Rocks rising above the morning clouds.
I have never left the Yosemite Valley without taking at least one photo of Half Dome, she’s my souvenir. I find her to be so beautiful.
Now back from the Sierras with a refreshed mind, I am ready to get back to work. One of the great things about being a pattern designer is custom pattern requests. I have made quite a few of them until today.
Last year I got a request from a lady who wanted to commemorate her parents’ love for each other. The emails we exchanged touched my heart deeply. She was very moved by this illustration that I made from a photo she had sent me. The quilt she made from this pattern will become a family heirloom. These are the times I am really happy to be a pattern designer.
This week I am working on two patterns that will be used to raise money for a children’s hospital.
The Wandering Camera Linky Party starts next week. Hope to see you there!
Happy Sewing,
-Soma
17 thoughts on “Mail, Mountains And Custom Patterns”
Leanne Parsons February 5, 2016 at 19:13
Your mountain pictures are beautiful! I love the custom pattern you designed, and I can only imagine what a gorgeous family heirloom your client will make from it. Great work :)
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts February 1, 2016 at 19:22
Those are great photographs Soma. It must be wonderful to be so close to such beautiful views! The mittens look cozy and fun. I’ve recently learned how to knit on circular needles and have made several pairs of socks – I think mittens are next. :) The pattern of hands is really sweet, you’ve done a terrific job on that pattern. Thanks for sharing on MCM!
Paige February 1, 2016 at 19:21
Your pics are stunning! Great mittens and custom pattern too!
Cheryl January 31, 2016 at 18:55
Your pictures are wonderful as always and your custom design is awesome. I hope that your client shares a pic of the finished quilt.
Wendy January 31, 2016 at 14:36
The pattern is beautiful! I do hope your customer will share the final quilt with you. I just love the photos you have of the mountains, and am not surprised you hear them calling you back. How long is the drive for you? I was moaning to my husband today at our little ‘boring’ marsh that it’s just not Algonquin. However, it’s a nice little spot to go for a quick walk in the fresh air and maybe I shouldn’t complain. How I would love to be close to your Sierra mountains though … I’d never want to leave.
Wendy
Wendy January 31, 2016 at 14:37
Oops! forgot to say I love the mitten pattern and colour! I didn’t know there was a fairy tale book out there for Dr. Who. Must check that one out soon ;)
Kim Sharman January 31, 2016 at 05:32
Gosh, you are a clever designer, Soma. The pattern of those hands is incredible. Love your mittens and more glorious photos of the Sierra Mountains. How wonderful to be able to pack up the car for a couple of days and go and explore that wonderful part of the world. I can well imagine you return refreshed and inspired with many new creative ideas.
Kaja January 30, 2016 at 00:19
Fantastic photos – makes our nearest little hills look very half-hearted. I hope one day I get to see this area. Your pattern design skills just blow me away: what a fabulous, special quilt those hands will make.
Dixie January 29, 2016 at 09:17
Wonderful design, Soma.
I believe the wild places do call, and it’s great that you accept that call. For me, it imperative to get out there to refresh the spirit.
Such gorgeous country. Thanks for the pics!
Lara B. January 28, 2016 at 19:36
The pattern you made is so beautiful Soma. Just perfect!
Kris must love her new mitts! A friend in England made some almost just like that for me. They are great to use and it is nice to have your fingers free, but you can also tuck them up in your palm and keep them toasty warm.
Beautiful photos too Soma. The mountains call to me too and I get sad if we can’t go see some every year. Yosemite is one of the most amazing national parks.
FVITH January 28, 2016 at 18:34
That ‘holding hands’ design is beautiful.
Cute mitts, and cool book. I should think about getting a copy “for my son”, too :)
Mary January 28, 2016 at 16:55
I love those mitts! Gorgeous color.
You photo from Yosemite is just fabulous. You are so keen with your camera in hand.
The hands make a beautiful pattern. I’ll bet you customer was thrilled with with it.
rosa January 28, 2016 at 14:07
Fabulous pics and place!
krislovesfabric January 28, 2016 at 14:00
I love that quote too…so much so that I bought the tee from Stately type that says my machine is calling and I must sew. It’s one of my favorites :) I so love those mitts, thank you again for them as well as your friendship, it means a lot to me!!! BTW I still need to read that book, Evan went through it in record time, he sure enjoyed it! I believe I am a fan of Half Dome, how pretty it looks snow capped!
Maria January 28, 2016 at 13:58
The custom pattern is stunning in its simplicity…a beautiful design evoking thoughts of love and devotion. Love your photo of the Dome.
hi*************@li**.com " class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Shasta January 28, 2016 at 10:55
Such gorgeous photographs. You’ve seen a lot of beautiful places! Your custom pattern is great!
Janine January 28, 2016 at 09:36
That is a fantastic custom pattern and the mountain photos are incredible. Whenever I see your countryside photos I feel that I live in a very dull place!