Hi Everyone! Little Stories are posts I write every now and then where I share odds and ends that I work on or things that happen around me. This time I want to share a few finishes consisting of knitting, sewing and this impromptu little owl book I made. I love to keep my hands busy by working on projects like these, mostly after dinner.
Previously I wrote about an exchange that Mary and I did. She made me an amazing artist apron ( you can see it here ) and I knitted her a couple of sets of hats and mitts. Since Mary and I both love autumn colours, I had fun shopping as if I was buying the yarns for myself.
I used the patterns Westward Hat and Westward Mitts by Rebecca Woelber for this set. The cable part of this design required my full attention. I mostly worked on this one while my husband was playing a video game and I was “helping”.
For this set, I paired Prim hat by Andrea Mowry with Staghorn Mitts by Pamala Jane Patterns. Both were quick knits and easy cables too. They are not beginner patterns, but very well written. If you are a generally a confident knitter, and want to try cable knitting, both of these are very good patterns. Once you get used to the cable patterns, they don’t require so much attention either.
It was so wonderful to make them for a friend, and I am happy to hear that she got to use them a lot during the colder months.
During the time I was knitting for Mary, I decided to donate my serger. The lady who was fostering our kitten was delighted to hear that I would donate the serger to the Rescue. She lives an hour away, and halfway along the way is a JoAnn fabric store. I wanted to remake this blanket for our kitty Charlie ( You can read about it and download the leaves file for free here ), so my husband and I made a quick pit stop to pick up some fleece.
I had to pick up some extra fleece for a few more kitty blankets, of course. I cut the pieces in half to make them double-layered. I like both the slow process of binding by hand, and also the look of hand binding. Instead of matching bindings, I decided to use contrasting colours and designs. They had to have an autumn and winter theme to them as those are my favourite seasons. I specially love the wispy and wintry tree branches of the binding on the top blanket.
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos –
Now they are all ready for my little kitties when the weather turns cold around here. These would make cosy and quick baby blankets too.
One of the original Fairy Lantern flower prints is going to a new home soon, as are a few of the everyday journals, which is always exciting! They are available in the shop.
Most of my work is thought through and planned ahead. This little owl book, however, was a complete exception to that and was certainly not on the list. At the end of one day, I was so mentally exhausted that I needed a feel-good project. I had a little 2″ x 3″ book made from before that needed a cover. I pulled out washi tape, some scrap pieces of book binding boards, paper, micron pen, glue and scissors, and set to work.
I didn’t even feel like drawing anything new. I have always had a soft spot for owls. I traced the owl from one of my old marker paintings, copied it on the cover and inked it with micron pen. I love designs by Morris Brown, and I got this washi tape from Jet Pens recently. After affixing the front and back covers to the book, I attached the spine board with a strip of the wide washi tape. I added some scrap washi tape triangles to the corners and the book was done. It took me a total of around 30 minutes and it certainly uplifted my spirit quite a lot. Paper, pen, glue and tape – ingredients for utter happiness.
These after hours projects have a calming effect on me. While I work on them, I mentally prepare for the next day too. Do any of you do anything special to wind down? I would love to know.
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay them a visit. Also linking up with Favorite Finish Linky Party @ Meadow Mist Designs.
49 thoughts on “Little Stories – After Hours”
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs September 25, 2022 at 08:14
I love your newest makes! The hats and mitts look super cosy and very autumnal. And I just LOVE the owl book, how cute!
I totally agree with you about crafting bringing you joy. I love crafts and I like to chill out with crocheting too, although I can’t knit.
Have a lovely week Soma. x
RachelSwirl September 24, 2022 at 11:28
LOVING the Textiles work – Thanks for linking up and for sharing with #MySundaySnapshot.
Sarah MumofThree World September 23, 2022 at 23:19
You are so talented! I love all your little projects. The hats and mitts are beautiful. I’m not creative in the slightest. Winding down for me is running, walking or reading.
The Joyful Quilter September 22, 2022 at 15:38
Beautiful way to keep your hands busy after hours, Soma. Gorgeous knitted sets!
Peabea September 21, 2022 at 09:05
Not sure my comment went through so will try again. Love, love all this crafting and as always your artwork. I did cables on a scarf on one of my first ever knitting tries. Had to tear out few times and fix, but made it. I need to try again. Love the brown yarn on the brown setl.
Peabea September 21, 2022 at 09:03
Oh, I love seeing all these. Always enjoy what people are crafting. That little owl book is so cute. Love the brown hat and scarf. I did a scarf with cables and can’t say how many times I had to rip or frog as they say in UK it out and fix, but I did it. Your crafting is so nice, and love your artwork.
Michele Morin September 20, 2022 at 09:31
So much creativity and skill!
Linda September 20, 2022 at 05:35
Soma your posts are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing with To Do Tuesday!
Ruth September 20, 2022 at 05:04
You are so incredibly talented! I love The hats and mitts you knitted. The earthy colours are so beautiful.
Cheree Hull September 20, 2022 at 04:56
Love the knitting projects–anything with cables! They look about my level, too. :o)
Erika N September 20, 2022 at 04:36
You’ve been up to so many fun things lately. I am loving that owl. And the stitching too. I’m back into stitching myself lately. I think with the cooler weather. I hope all is well. Hugs-Erika
Anne Sweet September 20, 2022 at 03:32
I really love your little owl book and your knitting is lovely. I don’t knit but I do crochet and there in nothing I find more relaxing than working on my latest crochet pattern while listening to a story on Audible.
Angie September 19, 2022 at 18:51
P.S. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Linda Calverley September 19, 2022 at 12:00
All your projects look great. I seem to have wound down so far that I’m having trouble getting very creative again!
image-in-ing weeklly photo linky September 19, 2022 at 07:15
Such lovely work! I enjoyed seeing these. Thanks for joining this week’s party at
Fun60 September 19, 2022 at 02:03
Your hands must never be still. I love the contrasting binding on your kitty blankets.
Bill Dodd September 19, 2022 at 00:47
Thanks for your nice words on my blog. I love what you’re doing here.
Dixie @ Arranged Words September 18, 2022 at 14:23
Beautiful knitting. I love the owl cover.
I am certain the kitties will love their cozy blankets.
Michelle September 18, 2022 at 06:51
Lucky friend! Your knit cap sets are just gorgeous! Awww…., when will you get your kitten? The kitty is definitely coming home to lots of snuggle-y blankets.
Michelle
Kim Carberry September 18, 2022 at 06:34
I love what you have been making. It looks like you’ve been busy. The hat and mitts look perfect for the colder weather and the blankets look so cosy. x
Jill September 17, 2022 at 15:59
Great projects! I really like the knitting that you did! the only thing that I can knit is a scarf! And that was a while ago. Maybe this year I will get my knitting needles out again. You have inspired me.
A ShutterBug Explores September 17, 2022 at 14:09
Oh your owl book is divine ~ so sweet and love side design ~ What fantastic knitting ~ both treasures of the needle artists ~ Xo
Wishing you good heatlh, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Andree September 17, 2022 at 13:50
aaahhhh, so it isn’t just my Nell, orphaned at 2 weeks, that loves fleece. She has a rough time when I put my fleece blanket in the wash. And I never thought to get her her own little cat blanket. Stupid me! It’s on my list right now! Thank you. What a talented artist you are of so many different media. <3
Lavender Dreams September 17, 2022 at 12:44
I love owls too and love your pretty drawing. How nice to make the little fleece blankets for pets! Enjoy your weekend!
Amy Johnson September 17, 2022 at 07:15
I love owls, so I’m in love with your owl book. You have amazing knitting and sewing skills. And I can’t believe you donated your serger. That is very generous of you.
Eileen September 17, 2022 at 06:19
Hello, Soma,
I just love the cute owl and the book, you did a lovely job. I love owls.
The hat and mitt sets are beautiful, they looks nice and warm.
It is wonderful you are donating the kitty blankets and the serger.
Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post.
Take care, enjoy your weekend.
Bill September 17, 2022 at 05:27
Beautiful, you really are amazingly talented in both art and knitting both I could never master, my wife on the other hand does both and my son can is brilliant at art
Alison September 17, 2022 at 00:28
A great read Soma. I adore your owl design, and the hats and gloves that you knitted are beautiful. Autumn colours are the best.
Alison
NatureFootstep September 16, 2022 at 15:07
love your owl and would love to wear the hat and mitts :)
John's Island September 16, 2022 at 11:56
Hi Soma, Stopping by InkTorrents is always a pleasure. I so admire your ATTITUDE. For example, your “Current Play List” is what I’ve always, for myself, called a to-do list. I’m adopting your way of referring to it immediately! The things you do are so clever. Your knitting looks excellent and I love the little owl book. And the kitty blankets … so cool. Thank you for sharing Little Stories – After Hours and thank you for your kind comments on John’s Island. Best regards to you and yours from Seattle. John
Joanne September 16, 2022 at 10:26
I love those cable knits that you pulled together; I can not knit and envy those that do. I’ve tried but for some reason I just can not get the hang of any yarn crafts. Your blankets look wonderful! I used to make a lot of fleece blankets and pillows when all my nieces and nephews were younger (I made them hats and mittens out of fleece too).
Susan September 16, 2022 at 08:22
Beautiful hats and mittens. Love those colors. I am not great at knitting but I don’t do it often enough. Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons too. The owl is so cute on the book cover. Great kitty quilts too. I like to unwind at night by reading.
Andrea Priebe September 16, 2022 at 06:56
I love your little Owl book … very cute and I have seen that look on a real owl :) Your projects are magnificent. I am still impressed with your skills and talents. You seem to be able to accomplish a lot in a short time which is not something I am good at. I love knitting, but haven’t picked up the needles for a long time. I used to knit with one of my Home Health patients. She had a long infusion, so we would knit together to pass the time. It was fun and I may just have to give it another try, though I doubt I am ready for cable knitting. Such a lovely post, Soma ….
Andrea @ From the Sol
Connie Griffin September 16, 2022 at 06:50
I had already left a comment and then lost connection to my computer, so if you did already get a comment sorry.
I loved your little owl and the way his head is cocked, the washi tape is so cute with it. Your friend must have been thrilled with your sweet gift, I love the colors and such pretty stitching, I have never tried the cable stitch it always looked to intimidating to me. My cat likes to curl up under a blanket I quilted for him too, he enjoys it so much in the winter months, our new kitty doesn’t like blankets, he is always so HOT.
Have a great weekend, hopefully with some creative time :)
Kathy September 16, 2022 at 06:21
Good morning, beautiful post loved the little owl especially and I loved the knitted headbands too
Carol September 16, 2022 at 03:19
You are so creative. You seem to be always busy making things, and all of it is so beautiful. Beautiful knitted gift for your friend, a darling little own book. and so many donated kitty blankets. You have such a sweet heart and are so giving.
Gillena Cox September 15, 2022 at 23:37
Hi Soma.
Have a nice weekend. Thank you for linking to Art For Friday at my blog.
muchlove
Veronica Lee September 15, 2022 at 22:13
The hat and gloves are beautiful. The owl book too.
Love the fall colours
Happy Fall, Soma
Angie September 15, 2022 at 19:52
Soma – I like knitting, but I have never tried something that complicated. Maybe one day when life slows down. I love your little owl book – we have been hearing two Barred Owls calling to each other at night. Entrancing. I don’t really have a way that I wind down at night, but I wish I was spending more time on cross-stitch. Enjoy your weekend!
Nicole/DVArtist September 15, 2022 at 18:11
Brilliant little owl and the knitting is amazing as are your blankets. Please join me for Friday Face OFF. Have al ovely day.
Carola Bartz September 15, 2022 at 15:23
I love love love your little owl book! So cute, and the size is perfect for taking it anywhere.
I do a lot of knitting – daily, for my shop as well as for just winding down and sometimes I knit sweaters for my daughter. I’m pretty confident knitter, and while I know how to knit cables and do it quite often I don’t really enjoy it. Once I knitted socks with cables, – the fingering yarn and the cables weren’t the best fit for me (it took a while to finish that pair). However, I do think that cables look gorgeous – and your both your hats and the mittens are fantastic. I really like the color of the second set.
Sue September 15, 2022 at 15:14
The hat and gloves are lovely Soma and great autumn colours. The owl on the notebook is great too, you are very clever. Great idea for the kitty blankets. I find hand stitching binding very relaxing. Nothing better than a bit of hand stitching in the evenings for me.
Valerie-Jael September 15, 2022 at 09:13
What a wonderful post. Your art is fabulous, as is the knitting. Your friend must be vey happy with them! Have a fun day, hugs, Valerie
Linda September 15, 2022 at 07:20
Soma your projects are so beautiful! I love the knitted hats and mittens, makes me want to try a crochet cable stitch. The kitty blankets are so sweet. I must make my kitties some of those! Love the leaves, thank you for the pattern, and what a beautiful post you linked it to. Your quickly done book cover looks lovely!
I was thinking the other day that we seem to have a “loud” household (my sweet husband talks to himself a LOT – lol!), the dogs make noise, one of the kitties frequently whines for attention, etc. – and it would be so nice to have a quiet place. Then I remembered a time when my husband had to be gone for a lengthy period and how “too quiet” it was, and so I was able to be grateful for the noise instead of fretting over it. Still, I like quiet, and in the evenings just when the sun has gone down, there is sometimes a hush over the neighborhood, and that is my time to relax – especially with a glass of wine :)
Thank you for sharing with us at To Do Tuesday!
Christine September 15, 2022 at 05:12
Lovely work!
Karen September 15, 2022 at 04:40
your friend will love the hat and gloves both sets are beautiful. To unwind from the day I sat at my quilting frame and hand stitch for an hour or so before Igo to bed.
Iris Flavia September 15, 2022 at 03:25
Oh, I love owls. Not that I see them here, though, sadly.
The cold half od the year is coming – you sure are readdy for it and help others to enjoy it, too.
gillena September 15, 2022 at 01:47
A lot of lovely little things. Have a good Thursday.
muchlove
Luisella September 15, 2022 at 00:59
You have been doing beautiful things.
All the best!