habubabu

I was born in India and we moved to England (Birmingham - home of the Cadbury chocolate factory!) when I was six months old. When I was 12, we moved to Long Beach, California where I have lived ever since.

I am an attorney by profession and a crafter by avocation!

I love living in the Los Angeles area not only because of the fabulous weather but because of the diversity of people and cultures here - it is truly a global cosmopolitan place to live!

I enjoy several crafts but my primary crafts are quilting, crochet, cross-stitch/embroidery and beading.

Quilting: This consumes much of my waking time. I am President of one guild and past President of another so I seem to do more administrative work than actual quilting (sigh!). However, I love patchwork in bright bold colors and prints. I enjoy paper (or foundation) piecing as well. I also dabble in a little applique on occasion. My newest quilting interests include embellishment with beads and trims as well as surface texturing and embellishment. My quilt guilds make many quilts for charity and I am active with these projects too. My fabric stash seems to miraculously increase when I'm not looking!

Crochet: I love crochet because of its portability and versatility. I make hats, scarves and baby blankets for philanthropy. I also make larger afghans but I prefer small projects that can be finished fast.

Cross-Stitch/Embroidery: I have been cross-stitching and embroidering from a very young age and have always loved the way it looks. I enjoy cross-stitch kits and floss with all of their respective designs and colors. I often transform finished pieces into mini-quilts or cushions.

Beading: This is a new craft for me and I enjoy the embellishment possibilities that it offers. I look forward to enhancing my quilt tops and embroidery pieces with beautiful beads in simple and intricate designs.

I love reading books of many kinds!

My favorite fiction genres include mysteries (historical mysteries & forensic mysteries specifically), suspense and thrillers, children's literature (especially historical stories and fantasy epics), classic literature, and a little sci-fi and fantasy.

My favorite non-fiction reading includes cookbooks (all kinds) and crafting (quilting, crochet, knitting, embroidery and beading) books.

I love classical music (Bach and baroque in particular), new age, world music, Indian classical instrumental, jazz and techno. I also enjoy pop music and soft rock - especially music of the 80's and 90's.

I enjoy dramas, foreign films, art films and intelligent comedies. My friends tell me my taste in movies is ultra-serious and that I should lighten up instead of going for the very deep/thought-provoking type of film!

Favorite Colors: pinks, reds, purples, blues and greens (preferably brights or jewel tones); blacks and whites welcome too!

Favorite Animals: Cats and tigers. Puppies and bunnies are nice too!

Favorite Cuisines: Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Indian and American comfort food to name a few. However, anything Latin American or Asian is great! I love the fact that living in Southern California, I can explore and dine within most of the world's cultures without needing a passport.

Favorite Fabric Themes: Brights, Batiks, Jewel Tones, Novelties, Juveniles and Holiday.

Other Passions:

Stationery: I love paper, notecards, bookmarks, and stickers!! My collection is evergrowing. . .

Food: I love cooking, eating and entertaining. According to my friends, I am a very good cook and they love my Indian food. However, I love trying dishes from many cuisines.

Miscellaneous: I love chocolate, friends, fun and enjoy living life to its fullest. I am proud of my Indian heritage and culture but revel in the fact that I am a global citizen!