Sunday, January 22, 2012

Stiching from the heart

When my dear husband went into the hospital last year, I packed a project to keep me busy. Picking up "Fair Kind True" by Midsummer Night Designs was an easy choice. I purchased it thinking of my true love about the time of our 15th wedding anniversary. I hadn't found time to start it, but I had the linen and the silk all picked out. The night before, I pressed the linen and put it on a Q-Snap. I gathered up my favorite scissors, silk, magnifying clip on, and made sure to have an extra pair of reading glasses and popped it all in one of my stitching bags.

I sat in the waiting room for hours while he was in surgery and never picked it up. I sat in his room with him for days. I didn't touch this for the first 4 of them, too busy taking care of him and taking notes from doctors and techs. I finally picked it up as I was crawled up in my "chair that turns into a bed wanna-be". I was happy that things were improving, and (finally) a smile crossed my heart and I put the first few stitches to fabric.

I didn't get much done while at the hospital, but that was okay. It was a sign that life was starting to return to normal, slowly but surely. I finally finished it up at home while my hubby was recovering. Taking it to the framer was a joy...and the completed project is truly perfect!

All Because...

Last year, my big project was a wedding sampler for my sister-in-law and her new husband. I wanted to find something symbolic for them, and this design by Imaginating was perfect.

I went about customizing the fabric and floss (hand-dyed sky blue linen with white mottling...the framed picture shows the linen color best...and Crescent Colors Belle Soie Silk rather than DMC) and reworking the area where the names and dates were supposed to go. I wanted their names to be larger and no date. It turned out to be an amazing sampler celebrating their marriage and love.

Picking out the frame and mats made the piece even better. I went with a brushed silver frame with some mauve streaks and added the matching fillet next to the sampler. The mat is black brushed suede. Perfect!

For me, nothing is better than completing a special project for someone you love...and finding out that they love it as much as you do! I have to admit I fell in love with this project while working on it. I almost hate to part with those special pieces. Seeing in on the wall as I walk into my sister-in-law's home and seeing her smile when she walks by it makes it all so worthwhile!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A year and half...a lifetime

I just realized today how very long it has been since I posted. Looking back, it was because life was good and busy in a fun and wonderful way!

We were planning a vacation, making some long-term plans, and enjoying a long-hot Texas summer. That was 2010.

The next summer was longer...and hotter, setting a record for the number of consecutive days over 100 degrees. We were reminded of how blessed we are after health scares for me (just a little hiccup, really) and my wonderful husband (wayyyy more than a hiccup). We were reminded of the power of prayers from family, friends, and friends we never knew we had. More than that, I have been reminded of the true meaning of love. Some days are still a little challenging, but nothing compared to the alternative.

Today, we are enjoying a mild Texas winter. The birds were up and about this morning singing at this surprisingly stunning day. They reminded me that I, too, should celebrate each wonderful day.

I've started it by returning to one of my greatest joys...stitching and sharing it on this blog. So, there it is: a promise for the New Year (a bit late, admittedly)!