This is my next cross stitch project... It has been tucked away for the best part of three years. I saw the design in a library book and thought how nice it was. The original design was stitched on black linen. I knew my eyesight would not withstand black - let alone linen so I opted for the palest of pink 18ct aida. I may have to play around with some of the threads as I can see already that one of the pinks fades into the background - although I do like that idea of it been 'barely there'. A 'surprise' for the eye to discover
I photocopied the chart but not the photo of the design. It is the word 'Love' surrounded by scrolling backstitch and xstitch flowers. The 'L' is large with the 'ove' smaller - the overall effect like an illuminated lettering style.
I originally chose this for my friend C's 'BIG 0' birthday - but that has come and gone. In a way I am glad that it wasn't done for her as sadly it was not a happy time with the death of a family member. At least now when C receives this it won't have all those associated memories attached. The design is small so hopefully it won't take very long to do. Although I remember saying that about a mermaid - which has taken me over a year.
Why am I stitching it now? Strange really... I have been on the lookout to stitch something new and perhaps a little different - not only to what I have been stitching - but also to what I usual choose to stitch. C came to mind and it had me thinking about our friendship when both of our lives were going through an ' interesting and challenging' phase. We valued our friendship - for support and nothing was ever 'too big' or 'too small' or 'too late' or 'too early'. We were unconditional, non judgemental and while we may not have always agreed on a lot of things we each respected t it was the right of each of us to express our opinions differently. Due to the 'different paths' of our lives over the last couple of years we don't get to see as much of each other...
When I first saw this cross stitch design those few years ago it 'spoke' to me - I knew instantly it was for C. I wanted it to be a testament to our friendship both past and present. Yesterday I went deep into 'my archives' and found it - I am looking forward to stitching it perhaps making more memories as I go...
So as you see this is the first bit - 'all parts making the whole'. I will 'blog' my progress and its growth...
I would also like to thank P for making my blog title a reality from the idea I had some months ago...
4 comments:
Your new project sounds wonderful - isn't it amazing how some things just call to you to be stitched for someone special? I was like that with a few things for my Mum - she doesn't embroider, but appreciates mine :) Would love to catch up with you and G - might be best to wait for a week or so, though, before organising a time ... I have my interview this week - if I get the job, I moved to a different roster - if not, I'll at least know my roster for the next few weeks at least :)
Sharon, I love those colours - this is going to be a beautiful picture. Does this mean Mel's Mermaid is finished? I spent a lot of time on "Age Doesn't Matter" today, and am into the lettering, which is proving much faster than the blasted grapes!
Anne, I look forward to meeting you too - but time is going to be difficult for me if Ken definitely loses his job. I will continue to work my three days a week, but I think my two 'free' days will probably be spent with him for a while until he gets used to the idea of me heading off to be with my friends for the day. Especially if it involves a day of op-shopping!
It's always a pleasure to check in here and read your posts, and today is no exception. I wish you many happy momnets to stitch into the gift for your friend, where would we be without them?
I love the colors this design calls for. I can't wait to see it all stitched up. From your description it sounds awesome!
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