#6 Granddaughter

This blogging business is harder than it looks... it's been six months since I've been here! Not only do I struggle with the writing - which is the whole reason I wanted to blog in the first place... I want to be a better writer, for my own personal growth, not because I have a need to 'entertain' others - even though, I think there are two reasons I like to read other blogs... to learn and to be entertained - but, with trying to sell the house, all the projects, all the cleaning, I put my stitchery in the closet and forgot about it. Now I've got the holidays to blame...

At any rate, this little square was stitched in June... I just didn't get to the blogging part...

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.

Mary H. Waldrip

Everything you've ever heard about grandchildren is true. Still, no matter how many times you've been told, nothing prepares you for what a powerful impact that little being makes on your life. You think you love your lover, or your children, with all your heart, but surprise! there is even more for that grandchild! This square is my little Kitty Kat.

#5 Daughter-In-Love

My son's girlfriend - she's a peach. Giving and loving, she's willing to pick up and move to the other side of the world and work with him.

I've noticed in the past, whenever my son had his arm around a girl, it just sort of hung there, like he was with a buddy, but with her, he actually holds her with his hand. I take this as a sign he really cares. I think she is really good for him. And she's cute and stylish.

This is the least favorite of my squares so far. There is very little contrast between the handle of the purse and the background. And I haven't cared so much for the colors of the last two. Oh well... I hope that when it's finished, it will all fit together in a big, colorful conglomeration.

Also, I notice my camera "sees" better than I do. I stitch at night and apparently I don't see it as well as I think I do!

No matter, on to the next square!

#4 Son-in-law

I really had no say in the matter, but I could not have picked a better son-in-law! A hard worker, good provider, and the best dad I've ever seen. He's also a talented musician - that is supposed to be a drum set. :^)

#3 My Son

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails

I've always been so proud of him - athletic, smart, with a great sense of humor, my son loves to travel and he'll try just about anything. Like me, he's a dog lover.

Because he's always had a fascination with globes and maps, and I think he wants to see all of it in his lifetime, I chose the earth to represent him.

#2 My Daughter

A daughter is a joy bringer.

A heart warmer.

A memory maker.

A daughter is

Love

I stitched those words on a sampler that hung in my daughter's room. I'm so proud of her and the woman she has become. Not only is she a terrific mother, she juggles a full-time job, scouts, church, family and friends. Did I mention she is also talented and fun?

Gee, no wonder I always say my kids are my greatest accomplishment!

I chose a pink rose to represent her.

#1 - Improved

The more I looked at my first square, the less I liked it, so I filled in the background. I think it's an improvement.

#1 My Husband

One good husband is worth two good wives, for the scarcer things are, the more they are valued.
Benjamin Franklin

High school sweethearts re-united in middle age, we waited a long time to get it right. He is a link to the past and promise of the future. He is strong where I am weak, my support, my refuge, and a true partner - we balance each other - and, he always tries to make me happy. We have a few challenges ahead of us, but together we will triumph!

I've decided to use his initial in his favorite color, green, and of course, hearts, because I love him.

Getting started

I have a terrible time making up my mind sometimes. Part of the decision was made for me when I could only find cross stitch fabric at the store. I settled on a white 18 count Aida.

Once I got my fabric on the stretcher, again, I can't make up my mind as to what kind of border I should use around my squares! So, I started marking my lines by running a basting stitch with regular black thread. This is very time-consuming, especially since I know I'll eventually be replacing it later with something else, so I stopped. Once I have some or all of the squares completed I'm hoping the right color and type of border will be obvious. I like the way the black outlined squares look right now, but wouldn't you know it, I don't have any black floss in my stash anyway. Another trip to the store is in my future - in the meantime, I'm planning my first square.

I'm already having some doubts about my fabric and wish I'd looked around a little more to find a nice linen or something a little finer. I've never worked on 18 ct and those squares are tiny! Maybe I should look into getting one of those magnifying stands... hmmmm.

Count Your Blessings

Just recently, my oldest and dearest friend Kathy, gave me a reminder that we all have a lot to be thankful for, and then, last night I stumbled on to this blog and immediately fell in love with the project. It's kismet! It's been a long time since I've done any stitching, but have loved it since I was a little girl. Even though I don't really have the time to start a new project, this is one that can be worked on a little at a time. I am so impressed by what these other women have done. Each one is beautiful in it's own way. I love how they have incorporated other embellishments, like fabrics, buttons, beads, etc. I may accidentally copy someone's great idea, but I am going to try to clear my mind of what I've seen, and make this one uniquely mine. I can't wait to get started!