#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!