My friend Judy taught me to knit. This happened right after I split up with my then fiance and moved into an apartment of my own. Judy had been knitting since she was in grade school and had a small portfolio of interesting multi-color sweaters to show off. I really never quite understood what place knitting and the fiber arts would start to take in my life, but I definitely appreciated both her help learning something new, her encouragement (my early style was rather unconventional, to say the least) and her companionship while I made the transition out of one image I had had for my life into another.
At that time, I had been getting back into cross stitch after a long hiatus. So, in the spirit of fair play, I introduced Judy to the elements of what I knew how to do. Judy, long a knitter, had also long been a painter, and loved the idea of playing with more color in thread. So I got her some simple things and some embroidery floss to get started.
Flash forward about 13 years to the two of us having lunch at a nice little cafe in Madison. Her second baby (and second boy) is due in October, but it was Judy presenting me and Ms. Z with a gift.
It is a beautiful and sweet and somewhat bittersweet gift in many ways. Any of you who have done counted cross stitch will understand the work in this piece (actual size is roughly 8" x 10"). The wings have gold blending filament in them and the whole piece is worked on an Irish linen. Judy made it before she had children, with the idea that when she did, it would be on the wall in her little girl's room. Since son number two is likely the last child, she wanted it to get the chance to live with another little girl.When I brought it home to Ms. Z (wrapped in tissue and happily ensconced in a bright pink bag), she had the bag out of my hands before I could even tell her I had something special for her. I had to do a little juggling to put down my things and help her take it out gently and unroll the tissue so that she could see. "She has wings! Like a butterfly!" were the first words out of her mouth. She then went on to point out the rabbit and the deer, and was very excited when I told her we were going to hang it in her room.
My next mission is to get it framed so that Ms. Z can enjoy it in her room. I'm hoping this weekend to get out and see if I can find something that I like for it.
Thank you so much, Judy, for sharing something so beautiful with my little girl.
What a beautiful gift from a beautiful spirit to a beautiful little girl!
It is beautiful!
So lovely, an heirloom. May I suggest that you frame this with a mat and get your friend to sign and date the mat. She deserves the recognition.
All the best,
Dawn
Wow that is a treasure.
I made the very same one just before my daughter was born 14 years ago. It was in a book that had all different one. This one was to celebrate Mother Nature.
Just as a personal note, if you decide to frame it there is wonderful self adhesive backing boards for mounting it that is acid free (I used them and so far the pieces have not yellowed or have been damaged). Also be sure to use a matt on it so that the glass does not touch that needlework (I learned that the hard way).
Most of all enjoy! It's beautiful.
Laura
What a beautiful gift and thoughtful friend.
What a beautiful gift from a thoughtful friend.
Wow, very impressive!
I have that pattern. I've been reorganizing my cross-stitch stash, and it is amazing how many UFOs I had in all of my crafts.
That piece came out lovely. I never felt like it looked quite so good in the picture with the pattern.
Aww, it's a beautiful gift! So sweet of her!
What a beautiful friendship, and an even more beautiful gift! I know that I will always be grateful to my grandmother for teaching me how to crochet, and to my MIL for teaching me how to spin and knit. The gift of knowledge is so lasting...