This picture is counted cross stitch. I found this kit in a catalog many years ago and just fell in love with it. It was from Denmark done on Danish Linen using Danish thread. I loved the colors and the serenity of the piece. It is quite large measuring 31-1/2 inches wide by 26 inches high frame and all. The finished stitched area is 23 inches wide by 17-1/2 high.
I wanted this kit so badly. I would go to my LNS and look at it over and over in the catalog. But the cost was way too much. At the time, I had 2 small children and was a stay at home Mom. All our money went to groceries, house payment and clothing and care of the babies.
I drooled over it and told everyone about it, knowing I would never be able to afford it. Then for Christmas, 1984, my mother-in-law gave me a package. She said it was from her to me because she knew I wanted it so much. I was blown away when I opened the package and there was my kit. I couldn't believe she had ordered it for me. I'm pretty sure I shed tears that Christmas.
It took me 5 years to complete this chart. I loved every moment I worked on it, watching it come to life. I was so happy to have it and the linen and thread were a dream to work with. For Christmas, 1989, my sweet mother-in-law told me to take it to the framers and pick out a frame and mat. I wasn't to go back and see it. This was her Christmas present to me that year, framed and ready to hang. Sadly, it was the last Christmas gift I received from her as she passed away in August, 1990.
I treasure this picture. I love it more than I can explain for many reasons. Knowing she was listening and cared enough about me to buy the kit for me and then to have it framed so it could be hung for all to see makes it a gift I will never part with. As I said, it hangs in my office so I see it daily and I always think of her.
See the ducks! A serene pond in a beautiful landscape. I love it! Sorry for the blurry pic. I'm not the best photographer.
As always, thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, wherever you may be.
Sharon
I am teary eyed reading this. It is beautiful and I fully understand what loving memories it holds for you. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful weekend.
Thank you so much Ellen for dropping and for your comments.
DeleteIts really beautiful and the memories will be there forever.
ReplyDeleteYes, this stitching is so full of memories. And I truly, truly love it.
DeleteThank you for dropping by.
DeleteYour mother-in-law sounds so thoughtful and loving. And what a wonderful thing to have to remember her so fondly. Take care, Heather
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by Heather. We had a rather rocky start to our relationship but became very close over the years. It was almost like losing my own mother when she passed away. This picture means so much to me.
DeleteWhat a sweet gift (twice over!) and how beautiful the cross-stitch.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the compliment. And thank you for dropping by to read my blog.
DeleteLovely work and beautiful memories.
ReplyDeleteLove
Oh, Mom, this post made me cry. I have been thinking of Mamaw a lot lately. I still miss her so much.
ReplyDeleteI am late posting on this but I just had to, I found it through you directing me to it but wow wow and more wow, it is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon,
ReplyDeleteImpressive piece! Such sweet memories for you too,I am not at all surprised that you treasure it so very much.
Many thanks for your comments on my lastest post. It is always lovely to hear from you.
How is your son now....on the mend I imagine?
keep well
Amanda :-)