My mum was a knitter, whatever she made was beautiful because she always paid attention to detail and it showed. She wasn't a sewer though she did all the mending of clothes, including darning holey socks. She never really enjoyed any craft other than knitting though.
Except, that is, for a short time many years ago when she bought herself a cross stitch kit and gave that a go. I know she was enjoying working on it but I also remember her struggling with her eyesight as she was stitching so perhaps that's the reason she put it down without finishing it.
When my mum died in 2019, my dad came across the unfinished piece and asked if I wanted it. Of course, I said yes. I remember bringing it home with me, I took it out of the bag it had been kept in and I just couldn't look at it, it made me so upset remembering my mum happily stitching away. It was put away again until just recently when I finally got it out and looked at it properly. It isn't finished but there isn't all that much to do, just part of the badger, and the far left side of the bench and grass.
It's not really a design I'd have chosen to stitch but I thought it would be nice to finish it off. The aida is very grubby, I suppose that's the result of it being stashed away for all these years, so I think it will need a good soak once finished, I just hope it doesn't spoil it.
It's a while now since I've done any cross stitching but I've recently had the urge to pick it up again so I shall start with this piece and see if I can get it finished, it would be nice to complete it in memory of my mum.
A lovely idea to get the piece finished. I've washed cross stitch - very gently- and it's been fine and ironing with a damp cloth will help too.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the stitching and the remembering.
That would be really special if you could finish it and perhaps something Jack could have as something both his Nanny and great Nanny had made.
ReplyDeleteIt's a super cute cross stitch with so many wonderful memories attached. I'm sure Jack will love it and will be able to hear its story in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a lovely thing to do and hopefully you will have happy memories of seeing your mum stitching away. I found a painting my mum had done, as a watercolour exercise of trees, with her writing labelling the trees, and loved it, so I have had it framed.
ReplyDeleteIt may take time, but once you are ready, it is a lovely thing to have something tangible.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ir is a very pretty design and a lovely memory of your mum
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely. You will be so pleased when it's finished and washed and pressed. Then you will have the pleasure of choosing a frame. Perhaps Jack would like it in his bedroom? Perhaps it's too old-fashioned for him. I like it, though.
ReplyDeletePlease have a look and ensure you use the same tension as your mum, if you stitch loose or tighter it will show. It will be lovely to see it finished.
ReplyDeleteOh this is so wonderful! I'm glad you are going to finish it. It should clean up without a problem (hopefully it is DMC floss).
ReplyDeleteI've never done cross stitch but that is really cute.
ReplyDeleteHope it goes well & I've enjoyed all your latest posts, although I couldn't comment, but think I've worked out what has been going wrong. Take care & hugs.
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