In all of my cleaning I came across a cross-stitch I started 23 years ago. Yep, you heard me right...23 years ago! It is a sampler based on animals and plants of Australia. The pattern looks like this:
I started it when I was 17 and madly in love with all things cross-stitch and all things Australian. I lost the love of cross-stitch or, rather, put it aside to pursue quilting then book making then jewelry then painting then...you get the picture.
I did not, however, put aside my love for all things Australian. My husband and I are saving to go there for a few months. It will most likely not be for a few years yet but I know that we will get there one day. My dream is to spend at least 3 months in Melbourne and another 3 touring about the country. Many of my favourite artists are Australian - I actually have a file under favourites called Aussie sites. I love Ro Bruhn and kootoyoo and poppalina and so many more that it would take me ages to post them all.
My father had a joke with me that if I ever finished the Australian sampler, he would pay for having it framed. I think he figured that he was safe from the expense since I had abandoned it so long ago. Well, I started working on it again last night and am almost finished R. My wrists are worse for wear - damn carpal tunnel - but I am persevering. Sitting with a cup of coffee, a movie on the telly and my cross-stitch is very relaxing.
I had to dig out the suitcase where I store my DMC thread and have had to substitute some colours. I will need to find a new source for DMC. The shop I used to buy from (and that I still had a gift card to) is long since closed down.
And, check out this pillow. It was a rice bag from my Dad's. He loved elephants. I stuffed it, sewed it shut and made a pillow. I love it! The chair is one I recovered with this wonderful alphabet fabric a few years ago. It is my cozy spot. It has a tendency to get covered by stuff - we are dumpers in this family - but I have uncovered it again and am determined to keep it as my creative spot.
Hi any chance of getting that
alphabet pattern?
I'm in Boston MA USA.
I thought it might be
re-issued after your blog post.
It's beautiful!
Sue
Posted by: Sue Wiseheart | March 21, 2012 at 12:44 PM