Monday, November 24, 2014

See how big.....

I'm happy -- I finished the green of the border on His Eye is on the Sparrow -- and the borders meet!  Whew!  That's always a sigh of relief moment.  lol!

First off, remember when I showed you reaching bottom?  (I did a bit more after the last pic I showed you.)


And you saw this, the top third or so of the sampler.


Ok, now you get to see the two put together.  Plus some more.


So yeah.  Now do you see why I keep telling everyone I'm very far from finished?  Very very very very far?  lol!  There's nothing in that huge blank space -- no stitching pretties like pincushions or scissors -- because the blasted linen is so big, it didn't fit on my little stitching table.  lolol!  I'm holding the bottom right corner up and there's a pillow below the bottom left corner.  So yeah.  Huge.
And don't forget, I'm using 40ct linen, over two.  Imagine how huge it must be on the called for 28ct linen!  On 40ct linen, it takes most of a stitcher's half of linen, just to give you an idea.  I think with 3 inch margins, the linen has to be something like 28" by 24"?  For 40ct.  So now you know!

Here is my fussy cut star for the week.  I used the unicorn fabric from the Far Far Away collection by Heather Ross.  I wish I had more of this collection, but I don't.


My father sent me a box with some things from my mother -- he's been trying to clean his house out, which always means boxes of things sent to me from my mom's things.  (My mother died when I was in college.)  I was surprised to see what she had stowed away.


The fabric samples on top are by Brunsweig and Fils.  Pretty cool!  There were crocheted items and pretty linen towels with cross stitch on them, and such like.  And a pretty jewelry box.  I didn't think I remembered it, but I'm starting to think I do vaguely recollect it.


And only a bit of a skein of what I suspect is acrylic yarn, bright orange.  Waste not, want not.


That's some more upholstery sample fabric under the yarn.  I thought it looked pretty with the orange.

My mother was a big knitter.  She also tried her hand at other crafts -- embroidery and needlepoint, latch hook, I don't remember what all.  So yes, she passed her love of crafts on to her two daughters.  Although my sister seems to have abandoned her crafts.  Ahem.  I do wish my mother were still around so I could share with her my crafts, my children, my life.

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I hope everyone in the US has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.  I am thankful for so many things, and I never say so often enough.  Most of all, I am thankful for my lovely husband and my kids.  (And for Mia!)  But I'm also thankful for all of you blog friends.  I think we are an amazing group, don't you?


(Ugh.  Please ignore all the Mia hairs in this last picture.)

37 comments:

Cari said...

Love seeing the treasures your father is sending to you. The fabric samples are so much fun. Do you think you'll use them is some fantastic craft project? I'm excited to see what you do.

Hugs dear friend. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving !!

Mugwump Woolies said...

Happy Monday, Margaret! What a sampler that will be when you are finished! Beautiful! How great that your father kept all those lovely fabrics all this time. I'm sure your mother would be delighted to know her treasures are now in your wonderfully creative hands.
Have a great week...Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family!
Robyn

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

I knew the sampler was big. . .it's huge! You are making great progress.

Yes, I am thankful for Grandmothers and a Mother who passed on their "working with hands gene" to me.

Am very thankful for Miss Callie Mae and the four legged fur children who have brought joy to our home and lives.

Vickie said...

Hooo eeee! That is BIG. And awesome!
That is soooo cool. To get things unexpectedly that were your mom's. I love when my mom find's things of my Dad's in the basement for me. I go through stuff from my Dad from time to time. Very glad I saved the last Christmas card he sent me. I cried like a baby reading it again last week.

Betteketet said...

Your Sparrow is really big, but you have only been stitching on it for 2 months, and see how far you've come yet! I bet you will have it finished by the end of this year ;-)

(Did you see my message at your post ""Not much to show...." about the small mistakes in the pattern?)

Have a nice week, and stay warm!
Betty.

Ann said...

I do love see your progress on this sampler (have the chart in my stash). And yes, it's a big beauty, even on a 40ct. !!!
You will have so many fond memories of your mother this way (each time you see her stash).
Have a lovely Thanksgiving!
Kind greetings,
Ann

Giovanna said...

I don't think any project would be too large for you, quite honestly. It's looking great, well done on closing the border.

Annie said...

That is one giant sampler. Will you have wall space for it in the end? I sure hope so since it's so pretty.

Love how the unicorns fit so nicely in the start shape.

What a fun trip down memory lane with all those treasures from your Mom. Got any plans for the orange yarn? ;-)

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Vera said...

Wow Margaret - that is one HUGE sampler! Yikes!! You are doing a beautiful job on it. Love all the fabrics, etc. that your Dad sent to you. I collect upholstery fabric, so enjoyed seeing those pieces. What fun to have things that your Mom enjoyed. Did I see you name on the list for the Mary Hurst SAL? I think I have caved and will be joining.....

Melody said...

Yes, Margaret, I agree, that is one huge sampler! I am sure tho, that you will have it done one of these days. It's nice to receive some things from your Moms collection of stuff. I'm sure memories are brought to the surface. Yes, I can identify, I still miss my Mom too. I wish she would have lived long enough to see our children. My Mom did sewing and handwork as well. So, the love of needlework was passed along to both of her daughters.

Edgar said...

The EiotS is so lovely!! I am rally enjoying your progress!!! Have a super Thxgiving!!

woolwoman said...

Yes we ARE an amazing you and you are definitely one of the MOST amazing in blogland! You are still the most revered stitching diva I know of and I am simply amazed with the progress you've made on the Eye on the Sparrow. GORGEOUS!!!! So nice you got a box of your mom's things to rummage thru - I know it must be sad to get this blast from the past and yes it would be wonderful to be able to share your most special things in life with her. I am so blessed to share so many things with my own DM who I love so much. Take care and have a nice Thanksgiving - I hope your little birds will be flying back to the nest for the holiday. Enjoy! Mel

Teresa S. said...

I have confidence in you, Margaret! No sampler is too big :)
Wonderful to get some of your mom's things.
And yes, we are full of blessings this year and every year. It is good to sit back and be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!

Robin Sutton said...

Margaret, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful stitching with us every week. I loved the gifts from your Dad/Mom. Your blog is the first thing I check on Monday a.m. - I know, get a life, right? LOL You are quite an inspiration to a whole lot of people...we all want to be like you!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family. {hugs}
Robin in Montana

Melissa said...

Now that I can see the whole sampler, I see what you mean by how much more you have to stitch. I didn't realize the top part is a bit over 1/3 of the total size! Wow. It's looking gorgeous though.

What a treasure trove your mom has left for you. My mom did not do any craftsy things so I know there'll be nothing like that for me.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

marly said...

I can guarantee, complete certainty, that my border would NOT have met! For such a large piece that is really impressive. I am still holding on to two of mom's favorite coats and holding them always floods me with memories, and sadness. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I think the top third of the sampler would be as much as I could handle! It's beautiful and there's a lot yet to do but I know you... it'll be done sooner than later!
Love your star - it's perfect!
Wonderful to get goodies of your Mom's. I can only imagine how much you've missed sharing all the people and things you love to do, with her.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Linda said...

Love your sampler! All the birdies speak to me.... Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. It is truly a blessing that you share your lives with us here in blog land! Miss Mia...love her....simply love her....

Linda in VA

Linda said...

Awesome progress Margaret. Lovely gifts from your dad.

Linda

Mary said...

Love it, love it Margaret! Is that really and truly a whale in the bottom corner? I just can't stop myself from this one.

What a pile a treasures from your mother. I felt the same way going through my dad's things this summer, like having some last bit of him to have. Keep it all safe!

valerie said...

Wow, that sampler is huge! I can't imagine working on it in 28 count. Your progress is amazing on it especially considering its size. How wonderful your dad sent some of your mom's treasures to you!

Wanda said...

Oh my stars this sampler is gorgeous! What wonderful treasures you have that were your mothers. Beautiful fussy cut star!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family (including sweet Mia)!

Jackie's Stitches said...

His Eye is looking fab! I can't imagine stitching anything on 28 count unless it's over 1.

What a wonderful treasure of a box from your dad. Getting a box here and there must be such a wonderful surprise. Hugs!

Beth said...

My goodness, His Eye is one BIG BIG BIG stitch for sure! I admire your commitment and stamina in stitching something so large. At least there are lots and lots of cool motifs to work on. I am liking the over sized flower on the bottom left. Cool to have crafting things of your mother's and know that you share her love of creating. I am sure you must miss her presence in your life and those of your family. Here's wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Oh that stitching is looking wonderful! Love the unicorns on your star too. Sweet Mia looks happy. I love to rummage thru things that belonged to those I love. There are few things of my mom since she died when I was nine and my dad destroyed a lot of it too.

Carol said...

Oh, what a big, beautiful sampler, Margaret! I had no idea it was that large until you showed that photo--it's going to be a masterpiece :)

How special to have some of your mother's things--you obviously got your creative genes from her. You must miss her every day--I just can't imagine. My mom wasn't really creative, but she did dabble a bit in knitting and sewing (mostly Barbie clothes for me :).

Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Mary Ann said...

I LOVE seeing your progress on your His Eye--you are going to have it finished in no time!! : )

I know that it is so special for you to have some of your mother's fabric and other craft supplies. I have some of my mother's sewing things, and I treasure them.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Holy crap, batman! That's one BAP if ever I saw one. I can see why you said you are far from finished. Looks great so far! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

stunning Sampler, love it!!

Lois said...

I'm enjoying watching your progress on this huge project!!! It's going to be such a beauty (not that it isn't already a beauty!!!). How nice to have some things that were your mother's. My mum did some knitting but that was it, my grandmother was the one who loved to sew and had been a milliner by trade. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

CynthiaC said...

Wow, that is gorgeous! So tempted to get this, even tnough I sure don't need another huge project. Mia is the sweetest kitty ever too.

Kaisievic said...

Eye of the Sparrow is looking fabulous but how on earth do you manage to stitch on 40 ct? So glad that the borders matched.

Jean said...

oh my gosh, that is huge, even bigger than my 9-11, which I have on scroll rods. But its a beauty! Lovely fabric, I like the chrysanthemum on the reddish orange. Give Mia a hug or chin rub from my crew.

Rachel said...

WOW! That sampler is just incredible. All those motifs--it's a conversation piece on it's own! And your stitching is lovely, as always.

What a lovely surprise from your father!

Sherry :o) said...

Finally caught up with your comings/goings. I have been offline since September and wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! I have not blogged in so long (mom issues with her health). Your "Sparrow" sampler is stunning. I have missed the start and you are so close to the end...and the stars you have been making. Oh my. I am glad you are feeling better with your shoulder. How cool you are receiving things from your father and have triggered memories.

Take care! Sherry :o)

Dawn said...

What an amazing sampler. I think finer grounds look....well finer 😉
How special your father saved some things for you. Lots of memories and thoughts in a box.
Mia is so, so cute. Such big round eyes.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Melanie said...

I will never get over how big this piece is! It's like the ENTIRE WORLD all on one piece of linen. You're right - I can't imagine that on 28ct or whatever linen. Good lord. It would take up a whole doorway. lol

If that star doesn't bring up The Last Unicorn memories, I don't know what does. Very sweet. :)