:: The weekend here at MHC consisted of sinus congestion, a couple of headaches, baseball (Red Sox vs Yankees – we took 2 out of 3. Grin.) and embroidery. Because I was feeling a bit off, I sat around and stitched. And stitched. Reaching down into my sewing basket, I pulled one color, then another, looked up a few new-to-me stitches and, before I knew it, I was done. Yesterday afternoon, I added a few little trims and here is the finished product:
It’s so rainy and dark here today that I had to pull this chair under the skylight to grab the little natural light I could find! My initials crack me up – each one is a little higher than the next – just like I write on a blackboard.
I added some crochet edging that was on some vintage linen napkins as well as a vintage mother-of-pearl button. I wanted it to look homespun so I didn’t mind if the trim was a bit crooked or uneven.
Oh, I had such fun doing this. I have another sampler from Rebecca that I will start next. Note to Rebecca: keep ’em coming! I find this very relaxing and believe me, I can use some of that at this particular time in my life. I’m not sure what I will do with it: Hang it? Use as a pillow cover? Frame it? Right now, I’m happy simply looking at it. It makes me smile.
I’ve sent a few of you to Rebecca’s site, so I know you are having fun with this, too. If you’re thinking about trying one – go for it. The price is extremely reasonable and you’ll have such fun learning new stitches.
:: In other news, Monty the cow has been moved from his perch in the kitchen to a new spot on top of the music cabinet in the den.
We thought he felt a bit left out of family evenings in the den. He looks happier.
:: I came back from driving husband to the station this morning to find a squirrel running around the inside of the dog corral. He was desperately trying to get out and each time he tried to climb the chicken wire, he fell down to the ground. I knew I had to get him out of there – for his safety as well as the dogs. So there I was, in the rain, trying to get the terrified squirrel to run toward the gate. He would have none of it. He finally hid behind the planter box outside the side door and I managed to nudge him (all the while chirping frantically) toward the gate which was a few feet beyond the planter. When he saw it, he ran as fast as he could to freedom. This happened once before – with a bunny – again, in the rain. I’m grateful I saw him before I let the dogs out!
:: Finally, Happy 87th Birthday to my Dad! He’ll spend it at the Rehab Facility with my Mom. He visits twice a day, every day. And he counts the hours until she gets home. Love you, Dad.
Connie says
The cow looks majestic sitting there, honey. I’ve always thought of them that way—majestic.
xoxo,
Connie
the gardeners cottage says
this is what you do when you are sick?! i really have been underproductive.
~janet
cindy @ cottage instincts says
The sampler is sumptous. Love! And glad to hear Mr. Cow is happy with his new perch :) As for the squirrel…those things are feisty! Happy you didn’t get bitten. (nor the dogs!)
happy birthday to your papa too :)
Jill says
Love the sampler! That crocheted lace and the button are such perfect finishing touches.
Glad you were able to free Mr.Squirrel from captivity. I can imagine how excited the pups would have been to see him!
Sending best wishes to your sweet Dad for a wonderful birthday! Also sending big, happy wishes for your mom’s return home! (Sounds like it’s soon?!) So happy :)
Hugs,
Jill
Susy says
The Adventures of Mockingbird Hill Cottage. You’re becoming one of my favorites (:
Sassy Marsha says
I love the cow! Years ago my kitchen was a cow motiff, I had COW everything, even miniature, LOL
The other morning when I let Sophie & Kodak out I saw a cat scrambling to get up the fence. Kodak doesn’t chase any longer but Sophie bolted and she’s FAST. She caught a rat the other day, YUCK!!!!
Happy Birthday to your dad! Mine will be 96 next April!!!
xxoo
Jan M says
Love the sampler! Hope you are feeling better. This is definitely yucky sinus season. Happy Birthday to you dad. May he and your mom have some wonderful moments today!
LemonyRenee' says
Oh, Monty does, indeed, look pleased with his new locale. LOVE the embroidery! I just love how you finished it. It is perfect. Wait until the spirit moves you to make it into what it should be.
Happy birthday to your dad — my birthday wish for him is for a sudden snap-out-of-it for your mom. All the best to them both.
Meri Wiley says
Hi Claudia,
Your sampler looks awesome, I really like the design of it, and I love the way you trimmed it out.
Happy birthday to your dad, and my prayers are with all of you, hoping your mom gets better soon.
Hugs,
Meri
Mrs. Staggs says
Your sampler has turned out lovely, Claudia. I envision it as a pillow. It would look really nice nestled in a chair in your sweet little house.
Lena
Jillian says
You get way more done when you are feeling off than I! Great job! And a happy birthday to your Dad!
Jillian
Bella Rosa Antiques
Julia says
Love your sampler!!!
Monty looks very happy to be a part of family fun festivities.
What a story about the squirrel! I think I remember when this happened with the rabbit.
So sweet of your dad to visit with your mom so often. Happy Birthday to him. I hope your mom is getting better.
The Shanty Girl says
Beautiful sampler, congratulations on finishing it! I am so happy you brought your cow closer to the family unit!! And Happy Birthday to your Dad! Hope you are feeling better!
Sherry
Tallulah Belle says
Claudia not only is that sampler beautiful I love the idea of it being all the different stitches …fantastic.
Love Monty as well…I’d have him live here with me :-)
Happy Birthday Dad…a fine age.
Olive Cooper says
The sampler is wonderful and has a vintage feel to it. I did embroidery twenty years ago and maybe I should start again. You are inspiring me. Happy Birthday to your Dad. hugs♥olive
Olive Cooper says
The sampler is wonderful and has a vintage feel to it. I did embroidery twenty years ago and maybe I should start again. You are inspiring me. Happy Birthday to your Dad. hugs♥olive
Brenda Kula says
Claudia, that sampler is an absolute treasure! You did such perfect stitches! Oh, frame it. It’s too pretty to be used out on a pillow where something could happen to it. You will want that one around forever. (Happy Birthday to your dad!)
Brenda
Dorthe says
Claudia, your sampler, is so beautifull,.and the stitches wonderfully done, so perfect.I love all the colors, and that you have written the names with thread,too- a lovely piece of art, dear.
Hugs,Dorthe
Norma says
The sampler is so pretty Claudia. I hope you’re feeling better now :)
I love that cow, I didn’t think cows could possibly look wise but I think she does! She also has a slightly startled/worried look – you haven’t been eating hamburger in front of her have you – or is it the McD’s ads on TV???
Happy Birthday to your Dad from far far away.
birdie blue says
it’s darling, claudia. i hope you’re feeling better.
happiest of birthday wishes to your dad.
xo
~molly
birdie blue says
it’s darling, claudia. i hope you’re feeling better.
happiest of birthday wishes to your dad.
xo
~molly
Ellen says
The sampler came out great! And Monty does look happy there. Happy birthday to your dad! Mine will be 87 in November. I hope your dad gets his birthday wish and your mom feels better and comes home soon.
The Garden Bell says
You seriously didn’t finish this while I was away… stunning and glori-us….
What fun you have been having while I was away. So much to see and read. Stunningly, fun pictures as always. So, glad to be back around with all my friends in blogland.
Kate
Lisa says
Happy Birthday and prayers to your sweet family! Love your cow Hope he stays safe ;) You did awesome on your stitchery! I do so love it!!
Hugs,Lisa
Heather ~Pretty Petals says
Claudia, your sampler is really beautiful!!!
Maria says
Your sampler is so sweet – well done. You will have to display it somehow
And congrats to your Dad on achieving another milestone
Dogwood says
beautiful sweet sampler. i really really love it. cute cow sitting on the cabinet.
happy birthday to your dad.
hugs, Cory
The Boston Lady says
Love Monty! I vote for pillow for your lovely sampler. And happy birthday to your dad – I hope he gets his birthday wish.
Georgianna says
Love your sampler, Claudia. I say frame it. You make me wish I had my first one. But that was a long time ago and it is long gone. Happy Birthday to your Dad!
Frog Hollow Farm Girl says
Hi Claudia, the sampler is just so sweet – I’ll have to check out Rebecca’s site! Have you ever used tea to stain fabric? I know a lot of people do that but you might want to keep these colors against the brighter background. Were you able to use any of the embroidery threads I sent you a while ago??
Happy Birthday to your dad too, and I hope your mom is feeling better every day, it must be hard being so far from her, but I don’t need to tell you that.
Funny story about the squirrel, my cats brought in a live chipmunk the other day – it ran around my house for awhile, I hope it’s gone – didn’t ACTUALLY see it run out the door – yikes.
Ciao, bella!
dora says
It is a pleasure to return to enter in your blog.
After a period of time, away from the minis, again with renewed hopes.
A greeting, Carmen kisses
Betty Jo says
Claudia I came to visit earlier this morning, and realized when here I didn’t have your blog linked to betty jo’s view. I left to link it, and forgot to come back and comment! Duhhhh . . .
Love your sampler. You did a wonderful job and I love all those amazing stitches. I would never have the patience to complete something like that, although I used to do a lot of cross stitch, and loved that. ♥
Kim says
Claudia- the sampler is gorgeous! I’m so glad you sent me the link too- thank you again!! Happy Birthday to your Dad ♥
debbie says
Your sampler is G O R G E O U S! Love it. Please tell me you are cheering for the Sox :)
GardenofDaisies says
Your finished needlework piece is really lovely! I’m so glad you were able to save the little squirrel!!
Kerrie says
The finished embroidery piece is stunning!