It’s been a while since I completed a big embroidery project. I can’t think why!
Cross stitch will always be my favourite craft. I learned when I was 10, and it’s been a comforting, familiar part of my life ever since.
There’s something about the repetitiveness of the stitches. The familiar texture of the floss and linen. The safety of having a pattern-map to follow. It’s the task I always turn to when I need to calm my mind, or soothe my soul.
I’ve given away almost every piece of embroidery I’ve done (with some notable exceptions), and a fair number of them have ended up with my mother. It seemed fitting that I stitch her something special for her 60th birthday.
I immediately went to The Drawn Thread to look for a pattern by Cynthia Zittel. Her designs are always so very beautiful, so she’s where I start whenever I’m ready to stitch something new. Her “The Wayward Garden” seemed perfect for my mum.
I altered all the text to make it more appropriate for the occasion, adding my mother’s name in place of the sampler alphabet, and a different quote. I also added her date of birth in place of the traditional stitcher’s initials and completion date.
It’s hard to conceive of a gift worthy of an occasion like a milestone birthday in the life of one of your most precious people. The best I know how to give is something I’ve made with care.
(Click image to enlarge)