I feel like I’m writing too many of these posts, too much of my personal life and too much of my time these past couple of months has been dealing with Other Stuff. It makes it hard to concentrate, hard to get things done, and hard to accomplish things.
Yesterday’s blow was that my DH’s dear aunt, Dolly, passed away in her sleep in hospice after fighting increasing dementia for the past couple of years. She was very dear to the many people in her family, her generations of English students in the high schools near DC where she taught, and to dozens of friends. Her loss is felt, as was my mother’s, very keenly.
Like my mom, Dolly got much of my needlepoint. One pillow I made for her I particularly remember. I used the Lone Star pattern pictured here from Needlepoint from Great American Quilt Designs, but with a difference. I stitched it in many different blue threads (blue was her favorite color). Because this was in 1980 or 81, different threads were not easy to find. As a result I spent many of my San Francisco lunch hours going to different stores buying threads: a skein of silk here, some flower thread there. I loved the way it turned out. It looked exactly liked I pictured it should when I started.
That’s the thing about needlepoint that you give away, you never know when it will come back to touch your heart.
I have a painted canvas of pansies I stitched for my mother-in-law. I think it was one of the first painted canvases I did. I know it was the first time I did needle-blending. It sits on one of the bedroom walls and reminds me of her when I see or think about it.
I brought home some pieces I stitched for my mom and packed away others to be brought back later. Two I remember fondly. One is a Jody ornament for croquet — now who has seen needlepoints for croquet? Until about 2009 my mom played a wicked game of croquet at the community where she lived. Of course when I saw this I had to make it for her.
Another one is a large Tish Indian lady. It sat on her wall for years. I look at it now and I think about how adventurous I was when stitching it. Her hair has individual strands of Spring couched down. Her robe is a large woven-look pattern in overdyed Medici. As soon as I have time to hang it, it’s going on the wall right outside my office.
I know that many people think I’m strange because the things that belonged to people in my family are hugely important. But to me they are memorials to those we have loved and who love us. The needlepoints of my family are one of these things.
Of course this all means that plans change. Even the plans for what I will stitch change. I spent part of yesterday afternoon staging projects to take it the car. I have some pieces that would be great car projects arriving this week, but for now, it will have to be stuff with deadlines and UFO’s. At least at the moment I can get to the UFO pile because the cat isn’t sleeping there.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Kearby Parker says
What a happy surprise to see the photo of one of my favorite needlepoint books in today’s blog. It brings back memories of being introduced to and sharing needlepointing with my beloved mother-in-law. I’m so sorry for your loss and hope that the projects you gave to your loved ones bring comfort.
Eleanor Reynolds says
Dear Janet,
I sent prayers up for you Mother and now Aunt Dolly. After today’s post I am adding strangers to my prayer list who need prayers. Because it is obvious their is loss for you, however, more joy. Wallow in the JOY they brought to your life.
Eleanor, A Fan
Janet M Perry says
Thanks, they were both role models for me.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Janet M Perry says
Thanks so much.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Anne Roberts says
I treasure both my vintage needlepoint books and the projects completed with love for and by special friends and relatives. The connection and appreciation experienced is quite a force in my life. I am sorry for your loss. Hold dear these memories!
Janet M Perry says
Thanks so much.
Keep stitching,
Janet