I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Finished and on it's way!

Here it is! After working on this off and on since last November, I finally finished the tablecloth for a friend! It looks much prettier if you click on the picture to get a better view.
The hardest thing for me to do to get started embroidering this was to come up with the color scheme. I at first thought about doing it all in white like many of the antique tablecloths, but I then saw my friends china and decided to try to match the colors of the roses in the china to the roses in the tablecloth.
With the gardening projects, vacations, school functions and life's twists and turns, I took way too long in getting this finished.
Many hours of stitching were worked while watching old movies, praying for a loved one, worrying over a problem, and remembering the good times I have shared with the sweet lady who is getting this tablecloth.

Another hard decision was how to tie the rose clusters together on the tablecloth. With the roses having so much detail, I chose a simple vine and leaf design, which .......

by looking at it, it doesn't appear to be that pretty, however, when worked in a large area with larger embroidered designs, it works out beautifully. Now the last hardest thing is to wait for the mail to deliver it and to hear whether she likes it or not. I always second guess myself even with customers who have picked out the colors and designs. {: Now my hands will be busy with future projects. More embroidery, crochet and quilting to come!




16 comments:

Debi said...

This is trully a work of art. I am sure that the woman who recieves it will cherish it. You do such fine work. I too, enjoy hand stitching. I work mainly with stamped cross stitch. I was wondering if you made this design yourself or was it a transfer? I know of not too many woman who still do hand work. I love your blog.

Flower said...

The tablecloth is stunning and an heirloom gift! You must love this person very much!!

Sue said...

Beautiful work----I love the tablecloth.
Love your blog.

LindaSue said...

Absolute beauty - what a phenomenal gift - love it that you put your memories and prayers into the work - all good gifts have those components! You are an artist.

papel1 said...

Its a beautiful tablecloth.
Judy

Gina E. said...

Congratulations on sticking with this lovely cloth and finishing it. I don't know how you can bear to part with it, after all that work! (I can't talk - I give more of my work away than what I keep!).
My MIL gave me a supper cloth with roses on, that she started 70 years ago. It took me two weeks to embroider one rose, as the shading was complicated. But I will finish it one day...I hope!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Sweet Kathleen!

Oh your handiwork is beautiful and the patience to create your work is awesome! What a lovely piece for your friend! It is a heirloom to pass on through generations to come!

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Maryjane

KathyB. said...

I love to embroider, and I love embroidery > Do you have any poultry patterns( realistic) you can recommend ?

Thanks for visiting my blog...you have a great place for a flock of sheep, especially a flock of 'primitive sheep'. Primitive or 'old world' breeds are easy keepers and will thrive on scarcer pasture, with a bit of supplementation. Plus, enjoying needlework, the wool of your own flock can open up worlds of possibilities ! KathyB.

KathyB. said...

Oops...I realized after reading my comment, I forgot to say. "Beautiful tablecloth!" The table cloth is an inspiration for me...I am taking a road trip later this week and think I'll pack a piece to embroider during any spare time at our motel, now about that chicken pattern ! KathyB.

Jane Smith said...

Mom got the cloth, yesterday. She loves it. She wanted to say thank you so much. It is proudly displayed on her table.

It's absolutely beautiful.

Jane Smith said...

I forgot to say that I'll get pics for you as soon as I can.

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

This is absolutely STUNNING! Your work is excellent and the colors you chose are just gorgeous. What a wonderful idea it was for you to match your friend's china!! This is truly a labor of love. Your friend must be very special indeed.
Patricia :o)

I just about drooled all over the place as the pictures came up!

Paula said...

That isjust beautiful Kathleen... I'm sure the camera doesn't do it justice, either!
I agree with Linda Sue- you're a true artist.

Linda said...

Kathleeen, the tablecloth is just so beautiful. I like your color choices and I think it will be wonderful with her china. I know your friend will love it and treasure it forever. Hugs, Linda

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Hi everyone! Thanks for all of your sweet comments! I just love hearing from all of you! blessings, Kathleen

Linnéa said...

love your work!