Saturday, January 19, 2013

UFO's that tell a story....

Another year, and my January resolution.... to swap my current "stuff" for more productive "stuff".  
I open one of several needlework supply boxes and find this.


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It was my mother's, 
she had even started working on it.
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I'm sure life got in the way, so I decide that I will finish what she started. The next thing I spot is this...

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Now that's what I'm talking about, these are clearly written instructions for all of the embroidery stitches. There is no need to rely on the user's knowledge or a nudge to another book. I am impressed. 


 Then I find this.
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Mom didn't type, so this looks like the work of my father. I picture him coming over and asking what she is working on, and her sorting through the yarns. She probably said it was going to be very complicated to keep these colors organized, and I picture them working together. He probably went to his typewriter and left her a piece of paper with all of the numbers on them for her. She opened the holes and threaded the yarns through each of their name tags.

 I love this story in my head, because 

 1) It reminds me of my parents as a loving couple working together 
 2) It's an idea so simple, yet so effective

So even though my initial intention was to get rid of it, sell it on ebay, this story makes it impossible.
We'll see if I can finish it before her birthday on February 11.


10 comments:

Unknown said...

It's absolutely beautiful... good luck!

BeckyMc said...

What a beautiful story. Your finishing "their" project will be a tribute to thier marriage and a testament of your love for your parents. What a fitting birthday and Valentine's Day gift.

Mary Beth said...

Beautiful UFO and a wonderful story. I'd love this pillow in my house :)

chesneykat said...

That is really lovely crewel work. It reminds me of one of the first major crafty type things I ever did: a woodland scene with mushrooms and ferns back in the 70s. I was probably 12 or so. It would be so cool to have that thing back. I think your Mom would feel the same. Take your time on it though.

ELMO said...

Awww you guys are making me tear up.

Janine said...

What a lovely project to do for your mother. I would be absolutely thrilled if someone did that for me.

chchoo said...

I love this story.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Aw, that is a lovely story! Best wishes on finishing!

Mel said...

I understand entirely. I am currently finishing a quilt kit we found when my grandmother passed away. She hadn't worked on it but it was so very her to buy a kit that was discounted because it was missing a color of floss then carry it with her through 5 house moves without ever making it up. It will finally be her great bargain when it is on my bed.

SEWN said...

What a beautiful story. I can't wait to see it finished!