Friday, July 29, 2011

needle little love

I could probably list at least 20 things that scream summer to me and the majority of them would probably be on your list too....I'm wondering though, how many people would have cross stitching on their summer activities list?  Anyways, cross stitching is one of those quirky things that definitely make my summer things list and it goes all the way back to when I was in high school.  On the days when I wasn't at the swimming pool, my best friend, Kristi Evans and I would sit in my backyard in white Adirondack chairs and cross stitch the day away.  We'd pick tomatoes and grapes from her backyard garden (which conveniently backed up to mine) and eat them right off the vine.  I'm not sure there were too many other high schoolers stitching during the summer, but I could be wrong. 
25 years later and I still love to start a stitching project each summer.  This year, Kristyn sent me the patterns from Wee Wonderfuls.  They are the perfect summer project - fast and fun!  I finished the apples and the eggs as Christmas gifts.  
I loved how Kristyn framed hers with some fabric around the motif, so I copied her! (imitation is the best form of flattery, right?!)  Don't you love the punch the fabric gives to the finished project?
without fabric
with fabric
  The only thing I didn't like about these patterns was the absence of my dear friend....for the past couple of summers, Kristyn and I have stitched several projects during our summer visiting and in thinking back it has become a part of my special summer memories collection.  So when I needle little love, I pull out my stitching and remember all of the great memories spent with friends throughout the summer over our cross stitch hoops.  What's one of the quirky things that you love to include in your summer?  I hope you're making time for it while the days are still long and lazy.


ETA:  I'm linking up with Kristyn's ADVENTure post....more goodies added to my Christmas pile!!  yeah!

14 comments:

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

I just love the fact that it's something you and your dearest friend share! And I have to agree, the fabric really brings the whole thing together. Happy stitching!

Leslie said...

I used to cross stitch all the time, but I can't remember the last time I picked up the cross stitch needle. I did notice my 18 year old daughter has been cross stitching lately. It isn't really something she does much of so I thought it was neat that she is spending some vacay time doing that.

Nancy from Mass said...

I recently picked up my cross stitching again. I have been working on a farmhouse scene for over 2 years now (as well as quilting, knitting and crocheting). my oldest sister cross stitches all the time. it's such a relaxing way to create!

Sally said...

oh my gosh, they are. SO. CUTE!!!! I haven't visited Wee Wonderfuls' shop or blog in ages, but whoo wheee!!! I am on my way!

Meg said...

What a great post! The projects are adorable, and you two ladies are so lucky to have each other!

Designs on 47th Street said...

Hi Lisa! What a wonderful story of friendship and summer. I truly love your summertime stitching projects. I used to cross stitch LOTS and LOTS!! I still treasure some of the projects I made. I always love seeing what you are doing. :)

Donna

Kristyn Knits said...

I'm with you...summer=cross stitch projects!! LOVE them!! LOVE you!! Your projects look ADORABLE, and yes! the punch of color from the fabric makes all the difference. So glad you're enjoying your gift. I just might need to start another project...
xoxo

Tracy said...

Cross stitch... oh, so lovely! I used to do a good bit of this years ago, but haven't revisited in a long time. Thank you for the inspiration--as always. :o) ((HUGS))

no spring chicken said...

What a wonderful tradition! And perfect that it all began with a friend. Your finished work looks great framed with the fabric border!

Blessings, Debbie

Gloria said...

I love your cross stitched projects. Framing them always adds such a nice final touch. I think it is so wonderful that you and Kristyn have been able to share this needle love together...:) What a sweet friendship you both share!

I have always loved cross stitching, although I don't do it all that much anymore due to not seeing as good as I use to. I did pass on the cross stitching love to two of my daughters. I am so glad they liked to do that when they were young and have continued with it. Doing much larger and amazing projects than I EVER DID!! It is such JOY for my soul to see them working on projects together, and what beautiful work they have actually completed!!!

Happy Summer to you dear friend!

xoxo...Gloria

Larissa said...

Love your title! Handwork truly is so full of love. These are wonderful and even more special because they were gifted by Kristyn. I never did much cross stitch growing up - one summer I was obsessed with french knots and satin stitch and stitched chicks with french knot "feed" on all my purses and tees. Have a wonderful week!

Imene said...

These are so lovely. I love cross stitching but my last project was 7 years ago ...
I think these would look lovely in my daughter's room!

mark said...

it has been too long since i have been "around" and commenting on your great posts,. i have actually begun cross stitching myself. i have watched kristyn do it forever, and decided it was time to work-out a new creative muscle. it was all because of my expert teacher, but i am having great fun with it. i have found it to be much like hand washing dishes ... a great activity to get quiet with yourself and God, i finished two of the wee wonderfuls (butter and eggs) and framed them as birthday gifts for my mom. one more of the set will be a Christmas gift, and one a special gift for my teacher (shhh, don't tell). your's look awesome, as do all of the creative projects you take on. big love for the entire family. miss them more than i could say.

Ruth said...

I love to cross stitch but haven't done it in years. I need to give it a try. Now to look for a good pattern.

Ruth