I took a little break from my Hare Pyns pre-stitching to finish up Valentine Rose (block 2 from BBD’s Anniversaries of the Heart). This block caused me to do a lot of thinking, which may be partially why it took me four months to stitch. When I first decided I was going to stitch AOTH, I initially thought I would include people that had some great stories, use some of the genealogy Eric and my dad had gathered. This block was supposed to be dedicated to my 3rd Great Aunt. She has a great story for sure. Actually a great name as well. But when I saw the final bonus chart and I saw Katrina and Siobhan’s finishes of their AOTHs, something changed in me. Suddenly, I felt like I wanted to piece to really mean something and not be just a bunch of names on fabric – people that are so far removed that they are strangers. What good is a good story if the relationship isn’t a deep one? The piece is intended to be people of my heart. And I always knew that the piece would be a melding of both Eric’s family and mine, so why not keep it to those immediate family members that really are of our heart?
With that last chart in my hand, Eric and I sat down and determined who would be honored in which blocks. We didn’t do more than that, just made an initial “map” if you will. But it felt good to know who would be where and that the people immediately surrounding us would be included.
So, Valentine Rose, is now dedicated to my Grandfather, my father’s father. The photo is of the house where he was born. It was taken in 1914, when he was about 10 years old. That’s him standing on the left hand side in front of the horse. I do remember spending time with him when I was young. Unfortunately, he died on December 24 when I was six years old (my sister was barely two). It is the only time growing up that my dad wasn’t there for Christmas. For all the short time I knew him, Grandaddy (as we called him) left a big impression on me. Since my dad has started researching my family’s genealogy I’ve actually learned a lot more about my Grandfather. Suddenly my father’s memories of him and of growing up were stories he wanted to tell. And now I don’t just think of the man who hugged me and made me feel so loved, but also the man who had a fleet of Cadillacs and was that sharp dresser I see in later photos.
You can see his first name there at the bottom, Robert, and his birth year, 1904. He was born on February 6, so I changed that shape on the door of the house to look more like a 6.
I really enjoyed stitching this block, even though it took me so long. I loved the specialty stitches in the roof, the vase and even the chain stitching on the flowers. The house to me reminds me of the home I visited, even though I really have no visual memory of the outside of it, just a feeling of coziness.
So that’s my Grandfather, and the block dedicated to him. I’ve got the next block (the bonus block) ready to go, but no idea when I will start it. I’m anxious to get moving on it though.
And lest you think I’ve been slacking off and not working on Hare Pyns, I have been. There is a lot of stitching in this piece, so I’m determined to work on it as much as possible in order to get it done in plenty of time before our class. It’s coming along, but it’s coming along slowly because I seem to have to keep making decisions about how to do each new thing I come to. Has anyone stitched this that might be able to provide some assistance??
It is going to be a really pretty piece, I may just drive myself insane by stitching it though. But I’m loving the red. Can’t wait to get that flower all filled in too. It will see some more attention tonight, since yesterday was for And They Sinned.
I am grateful for stitching time with a friend on Saturday. And getting my hair cut!!
Gorgeous pictures Michelle. And I think you’re right. If you stitch a piece like that it should be dedicated to the people that are important in our life. It’s not for nothing called Anniversaries of the Heart.
Loved to read the story of your grand father and that you and Eric decided together to whom to dedicate the charts. Will make it very special to both of you.
And ohhh…that tulip in the last picture is SO beautiful. Still drooling here.
Gorgeous pictures Michelle. And I think you’re right. If you stitch a piece like that it should be dedicated to the people that are important in our life. It’s not for nothing called Anniversaries of the Heart.
Loved to read the story of your grand father and that you and Eric decided together to whom to dedicate the charts. Will make it very special to both of you.
And ohhh…that tulip in the last picture is SO beautiful. Still drooling here.
I think you made a good decision to include only people in your family who you were close to. I loved seeing the pic of your grandfather — so neat. Too bad he died when you were so young. Love the Hare Pyns so far. Hope it gets easier and someone can give you advice!
I think you made a good decision to include only people in your family who you were close to. I loved seeing the pic of your grandfather — so neat. Too bad he died when you were so young. Love the Hare Pyns so far. Hope it gets easier and someone can give you advice!
I think you made a great decision too. The piece will be even more special because of the relationships and feelings associated each person. I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way. Beautiful.
I think you made a great decision too. The piece will be even more special because of the relationships and feelings associated each person. I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way. Beautiful.
Very pretty. Interesting how you have decided on names. This is the reason why I don’t feel I can stitch this piece which is kind of sad. There aren’t enough people in my life that touch my heartstrings. x
Very pretty. Interesting how you have decided on names. This is the reason why I don’t feel I can stitch this piece which is kind of sad. There aren’t enough people in my life that touch my heartstrings. x
I just love the way you have made the block your own through your family history. The block is beautiful and now very meaningful for you.
I just love the way you have made the block your own through your family history. The block is beautiful and now very meaningful for you.
AOTH will be a wonderful and special piece after you put so much thought and your own heart into it.
Great start on the Hare Pyns.
AOTH will be a wonderful and special piece after you put so much thought and your own heart into it.
Great start on the Hare Pyns.
Great finish! Love the personalization too. I kind of agree about the sentiment behind AotH. I think that’s why I put it aside. With all the family troubles, I don’t feel very connected to committing it to thread. Perhaps in a little bit. Time for fun stitching for me!
Hare Pyns is coming along nicely. The tulip is a beautiful color!
Great finish! Love the personalization too. I kind of agree about the sentiment behind AotH. I think that’s why I put it aside. With all the family troubles, I don’t feel very connected to committing it to thread. Perhaps in a little bit. Time for fun stitching for me!
Hare Pyns is coming along nicely. The tulip is a beautiful color!
I really love the personalization idea for these blocks. The piece is spectatular without the personalization, but means so much more with it. And it will be something that will mean much more in the years to come.
Love what you’ve done on Hare Pyns so far. Now I’m flogging myself for not taking that class when it was offered.
I really love the personalization idea for these blocks. The piece is spectatular without the personalization, but means so much more with it. And it will be something that will mean much more in the years to come.
Love what you’ve done on Hare Pyns so far. Now I’m flogging myself for not taking that class when it was offered.
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. You have me thinking about Anniveraries now too. I wanted to do it with women from the family tree, but I have to find enough of them that I feel I know. Hmmmm So many decisions in this little “hobby” of ours.
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. You have me thinking about Anniveraries now too. I wanted to do it with women from the family tree, but I have to find enough of them that I feel I know. Hmmmm So many decisions in this little “hobby” of ours.
Hi there Michelle. The AofH piece is beautiful. I enjoyed reading your story about your grandfather and the dedication you made for him with your block. Some of these blocks have certainly brought me to tears.
Hope you will get your class piece done in time.
TFS.
Jackie
Hi there Michelle. The AofH piece is beautiful. I enjoyed reading your story about your grandfather and the dedication you made for him with your block. Some of these blocks have certainly brought me to tears.
Hope you will get your class piece done in time.
TFS.
Jackie
Love your start of the Hare Pyns piece… it’s going to be gorgeous.
I enjoyed reading your thought process about who you and Eric have chosen to be honored on your AotH sampler. Cool photo.
Love your start of the Hare Pyns piece… it’s going to be gorgeous.
I enjoyed reading your thought process about who you and Eric have chosen to be honored on your AotH sampler. Cool photo.
Beautiful piece and sentiment!! I am still trying to decide if I want to do this as one piece – and I will take a hint from you – most likely laying out all the pieces and seeing what family member it reminds me of.
Beautiful piece and sentiment!! I am still trying to decide if I want to do this as one piece – and I will take a hint from you – most likely laying out all the pieces and seeing what family member it reminds me of.
Beautiful piece and sentiment!! I am still trying to decide if I want to do this as one piece – and I will take a hint from you – most likely laying out all the pieces and seeing what family member it reminds me of.
Beautiful piece and sentiment!! I am still trying to decide if I want to do this as one piece – and I will take a hint from you – most likely laying out all the pieces and seeing what family member it reminds me of.
Beautiful piece and sentiment!! I am still trying to decide if I want to do this as one piece – and I will take a hint from you – most likely laying out all the pieces and seeing what family member it reminds me of.
Beautiful piece and sentiment!! I am still trying to decide if I want to do this as one piece – and I will take a hint from you – most likely laying out all the pieces and seeing what family member it reminds me of.
Love your Valentine block, I think you will love stitching it for people close to you. Thanks for the happy mention too :-). The Sherry Jones piece is so pretty too.
Love your Valentine block, I think you will love stitching it for people close to you. Thanks for the happy mention too :-). The Sherry Jones piece is so pretty too.
Beautiful block !! I love how personal you made it. I love Hare Pyns too!
Beautiful block !! I love how personal you made it. I love Hare Pyns too!
Your Valentine’s Rose is gorgeous Michelle. I’ve had a hard time deciding on my AotH as there were people I wanted to honour and people I didn’t then I felt guilty for honouring some and not others! I think I’m finally decided now!
Your Valentine’s Rose is gorgeous Michelle. I’ve had a hard time deciding on my AotH as there were people I wanted to honour and people I didn’t then I felt guilty for honouring some and not others! I think I’m finally decided now!
Oh that is beautiful stitching!!!
Happy summer days,
Tanya
Oh that is beautiful stitching!!!
Happy summer days,
Tanya
Congrats on finishing the AotH piece, and on mapping out the personalization (that’s a huge feat, in my book!). Hare Pyns is looking great!
Congrats on finishing the AotH piece, and on mapping out the personalization (that’s a huge feat, in my book!). Hare Pyns is looking great!
I love what you did with your second block and the story that you told. I think you will treasure this piece more if the people you honor in it are close and personal.
Your HP looks wonderful! You are coming along just fine.
Sorry it took me so long to comment – I totally missed this post
I love what you did with your second block and the story that you told. I think you will treasure this piece more if the people you honor in it are close and personal.
Your HP looks wonderful! You are coming along just fine.
Sorry it took me so long to comment – I totally missed this post
Looking good on both. I so wish AotH was my style. I love the idea of it. I’m sure you’re will be fabulous!!! And I love the colors in your pre-class stitching. It’s looking good so far.
Looking good on both. I so wish AotH was my style. I love the idea of it. I’m sure you’re will be fabulous!!! And I love the colors in your pre-class stitching. It’s looking good so far.
Michelle, the dedication to your grandfather is very special! Don’t you know he would be so touched. Very cool picture, too!
Michelle, the dedication to your grandfather is very special! Don’t you know he would be so touched. Very cool picture, too!
Oh, I love it!! You know, my paternal grandfather died when I was 7, but he had such a big impact on my life because he was the one person, out of my grandparents & parents, who thought I was just as awesome as I thought he was. I think it’s great that you remembered your grandfather in that block–it makes it all the more special.
Nice work on Hare Pyns! Over one–eek!
Oh, I love it!! You know, my paternal grandfather died when I was 7, but he had such a big impact on my life because he was the one person, out of my grandparents & parents, who thought I was just as awesome as I thought he was. I think it’s great that you remembered your grandfather in that block–it makes it all the more special.
Nice work on Hare Pyns! Over one–eek!
I loved reading your story about your grandfather. You are sooo right about dedicating the blocks to those who are close to our heart. Lovely finish!!
I loved reading your story about your grandfather. You are sooo right about dedicating the blocks to those who are close to our heart. Lovely finish!!
I gasped when I saw the close up of the flower.
I gasped when I saw the close up of the flower.