Tuesday, March 5, 2013

I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

 
"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm"
design by Heartstring Samplery
 
I don't usually stitch big projects. My stitching time is quite limited between a full time career as an accountant, a mom to two teenagers, keeping a house and occassional volunteer work at church. So when I do stitch I usually stitch small projects that I know I can finish. But Beth Twist of Heartstring Samplery keeps tempting me with her wonderful large designs! 

 
I started this piece in 2010 when it came out. I stitched on it during the Groundhog's Day Blizzard of 2011. And I continued stitching it for two more years.
This isn't Beth's entire design, that would have taken me another year at least :) but I stitched all of the words and selected my favorite bands to go between them.


After spending so much time stitching it, I took it to Michael's to have it framed. There is a gentleman that works there that has helped me twice before. He always selects something out of my comfort zone, that I really am happy with. I have learned to trust him.
 
I was looking for a rustic black or silver frame. But he wanted to double mat it and picked a more traditional frame. He selected a narrow black mat and a linen mat in the exact same color as the linen I stitched it on. The frame is black and a tarnished silver. I thought it was too ornate from the side. But then I realized that straight on, when looking at the stitchery, it is fairly plain. When you walk past it at an angle then you see the detail and it draws your eye to it.
He did it again and I am happy with the results.
 

 
I thought it appropriate to share today as we have yet another snowstorm here in Chicago.
Two Tuesdays in a row, I have had to pick up my son who is on crutches in a snowstorm to take him from college to visit his Orthopedic Surgeon. He dislocated and chipped his ankle while skateboarding. Good news is that he is healing and hopefully after two more weeks the cast might come off.
The silver lining - driving down Lake Shore Drive along Lake Michigan in a snow storm - nothing is more beautiful! And spending time with my son in bumper to bumper traffic with plenty of time to talk :)
 
Thank you Beth! You have inspired me yet again with your wonderful designs!
You can read Beth's blog here.
And you can see here lovely designs in her Etsy shop here.
 
If you are in the path of this snowstorm, please stay safe!
Blessings, Patti

20 comments:

  1. Patti,
    That frame is sheer perfection! I have never seen one with the moulding detail on the outside edge and now I need to check out micheal's to see if they have it here in Georgia. And I really like the stitching story behind this piece.
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful sampler! I love how you interpreted this to fit your time....and that frame is perfect. Here in Ohio we are suppose to get some snow too... I'd love a snow day. Stay warm.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It is beautiful and congrats on your finish!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So Beautiful Patti! I love the frame and mat too!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful finish! Your framing guy did a great job. Love the changes you made to the design.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is beautiful! Congrats on the finishing of such a wonderful piece.Hugs.Jen

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just beautiful your stitching the design and the framing. CJ in OK

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great job on this beauty...perfect frame!
    Robyn

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a perfect frame! Congratulations on such a beautiful finish.
    The drive with your son sounds perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a beautiful piece.
    I love the frame and how it all came together !
    Lovely work. ;)
    Rose

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have to say that frame is PERFECT for that piece. Absolutely gorgeous!!
    I really like Beth's designs. Did this one call for that color thread or was that your choice? It's just so beautifully done.

    I remember many conversations had with my son while driving. It was the best time to talk. I miss that.

    Had a bit of snow last night but it's just a dusting now. The winds have been very high here lately. The flag is flying straight out!
    ~hugs

    ReplyDelete
  12. Morning, beautiful sampler, looks so perfect in that frame, Francine.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yay! You did it! So happy to see your finish, and it does look lovely in that frame.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love your adaptation, and the framing is wonderful.

    Nice going.

    Bobbi

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love it! The frame is perfect. I love the edge.

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, what a wonderful sampler. And the frame is fantastic.

    Greetings from germany , Grit

    ReplyDelete
  17. That is absolutely beautiful, Patti!! I think the frame is spot on perfect and isn't it wonderful to have someone at the shop that knows what they're doing and has a good eye, too. Congratulations on a lovely finish.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you ever so much for stopping by to visit me! I am so grateful and would love to hear your thoughts...