Secret project reveal

I am not a sewer.  In fact, it’s been so long since I used my machine that I don’t know where the instruction booklet is and am having fits trying to get the bobbin tension proper.

I’ve long wanted to make some of the wonderful smalls I’ve seen in the stitching world.  Pillows of all sorts, wall hangings, needlebooks, bourses, etc., but because I don’t sew well I’ve always been intimidated to give it a go.

If there’s anyone in the stitching, or triathlon, world that doesn’t know, I consider Melissa a sister of my heart.  She’s my BFF 🙂 and knows more about me than anyone else in the world except Kahuna.  I met her online.

When I lived in Japan I joined a yahoo WW group that she ran.  I don’t remember how long I was a member of the group before I unsubbed and moved to California; but one day, I rejoined.  She followed a link in my signature to my stitching photos and wrote me that she stitched too.  I think I had a folder of some designs I was selling/trading and she contacted me then to do a trade, but anyway, this really kicked off us getting to really know one another.  A while later there was a get together of local to me stitchers and she drove down and that was our first face to face meeting.  We ate lunch at Chili’s that day and she sat across from me and I remember thinking “I’m going to like this gal!”  Little did I know!  LOL  We have so many things in common.

 Here it is, more than 6 years later, and I feel so blessed to have her in my life.  She’s the first person I think of sharing anything with, next to Kahuna and sometimes I don’t even share it with him.  She is one of the most giving people I know and I know how appreciative she is of every stitching gift/exchange she receives.  I wanted to be one of the someones who has given her something. 

She’s coming over today (in fact I just verified that she’s on the way) for us to finally have our Christmas get together.  Our schedules have not allowed us to visit since Thanksgiving and I have truly missed visiting face to face with her.  Her birthday is next week, and she’s going to be out of town, so I’m also gifting her with her birthday gift, which is what I’ve been secretly working on.  There’s a little written bit that goes along with the gift, but I’ll let her share that if she wants.  I think I was brave enough to attempt it because I knew she loved me and wouldn’t judge my errors too harshly and know that the attempt was an attempt from the heart.

The stitching is over 1 on 25 ct antique white Lugana in DMC 321.  The fibers in the bourse are Belle Soie Cranberry, Lasagne, Elegant Eggplant, Fresh Raspberries, Carrot Cake, Espresso and Creme de Menthe.  Sounds like a great birthday meal, doesn’t it! 😉