(click any photos to enlarge)
I cross-stitched this little sampler in 1993, back when the house was decorated in a primitive style. I took it down during my cottage/shabby transition because I wasn't sure if it "fit" in with the pastels and florals that I'd fallen in love with...
But with each passing day, each passing week, each passing month and year, I learn more about myself. I've learned that I needn't be so rigid in my thinking about whether something fits... about whether something is the right color... about whether something is "cottagey"...
...because, as it turns out, if it's something I love, or if it holds special meaning, or is handmade with love, or brings back warm memories, it's always going to be the right "style" for the home we live in and love...
... and this little sampler, with its profound motto, is proof of that...
So I dug it out and hung it on the side of the recycling hutch in our kitchen... I think it "fits" in perfectly!
Wishing you all a wonderful week!
COMMENT UPDATE 1: Marnie, that is a Morgan Jones full size chenille spread on my small wing chair (and it just fits side to side)... Front to back isn't usually a problem, but to have good side to side coverage over the arms I really prefer a queen for this small wing chair, and I've even used a king size spread on my larger family rooom wing chair (of course that means LOTS of the material is tucked!)
COMMENT UPDATE 2: Jan, I'm afraid I don't remember who designed this cross stitch patter, but it's very similar to many of Nan Caldera's samplers... I just tried to find mine on-line but couldn't come up with anything. However, I did come across this site which has a wide variety of samplers to cross-stitch (I'm eyeing several of them!): http://www.theneedlesart.com/category_results.cfm?Category=62
This Jane Austen sampler especially caught my eye! I might give some serious thought to ordering it! (just click the photo below to go directly to that sampler on The Needle's Art site):
Happy Stitching!
Donna
It does fit in perfectly! I think it is so sweet and it has such a great message!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Allison
I think it fits perfectly! Look at the pretty colors and there is even a little cottage home at the bottom.
ReplyDeleteBut, you are right! If you love it, it fits!
Your place is so cute, you have no worries there my dear.
Hugs,
Joanne
Your sampler is beautiful! I agree that keeping things you made, found or that have special meaning to you really does make a house a home!
ReplyDeleteYes, lovely sampler. I haven't cross-stitched for a long time now, but I don't know why as it is so relaxing and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sampler. I don't have the eyesight or the patients to cross-stitch, but envy those who can. It is really a wonderful piece of art work!
ReplyDeleteI love the message! You are right, if you love it, use it; to me, that's what makes a happy home, having the stuff I love all around.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteIt is so very pretty and fits to a t. Love it! Cindy
I agree with you. We need things around us that make us happy. If we love it then its great.
ReplyDeletehelen
I so enjoy cross-stitching as well and did a particular one while on my honeymoon in 1990. I too put it away...but perhaps I should dig it out and put it up! Someone recently told me cross-stitching is "out"...but I hope not. It is relaxing and fun. Thanks for showing us what you've done. It's simply lovely and looks great where you put it. ; )
ReplyDelete~Michele
I love the way you have that blue throw arranged and sort of knotted over the wing back chair. Would you tell me what size blanket that is.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
I think that it looks beautiful. The colors are pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt looks perfect there. And it is special, which is all that really matters.
ReplyDelete~Michelle
Donna, I think it's just right :0)
ReplyDeleteThe sampler looks great!!! I am a cross stitcher also...and mostly samplers. My wall of samplers fits great in with my English looking cottage decor. There is painted furniture...but not white. Do you remember the designer of that sampler? It is very pretty!
ReplyDeleteJan :)
it's LOVELY!!! your home is lovely!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the anniversary wishes!!! :-)
Cottage to me is not a color or a style. It's a way of life. It's learning to live in a smaller space with the all the things you love. I LOVE your cross stitch sampler. It's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty, and looks to me like it has a cottage look. I often say that very thing...if I love it, it will "go" with other things I love. We both posted about samplers, but I didn't make the ones I posted. I do have some that I made. Yours has such lovely words to live by. laurie
ReplyDelete