I was watching on TV a British show called Cash in the Attic. It's a bit like Antiques Roadshow but with a twist. There was a clip of a lady doing the most beautiful needlepoint on a frame. I had never seen a needlepoint frame before. It turned out the canvas she was working on was by a famous designer. That's when I discovered Ehrman Tapestry. They carry the most beautiful designs but they are a bit pricey. I needed a beginner's project so I bought just what I needed on Ebay.
My grandparents were from Denmark and this was a popular hobby there years ago. My grandma gave me this dog and flower needlepoint. I had them framed in Egypt many years ago....
When I was in Denmark back in 2004 I purchased this piece from a thrift shop. It's professionally framed. It seems as though no one wants these types of art anymore since they are old fashioned...
Lastly, here are two needlepoint pillows from Denmark that I received from my family members there. I cherish them since they are from the family.....
There's not a lot of info out there in regard to doing needlepoint. I didn't watch videos since I don't have the patience; I prefer to see the pictures and/or read about how to do something. If you have any pointers for me, please let me know. But, I find this hobby so relaxing (no counting which I kind of miss) and it's like seeing a puzzle come together when you make each stitch that fits in it's place. I think I'm addicted to needlepoint!
Before I sign off, I'd like your opinion on something. Have you ever met old acquaintances and they don't care to have anything to do with you? Here's what happened.....Years ago when my son was in the Midwest going to the University he got a job at Starbucks. It turned out that the manager was related to my family (her mother was my cousin). Small world....anyway, there was no rapport at all with the manager in regard to being in the same family. When I say family, my own dear Mother took care of this manager when she was young. I found this very odd.
Fast forward a few years and I recently heard from a friend I knew from high school. I had sent a text message to her and she answered. Our families knew each from the small town we grew up in. I had lost track these past few years so I thought I would say "hello". I was looking forward to catching up on our lives since we were both empty nesters, grandmas, etc. But, it went flat...nothing. She said she would call but I know she will never call me.
Is there something wrong with me or is it just the norm in this day and age? It doesn't bother me but it puzzles me. The ironic thing is that both of these people where in my wedding party 40 years ago! Isn't that funny? Maybe I wouldn't have anything in common with them but I feel I'm a good listener and would be polite to respond to them. Anyway, I'm thankful for the close family and dear friends I do have.
I wish you a wonderful week. Please say hello if you have the time.
My best to you,
Pat
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Hi Pat. I have often had friends that only last for a particular stage of life...work friends, school friends etc. I had a "best friend" all through elem. and middle school. In high school we began to drift apart some but we stayed in touch for many years. Then she went through a difficult divorce and had some health problems and she moved and we lost touch. I ran into a relative of hers and got her new address and wrote.....nothing. A few years later I found her on facebook and sent her a message and friend request....again nothing. I have not moved so she should know how to find me. The ball is in her court now. Why? I have no idea, but I think it is about how she is feeling about herself....not about me.
ReplyDeleteI think your needlepoint is stunning.
Hi Marilyn, Thank you so much for your kind comment. Your friend's story sounds exactly like my friend; divorced, moved, etc. I think you summed it up well when you said "the ball is in her court now". I will move on and I do wish her the best in life. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope you have a great week. Pat xx
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful needlepoint pieces. It has become kind of old fashioned but i love looking at them and thinking of someone years ago spending hours and hours working over them. Ive recently been playing around with needlepoint on crochet and ive really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about the old family friend not being responsive. Ive had kind of the opposite happen lately in the last 6 months 2 different people I went to high school with 25 years ago have gotten in touch with me through Facebook. They were happy to find me. Wanted to catch up for a coffee (which hasnt happened as theyre interstate) and regularly pop up and chat with me through Facebook messenger. The funny thing is in high school they werr not friends of mine. Actually they both teased and bullied me at varying times. One of them even mentioned this and wanted to apologize for her behaviour! Xox
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and write today. What a lovely story that your friends and you have reconnected via Facebook and even apologized. That's true kindness in this day and age. I hope you have a great week. Many thanks, Pat xx
DeleteVery pretty! I've never tried needlepoint, but I love cross stitching. Have fun with your new hobby! Yes, I've had that happen many times. I think people don't hang onto old friends like they used to; it's the old "out of sight out of mind" thing.
ReplyDeleteHello. Many thank for your kind comment. Cross stitch is so lovely and there's so many designs out there but I know I could not master this technique. I think you are correct in what you said about friends. I wish you a wonderful week and hope to chat with you again via blogland.
DeleteI was about 10 when I did my first needlepoint for a neighbour's footstool. But have only had a few chances to get back to doing some more over the years. Crocheting and knitting have pretty much taken over my time. HOWEVER, I have amassed MANY a needlepoint canvas and threads at yard sales and thrift shops over the years. Along with "rescuing" several completed works from "thrifty" obscurity! -- SOMEday I'll get back to doing it... Meanwhile, I'll just continue to gather up those bargain canvases and threads and wool...
ReplyDelete:-D
Thank you for visiting my blog today. It sounds like you have a wonderful collection of needlepoint items. It's such a relaxing hobby and habit forming too! Have a wonderful day :)
DeleteHave always loved needlepoint and have a picture on the go. Think not so hard on the eyes as cross stitch. The pictures are beautiful and it is very rewarding when done.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the problems you have had, sadly you may have been the best of friends but nowadays people move on and you can be virtual strangers should you ever meet up again. I do not bother to meet with old friends or colleagues as that ship has sailed. On saying that though have an old school friend and when we have met (which is not often) as if we have never been apart. That is a true friendship that has weathered the years.
Hello. Thank you for visiting today and for your kind words. I think your advice about meeting up with old friends of colleagues is very wise. I guess times have changed so I should too. I hope you have a great day. My best to you :)
DeleteI've done a few needlepoint projects and really enjoy them. I've got a work-in-progress cushion that my mum had started but can't finish. I've had it 2 years and somehow haven't got round to starting it yet, but you've reminded me how much fun I have stitching it.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki, needlepoint is a fun and enjoyable hobby. Thanks for visiting my blog and thanks for the great party you host.
DeleteMy daughter (21 and newly married) loves needlepoint. I've just taught her how to knit socks, and she is currently making her first pair! I love the blog and the pictures!
ReplyDeleteAs for old 'friends' well, they're not really, as if they had been a friend, they would not have moved on without staying in contact.
They have the issue, not you.
Hi Tracey, your daughter is very talented indeed. I love knitting socks too as they are so much fun to see them take shape. Thank you for your kind words. And I think your take on friends is totally correct. Wishing you a wonderful week. :)
DeleteI enjoyed the tour of your needlepoint.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard not to feel hurt when you are snubbed like that. I bumped into an old college friend, who I had shared a flat with for a year. She let me buy her a coffee, but when I suggested meeting again was told she was too busy taking her daughter to ballet lessons. This was 12 years ago, as my daughter was a baby in a pram, but it still bothers me at times.
Many thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. Your comment is very helpful as I know that I'm not the only one out there who can feel bad about this situation. I look forward to chatting with you again via our blogs.
DeleteI love your needlepoints! They are beautiful. I have one needlepoint that my grandmother did on the bench to a vanity table. I cherish it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Your grandmother's needlepoint sounds lovely. It's very special to you for sure.
DeleteLovely needlepoint - I love anything hand stitched and buy them when I find them. There are so many ways to update them - paint the frames, re-purpose them into bags, like you are thinking of doing, even pillows! You have a wonderful collection with great memories.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the old friends. Sometimes people are going through bad times in their lives and don't feel like connecting, or they are very busy and mean to respond, but don't find the time. I also agree that some friends are only in your life during a certain time and place and it is hard to reconnect. They are the ones missing out :) xo Karen
Hello Karen, it's so nice to hear from you. So,I'm not the only one who collects this stuff. It's so pretty, isn't it? Thank you for your advice regarding friends. I appreciate your time to comment. Have a lovely weekend. Pat xx
DeleteHi Pat,
ReplyDeleteLovely to see all your needlepoints. I have about three to work on at the moment, one from a charity shop, one passed on from a friend to be finished and one which was a project for my handicraft group which needs to be finished.
It is sad about your old friends, but as Karen said sometimes it is hard to reconnect to old friends and they may have things going on in their lives which stop them contacting you.
I hope you have a lovely weekend, try not to let it upset you.
Barbara xx
Hi Barbara, I'd love to see your needlepoint. I'm sure I could use some advice regarding the proper way to stitch. And, thank you for your advice regarding old friends. I have let his pass and I have received such great advice from you and others via this blog. Have a great weekend - we're in the midst of a heat wave down here in southern California!
DeleteMy best to you. Pat xx
I used to do quite a lot of cross-stitch and embroidery - and have some unfinished projects still. But I find my near vision is not so good these days, and it's much less enjoyable. I've never done needlepoint, though. It looks like great fun, like a puzzle as you say. Your needlepoint pictures are very interesting. You're right, it isn't a medium that is much valued these days.
ReplyDeleteAs for friendships, I have found the same as others in the above comments. I have some friendships that have lasted well over decades, and some where the other person, for reasons known only to them, has stopped reciprocating. In a few cases, they get in touch very sporadically and are profusely apologetic about not being in touch, but then don't answer communications after that, for a very long time. I used to think that other people must basically think the same way I do, but as I get older I realise that actually, other people may well see the world in a completely different way than me! And that includes attitudes towards friendships and relationships. At the same time, I have found friends in very surprising ways, including over the internet. If you'd told me that would happen 10 years ago I would have bet you money it wouldn't!
My experience with needlepoint is limited and unsophisticated in skill level which makes my appreciation of others' good work very great indeed!
ReplyDeleteYour experience with long term friendships and distant family relationships mirrors my own. I have several people from my wedding party who I have had limited contact with over the 40 years since my wedding. However, in my case, I know I am the one at fault in keeping friendship growing sometimes simply because I have moved over 15 times and am overwhelmed with the number of friends and family I have a choice to communicate with. The irony of this is that I have a B.A. in Speech-Communications :) My husband liked to tease me sometimes when I got myself into communication tangles! However, I have noted that my strongest longterm relationships are those with whom I share my faith in God. xx
Hello. I love your work. It's so detailed and intricate! I was interested in your final comment about old friendships. I'm hopeless at keeping in touch but I do love to catch up with people I used to know. I think some friendships are "for a season" whilst others are for a life time. Like the previous commenter, those that are strongest are my friends who share my faith. But it's a very thought-provoking issues, isn't it?
ReplyDelete