I'll start off by saying I'm completed and glad the process of bringing me to life is over. I've been frustrated, sad, lonely, and hot, and have a few questions for you if you don't mind.
Give it your best shot Ms. Davis. Keep in mind, I have control of the keyboard, and the lighter.
This took longer than expected. Was it because of the work being done in your home?
Well, partly. I am a procrastinator.
From Virginia? Related to Harvey Procrastinator?
No.
Let's start at the beginning. My original piece was stitched using one, two, and four threads. From the start, you chose to ignore this and use two strands throughout. Explain?
Sure. I don't pay enough attention to the chart's details when stitching and would end up having to go back for corrections. I would ask you - why weren't you consistent? I think my way was better.
The color changes you made were primarily because of the linen color, right? I see no fault in adjusting shades that would otherwise fade into the fabric. I'm sure my linen was not the same color as yours.
Yes you're correct. The trouble came because I failed to note what those changes were, but with the randomness, it wasn't an issue.
My satin stitch was troublesome for you, yet it's a simple stitch. What was the problem?
Good question. My stitches are always pulled and tension is hard to get right. But the placement gave me fits this time and I can't explain why. I saved it for the end, following a repeat that I could remember.
But you forgot to change color on the last several sawtooths.
I told you I don't pay close attention to the chart. And why would you change the last three?
And you changed one satin stitch band to two rows of cross.
Guilty. Move on.
And you didn't feel that I deserved to be covered or protected when you weren't around?
If I would put my stitching in a bag, folder, or basket, I would search for hours trying to remember where it is.
But don't you think that there is history in recreating a piece done by a young girl so long ago and should be treated with respect?
Well......I never thought of it that way. But it's just me with some linen and threads! I rarely follow the chart exactly and it's YOUR piece that's important, not my copy. You didn't care enough to correct simple errors, your flowers ran into bands, you changed the bottom border which I didn't see until too late, misaligned your letters, so get off your tuffet.
Do you have any regrets about leaving me outside on your swing, completely forgotten until late at night when it was dark and cold?
Uh..............
I've put up with the flameless fire emanating from your body, the heavy neck pack being thrown on me, that fat black cat sitting on me, close calls with chocolate smeared fingers, and hearing words that we NEVER used back in my day. I know I'm a "piece of fabric and some threads" to you, but can I be treated with some dignity? I worked hard and tried my best to create this, I'm part of a historical society, and many hours were involved in bringing my work to you.
Uh..............
Now you will stick pins in me and hang me from a wall, bare naked. When this you see, remember me, and the way I've been treated. I hope you get pleasure from what I will add to your home, and realize that that alone, should be reason enough to be treated with a little respect.
(sniff)
I'm sorry. ......wait.....
You almost had me! I know you are right and many stitchers take pride in needlework history. But I can't stop my hot flashes from affecting you, the place I set you down and forget, what the fat cat does, where my heat pack ends up when I whip it off, the amount of chocolate on my fingers, and the fact that I can't afford to dress you in finery (or prefer nakedness). I thank you for your work and those involved with bringing it to me, and appreciate the opportunity to have it in my home. But if I became a responsible stitcher, I may not enjoy it any longer. My mind is not as sharp as it once was, and will overlook some details, forget other things, and fail to have the attention and patience necessary.
OK. I understand a little better now. I am flattered that you like my design and chose it over so many others. I should be happy that my name and work will hang in your home, and not be so rigid in how it got there. Fact is, I could have been just as reckless with my linen when creating this, and I made many errors that could have been easily corrected, but I chose to be as informal as you were. Friends?
Friends.
Are you going to put those little hairs on the other three sides of my border?
Yes dear, when my face quits pounding.
You look bad. Still sick?
Very. I think a few days of rest is in order. And when I feel better, I'll show off my revamped 6" box that will hold Midnight Ride. And my dried yellow beans.
Thank you Thankful Davis. We are more alike than you would think.
The first is my current project, Harriot Simpson, a reproduction from 1777. The original was stitched on 54 count and much of it over one thread. It's reproduced on 36 count, over two, and is less than 4" x 5" when completed. On the cover, some of the stitching is not seen because of thread color which I've changed.
The same is true of my second chart, H. Kessel's reproduction. I didn't like the looks of either until I realized that those blank areas are actually stitched. You can see on the chart that the entire line is filled with name and motifs. This is from 1858, is German, similar in size (82 x 91) to Harriot (83 x 66).
Two more things. I love redskin potatoes and this recipe is one of my favorites. Melt several tablespoons of butter to coat the glass dish, cut potatoes in half and dip cut side in the butter, then in grated Parmesan (remove excess), place cut side down. 400 degrees for 40 -45 minutes.
