Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

If you are a Mother, I hope this day is special for you. My own Mom has been gone for many years now. I've always loved this picture of my parents. They looked so happy together. I miss her not just today, but everyday. The little girl on the left on my banner photo is also my Mom. She was the baby of the family, as am I. The woman in the middle was her Mother, and my aunt is on the right.
I was in the mood to start another sampler the other day. I thought I'd give myself a break from the 45ct. linen. Here's a sneak peek. If you've read my blog for any length of time, you'll remember that I am a huge fan of The Sampler Company's designs. This one is called Margaret Simcock. It's from the book Traditional Samplers by Brenda Keyes. My copy is signed by Brenda, which she will do if requested. Since I have proclaimed myself her biggest fan, it's one of my treasures. This design is very sweet, lots of soft muted colors. The verse and hair are done in black. I love that contrast and look in a sampler. I dyed some 40ct. Bisque to age it a bit. The corner that you are seeing is the darkest.
I treated myself to a new DVD called Monarch of the Glen. It's a BBC video, and it takes place in the Scottish Highlands. I believe it ran for seven seasons. I love British TV shows, and I happened to come across it yesterday at Barnes & Nobles. Have you seen it? Please let me know what you think. I plan to watch some of it today.
Enjoy your day!

19 comments:

Love to Stitch said...

Love the picture of your parents, a real treasure! Simply amazing start on your Sampler Company--pretty neat that Brenda signed it too, how special is that?! I am always excited to see your work, and it I am sure it inspires everyone who knows you, and also reads your blog! Cant wait till the next progress pic!! (PS, my Plantation Sampler pattern came and I love it! Thank you:))

Alice said...

My first impression of your mom and dad was how happy they look. I love old photographs. Did I ever mention that I collect real old photographs? I have always liked your banner but now I understand the meaning behind it. I love your new Sampler and like you, I am also fan of Brenda Keyes. A signed copy...that is precious! Your DVD sounds like just the kind of thing you want to watch/listen to when stitching. I have lately been watching Pride and Prejudice twice and more per evening while stitching. I just love the romantic feeling of that film.
Alice

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

The picture of your parents is wonderful - what a sweet picture! I also love knowing who them women are on your banner. Great new start, too! Have a happy day!

Margaret said...

What a great picture of your parents! I too have not had my mother for many years now. I love your new start -- so beautiful! I don't have that book and I'm also a huge fan of Brenda's. I'll have to look for it now.

Melissa said...

I love the photo of your parents - they look so happy in that 'having fun' way!

I love your new start. I can always rely on you, Tanya, to inspire me with traditional samplers! Thank you!

Have a great week.

Tanya Willis Anderson said...

That girl motif gets around! She's in my upcoming Jane Austen design. Pretty stitching you have done so far.

Tanya

Tanya said...

Happy Mother's Day to you!
I loved seeing your picture of your parents. They look very happy together. I lost my mom twenty-seven yrs ago. I think of her everyday. I like seeing your new start and can't wait to see more.
I love Brenda Keyes designs.

Theresa said...

I love the photo of your parents!!! It is truely a treasure!!!
Your new start looks adorable!!!! Have to go check her work out~~

Julie said...

I was always curious as to who the people are in that photo atop your blog. I'm glad I know. The progress of your sampler is great. I love the girl!

I'm sorry your mom isn't with us in body. What a special photo that is to have. I've never met your parents and I can tell they are very happy in that photo. Your mother looks smitten over your father. Were they married in that photo?

Happy Mother's Day!

Rowyn said...

That's a very nice photo of your parents, they look very happy and relaxed. Sorry to hear that your Mum is no longer with you.

Your new sampler is gorgeous, and I can't wait to see how it progresses.

I haven't seen all the series, but I used to love Monarch of the Glen. The scenery in it is so lovely! I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I used to.

Nicole said...

Beautiful new start Tanya! I love the picture of your mom and dad! I hope you had a very good Mother's Day!

Unknown said...

Wonderful start to your sampler. I really want to start one, at some point.

Your Mom and Dad look so happy!

Siobhán said...

Great pic of your parents, Tanya! I always wondered about the people in the blog header photo, too, thanks for the background info!

Your new sampler looks GREAT! Love the dye job that you gave it. ;) I love Brenda Keyes' designs but haven't stitched any, so need to get cracking. I'll enjoy watching your progress!

Colleen said...

Love the photo of your parents. I have several photos of my parents (before and after they were married) displayed around the house.

I love the sampler and wish I could focus on working on that small count!

I have not watched Monarch of the Glen but I did get the Ballykissangel series from our library and loved it! I will look for MOTG the next time I go. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Tanya,

Thanks for showing a picture of your parents. They looked so happy! And thanks for pointing out who's in your banner picture. I have always wondered about that.

I am going to check out Brenda's website right now! :)

Deb said...

Your parents look so happy in that picture. I love your Sampler Company start. I have a soft spot for those samplers even though I haven't done one of them yet. I think that I have one of her books (maybe Sampler Motifs) that I found at a library book sale a few years ago. Can't wait to see more progress on this.

Jan said...

What a super picture of your parents...I have one very similar of my parents on their day of engagement. Such memories and so long ago!

I too love Sampler Company patterns and your new start promised to be gorgeous!! You are always such an inspiration to me, I love everything that you stitch!

Sherry said...

What a wonderful picture of your parents! I miss my mother alot every day too - especially lately. I think I get more excited about your new starts than my own! I can't wait to see more of this piece as it grows!

Michelle said...

What a wonderful photo of your parents..

Your new sampler looks so pretty~keep us posted on your progress!

Michelle