Words . . .

I was inspired by "A Handbook of Lettering for Stitchers" to make something using different colours and stitches. So I decided to use some words that are meaningful to me . . .

I started by typing the words and playing with different fonts. Then I just arranged the words until they looked OK to me. Using a light box I traced the words onto a piece of linen that I had and set about choosing colours . . .

I really enjoyed the "freedom" of the different stitch and colour combinations. I like the various textures created by the different stitches and changing the number of strands of thread . . .

I was a bit undecided about what to do with this once I'd finished stitching. In the end I decided to frame it. I trimmed up the linen using large (7mm) scalloped fabric shears. And then added a freeform border, mixing some short running stitch and long straight stitches.

And the words?

Happy - happy with what I have, what I do, who I am
Healthy - in good health - balanced physically and mentally
Wealthy - having what I need, when I need it (which for me is very different to just having lots of stuff or money)
Worthy - remembering that I am worthy of living a good life
Wise - for me is about knowing myself well, therefore being better able to understand others and make sound choices
Kind - to myself and to others . . . always

Fabric: Linen
Threads: DMC 3340, 726, 316, 793, 326, 3766

Be Thankful

A little food for thought . . .

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unkown