Thursday, August 12, 2010

Edna's Fruit of the Vine

I'm sorry that I've been so remiss in updating my blog, but my back issues have prevented me from spending much time at the computer. Things are slowly getting better, and I hope to return to more regular postings. Thank you for your patience and understanding and also for your notes of encouragement.

Today's photo is of Edna Dean Johnson's Fruit of the Vine Sampler. Edna took this class a couple of months ago in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. The project, which can either be framed as Edna did or made into a huswif, premiered in Excelsior Springs for the Heartland Stitch Counters.

Edna's daughter, Pam, sent me this photo of her mother's lovely work. She told me that her mother found the piece a pleasant challenge to work, but fun with so many different stitches.
Didn't Edna do a beautiful job with the piece? This is the first completed Fruit of the Vine that I've seen, so I was particularly excited to receive this photo. Edna, I hope you're enjoying having the sampler gracing your home. You did such a beautiful job on the piece, and I'm delighted that you enjoyed working on it!

I believe that the Heartland Stitch Counters have been putting on annual retreats for the last 17 years, and I think Edna has attended all of them. Many times Pam and Edna's daughter-in-law, Anne, also attend. Anne lives in Texas and flew in for the weekend.

Pam also wrote that she, her mother and Anne have been stitching together for about 30 years. Together they have attended various stitching weekends, and always at least one stitched project shows up each year as a gift for someone in the family, either for birthdays, Christmas or graduation.

At the retreat, Edna bought the basket for My Favorite Things for Pam's birthday. Hopefully one day soon we'll see photos from Pam of her completed basket.

Isn't it wonderful to have so many members of the same family sharing the same passion?

9 comments:

Margaret said...

I always envy mothers and daughters who share their love of xs. Edna's finish is just glorious!

I hope you're feeling better, Ellen. Back pain is no fun at all.

JoAnn said...

Ellen: What a nice way to return to your blog with a photo of a beautifully stitched "Fruit of the Vine". Doesn't get any better than that.

So glad you are feeling better. We all missed you. JoAnn

Marjo said...

That is just gorgeous. Sorry to hear you are having back issues. Hope you heal up completely soon. Marjo

KsMaryLou said...

Now why am I not surprised that Dean is the first to finish this piece? Gee, could it be she's got the fastest needle in town? Yup, that's it.... not only fast but beautiful stitching too. I love this design and now that I'm stitching again can't wait to get started on it.

So glad you're starting to feel better Ellen. I hope your all better real soon.

Sherry :o) said...

Oh Ellen, don't worry about not keeping up on your blogging - it's hard to get to the computer when you are having back problems; been there, done that. And you are just getting over your eye issues too. Love the "Vine" posting - beautiful!

Sandra said...

Fruit of the Vine is gorgeous and some of my favourite colours too. Maybe I will frame mine when I get it stitched as I'm sure to take years assembling it into a huswif.

Nancy said...

Yes, Edna's sampler is gorgeous! I agree it would be fun to have family members sharing this passion.

Take care Ellen, and I hope your back feels better soon! Have a nice weekend.

woolwoman said...

what a beautiful finished Fruit of the Vine - congratulations Edna and how wonderful to have long term stitching buddies and also family that stitches - I know I enjoy that myself with my mom.
Ellen - I hope you will be feeling better soon - back problems can be so debilitating. Melody

marylin & poussy said...

This embroidery is simply magnificent! Bravo to you
Embroiderers' best regards
marylin