Sunday visits

I wanted to stitch today, we all have good intentions, I guess. I had (non-stitcher) guests who wanted to see my stitching, and to make sure I wasn't unhealthy keeping myself shut away from them so much. It was fun to see their reactions. I always wonder what they think we stitchers are thinking about when we sit and poke those colored threads through those tiny little holes, repetitively until we get the picture! LOL

Most admire the work, but unless you're a real stitcher, I don't think you can really appreciate the feeling of peace and joy that our art brings. It's really hard to explain the contentment I feel when I'm stitching, the excitement over new charts and threads, the unexpressible elation when a get a package in the mail with new stash, the joy of discovering a new website, blog or shop with a yet unseen design or designer (how have I missed this all this time!!???), the feelings of accomplishment when a piece is finished and you think your children, your DH, your grandchildren or generations may cherish it, and so on...

How do you describe to a non-stitcher the absolute glee of snuggling down into the cushions of your favorite stitching spot, adjusting the light, preparing the threads, finding and stationing all your tools to be at hand, positioning your fabric and chart, and picking up that piece you can't wait to work on so you can discover the image that blooms under the careful pick of your tiny needle and delicate touch on linen. That's the ultimate happiness. It's simple. It doesn't cost alot, considering... It does no harm, only gives lovingly and in beautiful things that last many lifetimes.

And, it shows and tells something about the stitcher that she may never have been able to express otherwise: who was she, why did she choose the pieces she chose, what was she saying by her choices, what was her favorite color, what things meant the most to her, how did she view life, did she value friends, family, home and country, was she fun loving or serious-minded, was she interested in history - art - music - flowers - antiques - toys -....etc..
To see a stitcher's choices is to know her. I guess these are my musings for a lazy Sunday.