I started this needlepoint piece in May 2005. It's seven kimonos and a sash on a kimono rack. (The black things are magnets to hold my needles and charts.) It was a class piece - I took a week-long class with the guy who designed it, Tony Minieri.
The outlines of the piece were sketched in pencil on the canvas, and I got a 30 page booklet describing what to do in each space. The class got us started on each element, then we were on our own.
I started law school, then I got a horse, then I got three more horses. I kept stitching on it, mainly in the winter when the nights are long and boring.
I graduated law school. We moved nine times and about 3,400 miles. I dragged it very carefully with me every single time I moved.
I was watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer when I started, and oddly enough I'm watching B:tVS again as I finished. (Season one is pretty lame, but season two is better. I remember it just keeps improving til the last season.)
This thing has survived six total cats and dogs. It has, tragically, outlasted my mom's excellent framer, and now I don't know what to do with it.
I think the class and kit cost $300 or $350. If you break it down by hours of enjoyment, this has been one of the best values of my life. (These little surface embroidery flowers were nerve wracking.)
I was living with G, but I wasn't even married when I started.
I've had a wild ride for the last 5 years. "That unfinished kimono needlepoint thing" was one of my only constants. I am at a bit of a loss now that it's done. I mean, a couple of years ago I quit buying new things to stitch til I finished some of the ones I have going. There's one out - does that mean I can bring one in?
I think the next huge project is "that unfinished ribbon thing" but I might work on something less huge too.
Very pretty & I bet you do feel glad to have that task done. We just finished a bathroom we started to repaint last winter. Nothing like taking our time. But feels great when its done!
ReplyDeleteThat's impressive! I go no patience for such close work! (tho I will braid baling twine, if I need a stout rope...)
ReplyDeleteI suspect that's one side effect of not having the SO nearby, tho Heaven knows, you have plenty of other projects that could have distracted you.
Wow, that is impressive. I used to do a decent amount of cross stitching but haven't done it in years. I can't imagine tackling a project like that. It IS neat when you reflect on all that happened in your life while working on it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you is in need of gettin` out! It looks damn good though. Say?......What about doin` a Saga by needlepoint? Another Bayeaux Tapestry
ReplyDeleteJust WOW!
ReplyDelete~E.G.
its beautiful! what an accomplishment and I love that it brought continuity to your busy and changing life!
ReplyDelete