This is a picture I stitched for Gordon’s parents when Elliott was born. Gordon, Sr. (“Big G”) just turned 89 and Gail was 81 on the 4th of July. Big G continues to play golf every week, and Gail works part time at the Bellevue Square Mall information booth. We just celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. I hope I am as healthy and active as they are when I’m in my eighties.
Back to the cross-stitch….I used 18 count Aida with DMC floss. The design is a combination of motifs from two different DMC Library Leisure Booklets (Small Figures and Garlands) published in the late seventies. These are such cute booklets, and although they are no longer in print, you can still find them on ebay.
I feel a little guilty about this picture, because I never made anything similar for Emily. I also finished an Elliott birth sampler on linen which is very sweet, but I never framed it. Emily did get her own stitched ABC Book, but no cross-stitch from me, although my mother cross-stitched a cute baby blanket for her. I guess that’s the way it is with the second child.
Your stitchery is absolutely adorable! It seems like the first born in most families get a little more “visible celebration” even though they are just as special? By the time the second child comes along..there’s less free time and “nesting”? 😉
It’s wonderful that that your in-laws are in the eighties..and still so active!
Those baby chicks are too adorable! I am guessing that Emily has had many other unique projects that were done in her honor!
That is so sweet Martha. I agree, by the time the second one comes along you’re just too busy, lol! Although Sam [my second-born] got the first quilt – a small whole-cloth, an early effort at quilting. But then John [oldest] got the biggest one.
That is very sweet Martha! Each child has their perks. The first child gets more alone time with his/her parents, but the second child gets the broken-in and relaxed parents. Things aren’t even in our family either and that is after I even made a conscious effort (as a fourth child myself) NOT to do some of the first child things I knew I wouldn’t be able to recreate for #2, #3 or #4 (as it turned out). It all comes out in the wash…
That is wonderful that Gordon’s parents are still active and enjoying life. I grew up hearing older relatives bemoan a situation and conclude with, “But I’ve got my health.” Didn’t really get what a gift that was until recent years.
Most first children wouldn’t have such a lovely tribute! I feel certain that Emily has been well celebrated in other ways…
There are such lovely colours in this piece! Lovely…
Love it! The chicks at the bottom are adorable too! I think that is the way it goes with grandkids too. Did so many things for the first one and then got too busy to do as much for the second. I try to take as many photos but I know that I still took more of Helena. Having 2 around makes things so much more hectic!
Martha, it is precious… something that would be cherished for ever! The colors are very pretty! It is so wonderful that your in-laws are enjoying the things they love most in their 80’s.