I saw this sampler at an estate sale yesterday. I bought it and some fabric scraps. I couldn't bear to leave it there. It just makes me so sad that someone sat and cross stitched for hours and then no one wanted it when they were gone.
I learned to cross stitch when I was in the hospital in 1987. I was pregnant with my third child and was on complete bed rest. A nurse brought in some thread and a kit and taught me to cross stitch. It was so soothing to watch the picture unfold x by x. I stitched for hours dreaming of my little one, longing for my other two children at home and making plans. My little boy lived one day. He was too tiny and his lungs too weak. I don't know what happened to that first sampler. The initials on this one are KMF. The estate paper said Flanagan. I wonder about Mrs. or Miss Flanagan. Did she crossstitch her dreams into this sampler? Did she add some tears to the tiny stitches? I'm going to treasure it for her. It needed to come home with me.
Your such a kind hearted soul Betty. That's what I LOVE about you.
Ms. Flanagan will now RIP knowing all her hard work is LOVED by you.
I'm sorry about your little baby Betty. I didn't know that : (
Love You
Love me
xoxoxoxoxo
Posted by: claudie | May 01, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Oh my goodness Betty,
My heart goes out to you about such a profound and tragic loss. And what a tender and poignant memory to share about the cross stitch. I hope this picture brings about even more healing for you. The the cross stitch is just adorable. And I think it is so sensitive of you to remember the woman who spent all of that time making such a delightful cross stitch.
The picture goes absolutely perfectly on top of your sewing machine. Your sewing machine is even 'featured' in the picture.
I think it's kismet !
Big Hugs for you dear Betty, Janice
Posted by: Janice | May 01, 2011 at 01:24 PM
Hi Betty, thanks for looking me up on my new blog and commenting on it, So exciting to meet new bloggers!! Will keep an eye on She's sew pretty!! happy sunday to you!
Posted by: devon@Ironstone and Pine | May 01, 2011 at 01:38 PM
thats exactly how I feel as well, I'm so happy you brought it home with you,, its a beauty.Your photos are lovely and I'm enjoying your blog, I'm a newbie and I'm having so much fun.
Posted by: laurie | May 01, 2011 at 02:42 PM
It sure did. And it went home with the best person it possibly could have. (I ordered Creating Vintage Charm and read and saw your photos!)
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | May 01, 2011 at 02:49 PM
I can't even imagine your loss but I totally understand your desire to appreciate another's handiwork. When my mother passed away, I found my paternal grandmother's cross stitch sampler from when she was eleven. Soon after, the sampler was framed and just turn 100 in April. It is one of the first things I see each morning.
Posted by: Eugenia | May 01, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Beautiful! You deserve to have it. I used to stitch myself to death and some of my framed pictures are tucked away and not on the walls.
I'm sorry to hear that you have lost a child.
Posted by: auntie bliss | May 02, 2011 at 05:40 AM
Thank you for sharing such a personal message. I have always loved to cross stitch but now will think of you when I am doing it!
Posted by: Jenny Sellars | May 03, 2011 at 05:43 PM
You are a beautiful soul Betty, loving you today.
Posted by: Jennifer Hester | May 04, 2011 at 05:09 AM
Dear Betty, you are a special sentimental person. I think it is so sweet that you felt a connection to the person who stitched this lovely sampler.
How sad that you tried so hard to save your baby and he couldn't make it. I will always think of your cross stitch journey when I see a sampler or a cross stitched picture.
Blessings and love to you always,
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | May 04, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Ooooh How sad
❤
Posted by: jojo-Caramel | May 04, 2011 at 11:54 PM
Your big, sentimental heart (they swell with heartaches and happiness from our past) clearly was leading you on to rescue the lovely cross-stitch sampler. And I bet Mrs. Flanagan and your baby shared a hug! And here’s a hug to you, too! Cathy
Posted by: Cathy Kizerian | May 05, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Happy Mother's Day Betty! I absolutely am in love with these filled cross stitch samplers. I could never stay with them long enough to finish one myself! OMG! The roses in your yard! What a wonderful treat that old Dutch man left for you! Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 06, 2011 at 06:16 AM
Thanks for sharing your personal story.
You are right, someone put lots of love into that stitching project. Glad you adopted it.
Amy
Posted by: amy | May 06, 2011 at 08:58 AM
dear friend....what a sweet story. you have such a kind and soulful way of respecting life and the tenderness that goes into it. i did not know about your son and i am so very sorry, betty. so sorry. i understand completely. the cross stitch is meant to be with you now. it could not be more perfect where you have it, too.
hugs,
becky
Posted by: Sweet Cottage Dreams | May 14, 2011 at 07:25 AM
That is such a pretty cross stitch piece, and I am all choked up reading your story. I can't imagine the sorrow you experienced. When I was pregnant, I was bedridden for three months and also cross-stitched a little lamb piece for my baby daughter. Thank you, sweet friend, for sharing this with us. Bless you!
Posted by: Angi | May 21, 2011 at 06:40 AM