My Life In Cross Stitch

Okay, let's be real. I suck at math and certain office duties that require the shuffling of paper. Very long phone conversations cause a knot in my stomach. Remembering my age is never going to happen (it's genetic). I could care less about my birthday. I sometimes hang out in monasteries to pray with monks. I curse in Lebanese. There are a lotta eccentricities and weaknesses that go along with being me. However, I can cross stitch. I love this zen-hobby. I embrace my granny-chic tendencies. 

I accept my abilities (and lack thereof). It has taken me half my life to realize what I really want to do. That, my darlings, is a blessing. If you're interested in giving cross-stitch a go, check out my interview with Boston Magazine here. I warn you that I say "kind of" and "like" way too many times. Flashback to the 1980's. Cue the Aquanet. ;)   

Happy Stitching!xx ~ Jilly 

My First French Monogram

This is the first monogram I ever stitched. It's a French pattern called Pour Manon. Rouge du Rhin is the manufacturer. Their website is in French and English. Click here to go to there. I stitched it with an "M" for my devotion to The Blessed Virgin Mary. But it would make a wonderful wedding monogram too. 

An alphabet of letters is provided with the pattern to personalize it.  I stitched it with two strands of white Splendor Silk Floss on 32 count very pale blue linen. The linen was purchased at The Sampler Needlework Shop in historic, Plymouth MA. I enjoyed stitching this piece. The chart was easy to read and using only one color of thread was Zen stitching. Everyday, I admire its scrolls, flourishes, quiet elegance and graceful beauty.