Dottie's Sampler: Her Life in Stitches

Last spring at Bird Song, one of our guests, Dottie, spotted the sampler I'd made for Karla a few years back.

Dottie liked the sampler and asked it I'd make one for her, to represent her life.  I was really hesitant to take on a "commission", especially for something so personal, and for someone I'd just met.

I told Dottie that I love stitching, and I'd love to make a sampler, but I was so afraid it might not be what she wanted.  Dottie could not have been sweeter about reassuring me that she would be happy with it.  She said something like "if it's stitched with love, it can't help but be perfect."

We've been working back and forth since then, me stitching a little, emailing pictures and getting feedback and ideas from Dottie.  Dottie wanted her pictures of her sons when they were younger...today, they are two handsome grown men.

Dottie and I became Facebook friends, and I tried to pay attention for little clues about what I could add to the sampler.  One day, she posted a picture of the 101 Coast Hwy sign and made a comment about how much a part of her life the sign was.

I thought "perfect"- that's going on the sampler...it's on the left side under the flowers.

Dottie's lived in California near the ocean for her whole life, so the shells seemed like a good fit.  Her middle name is Ann, and she wished her name was Annie, so I made a square for that- but since her name IS Dottie, Annie is surrounded by polka dots.

Dottie's been a nurse, nursing instructor and health care provider for a long time, so I added a Red Cross pin and a caduceus- the symbol for medical providers.

I still have a few squares left to fill, and a few finishing touches like charms and beading to add, but I'm almost done. 

This has really been a fun adventure/learning experience for me.  Can you get to know some one well enough from emails and Facebook that you can capture their "life in stitches"? 

Of course, it helps that Dottie has been so easy and fun to work with...full of ideas, and so encouraging and enthusiastic.

Note to Dottie:  You said this was going to be a Christmas present for yourself, and I'll have it to you in plenty of time to put it in your stocking, or under your tree.  It's been a joy to work with you...and if you have any new ideas, just email me!

Comments

[Susan]

Wow! These are absolutely beautiful! I need to dig my stitching out!

[leann]

I LOVE it Beth! And I'm sure that she will too. She's write anything done wiht love is perfect!

Not sure if you remember, but a few months ago I asked you about your printer. Just wanted to let you know that I ended up buying an Epson and love it. I can't remember what kind you have but wanted to thank you again for your kindness in answering my questions that day. You are a wonderful person and I'm glad to "know" you!

Enjoy the blessings of the season!

Leann

[Dorthe]

Oh Beth ,it is so beautiful, and with such wnderful little stories on.You did wonderful, -this piece will be treasured alwayes.
Hugs and happy weekend, dear.
Dorthe

[Linda]

Hi Beth,
Your sampler is so pretty and such a wonderful idea. I'm sure Dottie will just love and treasue it always. You did a great job of picking up on things, the mark of a true artist, reading between the lines, seeing what others don't. So well done. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. Blessings, Linda

[Rachael]

Absolutely gorgeous, and very inspiring! Rachael xo

[Laurie]

Oh it's amazing, and I know she'll just love it!

[Mitzi Curi]

Dottie is going to love that sampler! I can predict other custom orders coming in, Beth. Be prepared!

[gail]

How wonderful! She wont be able NOT to love it! Excellent work!