The Gift is Small

Here is another one of AppleJack's Valentine's from the past.  This is a design from Chessie and Me called The Gift is Small.  The verse says:  The Gift is Small but Love is all.  Our initials are stitched at the top.  One of my favorite parts of this pincushion is the satin stitch used for the basket.

Winter returned to Thistle Manor yesterday with very low temps and a "light" dusting of snow.  It was a good day to put on a big pot of soup, watch old movies and stitch.  Callie Mae and AppleJack were happy to take naps and read the paper.  Am making progress on Eve--she is a most fun stitch.  Will share when she is completed.

Forever and Ever, Amen

Valentine's Day is Tuesday and it is past time for me to share some of AppleJack's Valentines.

Forever and Ever is an Itty Bitty design released by Ruth Sparrow (Twisted Threads).  This is all over one stitching and I have a love/strongly dislike for one over one stitching.  I love the finished product!  When I am stitching one over one it takes me awhile to find my rhythm.  Once I find my rhythm I am okay.  Several years ago, someone shared a few secrets about stitching one over one and the secrets have helped.  I have also been told the needle makes a big difference.  Can anyone share some thoughts about the kind of needle to use when stitching over one?

The second Valentine is Affinity Pinkeep Sampler by primitivebettys which she released in 2008.  I found a small piece of scrap linen which had a pink hue and thought it would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

In 1987, the year AppleJack and I married,  Randy Travis released a song called Forever and Ever, amen.  This song seems so appropriate for Valentine's Day.  Here are the lyrics.

I'm gonna love you forever
Forever and ever, amen
As long as old men sit and talk about the weather
As long as old women sit and talk about old men
If you wonder how long I'll be faithful
I'll be happy to tell you again
I'm gonna love you
Forever and ever
Forever and ever, amen

Now back to AppleJack's 2012 Valentine

Hearts

Since the American Heart Association calls February Heart month, I decided to take a look around Thistle Manor and find some of the hearts in our home.

There are painted hearts.

Metal hearts

Quilted hearts

More metal hearts to hold the matches to light a warm fire

 Heart shaped cookie cutters

Heart shaped Christmas ornaments

Heart shaped garden forms

Hearts are very important at Thistle manor
Since February is Heart month, does everyone know the warning signs of a heart attack?

• chest pain or chest pressure
• jaw pain, toothache, or headache
• shortness of breath
• nausea, vomiting or abdomen discomfort
• sweating
• heartburn and/or indigestion
• arm pain
• upper back pain

If you have or have had any of these warning signs, please do not ignore them.  In the words of AppleJack's cardiologist "time is tissue."