I decided to address the change that is most important in my life these days....that of the attaining of adulthood in my children. This year Max is 21 and Chad is 18, two landmark ages in becoming adult.No one tells us at the beginning of the experience of motherhood that we will have to stay very light on our feet during the transition period of "letting go". While we will always be moms and always give unconditional love to our children, we sure have to change the way we behave towards them, and what we expect from them too, as they become independent. We have to relearn some of our own independence as well...I am no longer tied to my kids in the same way anymore. This was hard for me to understand at first, but I am making great progress, especially because my guys are doing so well in their lives and are both genuinely happy. ( A special thank you to Esther on that score!)
So, my little piece reflects all this musing....
I started by felting some hand-dyed soy silk onto a couple of vintage linen napkins that Pam Kellogg so generously shared with me.
The boys at ages 4 and 1.....
...and today.It is an extremely sentimental setting for them, but this is as much about me as about them....call it their feminine mom showcasing them in her love!
I kept to the palette pretty well except for using blue instead of green. It reflects their masculinity well.I will square this all up when the stitching is done... for today, I will address those fan blades with some blue embroidery!
The square is 12" X 12"...on point it is 17" X 17".
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A few notes to commenters....Cherry asked for more info about finishing a piece with foam core. The next issue of CQMagOnline will have a how-to article by me on that subject, so please look for it online at the end of this month.
Kim asked what I do with all the things I make....I am thinking about setting up an Etsy shop to give some of them new homes. Stay tuned.....
AWWWW! I'll have to show that to my daugher, as hers look like that right now at ages 5 (today!) and 2 1/2 yrs. As I said - major change of that sort involved learning not to snif and shed a tear or two going down the cereal aisle at the supermarket. It was easier when they were in the playpen (control) but just as much fun now watching them with their own.
ReplyDeletethat is wonderful! I think all moms start talking like this. I was just talking to another mom about the differences in parenting older children and all the things they didn't tell us in Lamaze class! I love that they are adults, but the problems are now adult problems too.
ReplyDeleteHi Allie, That saying about giving our kids "roots and wings" is so true, and I think the wings part is the hardest....I'd love to spare them some of the hard parts!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great block, so creative. I'd never have thought of using hankies in this way although one of the prettiest quilts I've seen was made with antique handkerchiefs.
Looking forward to your blue embroidery! Great block of the boys - the shape reminds me of an hour glass and fits with the time passing from youth to grown.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the same question as Kim - it would be great to see you on etsy!
Have a good day, Cat
Oooh Allie, I'm liking this! Love what you did with the vintage linen napkins and so looking forward to watching your progress. The blue works nicely!
ReplyDeleteLooking at this again - and loving it, as they resemble my daughter's little ones at 5 and 2. I have been saving Jake's incredible artwork before an art teacher tells him that trees aren't blue - what a quilt that would make in the future!! His changes in interest are already showing - from the prince in Sleeping Beauty to "Captain Jack" and the pirates.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're very fond of Esther too. Another blessing when your children find partners who are good for them. I'm sure you'll relive many memories while working on this block. Allie (was that subconscious thought working with hankies??) Enjoying your blog as always...
ReplyDeleteThis is such a touching piece, since the subject is so important to you, as well as being beautiful. Remember, this is about boys so having the photos a little crooked is quite appropriate. I would love to see you do a shop on etsy, people love your pieces and would enjoy being able to have one for their very own.
ReplyDeleteHi Allison,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful , textile fotos familly , Iam love,
Hugz, Wanda