A couple of years ago my dad was diagnosed with diabetes, so each Christmas and Birthday have given us a dilemma...what to get him. At Christmas Steve and I arranged with the kids to buy an empty basket and fill it up with diabetes foods, shower gels, dvd and a small bottle of whiskey slipped in. So, why do I get the ideas late into the day, leaving me with little time of the perfect present for him, that is sugar free, not tasteless and not the usual presents we seem to purchase because we cannot think of anything else.
My brainwave was to complete one of my work in progress, which had been tucked away for 4 years, 3 labrador puppies chewing an old boot.....on the Thursday before Father’s Day.
What the end result was going to be |
and how much had been stitched so far |
Sunday, I did eventually get on with the cross stitch, albeit towards the end of the day when I felt I would be able to concentrate. I felt guilty when I just gave my dad a card, saying that his present would be with him later and regretted going out the previous night.
After stitching from Monday, today, I finally managed to complete all the stitching and backstitch at 4 pm, and whilst Steve cooked dinner, I cut my template out and started stitching on the machine. 9 pm tonight I was able to take the finished article down to him as my parents are going away tomorrow for the weekend and he loves it.
The end result |
I am so glad with the final piece!!! |
So, now I have 5 months to plan for his birthday and 6 months for Christmas.....although, what’s the betting that I yet again leave it until the last minute!!!!!!
As for my other work in progress, that has taken a back seat, although we are going away again in the motorhome on Saturday, for a week’s holiday (free holiday I won) it will be coming with me and whilst the kids are at school during the day I will be relaxing and stitching.
OH, it's beautiful, Lisa and I am sure your Father will always treasure your lovely and thoughtful gift and give not a second thought to it being a wee bit late ~ Your needle must have been smoking when you put in the last stitch ~ and the finishing is lovely indeed. I don't know how you managed to get any stitching done at all at the pub ~ I don't think I could have ~ I enjoyed visiting your lovely blog ~
ReplyDeleteBlessings in stitches~
I love how you finished your WIP into a pillow...that is so beautiful....you do beautiful finishes.
ReplyDeleteI am now a follower of your Blog.
I would like for you to be a follower on mine as well too.
I belong to the Christian Cross Stitch group in case you don't know who I am.
Love your Dad's pillow it is beautiful and am sure he loves it.
ReplyDeleteMarl
Your dad's gift turned out beautifully! I'm always making gifts at the last minute too.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea...even a little bit late! I'm sure he thought it was worth the wait. The puppies are so cute.
Also thanks for the pillow idea. I am shame going to shamelessly copy your finish when I do my Grand Daughter's Bday pillow.
Sally S
What a wonderful gift, I am sure he was more thank pleased. You did a great job finishing it into a pillow.
ReplyDeleteWell done on a beautiful finish Lisa .... I am sure your dad was thrilled to bits with this ...
ReplyDeleteVal x
I love it, it's gorgeous, and what a lovely present for your dad. x
ReplyDeleteLovely finish, Lisa. It's beautiful! Your dad must have loved it! And as for the last minute stitching, we've all been there! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMelissa J.
I am sure your Dad loves his present , I too leave things to the last minute
ReplyDeleteA thoughtfull and beautifull father's day present
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift! It's so cute!
ReplyDelete- Lisa N. in Cambodia
It truly is beautiful! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteFabulous, well done!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your finish. Better late than never!
ReplyDelete