Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Mandala

A new embroidery project. The stitch is large. I use both hands for embroidery. This way, I speed it up a lot. My m-i-l's neighbor gave me a bag of wool she won't use any more, leftovers she was up to throw away. My favourite challenge! Yesterday I met the lady who gave me the wool and we made friends. Her name is Eva. She is 19 years older than I and person to hug right away. I was able to show her what became of her leftovers. She was pleased that the material is being used.

I met her at a big party on my m-i-l's 70th birthday.
A big flower garland showing the figures 70 was given by the neighbors and put up in the garden. The celebration took place in the veranda and tent. There were 16 guests, among them relatives of J whom I never met before (in 12 years relationship!). They lead a very remote life. But the neighbors are very sociable, there was a lot of laughter and singing serenades for M, my m-i-l.
My hubby and I helped a little serving the sparkling wine, but there wasn't much left to do, they had prepared it all. There was a cold buffet in the kitchen, and later one for pies and cakes. Admirable people. They are so generous and had been working hard the day before! My f-i-l is a brillant cook and baker. Hope to be this fit in their age.
The fish were playing with bubbles. Looked like they were having fun, too.

In addition to the posting, as an answer to the first comment: Here is the hoop I use for larger embroidery.
Now I'll watch the amazing Martha of Brazil defeating German women on the football green.
P.S. They did not defeat them, it ended 1:1.

9 comments:

ArtSparker said...

I can't believe how much territory you covered in this brief and very dear post! It's a lovely and unusual thing to have such affection for one's in-laws, I believe, who people frequently look on as some sort of foreign tribe. That new piece at the top is wonderful, and how do you work using two hands? Could J take a picture? Not if it's a secret method, but I am curious.

I've always thought that fish enjoy being entranced.

Eva said...

Susan, it is not a secret. I use a quilting hoop for larger pieces and let the edge rest on the table, then I have my right hand under the frame and the left hand on top. I'll ask J to take pictures!

Barbara Strobel Lardon said...

Beautiful work again Eva. Enjoyed the "70" in the garden! I agree with you, hope that I stay sharp and healthy too.

Rayna said...

More of your special hand-work, Eva - it is a feast for the eyes.

What a lovely party - thanks for sharing it with us.

Judy said...

GREAT goldfish pic! Your embroidery is lovely..........so colourful! I'm sure that your mil's neighbor is pleased that you are using what she would otherwise have discarded!

xo

jude said...

and person to hug right away...
grand!
this little piece is fabulous. i like how order has been imposed on all the little scraps of color.

Mr Lee said...

We are honored you could come to our blog.So kind words!You are welcome any time.

Cynthia said...

The mandala is going to turn out wonderfully! I have a real fondness for mandalas...how wonderful to be using someone else's stash too - If you lived closer - I'd give you my stuff, but am loathe to donate it to stranger...I know get over it right?

Sounds like a fantastic party celebration! Love the big 7-0 too...

Eva said...

Cynthia, I'm running out of room to store my stash. But big thanks for thinking of me!