Monday, March 28, 2022

Lost a stitching buddy

I've been pretty sad for the past month as my stitching buddy Gracie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 1. She was almost 14 and she'd been declining for the past year or two but it was still sudden when it happened and I wasn't as prepared as I should have been so it's been hard. This morning was the first time I felt able to look through some of my pictures (and now I'm crying again!) so I could share some of my favorites of my beautiful girl sharing her napping table with me:


 







So many good memories of time spent in pure contentment; I miss her so much.

I haven't really felt up to working on the model lately, though I'm going to have to make myself soon or there's going to be a problem meeting the deadline. I spent some time working on Tempting Tangles Dragon's Blood Mandala Mystery SAL because it only uses one color and that made it easier to work on when my concentration level wasn't really up to par; I got caught up with the releases so far and have now completed eight of the 25 parts:


I'm also still on track with Tempting Tangles Rooky Woods SAL, which has 13 of the 20 parts completed:


One other design I've been working on is a wedding piece for my friend's daughter who is getting married in August. I switched up the fabric and I'm still not sure how I feel about it so I don't know if I'll actually give it to her or just buy a gift but there should be time to finish it and decide well before the wedding. Would love to hear your thoughts on it:


And finally I just recently finished part four of Cecilia Votta's Seasonal SAL, which has moved into spring (even if this past weekend was more like winter here):


In honor of my Gracie I'd like to give away Madame Chantilly's Cats in the Rain--the gray and white cat she's holding was definitely Gracie in my mind when I stitched this:


The chart does call for yellow and blue instead of pink and purple, and I made a few other minor changes but you get the idea... I'll pick a winner next week and will mail it anywhere in the world; be sure to check back to see if you've won--I will include my email in that post so the winner can contact me. Until then please give your furbabies (or featherbabies or scalebabies or...) an extra cuddle.
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13 comments:

  1. MarilynMarch 29, 2022 at 3:18 AM

    So sorry to hear about Gracie, my condolences.
    She looked like a great stitching companion.
    Your SAL's are looking great.
    Marilyn

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  2. LindaMarch 29, 2022 at 11:45 AM

    So sorry for your loss Melanie. I have seven cats and the oldest is 14 and half. It is always hard. Sending hugs and happy thoughts your way. Remember the fun times. Love the cat chart.

    Linda

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    1. MelanieMarch 31, 2022 at 11:03 AM

      Thank you Linda. I wouldn't give up my time with them but it's always gut wrenching to lose them. Good for you for giving a good home to so many of these beautiful creatures!

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  3. diamondcMarch 30, 2022 at 9:02 AM

    Melanie: I am so sorry for your loss, it does break my heart to hear of your loss, our fur babies are our children, I have a furbaby that looks very much like your Gracie, her name is Blondie.
    Blondie sends her love for your healing heart.
    Nice SAL stitching designs.

    Catherine

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    1. MelanieMarch 31, 2022 at 11:04 AM

      Thank you Catherine, it makes me smile to think of your Blondie. :)

      Delete
  4. LydiaMarch 31, 2022 at 7:24 AM

    So sorry about your Gracie-it is so hard to lose a friend. I love those gray toe pads in her white feet! My cat is solid black. Your stitching is, as always, lovely. The chart with all the cats in the rain is cute. Lydia

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    1. MelanieMarch 31, 2022 at 11:05 AM

      Thank you Lydia. I had three black cats when I found Gracie--she was my first cat with different colors. Someday I will probably get another black one, I miss having at least one in the house.

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  5. Leonore WintererApril 3, 2022 at 5:40 AM

    Such a pretty kittie, I can understand that you miss her very much. Your stitching is wonderful as ever, and I agree, Cats in the Rain is a wonderful memorial piece for her. I'd love to stitch it!
    I think the wedding piece looks great on that fabric, but I'd maybe pick a lighter colour for the names as the fabric is a little darker.

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    1. MelanieApril 3, 2022 at 6:30 PM

      Thank you Leonore. I think I will take your advice on using a lighter color for the wording on the wedding piece, maybe a nice silk lame braid so it even has a bit of subtle sparkle.

      Delete
  6. Jo who can't think of a clever nicknameApril 3, 2022 at 11:50 AM

    So sorry for your loss, I am definitely a cat person although I haven't had one for years now. Your photos are a lovely memory of your time together.
    I also love the Dragon's Blood Mandala design, that's gorgeous!

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    1. MelanieApril 3, 2022 at 6:33 PM

      Thanks Jo. I always thought I was a dog person growing up but slid toward the cat side when I took in a stray 25 years ago; I've had at least one cat and one dog pretty much constantly since then.

      Delete
  7. Salaneuloja July 29, 2022 at 2:53 AM

    I'm so sorry for you. You did what you had to do. It was for G's best, even if it is never easy to let go. That cat stitching (the woman, umbrella and cats) is pretty.

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