The Awakening.....

One of the things I really love about quilting and cross-stitch and all the other "crafty" things I do is seeing a piece come alive. With quilting, it's the process of starting with 500 pieces, which turns into 250, then 125.... Down to a single piece of art that mirrors that picture I had in my mind.

Cross-stitch is a bit different. I've been working on this piece on and off for about three years. I'd pick it up for a couple of days and then put it back down. Finally, I decided to tackle it and Git er Done.

Until a couple of days ago, it was kind of like wading through mud. But then, I started the detail work. And the picture came alive. I wish I'd taken pictures before I did any of the back-stitching, but I didn't think about it. But I think I've got enough here for you to get the idea...

At this point, I'd stitched the brown on the pier and had put the details on Boomer (my how he's grown!) I hadn't started in on Pa yet.

Here's Pa up-close.

With the brown back-stitching....

Now I've added the black back-stitching....

Then came the yellow "couching" -- a new technique that I have to say I'm not all that fond of.

Finished.... Finally.

Oops. Had to sign it. Don't want anyone to think Alan made this! Now it's done and ready to go to the framer's. They'll have it done in plenty of time for Father's Day! One more UFO marked off my list!