WIP - Willow tree in park - on hold

[charmagne_capalad]

Great progress! It's really awesome watching this one grow! Just work on it bit by bit and you'll be surprised of how much you've got done

[Sarah Gixxer]

This will be beautiful when it's done. You're making a great job of it and your mother was a very talented painter. So far it's looking great in cross stitch. Can't wait for the next update.

[Mabel Figworthy]

I was amazed by how "water colour-like" it looks -- a great effect!

[Kute Kitty]

I have an update picture of this! But my camera battery is currently charging and the card in the camera won't fit in the card reader in the computer, so it'll come tomorrow. I'm getting back toward the trunk of the tree now, and I think I've got above 5% of it done

[nettie]

Its beautiful both the picture and the sentiment. Looking forward to the new pictures!

[Kute Kitty]

9100 stitches in and I'm past the 5% mark

Just occasionally, I want to abandon this altogether. No matter what I do, it's not like she's going to come back when it's all finished. I almost start to think she will sometimes.

[Fljotsdale]

It doesn't really matter, KK. It's a lovely pic!

And you are doing it so your dad can have the original back. So it's for him as well, isn't it, in a way?

[nicgoss]

I think she is with you every step of the way and this is something she would be very proud of!!!

Its beautiful - please don't give up and well done for getting to the 5% mark.

Do you have other projects on the go to stop you getting bored with this one as its so HUGE!!!

[Spark]

9100 stitches in and I'm past the 5% mark

Just occasionally, I want to abandon this altogether. No matter what I do, it's not like she's going to come back when it's all finished. I almost start to think she will sometimes.

Congratulations on the 5% mark! It may be overwhelming but it's looking wonderful.

I made a portrait of my niece after she died for my sister for Christmas. It felt like my niece was sitting there with me when I was working on it. I almost hated to finish it.

[Rose]

I don't think that she is gone, I believe she is with you everyday and when you sit down to this project she is even closer. You may need a break. Time to get away and not dwell so much on the lose. It is beautiful.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Congratulations on your progress -- please don't abandon this, it's far too beautiful and significant to be abandoned, but I think with something this size, and this emotionally challenging, you may need frequent breaks from it; just as long as you eventually come back to it!

[Kute Kitty]

Would it be inappropriate of me to profess undying love for you all?

Probably.

Today has been bad for me. Gray was working, as he usually does on Sundays, I've been thinking about Christmas and particularly Christmas without mum, I've got to take my dad to a hospital appointment in a few weeks and I've been terrified of losing him since mum died (it's entirely routine, he only needs me along because he's got to be sedated and then can't drive himself home), and I spent much of today watching Buffy DVDs, and skipping the episode when her mother dies. Of a brain tumour. Like the ones my mother had. What can I say, I never said I was smart.

I'm going to switch over to a little cover kit I got with one of my magazines (I honestly can't remember which one) of a teddy bear. He's cute and Christmassy. After that I can maybe do something for my stitching room, and then go back to the willow. It'll still be there.

I've decided I'm going to give the stitched version to my dad. This is something I've been thinking about from the beginning, but I've put so much time and effort into it I wasn't sure I wanted to give it away! But, he'll appreciate it; and it'll be absolutely unique, no-one else in the world is going to have anything exactly like this, and it'll be a gift from both my mum and me. At this rate, I might even have it finished before his 65th birthday... (He's 60. And a half.)

[Lisa]

that fab progress hun

hugs about your mum, my mum died when i was 10 (12 years ago now) and her fave tree was the willow. when we went to the park she bee-lined for the willow and stayed under there all day

[~threadbear~]

This is a wonderful and special project but I would think it was emotionally draining for you at times and like everyone else has said, little breaks, probably something light and cheerful maybe, would be great and could give you a boost to come back to this one.
Giving it to your Dad I'm sure would be the most amazing gift you could give to him and one he will treasure greatly.

I know it's hard when we miss someone so much, it was the anniversary of my Dad yesterday, so here's a BIG HUG for you. It's not easy.
Thinking of you.

[nicgoss]

I think your Dad will be over the moon with this as its part of your mum and YOU! What better present??

Sending you big

Take care hunny xxx

[Kute Kitty]

I've got some Christmas-themed mini kits, so I'm going to do them and take a break from the willow for a week. Pretty and happy things

[Serinde]

You are doing the right thing for all the right reasons. The willow is going to be a true labour of love which will exist forever in time. And what a journey.

And, yeah, that little Christmas bear is exactly what's called for a the moment!

[Mabel Figworthy]

What a wonderful idea to give the stitched piece to your father as a sort of double present -- it will be such a special gift! Just take your time and take lots of breaks, and enjoy watching it grow when you work on it, knowing that you are creating something unique and special and individual (((hugs)))

[Fljotsdale]

It must feel very difficult and emotional for you right now.

[coffee_freak]

lovely colors...it will mean so much to you when complete it..