I taught my daughter to cross-stitch tonight.
It's kind of a funny story why.... She has to do a project for her Honors Social Studies class and she decided she wanted to do a project on the Nu Shu language. This is the "secret woman language" used by Chinese women. You may have heard of it from the book Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
Anyway, she's been doing research on the topic and when she and her dad were out shopping on Saturday, they bought a cross-stitch kit for her to use in the project. She planned to do the cross-stictch (of a pretty Chinese woman with a parasol) and then stitch characters from Nu Shu around the side.
Sounds good, right? Only she's never cross-stitched and this is a rather complicated pattern on 18 point fabric. Hmm....
But, if you know my daughter then you know she is undaunted and rather stubborn! She is determined to do this. So (after going out and purchasing a hoop - they forgot to get that part) I sat down and showed her how to cross-stitch.
I used to cross-stitch quite a bit when I was younger and even up until I had children. I think the last piece I did was when I was expecting my daughter! But it all came back. In fact... I liked it.
I forgot how soothing it is to do something creative with your hands. It made me think. Not that I can take on another project! But maybe... it would be nice to have a little something to make while I'm watching the latest episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition (one of the few shows I watch). It sort of feels like a slow slide back to quieter times. Like my great-grandmother might be sitting in the chair across from me.
In the mean time, it's my daughter sitting across from me. And she's doing quite well.
Anyway, she's been doing research on the topic and when she and her dad were out shopping on Saturday, they bought a cross-stitch kit for her to use in the project. She planned to do the cross-stictch (of a pretty Chinese woman with a parasol) and then stitch characters from Nu Shu around the side.
Sounds good, right? Only she's never cross-stitched and this is a rather complicated pattern on 18 point fabric. Hmm....
But, if you know my daughter then you know she is undaunted and rather stubborn! She is determined to do this. So (after going out and purchasing a hoop - they forgot to get that part) I sat down and showed her how to cross-stitch.
I used to cross-stitch quite a bit when I was younger and even up until I had children. I think the last piece I did was when I was expecting my daughter! But it all came back. In fact... I liked it.
I forgot how soothing it is to do something creative with your hands. It made me think. Not that I can take on another project! But maybe... it would be nice to have a little something to make while I'm watching the latest episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition (one of the few shows I watch). It sort of feels like a slow slide back to quieter times. Like my great-grandmother might be sitting in the chair across from me.
In the mean time, it's my daughter sitting across from me. And she's doing quite well.
2 comments:
Maybe Tink can finish mine that I started in Mary Miss a billion years ago. Melissa (adams) said I would never finish it with all the talking I did, and so far she is right. Oh well, if I even do get around to finishing it I might just send her a picture and ask to see her shocked face.
Ann, that was a beautifully written entry. The English teacher in me wants to give you an A+ for imagery and voice as you described slipping into quieter times, grandmothers, and Teanca across the way. Love it! Keep writing!
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