Back in the Day Completed & New Design!

I am a little amazed when I realize that I began this rather large pattern January 15th, it was a very easy piece to stitch and was actually a lot of fun as well. I think my motto for my designs is that you won't go broke or blind doing them, LOL! The amount of floss you'll need is not large or expensive and the stitches are pretty basic.

Back in the Day is now up for sale on my website It will soon also be available through Creative Poppy and ICG. Don't forget the Counted Wishes Festival begins tomorrow! And now I'd like to introduce the next design from Gracewood Stitches - Tulip Praise!

I love living where there are four seasons!

As winter is coming to a close and the snow is receding the landscape changes from white to a drab brown and we wait for that first color to appear as the bulbs poke their way up through the ground and burst open with joyous delight.

Nothing is more exuberant than the tulip as it greets the world again after its long nap. Hopefully I've captured some of that joy in this design.

I found a poem that perfectly expresses how tulips affect me and with the author's kind permission I'll post it for you.

Tulips

The tulip has great strength as it pokes up from the sod
The strong green leaves surround the bud and acts as a façade

Then as the leaves spread open and the colored heads appear
The beauty of God’s planning often cause my eyes to tear

The jagged edge is lacy as it gently opens wide
And as it does,… you will be blessed …by the beauty found inside

The stamen stands so proudly in the center as on cue
And the colors vary greatly in the star shaped colored hue

Their splendor is a statement, yet in a simple way
They give a casual beauty to a lovely new spring day

I clip each color gently as I picture my display
I gather quite a bounty and they form a big bouquet

They grace my table sweetly as they stand so straight and tall
And then with time they curtsey and they take a humble fall

It’s like they’re bowing over to give their quiet nod
To their talented Creator,…to the Great Almighty God

Each time I see a tulip…. my heart is drawn to Him
So I think I’ll plant more tulips… and let the praise begin!

By Linda Hogeland

Linda's
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