Tuesday, June 20, 2017

A gift...

Back in 2008 I met a young lady online through our blogs, someone who over the years since has become like a little sister to me. In fact that's what we call each other - Big Sis and Little Sis. 

The friendship between Vikki and I grew rapidly because to be honest, she's so gentle, kind and understanding that being her friend was, and is, easy. We didn't meet face to face until 2014 (what a hug that was!) and today only catch up with the occasional phone chat, but every time we talk it's like we've never been apart. 
I think that's the measure of real friendship,  picking up where you left off, not even skipping a beat.

It was Vikki who purchased the very first pattern of my very first design, and it was so funny because she wanted me to autograph it! (I didn't, and she told me off years later, LOL!)

Vikki is also a designer, her style very much like her personality - gentle, detailed and sweet. 
(you can have a look here at her blog for an idea of what I mean)

But today I want to show you an example of her other talent, Vikki's first love in craft and a skill she excels at, doll making.

 A few years back I gave her an elf doll kit which I'd had every intention of making 'one day' but never got around to. 
Eventually realising the elf kit was not really something I could apply myself to it seemed far more sensible that I gift it to my dear doll maker friend instead.

I did just that and promptly forgot all about it. 

Until the mail man arrived last week.

Vikki had made the elf for me.



I cried, tears of grateful joy and surprise.




And I felt her love. Love for her Big Sis. 
Every stitch had been made with love, prayers, and a heart to bless me.

The details of Vikki's work on my elf doll are exquisite...




...and she made the doll so that I can position her any way I like.

Vikki, her children, me and my children, all share a love of the Artemis Fowl books (by Eoin Colfer) and this was another one of the things that drew us together in friendship. 
In honour of that shared fictional reading I've named the elf 'Holly Short' after one of the main characters.




Guarding my fabric shelves, Holly Short sparks a lot of emotions when I think of who's hands crafted her and why. 
This precious gift from a dear friend far away made me feel loved and nourished from the inside out.
To know the time she put in to this for me still causes a few tears to well in my eyes.

Thank you just doesn't seem to be words enough.




Wilma Moss sent me photos the other day of her completed Gentle Domesticity quilt.

The Gentle Domesticity BOM I shared last year was a set of 12 stitchery/applique blocks, all stand alone designs without any quilt setting, but clever Wilma drew up a quilt design to house her completed blocks and it's beautiful!





Inside the scalloped edge she has added yellow trim to blend with the yellow border around the blocks - what an inspiring idea...





I was so excited to see all the blocks in one setting, and the quilting - wow!




Thank you for showing us, Wilma. 


If you've made any or all of the Gentle Domesticity blocks from last year can I encourage you to join our Gentle Domesticity Facebook group and share your photos with everyone.
The group has grown to almost 2,000 members now and we'd love to have you pull up a chair at our virtual kitchen table to chat, share what you're making or baking or sewing or knitting!



If you've not heard of the Gentle Domesticity BOM from 2016 but are inspired to create your own quilt with the blocks you'll find all 12 block patterns as a set here in my shop.

The blocks are also available as single patterns.





Well that's it for me today. 
I pulled apart my sewing room this afternoon and am still in the process of putting it back together so once I finish making dinner for the man of my dreams I'll return to my task.

I love re-organising my sewing room, office, kitchen, laundry, book cases...do you?

hugs


20 comments:

Bits of Stitching! said...

Friends are a blessing!
Wilma's quilt is lovely, she did a beautiful work using your designs!
I love reorganizing my craft space, especially if I'm in the mood ;-). Sometimes
you discover things you've forgotten about. Or projects that make you go
for a walk on memory lane.
Have fun!

Suze said...

Today's post is so inspiring. The elf story is a delight and she is beautifully made. I also like the completed quilt. Thank you for sharing.

I don't enjoy reorganising as I am not allowed to throw much away. This house is stuffed to the ceilings. I am trying though.

Thanks for today's journey.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Beautiful gift and beautiful quilt too!

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous gift of herself that little elf is. She's beautiful and so is your friendship together. That quilt is stunning - the stitcheries are so complimented by the lovely quilting, too. Thanks for the close-ups. No, I really hate organizing. I want everything to stay in its original place and never need organizing. I suppose it would if I'd quit using it. LOL

Winifred said...

What a lovely little character & so kind of her to make it for you. Lovely story Jenny thanks for sharing it.

Phil Poggeaux said...

Holly is very fetching. Such a great design and such a great friend.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I so love the Elf and I've read all of Artemis Fowl, but the last. Love those stories.

Mia said...

Love the Elf! It is so cute!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

I feel like I've just covered myself in happiness and contentment, from the beautiful Holly Short your talented friend made to the amazing quilts, stunning xx

Leeanne said...

Wow.........what a fabulous friendship! I have a couple of friends like that, although to be honest they are such sweethearts my greedy little soul would love to be with them more often! Your little Elf is very cute and will no doubt guard your fabrics well. Did you get a thrill seeing the finished Gentle Domesticity quilt? Wow I would have and as a fellow quilter I love to see the quilting....it's magic!

Julie said...

That is absolutely gorgeous Jenny .... I can imagine how you felt opening the parcel ... so much pleasure & joy. I remember when I first came across Vikki's blog - I think it was a link through your blog, & she had made a most beautiful doll. Wilma's quilt is just stunning ... she has done a fabulous job of it & I love her colour scheme. xx

Kay said...

This little elf is so cute, your friendship is clearly very precious and shows in her marvellous work of art for you. x

Baa. xxx said...

Dear Holly you are gorgeous!

Allie-oops Designs said...

Awww - Vikki is the sweetest!! And so talented! I love Wilma's version of your blocks, that is the perfect setting for them, she did a marvelous job. Enjoy your organizing - I just did that yesterday, completely re-arranged my sewing room - bedroom is next! I find more treasures, lol....

Janice said...

What a lovely story about Holly. Also, Wilma's interpretation of your stitcheries is gorgeous. The quilting really sets them off.

Little Penpen said...

What a precious lil elf! So sweet of her to make it FOR you. Wilma did an amazing job on her quilt! Love love love everything about it!!

Sharm said...

How fantastic it is to have a friend like that and I love the little elf - the face gives an idea of how talented your friend is! And speaking of talent, Wilma did an amazing job!

Ondrea said...

Oooo your elf is gorgeous! Such a clever friend. The friendship you share is such a precious gift. Thanks for sharing your story.

Cattinka said...

sewing buddies are the best!

Createology said...

Holly Short is a very sweet and precious Elf...just like your friend who created her for you. Lovely quilt and such an amazing amount of work put into it. Very precious in your designs Jenny Dear. <3