Five Years In The Making {A Hand Applique Love Affair}

For five years I carried this beauty with me, and while I love my daughter with all my heart, I’m actually referring to the quilt in the picture above.

I started this quilt when that precious five year old little girl was just four weeks old. Together, her and I took the last few stitches just a few days ago. It’s “her quilt” she says, which is fine by me. If one day my grandchildren wrap themselves in it the way she does, I will be a very happy woman.

And while I’m delighted that this beauty is finally complete (yes, it still needs to be quilted…I’ll send it out for that, and then bind it by hand) I find myself missing her already.

She was by my side through everything the last five years brought my way.

I was so excited to start her, even though finding the time at first was so hard…I had a newborn and a two year old I spent my days chasing after.

She’s been on vacation with me every summer, from the Jersey shore, to Disney World, even to the beaches of Mexico.

She rode with me on the train each time I (very) nervously made my to New York City to meet Martha Stewart. She also helped calm my nerves on a very long flight to Los Angeles to tape Craft Wars, and an even longer flight home having come in second place.

She sat by my grandmother’s side as I stitched and listened to my Annie tell stories I hope I’ll never forget.

She’s been there for me when I needed a distraction…a way to take my mind off my troubles.

She’s sat outside with me and enjoyed stitching in the afternoon sun. She’s wrapped around me and kept me warm as I stitched on cold winter nights.

She’s been to doctor’s appointments, soccer practice, and ballet lessons.

She’s taken long drives with me and helped keep me awake as I was my husband’s copilot.

She’s seen another beautiful baby welcomed into our family.

She’s moved from house to house to house with me…yes, she’s been around that long that she’s seen us move twice.

Every up and every down. Every high and every low.

And I know it’s crazy, but I miss her.

I’m already on the hunt for her replacement (I feel lost without a project to keep my hands busy) but she has set the bar high.

And while she’s relied on me to very slowly and carefully piece her together stitch by stitch, I’ve needed her much more over these last five years.

And I know it’s crazy, but I miss her already.

Nikki, In Stitches