Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I Love This Project...Annemarie

Guest Blogger Tuesday
I Love This Project
Annemarie of Orts and Ends

"The first answer I came up with when I pondered the question 'Why do I love this project so much?' was 'I just do.' But that would make for a very short entry on Anna's lovely blog, so I will do my best to explore this love of mine a little further, for your reading pleasure.

One of my commenters remarked recently that she could tell I have a very deep love for this project, and she was absolutely right. I like a lot of other projects, I love a lot of other projects, but I don't love them deeply. I love this Blue Lady as if she were a real person. In fact, when I look at her lovely face (which I can now do up close, because it's finished), I can't help but wish I was a bit like her. She radiates peace, and I would love to be able to walk around in that dress, in those slippers, in that garden, for just one day.

You know that some projects call to you louder than others? Well, the same goes for me, only The Blue Lady doesn't call to me. She doesn't scream, because she doesn't need to. I can hear her beautiful, soft, melodic voice singing in the background every single day, but I don't work on her very often. In fact, finishing this project is not my goal, because I'm afraid if I do finish her one day, I will have lost every reason to stitch.

This is huge piece (480 x 365) was designed by Danish artist Bjørn Wiinblad for Haandarbejdets Fremme, to commemorate its 60th anniversary in 1988. The first time I saw a picture of it was in an old Fremme catalogue some ten years ago and I was immediately smitten. I cut out the picture and stuck it on my notice board, where it remained for eight long years, until my parents gave me the kit for my birthday two years ago (yet another reason to love it so deeply).

It only contains nine colors, which is part of the brilliance of the artist. Amazing how he could create such an effect by using only nine colors! What also appeals to me is the fact that the skill level varies throughout the project. Some parts are so easy you could stitch them with your eyes closed: the face and the dress, for instance, are all half crosses (which also makes it look as if more colours are used). The flowers, however, are quite intricate, using special, typically Northern European half cross stitches. Thankfully, the dead easy parts are alternated with the dead difficult parts, so you never get tired of one or the other.

Still, if someone would ask me 'why do you love this project so much?' -- as you are doing right now -- the answer would simply have to be, 'I just do.' "

If Annemarie completes this project, she'll look like this:


I've been reading Annemarie since back when she was a Wacky Wanderer. Over the years she has shown us her strength and grace and oh, the sense of humor. She's one of the good ones.

11 comments:

Kristen said...

Wow, Annemarie, you've made so much progeress on your Blue Lady! I'm glad you're enjoying this project so much.

You're right Anna, she is one of the good ones. :)

Deb said...

Annemarie is definitely one of the good ones. I'm glad that you posted a picture of the entire piece. I've watched Annemarie's progress, but must not have caught what it would end up looking like. I love the sheer difference and quirkiness of it.

Patricia Lessell said...

I really love this project too but would never finish it. She really reminds me of the late Molly Sugden. Lots of Love Patti xxx

doris said...

I love the Blue Lady. Every time Annemarie writes about her on her blog, I'm tempted to order her so I can have her for my own.

CJ in OK ;-) said...

It is an amazing design in beautiful colors, glad you love it. May we all find a project to love that much. CJ ok;-)

mainely stitching said...

Ah, yes, it's her serenity that I find so appealing - thank you so much for putting a name to the quality! If ever you do manage to step through the looking glass and wander in the Blue Lady's garden, I do hope you'll share the experience with all of us.

Anonymous said...

Great post... thanks for sharing that today :)

Anonymous said...

Great post, Annemarie! Anna, I love this regular feature on your blog!

Siobhán said...

Yep, Annemarie is definitely one of the good ones. I read her blog way before I ever thought of doing my own blog. I enjoy her writing and stitching and this entry is no exception. Thanks!

Michelle said...

Yay for Mrs. Slocombe! I love this project too. It is so fun watching Anne Marie work on it, or just admire it and not work on it. Either way, it's fun!

Brigitte said...

I've been following Annemarie's progress on the Blue Lady since I discovered her blog. What a project! I can see why she loves it so much.