Peace Rose

This piece has been in my finishing box for a long time. In fact, I remember stitching it after the bombings in Paris - so it was quite a long time ago. I love Paris. I have only been once, for our honeymoon, but it was magical, and even six years later I can remember every detail of the trip.

This design by Blackbird Designs is another Reward of Merit pinkeep pattern. I think it is just so beautiful with its soft delicate color palette. I used the called for colors, and stitched on a piece of linen that I believe was either 36 or 40 count.

For the finishing, I didn't want to take away from the delicateness from the piece itself, so I used a very simple fabric pattern that picked up the blue thread. I had some gorgeous antique lace, and tried to figure out how to incorporate it. Instead of using it as a trim around the outside of the pillow, I took a chance and top- stitched it around the cross-stitch itself. I'm really pleased with the effect. It reminds me of heirloom sewing.