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March 14, 2012

ANOTHER SAMPLER FOR A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIRL

Hi, Primmies ~

Friday the 16th is my Ashley's birthday. She will be 23. Now, I have a funny, maybe unbelievable to you but true, story about this sampler:


This is the sampler stitched by a little girl that I believe lived in Michigan and was born in 1807. She stitched a sampler at the age of 13. It lists the names of her siblings and the year that her father,
Ebenezar died in 1811. I don't know about her mother, she could be the Polly Ager after Ebenezar.






So here's the funny/unbelievable part of this post's story. I started this sampler in August, 1989. I just
finished it. It was always intended for my daughter who was 5 months old when I started stitching this during a family gathering  on our terrace in the backyard. I intended to give it to her when she made her first home. It was her father's birthday, I believe, that would make it August 20th that I was stitching. I had 4 rows maybe, finished. My eyesight was excellent back then, I was just turning 33 the next  month.

Well, somehow motherhood got the best of me, I loved it and I loved being with her every day. She was a living doll. Well, then those of you who know me a little better know that the car accident came the following September 29, 1990 and I was never the same after that. Oh, I had 2 surgeries and my sister encouraged me that I could craft again, but this sampler was stored away in my needlework bag for the next 22 years. Somehow I forgot all about the cross stitch bag and it was put into a box probably by my mom since I always had trouble with my neck and hands.

We moved into this house 2 years ago and just a few months ago, I discovered the bag at the bottom of a storage box. It had been packed in there since sometime in 1990 and went with us each time we moved to a new house.

So, there's the story of the "lost" sampler. Just in time for Friday, Ashley will have the sampler that was meant for her years ago. I hope she likes it,
I know she will; especially when she hears the story. I hope she won't read my blog until Friday or after so that I don't spoil the surprise. She's really busy this week so I don't think she will.

Lot's of work has been done on the giveaway sampler Polly Daggett. I'm in the fun part with the urns and trees, pretty blues, creams and golds.
I'll post an update on this blog tomorrow with a picture of my progress. I've also stitched a little pin keep or pillow tuck, whichever you make it, as a second place giveaway surprise. Oops, it's not a surprise anymore!

Hugs,

Susan
Courtesy antiqueimages.com
Free Images

22 comments:

  1. Wow Susan you've come along way. The sampler is just beautiful. Your daughter will treasure it and the long journey you have had. How special. God is good.
    Happy Early Birthday to your Sweet Daughter.
    Hugs Trace

    www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

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  2. Wow Susan! That's a touching story...I love the colors in your sampler. I am glad you are able to stitch and craft and create. I know your daughter will CHERISH this piece and pass it down. I would! Have a beautiful day ~*~Lisa

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  3. What special gift this will be for Ashley! Happy Birthday to your sweet daughter.
    hugz,
    Sheila

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  4. Susan, what a beautiful story and I know daughter will appreciate it forever.

    Blessings,
    Pam

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  5. Your daughter will love the sampler and the story that goes with it. Happy birthday to your Ashley.
    Hugs,
    Maddy

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  6. WHat a beautiful story!,,,I'm sure it will make Ashley very happy!...
    Thanks for sharing,

    Blessings,
    ~Ronda

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  7. Your daughter will cherish this! I love samplers! I started one a gazillion years ago...wonder where it is??? I am glad to see that you are able to do the stitch work again. HOpe you have a fabulous day!

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  8. Safrona was my first sampler and still one of my favorites. I'm sure Ashley will love it!!

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  9. I love this story, better late then never! The story behind this will make all the more special for your daughter, it is truly a treasure. I too have been known to shove something aside for years, just to finish it much much later. She'll love it, I know she will.

    Hugs
    Jody

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  10. What a wonderful story...and such a happy ending! Happy Birthday to Ashley...her birthday sampler is a beautiful gift she will always treasure.
    Robyn

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  11. Wow Susan what an amazing story.Touched me deeply.Happy Birthday to Ashley ,I am sure that she will love and treasure her gift.It is truly beautiful.Hugs,Jen

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  12. Oh Susan! Ashley's sure to be touched when she hears this!
    It is a very special and lovely sampler!
    Best wishes!
    Christine
    PS Glad you found the strength to stitch again!

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  13. Happy Birthday to your Ashley! I know she will love the sampler!!
    Kim

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  14. Happy Birthday Ashley!! Susan, that is such an amazing story!! What a special gift that will be! She will treasure that for years to come. I wish that I could be there when you tell her, that is so very special! Enjoy your week~

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  15. Happy Birthday to Ashley! What a wonderful gift! Big hugs! ♥♥♥

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  16. Oh Susan, it's lovely, and has a special meaning to it as well. Happy Birthday to Ashley! I'm sure she will treasure it forever. I had no idea about your accident, so I'm happy for you that you can still do your crafting.
    JoAnn

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  17. oh Susan she will treasure this piece..and will have the story to tell her kids.;) great job.;)

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  18. What a great story behind your smapler. It is beautiful!!!

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  19. Such a sweet story and such a lovely gift.. So glad you found it and I know she will treasure it..
    Sweet blessings ...

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  20. Oh my, what a touching story Susan and what a wonderful gift to present to your daughter! I am sure this will be one of her most cherished gifts that will become a family heirloom. I am so happy that things worked out for you and that you are able to craft and create again. Happy early Birthday to Ashley! Wishing you a wonderful week! Hugs Mary

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  21. What a great find after all of those years! I am sure she will love it!

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  22. Such a touching story ~ Your daughter is going to love this sampler that you stitched with so much love. Beautiful work and I love the colors.
    Prim Blessings
    Robin

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Your comments make me so happy.I love reading your comments! It lets me know what you like or don't like to see & read on my blog. I will always try to answer each of your comments.
Susan