In Stitches

Posted on February 22nd, 2016

You know those little old ladies you see hunched over their needlework all the time, leading to endless complaints about crickety fingers and bad eyes?

Hello.  It’s me.

I’ve been needlepointing for nine years, and it is truly a release for me.  I have made countless key fobs, seventeen belts, and a pillow.  I love that the outputs are so personal and that I can let my mind wander while keeping my hands busy.  I believe needlepoint gifts are the most meaningful material gift I can give to another person.  And while I do it for other people, I am doing it for me, too.  So fun!

I had made Ian a belt before, but I wanted to surprise him with something special as an engagement present.  The only complication– not a problem, of course, but a blessing– is that we’re pretty much always together when we’re not at work.  So I wasn’t sure how to pull off a surprise that I would actually have time to stitch.

The solution?

Maritime flags.  While a classic belt motif, Ian has no clue what the maritime alphabet translation is offhand.  (Neither do I, for that matter.  We’re from Missouri.  It’s landlocked.)

He agreed to a mystery message belt and promised me he wouldn’t use Google to sneak a peek.  I stitched in November, and secretly finished it up and sent it to the finisher while he was away in December.  I think he kind of forgot about the project, which was convenient.  But on Valentine’s Day…

Surprise!!!!

He unwrapped this beauty!  I love how it turned out– the flags really popped against the grey background.  I packaged the belt with a guide so Ian could finally translate it on his own.  Ready for the hidden message?

Warning: so cheesy you might throw up in your mouth a little bit.

I just couldn’t help myself.