A Beautiful Blowfish

When Gail Hendrix (Squiggee Designs) showed me this beautiful little canvas, I had instant recall of my father, when I was a small child of not quite four years old, introducing me to the wonders of the things that lived in the sea. He had just joined the Navy, and was training to go away with the Pacific Invasion Fleet (WWII), so we were at Ft. Pierce, Fla. - just a small village so long ago.

I remember clearly the day he picked up a little blowfish out of the water to show me how it puffed up its tiny self to frighten off an enemy, or to be too big to swallow.

Anyway, besides that, this little ornament has such personality and lovely color, I begged to stitch it as a model for her. My first thought was to pull out shiny/sparkling fibers, but that was too much, and I opted for simple #5 perle cotton with a bit of YLI Ribbon floss for the yellow and the spots under the pearls. Basketweave is all this piece would allow, as she needs no more adornment than those gorgeous pearls attached to her. Besides the beauty of the pearls, I had just finished research on the symbolism and history of pearls when I started stitching this ornament, so am even more enchanted with the decoration. Pearls were the first recognized gem many centuries ago, and have represented the moon, as well as purity and perfection - and also other desirable feminine traits. Besides - they are sooooo pretty!!! This little fish is so small, I'll have it finished in no time, and will add 3 rows of stitching around it for finishing - most likely in a "Caribbean blue" color, as that will also serve as an outline around the fish.

Next on my agenda is to get the instructions and charts finished for my "Blue Sugar Egg" that I have just finished. (this is the part I don't like doing - it resembles "work.") Then it will be available at my web store as an e-pattern to download and print.

Anne Stradal of The Cape Stitcher has finished the wonderful ornament with my beloved St. Marks lighthouse on it - she had "challenged" me to a stitch off, but I knew she would do a better and more imaginative job of it, so I just watched her - and fantasized about being there once again. The weather is cold enough right now that the 'gators are hibernating and will stay put so one can safely get out of the car and walk. Do go visit her blog and see it (as well as a charming little guardian angel ornament she is doing as a special gift for a friend who needs it.)