So, funny story: A couple of months ago, my mother-in-law Cindy was visiting and we were anticipating our second baby being born (hooray, it’s a girl!). We spent quite a bit of time at home while she was here because I was either super pregnant and desperately uncomfortable, or because I had just given birth (and resting sounded absolutely blissful).
But one afternoon my MIL asked me why one of my embroidery hoops hung on the wall said behave. I looked at her funny, glanced up at the hoop, and let out a little laugh as I told her it actually said be brave.
There’s a running joke with our family, both Zack’s side and mine, that I’m the sassy one in the bunch. I don’t mind asking aloud the hard questions, and I for sure don’t mind adding a little pizazz to the conversation. Basically, I like the keep the mood light while making my neighbor feel welcome to be as they are. It’s not always easy to do, but I enjoy the challenge ;)
But back to my embroidery hoop saying “behave”/”be brave”.
Now, every time I look at the collage of hoops on my wall — they actually say “be love,” “be grace,” and “be brave” — I think of Zack’s mom. Here are the hoops in their glory:
Cindy’s visit with us ended and she flew back to Michigan, but I didn’t want her to forget about our little knee-slapper. So, a few weeks ago I sat down with my embroidery thread and made her her very own BEHAVE hoop. Oh, yes I did! #sassy
And when she called me to tell me she received a package in the mail — even said hello into the phone — I began to laugh. Me laughing made her laugh, and for a good bit of time that’s all we did on the phone together. It was amazing, and a really special moment in our relationship for me.
I love that we have this little joke to fall back on. I love that while she’s really the least-sassiest person I know, she has an embroidery hoop that says “behave”. It’s my secret dream she hangs it in her office so she can think of me while at work ;)
So that’s my latest embroidery hoop project. It was a fun one to make, for sure. I’ve been stitching while I can — in between afternoon naps or while sipping my morning coffee on the weekend. It’s one of my favorite craft projects right now, probably because of the rhythmic sound of the needle hitting the cloth and the pop of color against the neutral backdrop. It’s just the best.
Related: I’ve got a fun sewing project up my sleeve. If you’d like to stay in the loop on what I’ve got going on you can join my email newsletter by clicking here.
Do you stitch, and if so what designs are you working on? I also love to knit (and crochet), and lately I’ve been looking at the basic watercolor set Maxwell has and thinking it would be fun to get a larger palette of colors to play around with.
That made me laugh out loud! “Behabe!” is what our children would tell each other when they were little. I’ve been trying my hand at embroidery again. It’s been years so I’m rusty. Now I’m going to be adding “Behabe” to my sewing room wall. ;)
AWWW, that’s just the cutest word! And I love that you’re going to stitch something now :) hooray!
I wish you had this as a diy kit, I’d totally buy it! Beautiful!
Thanks Shelli! I hand drew it on the canvas before stitching, you could totally do the same.
That is certainly my favorite craft. I Insta about it all the time!
This made me giggle <3 I love it. I would love to do embroidery. I can think of so many cute things I want to put on hoops, but I don't know how to. I crochet, knit and sew… My littlest one joined the family around the same time your little did, and I haven't really been able to pick anything up. Not enough time in the day!
It really is so easy, get on YouTube and watch a few tutorial videos :) I know finding time is hard, but maybe you could carve out a couple hours one morning a month and go to a coffee shop or book store and stitch? It would be so relaxing. Let me know what day this month you’re going to start your first project ;)
I love this hoop Maggie and making special gifts like that is one of my favorite things about embroidery!! Since that’s my thing I could go on and on about my projects and how much I love it for the color and relaxation and many more reasons.
For those of you who haven’t tried yet I promise it is one of the easiest crafts to try, don’t miss out!!
Thanks Jen! ♥
Maggie, Oh my wonder, such a fond memory, and yes it IS hanging in my office. Thanks for sharing, I feel so special suddenly. I will send picture tomorrow. Love MIL
…BIG SMILES! :D
I am smiling after reading all of this… sounds like a great bonding moment for you and your MIL. I have had a few of those with mine and I love them! It’s like building blocks that cement your relationship and strengthen its foundation.
Your hoop is super-cute… and look how neat your backside is! (that sounded a bit wrong but you know what I mean). :)
Stitching is the best… portable, flexible, easy to master. I love that it can be as complex or as simple as the stitcher decides. I really have been wanting to learn crochet and knitting these past few years (my 8yo has been giving me lessons, haha) but somehow it doesn’t come to me as naturally as other things like sewing and embroidery.
:)