Counting Blessings

There are so many things in life that can cast doubt, sadness or even at times hopelessness that make it even more important to pause and absorb the special moments. 

Today, that's what I'd like to do.

This week I received a remarkable gift. A gift that has left me feeling inspired, humbled and overwhelmingly blessed. A gift from the heart of a friend. 

A gift that she poured herself into.....for me.

While I wish I could take credit for this beautiful creation, the gifted artist behind this one of a kind piece is my friend Melissa from Sew BitterSweet Designs. 

Isn't it amazing???!!!

I absolutely love it! It inspires me to want to create even more!

If someone had asked me what I would have wanted a wall hanging like this to look like, I wouldn't have known how to tell them that this is exactly it. I love everything about it! The colors, the fabric prints, the chevron design, the backing...

And most importantly, the meaning behind it. 

Melissa chose to send this to me as her way of participating in this month's project of Care 4 Caregivers. To recognize me as a caregiver that has influenced her life. 

That leaves me humble, grateful and speechless.

 Look how it matches a little plaque I already had hanging in my room...

  It makes me so happy every time I look at it!

And it has proudly found the perfect home in my sewing studio....

 ...right above where I work!

I've been collecting a bunch of different sized embroidery hoops and I'm thinking I may finally fill each with favorite fabric prints I find to scattered around it. But for now, I think it's perfect just as it is!

This gift is a reminder to me of the "Why?" behind Hopeful Threads.

Sewing projects, pattern reviews, giveaways....they're all fun and I love sharing them with each of you...but the relationships within in this community are priceless to me! And I continue to be blessed by these relationships, whether it be precious Chinese nannies that share enthusiastic gratitude for the bibs we sent for the children in their care or like-minded (and creatively talented!) friends who encourage me daily. 

Thank you all for being a part of Hopeful Threads and a part of my life. 

Thank you Melissa for this touching gift. I will cherish it always.

Kristy