The Toy Gatherer

I actually stitched The Toy Gatherer way back in 1995.  I had Sue, the shopowner, who was located in the old Illinois Soldiers Sailors Home campus to frame it for me.  When I got it back it was framed on the literal center, rather than taking into consideration the breakouts which would have given it a more centered appearance.  When I got it home and unwrapped it, I was so disappointed to find out that the visual center method had not been used.  But I didn't warn Sue about it in advance.  After all, she was a professional, and I didn't feel I should be telling he how to do her job.  When I had picked it up at the shop, she told me that she was retiring and the shop was for sale. She had cancer and would be having some heavy rounds of chemo.  Anyway, even though it was off center, I hung it in a prominent place in my family room and every time I headed up the steps, I would say to myself, that really doesn't look right.  What stopped me from getting it taken care of right then?  I just felt bad that she had cancer and I also didn't know exactly where to take it at that time in Bloomington-Normal, IL to find someone who was really experienced at framing needlework and more definitively, allowing for breakouts.  I have since heard that Sue actually passed away.  Finally, 21 years later, I decided that I really needed to do something about it  I had my friend Kelly Rippy, the owner of The Counted Needle in Bloomington, IL, re-frame it for me and she did a fabulous job.   And yes, it took me another year to post it on my blog.  My bad.  

As far as I know, the pattern is still available.  It was a wait for them to make the custom mat and a little pricey, but worth it.

I have also revised my thoughts about things.  If you know that what you want might take a little extra treatment, for example, adjustments for breakouts, say so in advance.  It might prevent disappointment.  If the framer acts uncooperative, just find someone else.   Also, another thing I do when getting all pictures and needlework framed is ask for hinged D-rings and a wire rather than a sawtooth treatment, regardless of the size.  No one has refused to do this treatment for me and I really appreciate it.  It makes it easier to keep the piece level.