Today's blog starts with a big sigh of relief. The stitching on the rose is done, and I am very happy with the way that it turned out. And actually, I am very glad to say that it didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would (I also learned that even though handstitching can be time consuming, that it is really easy to learn, requires very few tools, can be taken anywhere, and it makes a really big impact).

But then, today's blog takes another turn. I finished the stitching, and I even sewed the square up into a throw pillow just as I had planned. The problem is that I am just not sure that the pillow shows off the beautiful rose to its best advantage. I think that there is just too much plain white around the rose. What do you think?

I can't decide at this point where to go next. I really do think that there must be a re-think involved. Maybe this rose wasn't meant to be a pillow case at all. Maybe it was, but it just needs some more quilting or maybe it needs to be framed in a colour border....

I don' t know.

At this point, I think that I just need to take a little break from the project and, as my mother would say, "come back at it with fresh eyes". And, since it is Friday, I can't think of a better time to take a break than a weekend.

But...

If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them!

And...

In case you didn't catch our Facebook Status this morning, I am starting to countdown to Christmas next week. Because Daylilies is all about being creative, I want to offer a new Christmas gift idea every day from now until Christmas - It is my hope that you will be encouraged to try and give home-made this year. There is nothing better than giving from your heart and hands. I hope that I will share some ideas to encourage and inspire you.

Until then, have a great weekend, and if you have any ideas for my rose, I can't wait to hear them!