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She even shared the beautiful message she wrote to accompany her gift: “The making of this afghan was much like a marriage. It involved a lot of love and a lot of commitment. It isn’t perfect, and I overlooked those imperfections knowing that it was OK just the way it is, because none of us (and no one thing) is perfect. Marriage isn’t perfect, but when we overlook those imperfections we see the true beauty in everything, including marriage. The months that it took to craft this piece, like marriage, involved some frustration and a few cuss words and a few tears. It seems like I took it ‘everywhere’ with me and worked on it all the time — it has been in the truck as we went on trips, in front of the TV watching movies, on an Amtrak train to Oregon and back, to Texas and more. I worked on it wherever I went. Your marriage will need to continually be worked on no matter where you are or in what phase of life, even when you don’t feel like it. Remember love and commitment, because that is what it took to create what I hope will become an heirloom piece for you to pass down to future generations of Sternhagens. I love you both and am so proud you are part of my family!” Ronda attended the wedding last August and read her note aloud during the celebration. She told me, “Needless to say, none of us made it through the reading of the message with a dry eye. It was very touching and very well received.” Her story reminded me just how powerful a handmade blanket can be, and it inspired me to finally create a dedicated space where we can all share these heartfelt stories. I’m so happy to introduce the Stitched With Love webpage — celebrating the stories behind the blankets you’ve made from my patterns. Every blanket tells a story of love, patience, and care, and this is your space to share those special moments. Visit the new webpage to see Ronda’s beautiful Double Wedding Ring Blanket story and learn how to send in your own. (It’s super easy!)
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