This is the fifth piece in the Threads of Friendship series, you can read the words in the text below
Dearest Rachel,
We met in Silence in another millennium, another world,
Two heart-sore travellers searching for peace.
Sharing that dusty little house in the middle of nowhere,
We came to trust each other with our scars and our secrets.
Over quarter of a century of friendship, we’ve shape-shifted together.
You’ve stood beside me in my deepest pain and my greatest joy.
You’ve challenged me in ways no-one else would dare!
Pushed me to see things another way, to change, to grow.
Our fallings out have forged a strong sisterhood between us –
Authentic, frustrating, beloved.
Wild swimmer, hill-walker, barefoot dancer. Living Tao.
Nature lover, gifted healer, meditator, wing chung fighter.
Most grounded of women, finder of the perfect shoe.
Heart-centred, generous, caring beyond measure
Quiet, modest, beautiful and strong – blind to your many strengths
Love Gilly xx
Gilly’s reflections on the experience
“It felt like a huge honour to be chosen by my friend Rebecca and I absolutely love the magical, healing garment has Kate created. I’m deeply touched by Rebecca’s words and the love and care in Kate’s beautiful embroidery. Kate’s illustration of Sparky brings his wild, fiery spirit to life… and the hare and the heart… The sun, the moon and love all together – how beautiful! It’s impossible to express how I feel to be the recipient of such a generous, heart-centred gift. There is such deep healing in it.
It took me quite a few attempts to write the words and find the right garment for Rachel. I was a little worried that the embroidery already on the skirt might not leave enough room for Kate’s work. Incredibly, the finished skirt arrived in the post from Kate on Rachel’s birthday, only a few days before we were getting together in the Lake District for a walking holiday. I love the way Kate’s golden stitches flow like water down the folds of the skirt. It is amazing to see my words so beautifully illustrated – Kate even stitched the words ‘love Gilly xx’ in my handwriting! I was really excited to give it to Rachel and it was deeply touching to see how moved she was and how much she loved it. She looks amazing in it too!
Huge gratitude and awe for the astonishing beauty and generosity of this work!
Love Gilly”
If you would like to commission a piece for a friend or beloved, please get in touch.
