The Marriage Pillow - it's arrived!

Friday afternoon, the last lesson of the day with Grade 6. Imagine, they want the weekend to come, I want the weekend to come, we're all tired. Doing our very best but still, tired. In walks one of our assistants and she's carrying a package for me. She has a smile on her face and, as she hands it to me she says "Ich habe eine überraschung für dich!" (I have a surprise for you!) As I took it from her  and saw the return address she asked "Bist du glücklich?" (Are you happy?) My answer was "Ja, klar!"(Yes, clearly!) and, just before the lesson finished, I showed the students what was in the package that surprised me at the end of the week.The Marriage Pillow kit that I'm test stitching for Phillipa Turnbull had arrived. Even my class 6 students thought it was "cool". They loved all the beautiful colors and have asked that I bring it in to show them when I've finished it. Many of them have never seen any embroidery. Imagine that!Naturally, I waited until I got home before I unpacked it. Here's what was inside:26 different, beautiful colors of wool thread. Yes, it's Appleton Wool and, no it isn't my favorite, but I know The Crewel Work Company uses it because they are the most historically accurate colors available on the market. To get the authentic look, I'm willing to try them again. Also included are two specially made needles that do make stitching with the Appleton Wool less frustrating and easier. I'll be writing more about that later but I can tell you that during my RSN course I used exclusively the needles that I got in a Crewel Work Company kit I did last year when I took a course with Phillipa. These needles do make a big difference.There is also the linen twill, already printed with the design, measuring 48 x 60 cm. The linen twill is lovely quality; firmly woven but still soft and pliable. I loved stitching on it before and am looking forward to it again.As far as instructions and guides go, there is a wealth of detailed information, geared to learners of all sorts. There are two stitch diagrams - one overall and one just for the figures in the design. Again, I'll be writing more about these later. There is a comprehensive booklet of instructions and tips as well as a small pamphlet entitled "The Essential Guide for Newcomers to Crewel Embroidery" that covers all the basics. Lastly, a new addition to the kits from the Crewel Work Company, a CD of photographs of the work in progress. I haven't looked at it in detail yet, but you can be sure I will! As a visual learner, having photos will really help me!One last thing that was included is a clear, glossy photo of the completed piece. Looking at it is inspiring - I want to begin stitching now!As a test embroiderer, I'll be working through the design, following the instructions, asking questions here on the blog and Phillipa will kindly be communicating, giving tips and answering questions via the comment section periodically through out my progress.I'm so looking forward to this new project and feel very lucky to have been asked to test stitch this lovely design. As soon as my new slate frame arrives, I'll be mounting it and getting started.  If any of you have any questions, please ask as we go along!