Since Maxi's birth, I have been planning a special table cloth to be used at all of his birthday celebrations.

Over the years I have saved tracings of his hand prints and even a few foot prints (including his newborn ones). Now that he will be 10 in October, I am ready to finally begin the cloth.

I am going to buy a large cloth of durable fabric.

In the center, I am going to outline a rectangle the size of the half-sheet cake we usually get. Then I will design an elaborate scrollwork along the outer rim of the rectangle and embroider the whole thing. So when the cake is in the middle of the table, the embroidered rectangle and scroll will be a fancy border around it. Can you picture that ok?

Next, I am going to copy his handprints and foot prints randomly across the top of the cloth and embroider them as well, with the year beneath.

Lastly, I want to go along the outside hem with applique letters spelling out Happy Birthday Max! several times.

I want it to be very cheerful and done in bold colors.

Then from now on, I will only have to add new handprints as he continues to grow.

It is something he'll keep and enjoy the rest of his life, his very own, very special birthday table cloth.

What do you guys think?

Merme

Merme--
I think that is absolutely fabulous!! I can just imagine it. I know he will treasure it always.

That is REALLY COOL,Merme I just know he'll be crazy about it!

G-Mom

Merme-- what do you think of tracing his prints on some other cloth (i.e. some of his old clothes that coincide with the age etc.) then use something like Heat-N-Bond to apply them to the tablecloth,sorta like appliques. Then add the date underneath by embroidery??

Now THERE'S a thought, pc! Why didn't I think of that!

Thanks so much for the suggestion!

Merme

I think that's a great idea and I think Maxi is sensitive enough to appreciate it and not be embarrassed by it even when he gets to his teenage years.

You do know that when he gets married his wife is going to hate you right?

THAT is exactly what my late sister, Penny, said right after Maxi was born when I told her of my plan! "His wife will hate you!"

I've been laughing at the thought ever since.

But hopefully, she'll be a woman who looks at him as though he is taller than the sky and will be as indulgent as I have been. No mom could ask for more than a mate who looks at him like that.

Merme