Sunday, May 16, 2021

Oh, I Do Love a Granny Needlepoint.....Or Two ❣

 

Hello lovely lovelies❣ 'Tis Sunday morning here. A morning where Old Man Sun is doing his darndest to peek through the clouds. There is the promise of sunshine later on, though. Regardless of the absence of  sunshiny, happy beams, the autumnal colours are aglow. 'Tis rather easy on the eyes. The land as far as the eye can see is dressed in verdant greens, and autumnal russets, oranges, yellows and burnished golds.  The floor of the garden is covered in leaf-shaped  carpets in the prettiest of mosaic patterns. My fancy boots want to splish-splosh in the crispy, dry leaves, dancing to the sounds of the crunch underfoot. Why, I want to sink down into the softness of the leaves, with my face upwards to the autumn sun basking in its happy sunbeams, soaking up all those happy endorphins. Why, maybe I will.

How has your week been?? Hopefully you have been dancing to the rhythm of springtime, or, if you live here downunder frolicking to the beat of autumn. Oh, I do love the word frolic. =) Last Sunday my dear husband and I did as I intimated we would and meandered, and yes, frolicked,  around the beautiful Tassie countryside, stopping here and there whenever we felt the need for coffee or tea, and cake. Lo and behold we found ourselves right smack in the middle of a market. After a long drive we love nothing better than finding a market where a 'pot of gold' may lay ready to be discovered. We strolled along, stopping to inspect any pretty that caught my our beady li'l eyes. I happened upon a sweet little vase and of course it came home with me, just because I haven't enough receptacles to show off the flowers from the garden. =) But.....the gold; the treasure I found was in the form of needlepoint canvases. Some complete, some in an unfinished state, some threadbare.....and some canvases without a single stitch on them, but nevertheless beautiful. 

I am that gal who  has always adored a 'granny' needlepoint or two. Back in the day when I was but a slip of a girl, you know, those medieval days; the Bayeux Tapestry was the talk of the village. You know the one, that fabulous embroidered cloth depicting scenes pertaining to all things dukes, kings, kingdoms, battles, horses, knights in shining armour; and Norman conquests. Those days way back then, when countries battled other countries in order to acquire more kingdoms. Mmm....nothing has changed much, has it?? But....I digress. Throughout the history of mankind, ladies, and I suppose, men, have enjoyed the art of stitching pretty thread in a variety of stitches, onto stiff canvas and on printed canvas when they came into being. I mean, who can resist a bouquet of flowers in resplendent colourful threads, or perhaps a cute little country cottage hidden by an English country garden?? Certainly not I. Needlepoint, the very word conjures up beautiful canvases covered in tent stitch, basketweave stitch, continental stitch....a myriad of decorative stitches. I might say at this juncture that a needlepoint pretty doesn't have to be finished or in a pristine state to make my heart beat a little faster. Any old needlepoint pretty, suits my fancy, regardless of the state of disrepair it is in.

As with most things, everything old is new again. 'Granny' needlepoint is back in vogue. I don't know the number of times over the last couple of years,  I have heard of so-called, 'on-trend' interior designers looking down their supercilious noses at the needlepoint pretties of yesteryear. These so called experts in modern day interior design refer to these forms of stitched pretties as "channelling granny"!! What do they know??!! To my delighted surprise, I was reading an article the other day how millennials are trading their cell phones for needlepoint. Really??!! These hip young things are picking up their needles and colourful threads and are enjoying the art of needlepoint just like their grannies once did. Fabulous!

Now, this aged and venerable gal has always adored needlepoint and tapestries. Needlepoint, indeed tapestries have always been hip to me. Not that I have stitched many, though. I have collected them for years in all stages of progress.  I love saving these vintage needlepoint pretties blooming with gorgeous flowers and repurposing them into a modern aesthetic. I adorn all manner of things with them; chairs, cushions, tarting up the odd jacket.....bags. Oh, I do love a bag with a needlepoint remnant peeking from behind ruched ribbons or a vintage brooch.

And.....speaking of bags; and needlepoint and ruched ribbon flowers, this week I thought I should finish the sweet little, blue bag I started months ago for my friend. And finished it I did. I stitched it up by machine and added the finishing touches of fringing and some decorative braid just to dress it up a little. (As if this little bag wasn't dressed to the nines, already!) It's okay though, because my beautiful friend isn't opposed to a little frippery sprinkled into her days. And.....if one is out and about town, one really should have a carryall with fripperies dripping from it...just saying. =) I lined the bag with a toile fabric depicting pastoral scenes with gentleman serenading their  sweethearts. It is a fabric which I have had forevermore and now is no more.=( So, my friend's little blue bag resplendent in ruched ribbons dancing around the threadbare needlepoint, vintage pretties and pretty fringing is done! Yay......now I can perhaps fashion another bag for moi...or perhaps for another friend, for no other reason than....just because.  One can never have too many handbags, shoulder bags.....can one??









Alas, not a lot of quilting was done this week. I stitched with great gusto, and much zeal the previous week and a bit of a sore wrist eventuated. So I have had a little break from my fabric flower garden. But, later this evening I will join all those other lovely ladies and enjoy a little relaxed slow stitching over at Kathy's place, and perhaps begin to stitch the ripples in the pond on my quilt. Hoping you enjoy a beautiful Sunday when it comes a-knocking at your door. May it be a day where a little love and beauty causes you to smile❣

Until the next time..........................




49 comments:

  1. The bag is lovely! Sounds like your day was very pleasant and relaxing. Have a pleasant Sunday,

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  2. What a lovely needlepoint blue bag. Sure your friend will treasure it forever.
    Have a wonderful week, dear Kim. Hugs

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  3. Your friends bag is just beautiful Kim & such a perfect size. I love the photo of you at the market ... is that a Sanderson coat you are wearing?? I too love a vintage granny needlepoint but they are few & far between in this neck of the woods. I have even pulled one out of a frame once - just to use it for a cushion. Have a beautiful week my friend - Yes the leaves are falling here now too. xx

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  4. Svetlana, I love the glorious colours of autumn, but I am never a fan of the cooler days, especially as the days creep to chilly winter. Winter could forget to turn up here and I would be very happy, but alas, I must suffer it. =) The things that gets me through winter are warm, cozy fires, quilting and knitting.....and the thought that spring is perhaps just around the bend of my country road. Thank you for your sweet visit, lovely lady, and for your beautiful words re my little blue bag. Kim Xx

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  5. I just love your writing Kim it just flows with fabulous descriptions I am there with you I really am. I know what you mean, finding a market is like finding gold especially if they are selling things that you love. I have always had a love of tapestries and needlepoint too and have sewn a few myself. I love what you have done with the bag it is a work of art, your friend is going to love it. I love the photo of you in the market, your coat is fabulous. Enjoy your Sunday stitching. xx

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  6. Lovely post with lovely pictures !
    "Your" bag is beautiful ! Tapestries and needlepoints were crafts that can be readjust in our days...
    Lovely coat !
    Have a cozy week !
    Hug
    Anna

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  7. Your needlepoint bag is gorgeous, with its added ribbons and the market looks like fun and you found some treasure too. Sounds like a pretty perfect day!

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  8. My goodness, Kim! How can I possibly forget your amazing transformation of needlepoint that you so masterfully turned into bags, add on clothes and upholstered your armchair with?!! I too am smitten with needlepoint especially one depicting floral scenes. My mom used to make a lot of gobelins when I was a kid, and I remember watching her transfixed as she "painted" her linens with her needle.

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  9. Knowing me I would have to finish those needlepoint pieces and not leave them as is, but I do like the idea of encorporating them into other pieces. I love the blue bag that you made for your friend. That market looks like it was a treat. I love your coat by the way. Can't wait to see that vase filled with flowers.

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  10. Oh, wonderful, wonderful post! I am so glad I found your blog. Lovely part about the needlepoint and tapestries; new generation think they discovered something, but is was here all before, the fashions come and go.
    I LOVE the blue bag, I am quite envious ;-) I will now be on a lookout for old tapestries (when markets fully re-open here). I love the setting of the market you visited - small markets can be such treasure troves.
    Seeing your pictures, I could easily start looking forward to our autumn!
    You are such an inspiration!
    Have a lovely week!

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  11. Thank you for the story and very well told with pen and ink. Always enjoy being transported to lands far away. Maybe we yearn for what we experienced in the past? Love what you do with the needle point and how you rescue and repurpose it all to create a unique artwork to give pleasure and to be enjoyed. Adding all the bits of fabrics, ribbons, the butterfly brooch and the toilet lining. Enjoying the bounty nature gives us, with the falling leaves, the crunch beneath our feet as we walk along the leaves. The sunshine that kiss our cheeks, in the twilight before the sun sets. Spending time with our loved one's and exploring out and about. Happening upon the treasures the universe unexpectedly gifts us, always makes me smile and grateful for the blessing we receive. Have a wonderful week.

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  12. A day out exploring the countryside sounds blissful! Always fun to find some treasures to bring home too. Great use of the old tapestry on the bag you made. Have a wonderful week, Kim!

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  13. Be still my heart! The bag honestly takes my breath away, Kim! I also love needlepoints, and will rescue the beauties anytime I can. Even in our modern loft, I saved them in my decor items to bring along in the downsize, and sprinkle their beauty in the mix in the form of pillow covers and repurposed decor items such as pumpkins. My sisters & I also sell the finished canvases when we find them (more scarce all the time). And yes, Grand Millennial seems to be an official style, good for the young adults finally blending the best of the past in a new interior design style.
    Speaking of style, you are tres chic in yours in your autumn jaunt. Love the hair, jacket, boots and bag!
    Have a wonderful new week!

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  14. It sounds like you had a wonderful day out exploring last week! I love that bag you made for your friend, too. What a sweet gift!

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  15. OH MY GOSH!!! That chair! It is utterly fabulous!!

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  16. Glad to see needlepoint making a comeback. And your bag is beautiful!

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  17. Thanks for taking us along on your stroll! Love the bag you made, and I covet your smart boots. Enjoying your blog from SoCalif.

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  18. M e encanta leerte y por fín te veo en persona☺
    El bolso es una verdadera preciosidad y ésos bordados que he visto.... ¡¡tesoros!!
    BESICOS.

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  19. A visit to your blog spot is always so much fun and invigorating to enjoy :) Sorry your wrist got to hurting last week but the needlepoint you shared throughout this post is divine too! Take it easy on your wrists too... maybe a brace when you quilt?? Kathi

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  20. I love stitchings too, it is so great how you have brought them back and given them a second life with your furniture, purses and clothes. your friend is going to just love this beauty. Love how you used the ribbon and the layering of the flower is so lovely too! So wonderful to have found another pretty vase to use with your lovely flowers :) I hope to get to a few markets this year, so fun when you find things you just can't live without :)

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  21. What a delight to enjoy the countryside and find small treasures along the way. Such beautiful needlepoint pieces and love the little bag with the ruched ribbon flower. Hope your hand feels much better and you are able to enjoy some time in your quilted garden. Ripples in the pond sounds fabulous. Happy quilting, dear.

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  22. Hi Kim
    How lovely to see these needlepoint having a new life. I’m sure you’re friend will be delighted with her bag, what a wonderful gift. Love the jacket with the needlepoint.
    Hope you have a great week.
    Best wishes Kay cxx

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    1. Kay, The 'tarted up' jacket is a favourite of mine and gets lots of wear. An OP shop find made all the lovelier being gussied up with a needlepoint or two. My friend is delighted with her little bag. Hoping you enjoy a beautiful week, lovely Kay. Kim Xx

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  23. Needlepoint is lovely and I dabbled in it for a wee while. Such a pretty bag and lots of lovely images to brighten our day.

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  24. Beautiful embroidery ... I love it. Today Norway has its national holiday, and it is actually a day that is mainly celebrated with the children, with lots of ice cream and games ... but the best thing is the old traditional clothes - they call themselves Bunad - that are worn ... with wonderful embroidery, depending on where you live in different patterns :-)) I have to visit the internet... because I live in Germany.
    Many greetings to you. Viola. Have fun embroidering, Kim. The bag is terrific.
    Thank you for your wonderful photos and words.

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    1. Viola, I don't know why I thought you lived in Norway. I do apologise for this oversight. Thank you for visiting my little place, where a lot of the time my head is muddled. =) Hoping you enjoy a beautiful week. Kim Xx

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  25. Oh, what a lovely drive you two had! Happening upon a little market is always a happy surprise. I bet you enjoyed all beautiful autumn colors!. Yes, I remember tapestry needlepoint and it looks like your finds were great inspiration to finish up your friend’s lovely purse. I know she will be “over the moon” with excitement when she receives her gift! Wishing you a wonderful week and lots of enjoyable time stitching your flower garden quilt! Take care, my friend! Zenda

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  26. I, too, have always loved the old tapestries/needlepoints. Your new bag is just beautiful. I’m glad you enjoyed your outing.

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  27. Your friend is sure to be delighted with her blue bag especially crafted for her with your extraordinary flair. It looks like last week's excursion was filled with fun. Enjoy your autumn days. Spring will return before you know it.
    Pat

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  28. My favorite photo is of fashionable YOU in the outdoors on your shopping jaunt! Oh, the needlepoint bag that you fashioned is simply stunning, as are all your other pretties. Needlepoint is such a beautiful art and you used your magic to transform them. I’m going to on the lookout for some lovelies for myself. Take good care of that wrist! 😘

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  29. I love needlepoint and long ago made a blue and white handbag, just the right size with inner pockets for most important contents. That bag weht with me in 1961 all over Europe throughout the summer. But when I got off the ship in New York, it was stolen before the day was over. I was so sad I never made another. I wonder where it ended up.

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  30. I love what you do with needlepoints. Beautiful stuff. :-)

    The market looks like a fun spot. Your boots are coordinated with those leaves - it really is fall down there.

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  31. Markets are such fun and looks like you had a great time there. You bag is fantastic, Kim! Hope your hand is doing better.

    -Soma

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  32. Replies
    1. Thank you so very much; you are very kind. Kim Xx

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  33. Just because...now isn't that the sweetest reason in the world? You used that needlepoint to perfection when making the bag - the blues are gorgeous, too. I've done many needle work things - embroidery, cross-stitch - and sewn up many, many projects but I've never tried needlepoint. Hmmm, I remember thinking about it once but I don't remember why I discarded that idea.
    Then...I think of frolic! Well, I do like the word, too, but I think my days of frolicking are in-the-past. lol
    Spring has struck with all its wonder up here in the north! My irises and coral bells are a sight to behold. The grass is growing well and hubby's had to mow every few days to keep up. The birds are definitely 'frolicking' with the return of warmer weather.
    Enjoy autumn with all that marvelous color.

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  34. I love needlepoint and the beautiful bag you have made for your friend which I´m sure she will treasure. Hope you found something interesting at the market to inspire you and that your wrist will let you do some stitching very soon.

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  35. always such a fun read you present, i always enjoy my visits!! i use to do a lot of needlework, cross stitch and counted cross stitch, now i seem to always focus on knitting!!

    this spring our area has started to allow farmers markets and craft fairs, they have been so much fun!!

    the blue bag is gorgeous, so unique, your friend is going to love it!! nice to see leaves and fall!!

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  36. Kim -oh dear. I wonder when we "become" one of those grannies??? I have done a needlepoint or two in my life, and I do love the smooth, classic look. Your blue bag with fripperies is delightful. And I adore the word "fripperies". It makes me smile every time I see it in one of your posts!!!

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  37. So much loveliness to see here, not to mention your fantastic boots and wonderful coat. I love a good market too

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  38. I hope that your sore wrist is felling better, and that you will be able to stitch those pretty needlepoints. I love your shoes and it's nice to see a photo of you ;) The blue bag is wonderful.

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  39. Your jaunt about the countryside sounds quite delightful indeed! And how wonderful to find such delights! I too love the needlework from years gone by, so much time and effort put forth into them! Your creations are always magnificent! Sending love and hugs your way :)

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  40. Hello, Kim :)
    Liked how you give a new life to the old tapestry! The bag, the jacket, the armchair – everything is gorgeous!

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  41. Such a flea market is just wonderful ... great that you found beautiful things and were able to take them with you.
    The needlework is great and the bag is simply the HIT :-) The queen armchair is absolutely heavenly ... it's so nice to dream in your posts.
    Best wishes for you and thank you very much. Viola

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  42. I've never been a 'trendy' type and I can't imagine tapestries and needlework being declared as 'old fashioned', but that is the world we live in, isn't it? I think they are treasures, and finding them at your market must have made your heart do a little flutter as you imagined all the wonderful creations you could make with them! I adore the bag you made for your friend and she is going to be so happy. Love the beautiful autumn photos, jacket, armchair and your lovely coat and pretty hair. Autumn is my favorite season. Sending hugs xo K

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  43. I'm late, I'm late (again) but you know I save your posts until I have time to savour them properly. They are not to be rushed. I so much enjoyed reading about the needlepoint pieces of art and was reminded of the dining room chairs my grandmother had, each covered in needlepoint. Of course I, being only a child, never asked who did them....but I do remember nobody was allowed to actually (gasp!) SIT on them. I must say that making a bag from your discoveries is a perfect way to use them - who could help but love a bag like that? I'm sure your friend will be thrilled (or maybe already is).

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