In between keeping my fingers busy on my Mac, I have been doing some spring cleaning while rummaging through my closets. Yes I know that spring is long passed and it is now summer, but I figure better late than never.
I came across this canvas by Lee that I stitched some years ago. It is painted in just two colors and that’s how I stitched it using Soie d’Alger in black and one of the cream colors. It was rather deceiving on just how many skeins that I used! It was sent off to Marlene to make a bag, and to have it be my entry in the Baltimore American Needlepoint Seminar. My dream is to win a Princess Grace Ribbon which is given to a piece totally executed in basketweave. It has been said that I stitch a pretty mean basketweave. It wasn’t meant for me for the Princess Grace that year, but instead it did win a first place ribbon! Some year I will win that elusive Princess Grace.
When it was sent to Marlene I asked for a bag, a bag that would do well in competition, one that would stand up and be noticed! The finishing is a big part of the scoring and can be the difference between winning and not. Well Marlene delivered as requested! I was thrilled with the results, very elegant and not what I had envisioned, but I love it. I have never carried it or even used it as it really doesn’t go well with blue jeans! It lived for about 3 years as a shop model under the heat of fluorescent lights and I am amazed at how much those lights can fade fabric!
Okay so this is the decision…do I want to leave it as a bag hidden away most of the time? I might use it once or twice in my life time. If I leave it as a bag it almost needs to be redone since the front is faded and the back is not. Well you would never notice it, but I know it’s there! Or do I want to have it framed, where I can enjoy it always hanging on my wall? decisions! decisions!
While I was cleaning I came across the picture of Sylvester when he first came home to live with me. I rescued him from a pet store at the holidays. He was the biggest kitten and everybody wanted the smallest ones and soon he was left all alone. I couldn’t let him spend Christmas by himself. I brought him home where he bonded with Felix the Cat immediately! They were BFF until it was time for Felix to cross the Rainbow Bridge last year. and until next time…keep on stitching
I remember seeing (and studying very closely) this piece at the Baltimore Seminar, Vicky. It was beautifully done and the finishing very subtle and elegant. It is perfect as is in my opinion, but I can understand how you would like to redo it to make it more relevant to how you live.
How about the back of a blue jeans jacket? Or the pocket of a beautiful blue cardigan sweater?
great idea for a jean jacket! dress up but not too dressy. Thanks Jane!
Personally, I would leave it as is and use it as your stitching bag. Because you know people will be envious when you go to rebuild your stash and tuck all those glorious goodies into this bag. I’m a faded, worn-out blue jeans gal myself, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love a gorgeous bag! (Although after using the same Brighton for 6 years, my family finally convinced me to treat myself to a new one. I wonder what I’ll get in another 5 years or so?)–K.B.
I remember seeing this bag in the shop in La Jolla. it is stunning and outstanding. So much so, that I bought the canvas and its still in my to do closet and if I remember correctly a few others bought the canvas. Also, my Mom had a thing about boxes, butterflies and Asian designs and she was in awe of this piece and the bag…Marlene certainly did a wonderful job.
Whatever you decide to do with this piece it will be a show stopper because of how beatiful it is. Yes, you do a mean basketweave and I just bet the Princess Grace Award is aroud the corner.
It was nice to see it again Thanks, Vicky
I would carry it with jeans and wear fabulous black high heels — divine. (I am sure that revelation comes as no shock to you, Vicky). This is a beautiful piece. I agree with Sue that the Princess Grace Award is in your future.
A box pillow would be lovely too!