Finding Inspiration
Some of you may remember this article in the MS Kids Holiday 2003 issue, about getting outside to enjoy a winter's day. I remembered it particularly because of the clever title all laid out on a snowy background, with twigs and bits of nature spelling out "A Winter Walk". So beautifully done. I went back to this again recently to study it more closely. I really love embroidering letters. Maybe this comes from working as a graphic artist for a few years, but whatever the 
reason, I wanted to see if I could do something with needle and thread to convey the same natural qualities. I went outside, and chose colors from our own winter landscape, came back in, and stitched this up rather quickly. Then later, I made a sleeve out of it to cover an old pillow I already had. (I love pillow sleeves--so simple to make and they can be easily removed and stored flat when the season ends.) Looks so nice and snug here in my reading corner; I think I'll take my magazine and cuddle here awhile.
Do you have a cleaning lady??? You must stitch all day to get so much done and to such perfection! Thanks for always inspiring and posting such lovely work. M :-)
Posted by: ladymarcia | January 24, 2008 at 12:10 PM
It makes me want to snuggle up on the couch! You never cease to amaze me!
Posted by: Tami | January 24, 2008 at 01:02 PM
That is just beautiful! I had to look a couple times, because at first glance I thought they were machine done.
I've also been meaning to tell you how much I love the woodsy alphabet, and will definitely be getting myself a copy soon.
For Christmas, my sister gave me some vintage embroidery transfers. In your experiance, will they still work if I try to iron them on to fabric? I'm not sure how old they are, but I think one had a price of 19 cents.
Posted by: marné | January 24, 2008 at 01:10 PM
It's wonderful, vicki...
The sleeve idea is also waaaaay cool!
:o)
Posted by: Dawn | January 24, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Hey Vicki...for those of us who are horrible sewers (at least without direction), do you have a formula or "pattern" you use for a pillow sleeve? I have big pillows on my couch that form the actual back of the couch and will be impossible to match to a slipcover without making something myself...I just don't EXACTLY know how to go about it. :)
Posted by: Jen | January 24, 2008 at 01:49 PM
That little pillow is darling. You're really talented.
Posted by: Amy | January 24, 2008 at 03:36 PM
So cute! And that tiny acorn dotting the the "i" is adorable!
Posted by: Toni | January 24, 2008 at 03:41 PM
This has moved up towards the top of my Favorite Turkey Feather's Projects. It's lovely, Vicki. I love the little tiny acorn.
Posted by: Lena | January 24, 2008 at 06:39 PM
I love this more than words can describe. You captured it perfectly!
Posted by: blair | January 24, 2008 at 07:08 PM
What a great pillow!!! Love your stitching.
Posted by: Ele | January 24, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I truly love your work... so inspiring!!!
Also wanted to let you know that you're on my "homey inspirations" list on my blog!!!
:)
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin | January 24, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Your blog has inspired me with many happy hours of sewing and crafting! Keep it up. :)
Posted by: christy | January 25, 2008 at 01:27 AM
You go girl! I love it :)
Yours is one of my favorite blogs to read...and I wait impatiently to see each new craft project you've come with...Thanks!
P.S. - I love Grace's miniatures as well :)
Posted by: DianeM | January 25, 2008 at 03:40 AM
this project almost makes me LIKE winter ;P
Posted by: DianeM | January 25, 2008 at 03:41 AM
too cute! I love it, and I think I have that same issue of MS Kids. Oh those were the good ole days!
Posted by: jerusalem | January 25, 2008 at 06:55 AM
It looks simply gorgeous!
Posted by: Tracy | January 25, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Your pillow is beautiful! I miss MS Kids so badly! I don't even have Kids, I just thought it was awesome!
Posted by: geek+nerd | January 25, 2008 at 07:33 AM
I adore that pillow with your embroidered word. It's lovely.
Joni
Posted by: jonipossin | January 25, 2008 at 12:35 PM
love this! so much! xoC
Posted by: charlotte | January 25, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Love this! So nicely executed and it does give you that wintery feeling. Great idea about making it into a sleeve.
Posted by: Dianne | January 25, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Adorable, simply adorable!!!!
Posted by: Gina | January 25, 2008 at 07:04 PM
This is just lovely! It makes me want to get my embroidery thread out and have a go. I have almost convinced myself that I don't *do* satin and other "fancy" stitches, but who knows: it has been so long since I tried I might actually find that I can... - I can hope, anyway!
Posted by: mathea | January 26, 2008 at 09:12 AM
It's so beautifully done - especially lovely on the linen fabric!
Posted by: Beata | January 26, 2008 at 07:49 PM
this one pulled me from lurkdom... beautiful! i too love/miss mskids.
Posted by: kat | January 27, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Gorgeous embroidery, it looks so good. The pillow sleeve is a great idea. Love the inspiration for it.
Posted by: Tatania | January 27, 2008 at 02:30 PM