I do believe that is sunshine coming in through my bedroom window. Oh, what a beautiful day! The first days of spring are like heaven. We spent most of the afternoon outside, sitting on the back porch with friends. There was fun sewing too! Just what more could a girl ask for? I credit the blog for keeping me on task with this pillow idea, made from the afore-mentioned tea-towel. I decided to make a "sleeve" to slip over an existing pillow, and as it turned out, the ticking-striped bolster (my $1 thrift shop bargain) was the perfect size. The towel fit around it exactly. All I had to do was stitch two strips of bias-binding along the finished edges of the towel, and sew the ends together to make a tube. Then added (tea-dyed) twill-tape ties at each end with mother-of-pearl buttons to fasten them. The whole thing took about half-an-hour.
I love old hand-carved mother-of-pearl buttons. The little flowers and animal shapes are my favorites. I like to find creative ways to use them and think they added a nice finishing touch to my pillow.
Other news, the "ABC of Wine Cookery" book give-away winner is, our dear Miss Jenny, who makes the sweetest art on earth, inspired by cupcakes and other treats. (She wasn't able to leave a comment on the blog because of a glitch in the system, but was the first to respond, albeit thru email.) So I'll be getting this little book wrapped up and sent on its way lickety-split. Apparently there are even more categories of these books than I imagined. Who knew? Thanks Ann for pointing out sources for them, I'll have to check those out.
I adore MOP buttons. Always my fave!!!
Your pillow is just perfect!
As usual...you amaze me, Vicki!
Posted by: Dawn | March 05, 2007 at 02:50 AM
I LOVE your pillow! Yes, perfect!
Posted by: Agathe | March 05, 2007 at 03:29 AM
What a pretty pillow! And such a nice coming together of things that the towel and pillow were the right size for each other. And your heart shaped pincushion is as always delicious.
Posted by: Biscuitbear | March 05, 2007 at 04:06 AM
Love it...it's so delicate and vintage. Great job :D
Posted by: Tuesday | March 05, 2007 at 07:06 AM
I couldn't believe it was sunny yesterday, too! So nice! I, too am a fan of vintage MOP buttons, my Mom gave me a ton!
The day I got them, I spread them all out on my table and sorted every last one (to size.) Love the way you used them on your pillow!
Posted by: Kari | March 05, 2007 at 07:10 AM
The pillow looks gorgeous and those buttons are divine! Great ideas...thanks.
Posted by: Di | March 05, 2007 at 01:56 PM
I also love MOP Buttons...every monday i take a walk to the market. I know an old man who is selling sewing stuff. One day he came with a hole box with buttons, old ones. I got it all for 7,50 euro, A bargain ! I was soooo happy. I now use them for different crafts.. Just lovely..
And your pillow is very nice..love the way it turned out :)
Posted by: Aina | March 05, 2007 at 02:17 PM
The pillow is wonderful and I love the sunny picture!!
Posted by: Natasha | March 05, 2007 at 04:11 PM
Is that you in the picture looking out the window? You are lovely!
I want to frame the cover of my magic cabin easter magazine. Love their stuff.
Great job with the pillows.
Lindy
Posted by: Lindy | March 05, 2007 at 06:43 PM
You are so talented. Everything you make I absolutely love. That pillow is wonderful! And I love your pin cushion. I love your blog :o)
Posted by: Allie from Minneapolis | March 05, 2007 at 07:55 PM
just when i'm feeling so accomplished for knitting my second scarf!!!
Posted by: GardeningJo | March 05, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Beautiful pillow! You are so creative!
Posted by: Jenny (The Polka Dot Pixie) | March 05, 2007 at 08:47 PM
That's a pretty picture of you.
Posted by: Amber | March 05, 2007 at 09:41 PM
Lovely picture of you--so terrific to see you! That pillow is wonderful! I love MOP buttons too. How do you accomplish so much? Can't wait to see your next creation! BTW,I was so glad to get your email over the weekend. We've been having pc issues, so hadn't been able to get back to you--sorry!
Posted by: Tracy | March 06, 2007 at 03:49 AM
Lovely post!!!
Posted by: Gypsy Purple-Chamara | March 06, 2007 at 08:41 AM
It feels like Spring where I live too. I ate my lunch outside yesterday and was grateful for the mild weather every second I was out there enjoying it.
That pillow is exquisite!
Posted by: NIcole | March 06, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Lovely post!!!
Posted by: Gypsy Purple-Chamara | March 06, 2007 at 09:01 AM
Our sun is out too, but a chilly 20's still. I love reading your blog in the spring as you show and tell as it blooms into spring and summer. I love it because that means our is just around the corner. The pillow is turning out nicely.
Posted by: Gina | March 06, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Lovely site you have! I'm glad I found your site from Anna Maria! Gorgeous photos and inspiring beauties! Thanks for making my day!
Posted by: Laurie | March 06, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Nice to see you Vicki!!
Posted by: carol | March 06, 2007 at 04:16 PM
What a darling pin cushion! I need one of those!
Loving this sunshine! Henry and his friends at school say they're doing "sun-dances" at recess to keep the rain away -- so far its working....
Posted by: victoria | March 06, 2007 at 06:31 PM
Wonderful to see you!
Posted by: tinker | March 08, 2007 at 02:05 AM
Wait - there was a contest? and I missed it? I have really got to get Bloglines or such...anywho - congratulations to the lucky winner!
Posted by: tinker | March 08, 2007 at 02:10 AM
FABULOUS pillow and I LOVE that cute little pincushion!
GREAT JOB!!!
Posted by: Dale Anne | March 11, 2007 at 01:12 PM