Singing in the Rain

The rain has returned after a few sunny days of glorious weather. 

And with it the robins!

There's a flock of them stalking the lawn for earthworms.  I love watching them. 

This reminds me of a pair of wonderful needlepoint pictures I found at a vintage fair last spring.  At first glance, I thought they'd been stitched recently because they were in such great condition, but when I turned them over I found old crumbling magazine pages from the 1950's that had been used to seal the backs of the frames.  That means that they are probably about as old as I am!

These were likely made from a kit.  The birds are done in a petite-point, which allows for the finer detail.  Every stitch is perfectly done. (Click on the pictures to see the detail.) 

Having taken up needlepoint as a hobby in the mid 1970's, I can appreciate all the work that went into making these.   

And while on the subject of "work", I have here another office-chair slip-cover. The ruffle-foot did not work on this medium-weight upholstery fabric, so there was some fiddling with it as I did the gathering by hand--but it turned out pretty nice.   More pictures here. 

Comments

[Sharon M.]

Oh, Vicki! I love the robins--beautiful--and the CHAIR--gorgeous!!! I so admire the beautiful work you do--I come from a family of great seamstresses--I, unfortunately didn't get the gift--I seem to do better with hand work, like cross-stitch and embroidery, but you gals who can sew clothes and pillows and quilts...sigh. Anyway, your blog is so lovely, I visit nearly every day--and I love your new banner!
Have a great weekend!:)

[Judy]

Since I do hand work I can appreciate when someone puts a lot of work into something. Those pictures are beautiful.

[Lisa]

That fabric is gorgeous. What a wonderful job on the chairs.

Lisa
Knitty, Vintage and Rosy

[Debbie]

I love your robins...they are so sweet! Although I love to sew, I don't know if I would have the patience to sew such beautiful chair covers.

[jen duncan]

So very sweet Vicki! Both the needlepoints and your awesome sewing projects.

[Mary Alison]

If good ol' #16 won't work try this: Use a large zig-zag stitch to attach medium weight string to the back side of the fabric. Make sure the stitch is big enough for the string to move underneath. Pulling the string to gather is mucho easier than pulling on thread.

Love, love, love the chairs!

[amy j]

i love the robins. so beautiful!

[paula luckhurst]

Nice new header, nice birds and very nice chair.

[Adla]

What pretty cross stitching,great find!

[Terri]

Wow! The chair is so gorgeous!
T

[Irma]

Love the birdies and the chair cover is great. Love the material.

[Lee]

You probably know this but the beautiful birds look as if they were sold with the birds pre-worked and the purchaser did the stitches in the larger mesh. My grandmother has a set of fruit chair seats done like this.

[mikawendy]

The slipcovers are gorgeous. They're very Cath Kidston-esque.

[sal]

I love the robins.Someone has taken such care doing them.;-)Sal

[June]

The robins are beautiful. I've not done this type of needlework in many years and forgot its inherent beauty until you posted your wonderful find.

I love the new chair covers; the fabric is very pretty.

[Kristin]

The slipcovers are just STUNNING. You always do such amazing, detailed work!

I have some big news over at my blog as well, so if you have a moment, pop on over and take a peek. HUGS!

Kristin

[nanette]

Wow, just stunning. The blues work so well together to be vintage and fresh at the same time.

[Motherhood For Dummies]

oh what cute covers! I love that white one!

[oldround]

What a great find. I just learned recently about grafting in smaller sized mesh in needlepoint. Amazing!