Vintage Pillow

I have had this piece of embroidered fabric for a long time. My maternal Grandma embroidered it and it originally was made into a fabric bag with a wooden handle. I believe she kept her "fancy work" in it. Over time the handle broke and I took the bag apart with the idea that I would make myself a bag. I had bought a nice cotton for the lining but everytime I went to make it I felt like I wasn't making the best thing for the fabric. I even had it marked where to cut for a clutch purse but when I went to cut it the other day I couldn't.

Then yesterday it just popped into my head to make a pillow. Once that idea came to me I had it made in about an hour. I used the fabric purchased for the lining for the welting and back. It looks great in my guest room. I wish all of the fabric I have around here would tell me what it wants to be!!! Or maybe I just have to listen a little closer.

Vintage Inspiration

I have had this piece of fabric for a long time. It was a needlework bag that belonged to my Grandmother. It had wooden handles which broke a long time ago. I took the bag apart and washed the fabric because after all those years it was kind of dirty. I have been pondering what to do with it for a long time. I have decided to make a handbag and line it with some pretty purple fabric. When I get it done I'll posti it.

On a sad note, last Thursday I got an e-mail from the Artisan's Center of Virginia saying that due to economic conditions they were closing. I had to go pick up my work, this bird girl included because their last day was this past Saturday. So many of my artist friends had work there, I know it will be missed.