Sunday, March 22, 2009

Rainy Day Finish

Spring is being a bit of a tease for us here in Kennewick. Friday brought us the first day of spring with sunshine and blue skies. I threw open the windows to welcome the fresh air into my house. But for the weekend the clouds have blanketed us in grayness and drop showers upon us every now and then. Not a lot really, but enough that the dog doesn't want to go out and I don't want to clean his paws when he comes back in.

So I thought a little bit of stitching was in order. Pulling out A Quaker Study, I finished a few motifs, then decided to finish up the little hardanger heart into a small pillow, trimming it out with the kumihimo braid I made a few weeks ago.

A closer view of the kumihimo trim and a peak at the silk backing fabric:


Kevin and Kyle have been training for track season and had their first jv meet on Friday afternoon. They ran in the 800 and 1 mile event, and while they didn't place, they did run their personal bests, with Kyle squeaking by Kevin.

In other family news, my middle daughter celebrated her 21st birthday on Saturday by working and house sitting for a friend. The girl just isn't available these days. So I'm making plans to have a big spring birthday/Cinco de Mayo party for all the spring babies. Five of my seven kids were born in the spring, so now that they're getting older I think it makes a lot of sense to combine it into one celebration. After all, the twins have always had to share their birthday party.

Well, back to the chaos. . .

19 comments:

Von said...

Suzanne, I used silk dupioni in a soft sagey green for backing the cut-out hardanger and on the back side of the pillow. Silk dupioni is one of my favorite fabrics. :)

Carolyn NC said...

Love your finish!

Kathy A. said...

That is such a pretty little pillow and I love your braid. Simply gorgeous.

mainely stitching said...

I love your finish and I think that idea of a combined party celebration is brilliant!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

What a lovely hardanger pillow with your lovely handmade cording...you are the cat's meow Von ;)

A big Cinco De Mayo hoopla sounds like just the thing for your older children....you're right the twins have always had to share their birthday...
We do something similar here in December since my first three were born within 7 days of each other (twins Dec 4 and Katie Dec 11) We have something (one party) the weekend between their birthdays (they get something special on their birthday too (like brownies and their favorite meals) but just one big party with three cakes (!) on the weekend between) SO I understand!

Nicola said...

Your hardanger pillow looks just gorgeous. I love that braid you made.

Patricia Lessell said...

Love your hardanger pillow. Love the trim too. I was thinking of making some but I don't want it too thick what do you think? Enquiring minds and all. Lots of Love Patti xxx

Sharon said...

It's beautiful!

Stef said...

I love the braid on your little pillow! It's beautiful and something I would love to try someday.

lena-lou said...

Hi Von :) What a lovely finish and your braid is stunning 'sigh' you are so clever !!
Enjoy the rest of the week :)

Siobhán said...

Von, your weather sounds a lot like our weather right about now! Last week Spring arrived and I had the heater off and windows open. This week it's rainy and cold and I'd rather stay inside.

Your pillow is wonderful! It looks great--love the finishing, too.

Love the idea of the Cinco de Mayo party. I hope I'm spelling that right! :)

Stitchingranny said...

Oh what a stunning finish that is so so pretty.

Wendy said...

What a sweet hardangery pillow! Its a great way to use the lovely braid that you made too. I think an all-in birthday party is the best way to go. Having 5 occasions with 5 different birthday cakes would do me in LOL!

Jennifer said...

Holy cow is that beautiful!!!! I love everything about it - the colors, the design, everything. And the braided trim is the perfect accent.

Anonymous said...

Lovely finish! I'm sure the twins will appreciate someone else sharing a birthday for once! lol

Karoline said...

Lovely pillow Von, congratulations

Anonymous said...

Von, you are such a lovely stitcher and finisher. I appreciate it when you share your projects-the braiding is awesome.
Good idea about the big party! It's funny as Bri was born 3/24, Sean 10/24 Mom 9/23, a nephew 3/23 and another nephew 5/24.

Margaret said...

What a lovely finish Von. The braiding is perfect for this sweet pillow.

Congratulations on your daughter's 21st birthday. What a great idea to celebrate all the spring birthdays at once.

Susimac said...

Its stunning Von, how did I miss seeing this, I am so behind with my blogging comments.