The Fox isn't in the hen house . . .we don't have a hen house at Linderhof. In fact, we don't even have a fox!
But . . . when we lived last Spring at Blue Row
We had a fox visit us in the field across the lane from the cottage.
Our visiting fox is the first part of the story --
The second part --
Our visiting fox is the first part of the story --
The second part --
I love to needlepoint and I picked it up again last year when we took off for England. It is relaxing and I needlepointed not only in the evenings in the cottages but also at the different properties we visited.
And, while we were in England, I finished my cushion. What's a needlepointed to do? Buy another canvas, of course!
And in honor of the little fox in the field across the lane from our cottage, I bought this canvas. And while we were still in England, I started to work on it.
In Bourton-On-The Water .
At Windsor Castle . . .
And once we got home, there were so many things to do, but still, in the evenings while watching television, I would stitch for a while.
And the canvas was coming along really well . . . and then we left for our Panama Canal cruise and with me went my foxy canvas, and I stitched . . .
In Bolivar Square in Columbia where we had a shore day. And the canvas was almost finished . . .
And then while we were in the Panama Canal, I finished the canvas!
And Friend Mary (my upholsterer and pillow maker) made it into a cushion for me ("cushion" is the British word for pillow. Since it was bought in England, I feel it should be called a cushion rather than a pillow!)
This souvenir of England. This souvenir is filled with memories of stitches done on three continents (Europe, North America, South America) and in many countries and cities (From England to Panama including Nova Scotia, Las Vegas, Florida, and Kansas).
It looks handsome, I think, on the sofa in the living room at Linderhof.
Along with our other needlepoint pillows -- most are as old or older than Daughter Sarah!
It's a wonderful hobby and there are some wonderful memories in the stitches in that pillow.
15 comments:
How beautiful!!! I was at an estate sale yesterday and the lady of the house had been very involved in needlework. She had a wall of bookshelves which must have easily held at least 300+ books on the subject, and each bedroom was filled with cushion kits, floss, yarn, quilting frame, fabrics, old linens, etc...I've never seen anything like it! I bought 3 kits (2 for cushions of old oriental porcelain patterns and one for a Christ Child ornament). I also bought "The Good Housekeeping Needlecraft Encyclopedia" from 1947 with great illustrations of stitches. I've only done cross stitch and tea towels in the past, and I wondered if I would need to hoop the cushion kits, etc. but your photos show me that I can just stitch away without a hoop or frame. What a timely post to help me figure that out! Your cushions are so lovely...thanks for sharing!
Michelle
P.S. I usually have a cup of Chamomile in the evening, and tonight it was in an old Bavarian teacup from the same estate sale!
Michelle
Like you, I always take a piece of needlework with me when I travel for work or holiday. After all these years I can look around the house and be reminded of wonderful hours of stitching at sea, on trains, on park benches. I'm never worried about a wait if I have some needlework at hand.
I really, REALLY like the fox pattern (AND the other one you showed, too). Loving blue as I do, if I were a "needlepointer" I would have chosen the same or similar ones to work on.
It's brilliant that you stitched your memories into this one and made it a souvenir of your travels.
Pondy -- you're right about a wait -- it never matters with "sewing" at hand!
So pretty I have a friend who needlepoints I just don't have the eyes for it.
Cathy
I just LOVE the cushion Martha, such a sweet fox, full of treasured memories too. It looks wonderfully at home on your sofa :o) Your friend Mary has done all your beautiful work justice.
Best wishes
Rose H
what a wonderful treasure. It is a gorgeous piece. I know everytime you look at it, it evokes such wonderful memories.
This is exquisite. The design is beautiful and your work so accomplished. A treasure forever. You are so full of accomplishments, Martha!
Your fox is handsome and what wonderful fond memories associated with stitching it. GORGEOUS!!!!! I too find needlepoint a very relaxing hobby and try to most days but here lately have had the newest grand and am so very tired after keeping her all day. It wipes me out. By the end of the day I collaspe in my chair in front of the TV. However, you have inspired me to get back to it.
Carolyn
Martha,
The Fox is in the house, indeed! Your newest cushion looks right at home on the couch @ Linderhof! What a lovely keepsake to have to remind you of your year and travels!
Fondly,
Pat
Hi Martha,
Congratulations on finishing your fox needlepoint tapestry. It made a lovely cushion! Don't you love to have beautiful objects in your home that remind you of favorite places you've visited?
We went to England and Ireland in 1999 (only for 10 days), but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I came home loaded with souvenirs (this was before the Euro came into being). Some of the souvenirs were gifts for family and friends, and the rest still grace our home today. I love to see them and remember our trip.
Thanks for your visit and your kind comments. I'm now a follower on your blog. Happy Seasonal Sunday!
Denise at Forest Manor
What wonderful memories wrapped up in your foxy "cushion"! Beautiful!
Beautiful!! I love that you have pictures of you working on it in all the different places it went with you! My mom does a lot of needlepoint and she always takes a project with her on a long car ride or a trip too!
Such a great story. The pillow is lovely and meaningful! I haven't seen any lately but in the past I had one come right in my backyard.
Post a Comment