I did it! I finished my embroidered pillow AND I have pictures to share! (Remember, I mentioned it in passing here?)
Back in February my fingers were literally itching to start on another handwork project. And, it had to be more than just a simple towel. As much as I like that (and think it's a good start), it just didn't have enough pow! anymore. I needed something bigger. I decided to embark on making a cover for a grand size pillow --- 24x24 --- (I love big pillows).
I used some of my favorite velveteen (hah! What do you know? You can get it here. Imagine that.), embroidering around and inside as many of the flowers as my heart desired. I also tried to make it a point to try out several different stitches. Lots of french knots found their way in there (they are some of my favorites), just simple running stitches, and satin stitch, plus a cute 'puffy' design that I found via Anna Maria Horner. My Nan was so taken with it that she recommended I had to make some more of them, as it was just that cute.
It took me about 4 months to stitch it all, which isn't too bad, since I didn't do it non-stop, and I was determind to make sure that it didn't look skimpy. In fact, Mom and the girls kept saying, "Aren't you done??", since I kept telling them I was almost done, and then changing my mind again.
When Nan was down here in February, and we were shopping in Springfield for our Titanic dress fabrics, I found my pillowform + that orange fringe that I put around the edges. It took me a long time to decide which color of fringe to choose, but I just kept going back to the orange. I love the color of it, and the way it makes the orange tones in the velveteen pop out. Then, I backed it in a fun stockings print that also boasted the orange with blues.
Before signing off, I have to show you two of my favorites! These little guys turned out so cute (if I do say so myself)! For the top one I just did a satin stitch on all the orange portions and used all 6 strands to make the french knots, so they really stand up. The orange matched so perfectly that you can almost miss it! For the bottom butterfly I just did blue running stitches on the wings, kind of curving it out, and trying to stay with the same shape as the wings themselves. I hadn't really intended for it to look like that, but I love the finished product!
There! A happy pillow + happy girl = success!
Oh, and by the way, anyone gets extra brownie points (you deserve some after hearing me chat on about stitching, right?) with me if they can tell me where the title of this post came from (no cheating)!
xox~ Achaia
PS... By the way, Folk Heart is 50% off through the 27th, so run and get some! xx
So cute!
Posted by: pam | July 24, 2012 at 04:32 PM
Ohhh I really like it! I too have been wanting to do something like this! Crazy Love style! Ha! What is the stitch you did with the navy thread? Was that the AMH stitch you linked up to? The link was broken so I cannot tell for sure!
Posted by: Jenny Fish | July 24, 2012 at 06:23 PM
That is amazing! The time it took was worth it. The color combinations and texture are striking.
Posted by: Hannah | July 24, 2012 at 06:42 PM
Beautiful, I love it! :) The colors, patterns, and unique stitches all work together so well, and I love how it's a little traditional but mostly kind of whimsical.
As for the title of the post... the only thing I can think of is that one of the fabrics you carry is called Dream On. But somehow the rest sounds really familiar...
Posted by: Cami | July 24, 2012 at 08:21 PM
Oh my goodness! I love every detail. You have amazing patience to do every stitch. I need to do something like this just for fun.
As to the title, I believe it is from an old country song, because only old country songs are this sweet and romantic. sigh......
Posted by: Sivje Parish | July 24, 2012 at 11:14 PM
Isn't that the name of some country song, Achaia? Love the pillow, great job - coloful and cool!
Love you,
Aunt Sharon
Posted by: Sharon D Schuyler | July 25, 2012 at 04:58 AM
Amazing job!! Love this so much!!
Posted by: Monique | July 25, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Kay, Paps has the answer to the title, of course. "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On" was sung by Hank Lochlin in the late 50s or the early 60s. Gorgeous pillow! LOVE, NAN AND PAPS
Posted by: Nanny | July 26, 2012 at 06:31 PM
What a beautiful pillow! You all are each so talented! Hope you have a lovely day~ Ivy Jane
Posted by: Ivy Jane | July 31, 2012 at 09:13 AM