I am so excited. I found this poster-sized needlepoint hidden away in an antique mall in Denver. I often look for completed pieces, but this gem, the largest I've ever purchased, was irresistible at $20.00. It's wool, probably stitched on Penelope canvas in either tent or basketweave. I am sure the trained eye would be able to tell by looking which method was used. The framing is a little dated and semi-professional but the work is pretty impressive.
Certainly the size alone deserves commendation.I wonder about the identity of the stitcher? Is it their one and only piece? Or one of many prized projects? It's regrettable the family wasn't able to keep it. Maybe she was the last in her line? Maybe she was a he.
Obviously, I'll never have the answers which raises a good point. Do you document your work or carefully provide any information you'd like to be known in the future about your stitching? Perhaps keeping a journal including photos, anything to show providence? This is not something I have done with much regularity in the past, although I often keep project notes which usually includes stitches used and materials. It would be easy when writing my notations to take it a little further. Thankfully my family does appreciate my efforts to leave a little beauty behind in this world, and I can't see any harm in including a little lore about each piece.
If you would like to share your thoughts and ideas on how you keep a record of your work, please feel free to leave a comment here. I and others would love to know how and what you do. Thanks for stopping by today.
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Lovely! I think you won't be able to tell which tent stitch or stitches were used unless you take it apart to reframe it and look at the back side.
ReplyDeleteJudging from the colors, it's probably an early 1970s piece. But who knows?
The design is very nice and this is the perfect warm and cheerful piece for a kitchen chair cushion in my opinion.
Jane, dreaming of a rocking chair, a cup of coffee and this in pillow form here in Chilly Hollow
Indeed Jane, I think you have the vintage right. Remember the names of all those colors? Avocado green, harvest gold, burnt orange and don't forget maroon! I think my mom had an avocado fridge! I believe these colors are now referred to as Tuscan! LOL! I agree with the cushion idea but perhaps for the back of a recliner, bench, body pillow maybe! LOL! I wasn't kidding when I said poster size, it's 24x30"! Actually with a good cleaning, some elaborate fringe and tassels it would make a gorgeous pillow. Thanks for your cheery note.
ReplyDeleteHi Madonna,
ReplyDeleteWow that is a large piece! It must have taken someone a long time to stitch it!
All of the finishing ideas for the needlepoint sound great and I especially like the thought of a large pillow/cushion with tassels. Do you have an idea which room you will put it in? That might help with the finishing ideas.
Will you be able to reuse the frame for something else? You could repaint the frame or just hang it empty on a wall as a grouping with other items or by itself. This is currently being done in a lot of the design magazines.
I'd also put it in the last 60's early to mid 70's as that's when those colors were very popular. We didn't have any of the colored applicances as we alwasy lived in older homes with older appliances and when Mom could and had the money to buy something new she usually bought used and white so it would go with overthing! :-)
Cynthia
Windy Meadow