Sunday, February 1, 2009

Mom's Hideout



My chair. I rarely actually sit in it, but I have it in the corner of my bedroom and its all mine. I can lock myself in and have a few moments of quiet, or at least that's the idea and I'm holding onto it. I even make an effort to not cover it with semi clean clothes. It is there waiting for me and I'm grateful for the hope of relaxation it brings.


For this quilt, I decided to try something new to me -- hand stitching. I have to admit I grossly underestimated the amount of time it would take me. After working on it for a couple weeks, yesterday was a mad time of stitching and nearly having a panic attack I wasn't going to make it -- a little ironic considering my topic and method typically aren't thought of as high stress. Thankfully it all came together and I even made it to bed at a reasonable time. I also tried a pillowcase finish for the first time. I'm impressed with how easy it was, especially after all those stitches! Once again, thank you for a fun topic and a challenge to experiment and learn new techniques.

10 comments:

Kristin L said...

Like Terri, kudos to you for trying a new technique! The hand stitching works perfectly for conveying that warm, cozy, comfortable, personal feeling. It looks very inviting -- I'll be right over to come sit in your comfy chair!

Gerrie said...

This is wonderful. I want to crawl into this chair. The more you do hand stitching, the easier and faster it will become. It is one of my favorite things to do for relaxation. AND, you fooled me, I did not guess this to be yours. I think this is the first realistic piece that you have done.

Terri Stegmiller said...

Oh that looks like such a comfy chair to keep all to yourself. I really like these kind of hand stitched pieces and although I haven't tried one myself, hope to some day.

Karen said...

Yor hand stitching really makes this piece feel cozy, I don't think you could have achieved the same effect with a machine and the colors make it look so comfortable, I'm not sure how you achieved that but you did.

Diane Perin said...

Even if the process wasn't relaxing to you, you have created a piece that DOES convey the essence of relaxation! I love your hand-stitching -- you used the texture and pattern beautifully. Your color choices are also perfect for a sense of peace. Hope you can reward yourself with a bit of time i your chair!!

Terry Grant said...

Your piece gives me the same sense of peace and comfort that Diane's does. I have this same chair! It is my favorite chair and one in which I read often and then snuggle into sideways and nap. Your colors and stitching are wonderful and feel so peaceful. Beautiful.

Vivien Zepf said...

The handstitching is the perfect choice for the piece and you'd never guess this was your first time doing it. Well done.

Deborah Boschert said...

Of course I adore the hand stitching... especially on the rug. Great job. I also really like seeing the photo that was the inspiration for the quilt.

Françoise said...

Beautiful. The colours are so peaceful. And the handstitching really makes the piece. Well done.

PaMdora said...

oh, love this!