climbing vines
I made this embroidered cushion/pillow for my Mum's birthday, which is in a few days. It arrived and she opened it early, which is why I can show it on here! I felted a grey woollen jersey to make the thick fabric for the front. Together with pieces from the sleeves, I had enough wool to do a patchwork job big enough to fit a big cushion inside. It was fun to use the variegated embroidery wool given to me a while ago by Caireen to stitch the climbing vines.
And then on the back, I used some natural linen to make an envelope closure.
I was given this hilarious Norwegian calendar from 1955 last week, along with some other really amazing old things that I will show you tomorrow.
Each page contains a selection of seasonal recipes so, with the help of a translation website, I've been learning what one might make as a 1950's Norwegian housewife. Thought you might get a smile from some of these pictures though- in particular, Mrs Januar.
Somehow, always despite my best efforts, my envelope closures always turn out all wrong. A pillow I made for my grandmother was so awful looking - the closure didn't close, so there was a big gaping hole in the back - that I had to cut into the pre-made pillow I was making a covering for and remove some of the stuffing. I was down to the wire, as it was a Christmas gift. Otherwise I would have re-done it.
All of this is to say that your pillow is just lovely. Your Mum is so lucky!
Posted by: hadley | February 27, 2008 at 04:55 AM
Welcome to Norway. I hope you'll have a great time here.
I've been reading your blog for a while, just never took the time to leav a comment before. But I really like the things you make.
Hugs from Sol in Haugesund
Posted by: Sol Stensland | February 27, 2008 at 05:41 AM
Lovely cushion! :)
Posted by: Chara Michele | February 27, 2008 at 06:28 AM
ha!
love that wonderfully bored expression the little boy is showing off.
and watch out januar - your tongue might stick to that!
thanks for the laugh :)
i love the climbing vines pillow - it looks lovely! makes me want to pull out my embroidery again!
Posted by: liz | February 27, 2008 at 06:55 AM
How fun to read the old recipes... Maybe leftovers of boild hen is more rare today? ;) Love the pillow too! And the cute pictures :)
Posted by: abbehope | February 27, 2008 at 07:09 AM
What a wonderful calendar...I love the 1950s photography. I can't wait 'til tomorrow to find out what the other gifts were!
Posted by: Rebecca | February 27, 2008 at 08:26 AM
The cushion is simply beautiful and that calendar is so funny. I would take some pages and have them frame for a kitchen! That would look very nice :)
Posted by: Claudia | February 27, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Love your felted and embroidered pillow!! It reminds me of some beautiful felted hats made by Harpa J from Iceland. Check out her pictures on Flickr. Her hats are amazing :))
Posted by: Hoppestrikka | February 27, 2008 at 09:57 AM
your pillow turned out beautiful. i love the design and the colors.
Posted by: kristin | February 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM
The pillow is gorgeous!
The calender is amazing. It will be interesting to hear about your 1950's recipes and the other old things you have.
Posted by: Sue | February 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Beautiful pillow. The linen back is lovely. Tha calendar is pretty great too!
Posted by: Taimarie | February 27, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Hahahaaa... that calendar is hilarious... it really made me laugh... Maybe I can get the grass stains off my daughters trousers now after reading the stain remoing tips on it...
Posted by: Tonje | February 27, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Oh what a stunning pillow! And love the calendar, so happy!
Posted by: Lies | February 27, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Oh, the pillow is gorgeous, really gorgeous. (I'm leaving a comment after stumbling upon your blog a while ago through crafting links ... pleased to meet you. :o)
Posted by: cindy | February 27, 2008 at 03:28 PM
The cushion is a treat, loving the felt/ embroidery combo, then to bring it all together with a classy touch of linen... very nice.
miss januar is definitely a winner.
Posted by: Lisa | February 27, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Beautiful cushion covers. I have some felted sweaters waiting for a project...
That calendar is hilarious. I think all those photos are strange, look at that enormous flag!
Posted by: strikkelise | February 27, 2008 at 09:01 PM
hee hee... love the calendar :)
and that pillow is absolutely beautiful m! the wool looks lovely and soft and your embroidery is so nice. i am thinking of maybe taking an embroidery class here since i only know one stitch!
xox
Posted by: amisha | February 28, 2008 at 09:15 AM
oh my gosh that calendar really gets to me, I do think we find similar things funny. lol.
the pillow you made is very special and I like it even more knowing that it is made from a recycled jersey. do you know of any good sites or tutorials about felting? I would lOVE to make some felted toys.
cool, thanks melissaXOXOX
Posted by: kimberlee | February 28, 2008 at 02:41 PM
that calender cracks me up...
I saw the cushion on your mum's blog - you have such great ideas. I'm going to take a dressmaking class at wellington high this year over the winter and make cushions out of old blankets. and maybe applique them with stuff. I may 'borrow' some of your ideas ...
k xx
Posted by: kimberley | February 28, 2008 at 02:50 PM
That little boy in the last picture reminds me of somebody. Either he's grown into somebody famous, or he's one of the children on the Leverpostei tins. Hmmm... that's really got me wondering now.
Loving your blog. I lived in Norway for 18 years and miss the country something awful. My daughter still lives out there (in Bærum) so at least I have good reason to visit :)
Posted by: Sharon J | March 13, 2008 at 06:11 PM