When I was around 12 years old, I learned how to do needlepoint. Some of my fondest memories are of my mother taking me to pick out a new kit to work on. The only place you could buy needlepoint supplies was an antique store, called The Lemon Tree, located in an old shack of a house sitting on the edge of town. It didn't look like much from the outside, but when you stepped inside, it was a wonderland of beautiful things. I still remember how it smelled of cinnamon and nutmeg at Christmas time.
This is one of the largest pieces that I completed (yes, there were a few that were never finished)...I was probably around 14...
Being impatient when it comes to projects, I soon moved on to cross stitch.
Over the years, I never thought much about needlepoint. It just seemed like an old fashioned lost art. But then I started seeing needlepoint pieces at antique stores and estate sales. Like this one I bought at an estate sale...
See that price? Well, I didn't even pay that much! It was the last day so it was half price. Yes, I got it for a quarter! It made me so sad, knowing how much time someone had put into it. There was no way I was going home without it!
Over the last few years, I started collecting pieces I would find. And, then my friends got in on it too, and started buying me pieces.
After painting all the frames to match, I started filling up a wall from the floor to the ceiling with needlepoint...
Of course, I don't know the history on most of the pieces. But, I bought this piece at an antique store, and the lady working there told me that her grandmother had done it...
And, there are 2 given to me by a friend, like this one from 1940, that are signed on the back...
I'd love to know how they ended up in Georgia from Des Moines, Iowa! I'm just glad they stayed together.
I would still like to find a few more small pieces to fill in some areas.
And, it has rekindled a desire in me to start doing needlepoint again!
Linking To:
Someday Crafts, Sew Much A Do, Ginger Snap Crafts, Creations By Kara, Rae Gun Ramblings, Ivy & Elephants, Seven Thirty Three, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Seven Alive, Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts, Made In A Day, Katherine's Corner, Redoux, Chic On a Shoestring, Simply Sweet Home, The Shabby Nest, Momnivore's Dilema, Somewhat Simple, Live Laugh Rowe, Have A Daily Cup Of Mrs Olson, Truly Lovely, The Cottage Market, Funky Junk Interiors, Tatertots & Jello, Blissful & Domestic, A Vision To Remember, Boogieboard Cottage, DIY Showoff, Craft-O-Maniac, Under The Table and Dreaming, Keeping It Simple, Homemaker On A Dime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, The Dedicated House, Coastal Charm, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Sugar Bee Crafts, Nifty Thrifty Things, Cherished Bliss, A Bowl Full Of Lemons, Mad In Crafts, Flour Me With Love, Not Just A Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Tip Junkie, Homework, Kammy's Korner, I Gotta Create, Thrifty 101, Domestically Speaking, C.R.A.F.T., The Answer Is Chocolate, Skip To My Lou, The Thrifty Home, Adorned From Above, Cedar Hill Ranch, Classy Clutter, Flutter Buster, Twelve O Eight, Nap Time Creations, The Shady Porch, JoJo And Eloise, Hope In Every Season, The Foley Fam, House Of Hoff, Our Home Away From Home, Living Well Spending Less, Remodelaholic, A Lived In Home, Flamingo Toes, VMG206, Finding Silver Pennies, Mad Cap Frenzy, Gingerly Made, Pink When, Minnette's Maze, Made To Be A Momma, Start At Home, Lil Mrs Tori, Homecoming, The Vintage Farmhouse, Pink Recipe Box, Sweet Haute, Table For Seven, Be Betsy, It Happens In A Blink, One Dog Woof, 4 You With Love, A Stroll Thru Life, A Bright And Beautiful Life, Crafty Goodies, Live Love Create, The Koenigs Create, Bloom Designs,French Country Cottage, Daisy Cottage Designs, Orchard Girls, Elizabeth Joan Designs, The Scoop, Stone Gable, Knick Of Time, Lou Lou Girls, Karen's Up On The Hill, Friday's Furniture Fix
How wonderful to save these pieces of art and history from being destroyed. Love how you have styled them on the wall.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you, and others, are saving these wonderful pieces. I also have a wall of needlework that I have found at yard sales, etc. I just can't imagine these pieces that involved so much work being sold so cheaply.
ReplyDeleteI remember doing needlepoint as a child as well--though I was always too impatient to finish one. However, contemplating the women (likely!) who crafted these items and the stories of their lives is simply fascinating. And what a cool gallery wall. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection.
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I love how you pulled all of these together and the pieces of history you have on your wall. Featuring when my party opens tonight!
ReplyDeleteI love this wall! The needlepoint is gorgeous, and this is such a lovely way to display it!
ReplyDeleteNavy Wifey Peters @ The Submarine Sunday Link Party