Finding a use for the abundance of beautiful vintage doilies readily available at the moment has captured my imagination. Roxy came up with the fab idea of using them as quilt labels which I loved. So I decided to use one of my favourites for a label to go on the back of a little wall hanging I recently stitched while on holiday in the Marlborough Sounds. Our trip to the Sounds was a highly anticipated family holiday in a part of New Zealand that is known for it's fabulous scenery and a favourite of boat owners all over the South Island. We have never owned a boat ourselves but finally decided to book a house in the Sounds and find out what all the fuss is about...and we did.
View of Kenepuru Sound.
View from the deck. You are probably wondering what this has to do with quilt labels. After some thought I decided my quilt label was going to tell a story, my story, of where I was, how I was feeling, and what I was doing when this little stitching creation came to life. Here is the result of this creative idea.
It reads, "Stitched by Fiona Marie, in the Marlborough Sounds, surrounded by lush native bush, curious Weka's, and in view of the changing tides. It was stitched in happiness surrounded by those I love. January 2012."
Once I had choosen what to write I picked a font on my computer and played around until I had the right size for my stitching space on the doily. The words have been stitched using one strand of a varigated embroidery cotton. After hand sewing it on around the edges with a silk thread I added a few groups of three french knots to anchor it more firmly to the backing fabric.
How interesting a find will that be in years to come at a Shabby Chic Market or second hand shop? I love the idea of giving my work a legacy no matter how big or small. It might even make it's way into the hands of a stranger one day for a few dollars who shares my passion and who will continue to appreciate and cherish it for generations to come. Fiona x
What a fabulous idea!! It looks lovely!
Posted by: Darcie | February 15, 2012 at 09:52 AM
Please can we see the front of the wall hanging ... great idea Paula
Posted by: Paula | February 15, 2012 at 03:13 PM
Such a lovely idea of using old treasures to personalise your quilts. Thanks for sharing. By the way your photographs of the Sounds are also fabulous.
Cheers Glenys
Posted by: Glenys Wild | February 15, 2012 at 03:17 PM
great idea....especially using family doilies......also luv your part of the world, NZ is a favourite....Annette, Melbourne
Posted by: Annette | February 15, 2012 at 06:33 PM
That is a wonderful idea and it looks beautiful. I love the words you choose. The photos are beautiful too.
Posted by: Wendy | February 16, 2012 at 07:50 PM