The Downton Abbey Tote Bag (and more)

KJ has turned an unwanted needlepoint piece into a clever tote bag, complete with a Downton Abby theme. 
http://letsgoflyakiteuptothehighestheight.blogspot.com/2015/01/downton-abbey-tote.html

With the help of Google, I also found a needlepoint picture turned into a smashing pillow.
http://radiancefromruins.blogspot.com/2012/08/repurposed-goodwill-find.html

Not that handy with a needle yourself?  Natasha's will turn those old needlepoint belts into key fobs.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=628351093904137&id=609922445747002

FrenchDecoChic makes very nice totes from older needlepoint pieces.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FrenchDecoChic?ref=l2-shopheader-name

So what's in your attic and what do you plan to do with it?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shakespeare and Kaffe Fasset

Kaffe Fasset takes his inspiration for tapestry designs from many sources, but he's often worked with the theatre.  This morning I got an e-newsletter from Ehrman Tapestry (the source for Kay's needlepoint) announcing his partnership with The Royal Shakespeare Company. 

He has created a needlepoint design called "Pressed Flowers" based on various flowers Shakespeare mentions in his plays.  Ehrman sells the kit.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Pressed-Flowers__PFLO.aspx#.VTOMraZH1jc

The Royal Shakespeare Company sells other goods based on the what they call his "Shakespeare's Flowers Range" on their website.
http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/

This isn't the first time Mr. Fassett has worked with the RSC.  In 1999 he designed large floral cushions for their production of "As You Like It."  Ehrman sells smaller versions of these patterns on their website.  This is the only photograph I could find showing his designs (both sweaters and needlepoint cushions) online.  
http://www.rsc.org.uk/images/content/Photo_Galleries-2009_earlier/as-you-like-it-2000-phoebe-silvius-361x541.jpg

Here are the small versions of cushions from the 1999 RSC "As You Like It."  First, Crimson Blush--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Crimson-Blush__CBLU.aspx#.VTONvqZH1jc

Double Yellow--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Double-Yellow__DY.aspx#.VTONiqZH1jc

Paradise Pink--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Paradise-Pink__PINK.aspx#.VTONcKZH1jc

and Rosa Rubicunda--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Rosa-Rubicunda__ROSA.aspx#.VTONsKZH1jc

Remember, English tapestry kits are much different than the hand painted needlepoint designs we are familiar with in the U.S.  They are printed patterns on larger count (usually 10-12 count) and meant to be stitched with the tapestry wool that comes with the kits in continental or half cross stitch.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.