Tuesday, December 20, 2011

finis finis finis!

Those of you who have been reading my blog for over a year have seen these needlepoints before. But now they are finally finished!


My family has a tradition of taking turns making each other plus the parents a gift each year for Christmas. Last year was my year and I needlepointed designs from Laura J. Perin. The plan had been for me to have my box maker make me a flattish square box about 3 inches deep to fit each piece. But time got away from me and I never got the boxes ordered so I had to give my gifts with the promise of a box to come in the following year. My oldest brother who is a carpenter of course heard me say this and after Christmas came over to look at the box that was the original inspiration for my idea. My five sided dower box that I put a Quarter design in the year before. He told me he wanted to do the boxes for his year (this Christmas) and I told him my idea and showed him the photo of what I was thinking. He asked to take my dower box so he could check out how it was made and left. I knew he was making progress as he mentioned it a couple of times during the year but didn't think to ask to see the boxes. Three weeks ago he showed up at my door with five boxes. Five dower boxes. Five boxes that didn't fit any of the needlepoints.


In total guy fashion he didn't hear a word I said. He just duplicated the five sided dower box five times. Leaving me to figure out how to make my needlepoints not suck in them.



I decided I had to have mats cut for them but knew right away the finished product would look like the needlepoint and boxes had no real relationship to each other. And it would be my needlepoint and not the box that would suffer most. So I emailed Jill Rensel in desperation knowing if anyone would turn a sow's ear into silk it would be her. And she pretty much pulled off a Christmas miracle. I think they look great and they two piece look like they belong together.












24 comments:

Linda said...

WOW!! Those boxes all look great. If you hadn't said anything, I would think that was the way you intended them to be. Awesome job.

Linda

Sun City Stitcher said...

I agree with Linda. They look great and as if they were meant to be that way the entire time.

Susan said...

They all look amazing! I'll third the statement of they look like they were planned that way.

And This Little Pig said...

Your needlework and boxes look great, your parents are very lucky. Also good to know that "men" are the same all over the world, when it comes to listneing :@
LiBBiE in Oz

Kelly said...

Your boxes look great. I am partial to the first one. I am going to have to pull that one out from my drawer.

Have a great holiday!! Only a few more days left in this place for the year...

mdgtjulie said...

They all look fabulous, Margie. Jill Rensel to the rescue, lol. And what a man, lol. I'm glad they look so good for you, and happy Christmas!!

Theresa said...

Wow!!! These boxes are gorgeous!!!! They look just perfect!!!!

valerie said...

Your boxes are gorgeous and that matting came out great. That Jill can make anything work and these are stunning. I am sure the recipients will be thrilled!

marly said...

They're not only beautiful, they are family made, with a man story attached. What could be better?

Kristen said...

I think they look great!

Berit said...

I'll take #2!

How horrible that he didn't listen to your dimension instructions!! But, they are Gorgeous! I am not the biggest fan of fancy matting, but it really pulled this project together!

Deborah said...

Your needlepoint is beautiful and the boxes turned out great! The mats are wonderful.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Margie ~
They did turn out great but I can't even imagine what raced through your head when you first saw the boxes...lol!
I hope you are enjoying your first Christmas in your home!
Merry Christmas to you and the furbabies.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Casa Pearl said...

They're gorgeous - all three elements blend beautifully - yours, your brother's and Jill's! Congrats!

Marsha said...

Oh my god - MEN! What the heck is wrong with them!

The boxes turned out to be beautiful works of art. Each is more beautiful than the other. I remember you stitching these. Very lovely gifts.

Terri said...

I think they're wonderful!

Giovanna said...

Wonderful stitching, and wonderful matting by Jill. Your brother may not have listened to you, but he does make lovely boxes :-) What a gorgeous set of gifts!

Tatkis said...

Adorable boxes and wonderful needlepoint stitchings! They turned out great!

Hugs,
Tatyana

CalamityJr said...

Jill certainly did pull them all together! I'm sure your family will agree that their gift is gorgeous, and mean ever so much more because you and your brother worked together (or so they'll think, lol). Have a beautiful Christmas!

woolwoman said...

beautiful finishes - hope you have a great christmas Melody

Coni said...

Spectacular!

But, every time I saw my brother, I would throw my arm across my forehead and dramatically whisper..."Oh, thank heavens! Disaster averted!" so that he'd owe you one in perpetuity!

I'm just saying...

What a gorgeous gift, and how special that it's as useful as it is beautiful!

Sherry :o) said...

OMG - I think these are absolutely stunning, just the way they are!! What thoughtful and always treasured gifts these will be!

Deb said...

Hi, Margie! It's been such a long time since I checked in with you..I hope you still remember your old friend! :] I love your stitching, as always, but I absolutely understand your "hair-pulling" frustration with your brother! God knows why he created men with such maniacal brains! Grrr The boxes are beautiful, though, and thankfully you found a beautiful solution. All in all a gorgeous outcome. Your work shines, Margie. I'm sending hugs and warmest wishes for a wonderful new year. Not much stitching going on in my house these days, but more reading... I hope you'll stop by my book blog to see me sometimes
at:
http://abookishlibraria.blogspot.com
Love and hugs,
Deb/LavenderRoseRamblings &
TheBookishDame

Edgar said...

I am finally getting to some back Blog reading and came your post - they are gorgeous boxes with your beautiful stitching!!! Congrats!!