I love to knit and find it a relaxing activity. However, for a time period in the 1990s, it was hard to find a wool store in Vancouver. After much searching, I managed to find one small shop in Kerrisdale that had basic wool, nothing fancy. I remember the excitement of picking out the navy blue 100% wool to knit a sweater for Jim. The only thing is that the sweater was too warm and heavy, so it's not the type of sweater for indoor use. Saving it as is was feeding the moths, so asked Jim if I could rip it out and make him a pillow, and he said YES! Sad to rip out a lot of work, but happy to reuse the wool for a personalized pillow.
To create the personalized pillow for Jim, I used items with memories: the blue wool from a sweater knitted to cover the size of an older pillow we bought while staying in Berlin, Germany, and the denim patch from an old pair of his favorite jeans. I chose these materials because they hold sentimental value, and I wanted to incorporate them into a gift that would be both practical and meaningful.
Embroidery is a form of art that I find both relaxing and inspiring. It's like drawing, but with thread. I often find myself on YouTube, eagerly searching for new stitches to try out. One of my favorites is the blanket stitch, which I used to edge the denim patch on Jim's pillow.
Jim's tagline for his music blog is 'Song Writer, Story Teller, Music Maker and he thought it was the perfect words for his personalized pillow. After completing the embroidery, I attached it to the knit pillow cover using a button thread that was hidden under the embroidery. Next, crochet trim to finish off the edge of the pillow and stuff it tightly with the old pillow.
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To hear James Hewett's music and songwriting, www.laughingbuffalomusic.com |
I enjoy designing pillows using a variety of stitches and materials. When my artsy pillows are comfortably sitting on favorite chairs, they uniquely express the people who receive them!
For more of my art pillows, each uniquely designed using a variety of techniques, such as wet and dry felting, knitting, and crochet with embroidery details, check out the links below. I'm always excited to share my craft and inspire others to explore their creativity.
Pillow Powered, Minaz
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