A Bunny Needlepoint Pillow

There are things I have a hard time passing by.  I go to thrift stores frequently.  Usually I walk in and out empty handed, but always ready for something to jump out and beg to be rescued.  Needlepoint is one of them.  I know, hanging cross stich or embroidery on a wall is completely outdated.  But I still look at the time spent, colors woven to create a painting, and I see value.  So I rescue it, nearly every single time.

I could almost write a book on needlepoint rescued.  First it was the fall pheasant pillow.  Then my mom’s spring embroidery pillow.  Followed by her fall embroidery pillow.  Last but not least was the stunning black and white farmhouse pillow which was the first one I sold.  All works of art, updated to appreciate in a new way.

I found this little bunny a couple weeks ago, and imagined a spring pillow (because I really need more pillows, just ask my husband).  I don’t do bunnies, Easter bunnies, spring bunnies, any bunnies really.  But this one asked me to come home.  My daughter declared it was hers, she loves bunnies.  I had to break it to her it was everyone’s, really.

I unframed the cross-stitch and pulled out fabric from my stash to see what best made it pop as a frame work.  I settled on this warm gold, which had actually been a throw pillow cover, one I bought several years back on clearance for $2.50 at Target.  Then I pulled out some gold trim I had found at a thrift store ages ago (most likely anticipating military costumes for four boys who love to practice greatness).  I knew it was a done deal.  Not a normal accent color in my living room, however, a splash of sunshine warmth, inviting spring was welcome.

Usually I use a feather insert.  However, because of its small size, I decided just to fill it with stuffing I had on hand.

I find it springy, and cheerful.  The morning after I finished it, I was sipping my coffee looking out the window, and there hopped a bunny, the same colors as the one framed on the pillow, like the Velveteen Rabbit come to life.

My daughter thinks it’s her pillow. But it has found residence on the blue chair, for a season inviting all things new (I say as it snows heavily outside. Oh Alaska!)

Thanks again for stopping by!

Cheryl