Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Granny Chic or No?

I am going out on a limb here and admitting that I love needlepoint! I'm not talking about the hip Jonathan Adler needlepoint, although I adore all of his needlepoint pillows too. Here are a  few favorites...






Thanks Mr. Adler for making needlepoint in vogue again, well at least unexpected needlepoint!

But what I am referring to are the needlepoints that you find in vintage shops...you know the ones that were made by our grandmas or great aunts and then sadly discarded by the next of kin who would have nothing to do with such uncoolness (yes I am aware that is not a word). Well I am here to save these beauties from being forgotten. Here are a few that I saw last week at my local thrift store...

This was a tad over priced as it really needed to be re-framed or made into a large pillow. 

The camera phone photo doesn't do these sweet ones justice. 

I really loved this one, but again it was a little overpriced.

And here are a few that I have around my home...

This is in my living room and a good friend recently teased me that it reminded her of her grandma, as in no way would she put it in her home.

I have been planning to make a pillow out of this.

This is in my entry. I like the fact that it is unfinished...what happened I wonder.

And yes I am blushing as I post this needlepoint that I have in my guest bedroom in a sort of hidden spot...

My other friend (not the same as the one above) could not believe that I purchased this. But for some reason I just had to.

So there it is, I have a weakness for needlepoint! What do you all think? Don't worry I won't be offended as I am already teased so much over my needlepoint madness.

19 comments:

  1. I see these types of needlepoints in the thrift shop and think about buying them. But I worry about the granny-factor. I love that you buy & display them!

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  2. I have a couple from my grandmother and mom. I have been trying to figure out how to make them cool too. There are so many great ones out there at thrift shops and yard sales. They are kind of like the afghan, but just a bit harder to squeeze into decor.

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  3. I actually was a closet needle pointer in high school...I never told my friends but I loved it.....fun to see you using it in decor!! I am a big fan....the vintage asian styles have my fancy now!

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  4. Love needlepoints! The parrot is super chic. Depending on motif they're either retro cool or granny cool, but cool either way!! In my basement I have several unfinished needle point pillows that I started 15 years ago!! We need to get together Danielle!! xx

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  5. I love them! The cat one might be a little bit too much, but the rest are great! I especially love the parrot.

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  6. Ok, just stumbled upon these while looking at magazines... http://www.garnethill.com/nicola-lovebirds-embroidered-pillow-cover/bedding-home/decorative-accessories/pillow-covers/144435
    I can see several of the above made up into pillows like this, and the cat would be really cute for a kids room.

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  7. Love needlepoints, but have to admit, I'm a little more of a fan of the hip Jonathan Adler needlepoint!!

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  8. Oh, man, I am so into the "granny" feel of these. I've noticed that you can also find many cool old needlepoints on Ebay, discarded and ready for a new home. LOVE the needlepoint with the green matting!!

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  9. i know how to needlepoint! it is kind of an expensive hobby though- but fun! I need to get back into the next time i have some extra cash laying around... haha!

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  10. My Mother In Law just told me that she is making me a needlepoint pillow for my birthday with a giant dog. I just about peed my pants with excitement; I think my reaction scared her a little. :)

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  11. i had to laugh because literally last week my friends and i were talking clothes, and i was saying that miu mius were just so comfy and i was going to bring them back and call it "nana-chic", and then i saw the title today and laughed! i love encorporating nice vintage touches like that... they are fun, colorful, charming, and it's nice to think someone worked really hard on it at one time.

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  12. Thanks everyone for the comments...love to see the reactions! And thanks so much Danika for an inspirational image! xx Danielle

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  13. A Vintage Vine led me here- Beautiful needlepoint! I love the "story" that the "found" examples tell -dedication, craftsmanship, patience: all things I admire in others! I think the examples are very chic...but I can be totally "granny" :)

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  14. So many fun examples! My sister-in-law is a needlepoint wizz - she makes all sors of fun things! I tried it but I don't have the patience or the eyesight!!

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  15. There is something that is just so personal about needlepoint I think that is why it resonates with us as art.

    There are many new pattrns out!I don't have the patience..another reason to admire those that do!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Come & Enter my Fashionable Giveaway from The French Basketeer!

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  16. I was admiring a needlepoint mirror at Ben's grandparents house this weekend. It was so sweet with such pretty colors. I can't say that I was a huge fan before, but the history that goes with it makes it that much more special :)

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  17. a few of those were awesome, and a few of those were . . . not ;) i really do appreciate that you are embracing what you are drawn to, so good for you! maybe using those quirky ones in a cheeky, unique way would make them come across less granny. i bet a crazy tight grouping on a wall would create quite a few interesting conversations! thanks for sharing and being honest about what you like, devil-may-care :)

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  18. @Kristie...heehee, believe me I know what you mean.
    Thanks again everyone...I really enjoy hearing your feedback! xx Danielle

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  19. Oooo I love love love needlepoint, but the sneaky cat might be a little much for me. I do however DIE for the cockatoo!

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