Friday, March 20, 2009

Picking up the threads...

..of half-started projects from long ago. It's been a strange week - feeling like I should be rushing about madly and then realising that the pressure of deadlines is off for now. It's time to relax, recouperate, and regain inspiration for new patterns and new ideas. In a strange way I feel like I'm learning to walk again.....


I made this hat today. It's in gorgeous heavy linen sent from Méri in Portugal. This fabric is interfaced with medium-heavy woven cotton interfacing. It holds its shape beautifully (there's nothing quite like a natural fibre gently persuaded by a shot or two of high-pressure steam!).


Speaking of this beautiful linen.... and Méri... She recently sent a parcel to HandMade Help via my studio. I couldn't resist a chance to get up close and personal with her exquisite embroidery and lace work. What an amazing talent and a wonderfully generous soul... Méri is one of the shining stars of the blogosphere.




Isn't it stunning? I'm sure that the love that has been poured into every expert stitch will warm the heart of the recipient - who will have lost all their handmade treasures and heirlooms in the recent bushfires.
If you like to help out Handmade Help, please do. Visit the website and see how you can contribute.
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13 comments:

  1. mériMarch 20, 2009 at 9:50 PM

    Oh Nikki!I'm speachless and ashamed.Thanks for your nice words.

    Your hat is amazing! Love it! What a great idea!

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  2. KatherineMarch 21, 2009 at 3:14 AM

    I've always loved linen, but after seeing this post... I am speechless. First off, your hat is brilliant, Nikki. Beautiful workmanship.
    I totally agree with you about Meri. She's extremely talented and I always love her embroideries and lacework on linen. What a wonderfully generous donation for such a worthy cause. Bravo, Meri!

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  3. A Spoonful Of SugarMarch 21, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    How wonderful to be able to see Meri's exquisite work in person! Love the linen hat - most stylish!

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  4. CathyMarch 21, 2009 at 1:15 PM

    Great Hat Nikki - you are so clever. Love all that linen work from Meri - it is breathtaking.

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  5. Cathy {tinniegirl}March 21, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    What a stunning hat. So classic and stylish.

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  6. SerenaMarch 21, 2009 at 6:53 PM

    I love the hat, and the items for Handmade Help are simply wonderful! So much beauty in this post!

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  7. KirrilyMarch 21, 2009 at 9:22 PM

    Holy WOW!!! You are both amazing!!!

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  8. Gay McDonellMarch 22, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    That hat! What a winner - my son will be very happy!! Meri's work is beautiful!

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  9. UnknownMarch 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM

    A hat and a fabulous one too ! I can manage an ill fitting dolls hat maybe but that one is amazing .
    clares craftroom

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  10. AnonymousMarch 23, 2009 at 12:03 AM

    What exquisite embroidery. Just stunning.

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  11. FerMarch 23, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    That hat is so damn suave! And the embroidery is stunning.

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  12. LouiseMarch 23, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    I so know how you feel about the pressure being off. Today is the first day in a long time that I don't have a pressing deadline and I can't tell you the relief I feel. Don't know that I will be whipping up anything quite as lovely as that stunning hat though - well done! And thanks for showing off Meri's lovely work.

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  13. NatashaApril 4, 2009 at 1:16 AM

    Looove the hat! Especially with the ribbon. Do you use a fedora hat block to get the shape?

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I LOVE to read your comments and they brighten my day. I can't respond unless your profile has an email address attached, though... And some days I simply don't have time to respond.... but I respond in a telepathic sort of way to each and every comment.
xxx Nikki