Love It
One sentimental keepsake inspires another.
A beloved work of art takes a new shape.
Long ago, when my daughter, Stephy, was 6 years old, she gave me a painting she had made. I framed it and hung it, because I was so proud of her, and I loved the colors and the feeling the painting gave me.
A few years later, Stephy’s painting inspired me to create a needlepoint pillow to match. The pillow now has been in my home for more than 40 years. Children’s creations are one of a kind, and I’m happy I was able to make this one last in a new way.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Needlepoint canvas
Material for backing
(heavier weight such as velvet or corduroy)
Pillow form
Needlepoint yarn in desired colors Ballpoint pen
Tapestry needles
DIRECTIONS
1. Copy design onto canvas with ballpoint pen. The pen marks will be covered up on the finished piece. 2.
Cut pillow backing to fit the canvas. Include a 2-in. seam allowance on the backing and the canvas for the pillow form. 3. Stitch the needlepoint design onto the canvas, using the tapestry needles and the yarn. 4.
Stack the canvas and the backing on top of one another, with the right sides facing each other. Stitch around all sides ½ in. from the edge, rounding the corners as you stitch and leaving one side partially open. 5.
Turn the pillow covering right side out and gently work the pillow form into the resulting pocket. Hand stitch the opening closed. n