My embroidered elephant pillow.
I made this over the course of about 10 months, stitching here and there as I had time. This pillow was a gift to a friend of mine who got married last year. It was a tough one to let go of, let me tell you, but it was always theirs. I chose this fabric specifically because this friend moved to India to teach shortly after I met her. She was there on a Fulbright Scholarship and eventually came back, but I have a feeling India has left a lasting impression on her. This print just screamed "India" to me, so choosing it was easy. As I stitched, I prayed for them, had many happy thoughts of them and who they would become as a family. I couldn't keep this pillow. It BELONGED with them.
I'll just have to start making me one now!
As everyone says, the pictures really don't do it justice. I varied my stitches and played with depth a bit more than I have in the past. If you are in the Phoenix area, I will be teaching a workshop on how to create this elephant (and basic embroidery stitches) in the coming year at the Phoenix Modern Quilt Guild. You can check the website for dates, once the "powers that be" have chosen them.
This elephant is stitched over Valori Wells' Karavan print. I used mostly DMC embroidery floss, along with some randoms I was given to make friendship bracelets by my aunt in 4th grade. Blue background is Betz White. Back of pillow is Lizzy House 1001 Peeps. Pom pom fringe from JoAnn's.
You have put a great deal of love into this beautiful project! Good luck with the teaching assignment!
ReplyDeleteWow Danny that is something else! You are so clever! Your friends will love it.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you were a stitching goddess! Beautiful embroidery Danny.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. I grew up in India, and seeing this makes me homesick! Beautiful!
ReplyDeletewow, that is stunning!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful! I am sure they will treasure it. I love how you described the happy wishes you have for them while you work on it, I think that is the best part of a handmade gift!
ReplyDeleteThis pillow is gorgeous! And I love that you prayed for them as you created it. What a lovely gift!
ReplyDeleteWow Danny! That is simply stunning.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteOH. MY. DELICIOUSNESS. That is beautifully stunning! Would you put together a primer on HOW you decided what stitches and colors to use? I would love to know!
ReplyDeleteYour cushion is stunning. Such beautiful stitching.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, your elephant embroidery is gorgeous! No wonder you spread it out over ten months! That's a wonderful present for your friend. :)
ReplyDeleteTotally beautiful Danny xxx
ReplyDeleteWow! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! That is amazing and I am sure your friend will just cherish it forever!
ReplyDeleteWow! I couldn't have given it away!
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing, I loved that ellie before, but this is extra fab!
ReplyDeleteYou are on schedule for April last we talked about it...I can't wait. I have never wanted to do embroidery before..but I love this!
ReplyDeleteLove your elephant! Gorgeous and unique pillow! Well done! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHave a super great sewing and stitching day!
what a gorgeous creation. I am sure your friend loves it and knowing that each stitch has a prayer that goes with it makes it so, so special.
ReplyDeleteI love the combination of all the different stitches and the textures they create. :) This is beautiful! Lovely work Danny. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pillow Danny! The Betz White print perfectly reminds me of a sari.
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ReplyDeleteI have seen this type of animal designed embroidery on pillow... This is so beautiful. <3
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