This needlepoint eyeglass case once belonged to Mummy, so I had it inset using a pretty Scalamandrestriped silk fabric to frame it as a petite pillow, and it continues to be a sweet memory for me. Remember, a pillow does not have to consist entirely of the needlepoint canvas. You can cheat a little by adding more fabric around the canvas!
Here is a lovely idea to commence 2024: create a needlepoint pillow! The art and implementation to create a needlepoint creates a sense of calm and a quiet time to savor. What you create will give joy and bring back distinct memories.
Needlepoint pillows are a timeless staple in classic, preppy interiors as well as in noble residences, especially if made by a member of the household. They can add a touch of whimsy and give a glimpse into your interests. The design you choose can pique a conversation when others admire it.
I devoted an entire chapter to needlepoint pillows in my first book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room… I adore them! But, true confession: once I start a piece, I cannot stop. I become a sleepless addict, staying up until I finish it. Heaven, help me!
My talented sister-in-law made this adorable needlepoint belt for me. When I outgrew it, I had it cut in half, inserted into some bubblegum pink shantung silk, and made into two kidney pillows for the tellie room.
From my experience, a house that has a few handmade needlepoint pillows is a crystal ball that indicates a truly charming home. I know that I am in the presence of an enchanting needlepointer! Every needlepointer that I have ever known has been clever, intelligent, talented, well-traveled, and charming. Now, that is a big statement and has always held true for me. From Princess Grace to Barbara Bush, Marie Antoniette, my mother and sister-in-law, and precious friends, they are all part of the distinguished needlepoint society.
Down the street from Fox Hall is the former home of Anna Roosevelt Cowles, the older sister to President Theodore Roosevelt. Her daughter-in-law was an avid and very accomplished needlepointer. A few of her creations still adorn the Cowles house, along with a breathtaking carpet that she stitched, featuring the design of the Chippendale front gate that graces the front of the historic home. A carpet... talk about being a devotee to needlepoint! And the tradition carries on to this day, in the same house.
Lovingly made, these three pillows each have a story behind them, which I find to be a simply enchanting aspect of handmade needlepoint pillows.
I do hope you will be inspired to take up needlepoint if you haven’t already. Or, if you are not inclined to learn this time-honored pastime, you can embellish your house with the needlepoint pillows offered at Scully and Scully, which are perfectly charming.
GrandMillennial Tip:
Have a zipper enclosure inserted along the bottom edge of your pillow so that you can easily remove the cover and have it dry-cleaned.
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To have pillow inserts made of foam rubber. Traditionally, pillows are always filled with down feather inserts.
No-no: To have so many pillows on a chair or sofa that a guest cannot be comfortably seated!
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Holly