I loved the story of Heidi.
I saw an old edition in the Salvation Army furniture warehouse, and paid 50 pence for it (yes I know, I seem to pay 50 pence for everything, but it's true). Look at this lovely endpaper:
Originally I wanted to embroider some of the simpler line drawings onto calico, but then realised that stitching them over the relevant text would make the piece more meaningful. I tried my old trick of photocopying onto cotton sheeting, but it was picking up too much ink and looked horribly dirty and smeary. Looking for something else to try, I found a roll of artists' canvas, cut a piece A4 size and it printed beautifully.
I then scanned the drawing at the start of the chapter, resized it, altered it to green, faded it, and printed it on top of the text, as a pale outline for stitching.
I like to stitch in dark green
and here it is, stitching complete, ready for framing, a simple but meaningful piece
What book from your childhood brings back special memories for you?
Eleanor
x
Oh my goodness, Eleanor! That is just beyond stunning. I love it so much.
Posted by: Kelly | March 13, 2011 at 12:23 AM
I just loved Heidi, and Little Women, and of course Little House in the Big Wods...ah memories.
Have a great day,
Meredith
Posted by: Meredith | March 13, 2011 at 02:38 AM
Love this project Eleanor. My all time book love from my childhood is Little Princess.
Posted by: Karen | March 13, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Wow Eleanor - this is a fantastic project - I love the idea of stitching over the text. When I was little it was the Beatrix Potter books or Enid Blyton - I have very fond memories of The Enchanted Woods and The Faraway Tree.
Posted by: MichelleW | March 13, 2011 at 08:01 AM
That is gorgeous.
Posted by: Carolyn Phillips | March 13, 2011 at 08:41 AM
wow I love that!! Its so beautiful! I would never think to do somethign liek that!!
My fave book as a child was Violet Pickles and the Ivy Cottage! It was the first book I ever managed to read completely on my own to my dad :-D
Posted by: caz | March 13, 2011 at 09:23 AM
Such a thoughtful piece...I've never seen this done before. I don't know if you've got 'The Works' in Scotland (or anywhere near your lovely mountains) but they sell printer-friendly canvas sheets. They are a bit stiffer than normal canvas but I used them loads on the SIMPLE THINGS fabric book last year. Cheap as chips too.
Big hug,
Mandy x
Posted by: Mandy | March 13, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Wonderful, I loved the Old Curiosity Shop and have the copy my Gran read to me.
You've inspired me to stitch it like you have.
Thanks so much for the inspiration Eleanor.
Posted by: Lynne V | March 13, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Another original idea from Eleanor. All that clean Highland air is nurturing your creative spirit! Truly beautiful,Eleanor.
Posted by: Catriona | March 13, 2011 at 03:26 PM
Eleanor, your talent and originality are breath-taking, as is your determination to keep looking for something and not give up! I really must try this printing onto artists' canvas ...
Posted by: alexa | March 13, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Just totally WOW! I love your embroidery projects and this one is one of my faves.
Posted by: Suzanne | March 13, 2011 at 06:59 PM
I loved What Katy Did and also the Swallows and Amazons and anything Enid Blyton. Love what you've done to Heidi.
Posted by: Gina | March 13, 2011 at 09:14 PM
I love this Eleanor. What a kovely gift it would make for a book lover.
Posted by: Joy | March 13, 2011 at 09:25 PM
Wow, this is so creative! I will be scouring charity shops for the wishing chair, there are so many books I loved as a child.
Wonderful wonderful idea. x
Posted by: Debbie Roberts | March 14, 2011 at 07:08 AM
Simply WOW xx
Posted by: jayne | March 14, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Wow this is so beautiful! Love it!
Posted by: Melissa | March 26, 2011 at 05:03 AM