Sunday, August 30, 2009

Brigitte ~ Garden Lady in Blue


Today I'm sharing something blue in our home that has morphed through changes.
Welcome back and thank you to all who participated in Barb's Rooster Party last Friday. It was a huge success. I'm still working my way through the list of parties. I may be late, but I'm not going to miss a one!

Stitching is a favorite pass time and yet another passion in my life. I'm one of those travelers who pulls out the yellow pages when I arrive somewhere and check out the needlepoint shops in town. Anyone else out there do this?


Wall of Needlepoint Canvases @ Needleworks
When I first saw Linda Ragno's Garden Ladies by Cooper Oaks Design, I was totally charmed. French Country style simply makes me happy. (Click here to read more about this artist and to view a catalog of her designs. Her work is available here at the Needleworks.)


I just had to stitch this lovely 
flower lady with her basket of lavender.


Every stitch brought sunshine 
to my days as Brigitte came to life!


With Brigitte stitched, I shopped my fabric stash and pulled out some of my favorite Souleiado fabrics from Pierre Deux. With only a small remnant of the blue, a patchwork idea quickly began to evolve.


I worked up a plan,


gathered everything together,
and took it all to my friend who is a master finisher.
I was so excited to get a call this week. 
 Brigitte was ready to be picked up!


Voilà, Brigitte completely finished!



























With this sweet face and French fabrics,
I decided she must share the upstairs guest room .  .  .

with another young French lady who 
loves to pick flowers from the garden.

Sophie, handmade limited edition doll - Fitzi-Contini Collectionr
Sophie has always been content to while away the days in her antique Thonet rocker, but I thought perhaps she might like to join Brigitte on the wicker settee and visit about gardening.

These two were getting along splendidly, 
when all of a sudden 
mademoiselles Gabrielle le chat 

and Zoé le lapin called
out from across the room.


Le Petite Chat and Le Petite Lapin by Ilonka
They begged and pleaded. They insisted that Brigitte join them in their comfy spot atop the quilt on the bed.  These two captured my heart back in the 1980s, and they always seem to get their way with me, so Brigitte happily snuggled in between these two charmers.

My heartfelt thanks for stopping by for a visit. Thank you to all of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit. Happy Monday to each of you!

Don't forget to stop by Smiling Sally's and Between Naps on the Porch for more Monday posts.
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Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

39 comments:

  1. The Pleasures of HomemakingAugust 30, 2009 at 5:33 PM

    Many years ago I went to the Pierre Deux store in Atlanta with a friend....gorgeous! But way too pricey for us. But we got lots of great ideas there.

    Love the pillow. It really does look perfect in that room!

    Manuela

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  2. cwaAugust 30, 2009 at 6:45 PM

    Thanks for visiting my blog recently during the Rooster Party. I appreciated your kind comment. I scrolled down and saw your rooster collection. They are all just beautiful. I really like your new pillow too. It looks adorable nestled in with your other treasures! Blessings to you.

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  3. Cindy J.August 30, 2009 at 6:49 PM

    Absolutely wonderful!

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  4. blushing roseAugust 30, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    What a darling pillow creation. Have a beautiful week. TTFN ~ Marydon

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  5. From the Old InkWellAugust 30, 2009 at 9:12 PM

    Lovely the pillow, love the hats on the wall, LOVE THE ROOM!

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  6. Lisa @ Fern Creek CottageAugust 31, 2009 at 12:22 AM

    Wow, that is the prettiest pillow I have ever seen!!

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  7. MaggieAugust 31, 2009 at 12:33 AM

    Good morning Hyacinth,
    I loved your finished cushion (o.k. pillow!) your friend is very talented indeed, the Pierre Deux fabrics are gorgeous & the tassel trim is lovely.
    Have a wonderful Blue Monday, my dear, and thanks for visiting my not very pretty building site!!
    a bientot
    Maggie.

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  8. BabaAugust 31, 2009 at 1:17 AM

    Hi Sarah, you did a great job on stitching Brigitte with all of the wonderful colors and bringing her to life!!! Your friend did super work with this pillow and it sets off miss Brigitte so well... thanks for sharing your lovely items with us.. hugs, Baba

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  9. Gay SmithAugust 31, 2009 at 5:14 AM

    Hmmm...can't wait to get to Piere Deux in Dallas - What fun !

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  10. KathyAugust 31, 2009 at 7:25 AM

    Sarah, Brigitte is precious! I love that bed she is on and the room is decorated so wonderfully.

    I'm off to read more of your blog on my first (but not last) visit.

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  11. SmilingSallyAugust 31, 2009 at 7:38 AM

    "Ooooh," I groaned aloud when I saw the finished pillow. It's so very beautiful that I would want everyone to see it. I really, really, REALLY like that pillow! Happy Blue Monday.

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  12. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageAugust 31, 2009 at 8:10 AM

    Oh, what a sweet pillow, Sarah! You have done a wonderful job! Brigitte is pretty cute herself! Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  13. Coralie Cederna JohnsonAugust 31, 2009 at 8:24 AM

    What a fabulous stitchery pillow. The little lady design is wonderful and your stitches made her even more beautiful! Thanks for sharing and have a happy BLUE MONDAY!

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  14. PeggiAugust 31, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    Your stitching is beautiful, the finishing is innovative and adorable, and the pillow coordinates perfectly with the room. Great job!

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  15. LVAugust 31, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    I really enjoyed youor post today. I love needlepoint. I used to do it, but my eyes just want allow me now. I do still have several things I did do. Thanks for your comment.

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  16. LynnAugust 31, 2009 at 9:32 AM

    Love your lavender lady. Your finished project is magical! Great creativity. I love all kinds of needlework. My computerized embroidery machine has spoiled me. Have been thinking about pulling out some unfinished needlepoint projects. Your post has inspired me to go for it.

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  17. Mary BergfeldAugust 31, 2009 at 10:11 AM

    What a lovely creation. I love the photos you took of her visits to various rooms. I've really enjoyed your post and hope that you are having a wonderful day.

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  18. Regina August 31, 2009 at 10:33 AM

    Lovely! very creative.

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  19. Its So Very CheriAugust 31, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    I used to do cross stiching a long time ago but haven't done it in years.

    I hope you will come by for a visit.
    Cheri
    Its So Very Cheri

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  20. Amy @ Keep'n The SunnySideAugust 31, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    What a beautiful pillow! I love to cross stitch, I'm working on a project right now as a matter of fact. I'm also teaching my daughter to CS as well. Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm going to have a look around yours too.

    Amy

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  21. LisaAugust 31, 2009 at 12:00 PM

    I'm in love with your pillow! And I think it's found the PERFECT home on your bed! I'm so enjoying your blog and will be back to visit soon. Thanks for having me.:)

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  22. RubyAugust 31, 2009 at 12:37 PM

    Gorgeous needlework. Your handwork is fabulous. And you chose just the right fabrics to compliment your garden gal. It is good to have friends to help with the finishing! Lovely pillow. I love how you wove your story too. Perhaps Sophie will find another friend and Brigitte will keep the fur smooth between the cat and rabbit! LOL!

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  23. ellen b.August 31, 2009 at 12:50 PM

    Sarah! She is so charming and you are so talented with your hands. I love that pillow!!

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  24. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)August 31, 2009 at 1:15 PM

    Sarah, that is the most charming pillow I've ever seen...Brigitte is beautiful! I love the fabrics you used! And I love all her new friends in your guest room! :-) What a wonderful treasure! Just beautiful! :-)
    Susan

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  25. DeborahAugust 31, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    Precious, Precious, Precious

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  26. Diers EveAugust 31, 2009 at 2:13 PM

    I used to stitch a lot. Now my elbow and shoulder hurt because of the office posture work. But I'm planning to stitch on vacation.

    Your lady in the garden is just gorgeous in that pillow surrounded with cute animals and that lovely doll.

    I enjoyed it so much.

    Have a beautiful Blue Monday,
    Val

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  27. Chari at Happy To DesignAugust 31, 2009 at 2:18 PM

    Hello Sarah...

    Just read the sweet note that you left for me on my Lamberton china post...so happy to have you come by and also thank you for coming by my Autumn tablescape post too! Loved reading the sweet notes that you left for me!!!

    Well my friend, I thoroughly enjoyed your post today!!! Your Brigette is fabulous...such beautiful needlework!!! I'm always so impressed with anyone who has the patience and discipline to do this!!! This is the first time that I've seen Linda Ragno's creations...they are marvelous! I would love to try one...I'll have to check out the link that you included.

    Ohhh my...your beautiful frenchy pillow is just stunning!!! It truly is the one of the prettiest pillows that I've ever seen...of course, I just adore your Brigitte and the fabric you chose is gorgeous! Your friend did a fabulous job sewing this pillow...Ohhh my, all that beautiful piping and the fringe...Oh La La!!! Enjoyed meeting your sweet Sophie, Gabrielle, and Zoe also...I just adore them! Now my friend, I must tell you that your guest room is so very beautiful! Love those pretty frenchy blue walls and that pretty quilt! Ohhh...and that beautiful chair also!!! I love your style, Sarah!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and your fabulous new Brigitte pillow!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

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  28. Becky K.August 31, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    Awe...some!!!

    I used to stitch and needlepoint. I will again one day...but what you did here is lovely.

    I love the fabric combination.

    Becky K.
    Hospitality Lane

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  29. susanAugust 31, 2009 at 4:11 PM

    I find fewer and fewer needlework shops! I don't do it often any more but I used to find it very relaxing. I love the fabric you used to make it all come together!

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  30. UnknownAugust 31, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    Absolutely charming! Thanks for sharing. I hope you will join me for Crock Pot Wednesdays at Diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. My "blue" this week is part of a tribute to Julia Child. Hope to see you signed up with Mister Linky.

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  31. JacqueAugust 31, 2009 at 5:28 PM

    Sarah, thank you for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! YOU are the first one on my new Pay it Forward. I think that you will love to participate because it is so much fun trying to come up with things for other bloggers. I will get started on yours pretty soon. When I have it ready to mail, I will email you to find out your mailing address.

    I used to cross stitch TOO much...I had to stop cold turkey because it became an obsession and that made it "not fun". I loved to do samplers, especially those that were reproduction old antique ones! Wow, lost of color changes but worth the end results.

    Your little Brigette turned out too cute and looks right at home on that bed with the cat and the rabbit. You have such a wonderful imagination as well! I like that!!

    I still have not finished looking at all the Rooster Party participants. I have dial up internet and it makes my life difficult, at best! But, I am not complaining, it is better than nothing.

    Thanks again for sharing!

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  32. JoyceAugust 31, 2009 at 5:42 PM

    Gorgeous and you are so talented. I use to do a ton of needlepoint in the 80s and early 90s but my eyes are so bad I had to stop. I do enjoy seeing my framed pieces.
    Joyce

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  33. MarthaAugust 31, 2009 at 7:28 PM

    Love the needlepont -- she is charming. Love all of your things together!

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  34. Bargain Decorating with LaurieSeptember 1, 2009 at 12:22 AM

    What a charmer she is! And she has charmed all of your other little French girls too! This was such a cute post. laurie

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  35. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)September 1, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    Your hand work is incredible. Your fabric choices are wonderful. So Country French. Brigette is a wonderful fit with your other beauties. You've inspired me to get busy with some of my fabric and do some creating..I hope you're having a super day..hugs ~lynne~

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  36. Heartfelt livingSeptember 1, 2009 at 2:24 PM

    Sarah, Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. It is so nice to meet you. I'm still making my rounds on the rooster party and I have to say you have a wonderful collection!
    I had to comment also on your lovely needlepoint. I just adore your pillow and the bedroom is just as pretty! You have an amazing talent.
    Wishing you a Blessed day.
    ~Karen

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  37. Drawn to The SeaSeptember 1, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    I love that you have a plan, a real plan. I normally feel my way through a project & that's so hard. The pillow is wonderful! (From a distance the little ladies almost have a Mayan look about them to me.)

    The kitty & the bunny are adorable... how fun to be a guest in that pretty room :-)

    Pleasant day!
    ~Julia

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  38. RhondiSeptember 3, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    I love your little needlepoint little girl. It gives me an idea for a quilt. She looks just perfect framed with the French fabrics. I love everything about the bedroom, the color walls, the quilts, the wicker, le chat, le lapin and the other sweet doll. You have a talent for making things beautiful!
    I'd like to come visit and see all of your home. Maybe if I keep reading previous posts I will eventually see all of it!

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  39. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2009 at 10:28 PM

    Wonderful work and charming pillow. Pierre Deux fabric...you can never go wrong.

    Kathy b

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.

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