Rain With A Side Of Cheese...

New York City in the rain

A thunderstorm is rolling it's way across New York City (NY doesn't even do April Showers by halves!) And so what's a girl to do on such a soggy Monday evening? Well...

I think I few key things are needed here...

1) tea, of course (I'm British after all). 

2) a comfy fluffed sofa with cushions, blankets and other such cosy accessories. 

3) pj's, because every girl wears a pair of pj's on an evening like today. 

Images from House to Home and Domino Magazine (so sad you're gone Domino!)

And finally, 

4) large amounts of cheese in the form of that 1986 classic 'Top Gun'... yup my dears, think fighter pilots and classic one liners that you just love to hate and make you laugh! I haven't 'lost that lovin' feeling' for this one!!! (even though I don't like Tom Cruise at all!! ha!)

Cheese, wonderful cheese!

Ah, Maverick and Goose! Here's one quote I just had to share!!... A plate of cheese coming right up! Love it!! haha!!

Maverick: Jesus Christ, and you think I'm reckless? When I fly, I'll have you know that my crew and my plane come first. 

Charlie: Well, I am going to finish my sentence, Lieutenant. My review of your flight performance was right on. 

Maverick: Is that right? 

Charlie: That is right, but I held something back. I see some real genius in your flying, Maverick, but I can't say that in there. I was afraid that everyone in the tax trailer would see right through me, and I just don't want anyone to know that I've fallen for you. 

Double, Double Toile and Trouble!!

Nancy Prator's 'Paris Embroidered Bird'

This morning, while visiting my usual blogs over a hot coffee, I managed to find myself cruising Etsy - Which always seems to a gold mine of inspiration and creativity!

It's here I came across Nancy Prator, who's 'Paris Embroidered Bird' caught my attention immediately. Made from about 100 miniature photocopied maps of Paris, and then ran through a large printing press. She then preceded to draw on the bird and branch, then finishing by hand-embroidering them both. The detail is impressive!

I love this piece, and with it I was hit with so much inspiration!!
After my fun with making the Christmas Stockings for my family, one might think I'd be sick of a needle and thread! But nope, old enthusiasm was ignited and now I think I'm hooked!


'Paris Embroidered Bird' In Detail


Domino Magazine Toile Article, Dec/Jan '09

As I thought about this idea further, I was reminded of a piece of work by Richard as it was featured on his blog spot, Historically Inaccurate, which I had stumbled upon a while back.
Funnily enough, the above article from Domino Magazine featuring Toile and it's come back only fueled my ideas even further!

Richard had featured two Knoll Tulip Chair seat cushions, which he had spent three months embroidering last summer. Adding bright color and a few little, and subtle, humoring twists to a simple piece of toile made these seat cushions something quite special! The detail in the stitching here too, is also very impressive!


Richard's Embroidery, In Detail


One of Richard's Embroidered Cushions

Below are my two favorite images from the Domino Toile Gallery, I must say... I do like a bit of this toile myself, in fabric and wallpaper!

Now....where's my needle and thread?!