Wanda Gets a Long Overdue Makeover

I didn't get a chance to take pictures of my last strawberry crop yesterday.  I promise them for Monday, kay?  In the meantime, I have this to share ...

Remember my old friend, Wanda the Witch?  She's been my Halloween tradition for about 20 years - ever since I first stitched her onto a Laura Ashley turtleneck.

Apparently I have friends who are good enough to tell it to me straight.  After the last time I mentioned her, I was "informed" - under no uncertain terms - that Wanda was NOT to be worn again ... not even for just handing out Halloween candy. 

Yes she's dated.  I won't deny that.  And she's not my style anymore.  But I'm sentimentally attached and couldn't bring myself to part with her.  So I put her back in my closet until last week when I was doing a little Spring cleaning.  I decided now was as good a time as any to give poor Wanda a new lease on life ... as a cushion cover.

I can't tell you how excited I was to discover these errant layer cake leftovers of an older Fig Tree collection "Patisserie" - they're exactly what I need for this project. 

Even the pink goes with Wanda's face.

I'm not sure what this cushion cover will look like.  My first instinct was to do the standby, ever reliable patchwork of squares.  But a wave of rebellion swept over me and now all I know is I DON'T want basic squares.

Maybe.

I think.

I dunno.

I might change my mind.

(And so the crippling indecision ensues.)

I also might add some embroidery.

Wanda has been very loyal all these years.  I want to treat her right. ;)

TGIF!

Comments

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

Great idea!!! Crazy how good those Fig Tree colors work with Wanda! I have a x-stiched 4th of July teddy bear that I have stored away, because I can't part with him either. Can't wait to see what you come up with, so that I can get some ideas! :)

[Sheri Salatin]

Ha! You should incorporate some sort of triangles into your pin cushion since she's about Halloween and it would be representative of candy corn. But what do I know? :) I'm sure whatever you come up with will be amazing! ;)

[Hildy]

Wanda & Fig Tree? What a cute combi! Ithink she deserves something with a bit more fun than just plain squares ... perhaps a few flying geese?
No matter what you'll do have a wonderful weekend, Hildy

[Archiethewonderdog]

Good luck, Wanda! See you on the other side ;o)

[ina]

She is NOT dated...she's adorable and she has a lovely retro feel that is TIMELESS! ;p A cushin? Nobody better sit on her! SHe's lovely and deserves a place of honor for her 20 yrs of hard work. May the force be with you....

[Greenrabbitdesigns]

I can't believe someone told you not to wear Wanda again!!!
Some people have no taste!
V x

[greg]

Oh poor Wanda is about to go under the knife! And I've always loved Patisserie. You have been very Figgy this week!

[Sedef @ Down Grapevine Lane]

Oh my goodness more Fig Tree fabrics. I resisted the temptation to rush and buy some when I saw your Strawberry Fields pincushions but I think it's just too strong for me to resist! I like Wanda, I am sure she will have a suitably contemporary patchwork setting soon, can't wait to see what you will come up with!

[jan]

I love Wanda. I think a pillow will be very nice for her. Maybe one shaped like a house with her hanging out above on the moon. Whatever you choose to do, have fun! And do Wanda justice! lol!

[Donna]

Take it from me- I speak from experience- you're going to be sorry u can't wear Wanda when the grand kids start showing up!!

[Kathi]

Looking forward to something wild and crazy with Wanda that you can enjoy every Halloween! In STYLE :) Kathi

[Cindy]

Can't wait to see what you come up for Wanda. I also did a lot of cross stitch on garments back in the day, but I don't think I've saved any:)

[Lisa McGriff]

I love Wanda and my first thought was she is sitting on the moon so she should be in the upper right corner of the cushion like the moon in the sky... Not sure how to incorporate that but thats my thoughts.

[Mindy Fawn]

And she has not aged a bit! I love the fig tree fabric... They are one of my favorite fabric lines too! Plus... We can always wear our "Wanda's" as our special badge... Say, under our regular cloths... Like Superman!....

[Paulette]

I grew up in the 50's when their was so much rigidity in what was fashionable, not to mention the constraints of the preceding decades. Whew! Wanda's critics should be aware that there is no dated look. It is "all time" now, when everything is "in." Excited to see what her next incarnation will be.

[Annerose]

Oh, ja, diese Stoffe passen hervorrangend zu Wanda. Ich bin gespannt.
Liebe Grüße Annerose

[Tami]

I did cross-stitch on clothing and how I wish I had saved some of those. I did an especially adorable Thanksgiving turkey for my firstborn daughter on a cute little sweatshirt and I would give anything to have that back and make something super cute (like you are about to do......). You are so creative, no matter what you do with Wanda, it will be great!!

[Patti]

Wanda is gorgeous as is your fabric.

[Chrissie]

I think some hexagons would suit - the witch put a hex on you! Then you could put teeny embroidery in a few hexies - a wee spider here, a pumpkin there...hmmm, I might have to make one, too! ;-) Chrissie x