Wanda's Been Upcycled

She looks much better on a chair than on my ... er ... you know. ;)

Cutting Wanda out of my turtleneck was the hardest part of this project for me ... I knew I couldn't change my mind once I made the first cut.

Once I got past that, the rest was pure creative joy.

I had no plans from one step to the next.  I didn't have the coffin-shaped hexies in mind when I started ...

(which I machine pieced, by the way ... a whole lotta inset seams there ... but way faster than English paper piecing).

I didn't think of appliqueing the patchwork onto the cross-stitched panel until I started piecing the hexies.

I did have an idea to do some embroidery, but didn't know it would be variegated floss to disguise my shoddy applique work!  LOL!

And I really didn't anticipate hand quilting.

But I'm so glad I did it.

And I even had some impromptu fun with the back.

A row of scraps to hide the zipper and a length of lace didn't take much extra effort, but they're nice finishing details.

Now she's going to be packed away until Halloween. 

And maybe even until the following Halloween because we're scheduled to move around Nov/Dec.

Now ... look what else I found in my closet.   

My sister made it for me 12 years ago.  I'm thinking just an ornament at this point ... but I'll keep you posted.

Comments

[Donna]

Beautiful job! Love the pillow! Wanda looks right at home on your chair.

[Nicole]

That is so darn cute.

[Thimbleanna]

Wow -- what a great upcycle job! So clever with the coffin hexagons. Very, very cute!!!

[Connie]

Thanks for the creative beauty and your wonderful sense of humor!! Love your posts!

[Greenrabbitdesigns]

And now people will be able to cuddle and snuggle up to Wanda... unlike before.... er....you know! ;)
V x

[marcella]

So, so cute!

[Bev]

So cute! Wanda looks very happy with her new home.

[Lisa McGriff]

I so so so love that pillow, it is just so sweet!

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

Oh, my goodness, Kristyne!!! Wow! Bravo! This turned out amazing! Really gives me a lot to think about in terms of design and techniques. I love it! :)

[Sakae Yoshihara]

Congratulations!!
Really cute a cushion!
Good job. :))

[Käranån]

Wanda is so wonderful!!! I love the colours and the fabrics!!

[Mary Fioretti]

So adorable. Excellent choice.

[debbie @ happy little cottage]

Wanda's second go round is so cute!!!! Maybe you should just leave her out??? The "coffin" shaped hexies crack me up.... :)

[Alex]

That is a lovely pillow, I wish I could spend that much time and love in making a pillow, there is a big part of me that feels very strongly that a pillow is made in maybe an hour, I think I`l have to challenge my self to make a pillow that takes all day.

I just found your blog tonight and I have to say it`s wonderful, I`l keep reading and enjoying myself.

[Wendy]

Wonderful job! I love seeing projects combining different kinds of needlework. And how did you machine pieces your little coffins together? Did you make templates for these shapes?

p.s. Wanda shouldn't have to wait for Halloween, I think she deserves to sit for a spell on your couch (oh my, dreadful pun there, really it wasn't intentional!).

[Tami]

I think maybe Wanda deserves to hang around all year long....she is so stinkin' cute!!
You are so creative.

[dianne mitzel]

Did you do the beautiful feather stitches on your machine? What a darling project, love Wanda and her coffin fabrics...

[jan]

Wanda looks right at home amonst her coffins! Love love this! How can you put it away? I would just have to stare at it and not get anything done!

[Hallie]

Wanda's make-over turned out just perfect! You are so luck to have your turtleneck in such good condition.....mine usually have stains on them and the most inappropriate place :P

[Christine M]

Your cushion is gorgeous Kristyne. I'd want to have it out all year round!

[Elaine]

I have to admit I was not sure about the really light prints (halloween colors?) when I first saw the hexies (I'm a bold, primary color kind of gal... ) But it's the absolute perfect setting to show off Wanda (what do I know?) and I love the embroidery! Fantastic, and having fun is the best part... ; )

[Heidi]

Your talent amazes me. I'm so inspired by you!

[Hildy]

Wonderful Wanda Witch! She looks so happy on your chairand the best is you can keep her there the whole year:-) Hildy

[Denise]

Too. Cute!!!

[Bonnie Nyquist]

Just wonderful as usual! I especially love the feather stitching. What a creative project! I fondly remember when that cross stitching on sweatshirts was so popular,I sort fo miss it! Just a treasure of a project,and I think that heart shaped from your isiter could make another beautiful pillow!

[Donna]

Your Wanda pillow turned out beautifully and I think you'll get to enjoy her alot more than when she was on your sweater.

[Anita]

Beautiful work! I love it. I never would have thought to use those Fig Tree fabrics in a Halloween project but they really work. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

[Debbie R.]

Your Wanda pillow is beautiful. Don't tell me that you're really going to pack her away and only bring her out on Halloween. She's much to pretty for that!

[lori hunstad]

You are truly my creative inspiration. Wanda couldn't look more lovely. I look forward to your blogs and watching your projects take on life! Lori<

[Bari Jo]

Great job! I like how you have it off set and it is a great new use for Wanda! Keep her packed at the top of a box where you know where to find her so you can enjoy her in October!!! And woo hoo - moving date for the holidays! Yay!

[Jennifer B]

'Beautiful'...Wanda is right where she belongs!

[SuperMomNoCape]

The pillow turned out lovely! I really like all the different elements that you've incorporated into it. You would never know that this was an upcycle project.

[Melissa]

LOL You're awesome! Not only did you find how much you liked Wanda as a pillow, you're digging deeper into other oldies but goodies that need new life =)

[Lana]

Love the pillow, and of course I love the fabrics that you chose.

[Carolyn]

Now I know what to do with the hand cross-stitched sweatshirts that are taking up space in my closet. What a great idea!

[lou]

You did an awesome job!!!!
Can't wait to see the ornaments made into something:)

[Sedef @ Down Grapevine Lane]

She looks like she has always belonged on that cushion, you just didn't know it yet :) I am so impressed by how well the whole cushion has been put together, so creative with the use of patchwork, lace and the super embroidery detail. And the fabrics and colours are to die for. After the pincushions I resisted the urge to order some Fig Tree fabrics, but I could no longer resist after seeing this cushion!! :D

[usairdoll]

I love, love, love your Wanda pillow! You are so talented and creative! Enjoyed watching the whole upcycle process! You're amazing! Thanks for sharing.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

Hi, K.! :) I linked up to this post over on my blog. You inspired me to give an old cross-stitched bear a purpose! Hope you are well! *hugs*