The Inspiring Stitching of Mandy Pattullo

 

 

As some of you know, I am interested in rescuing quilts and embroideries that have seen better days, some just need a little careful stitching to give them more years of life.  Then, on the other hand, many are on the verge of completely falling apart.  There are certainly others on the planet who have rescued such  textiles....using the smallest of pieces to create new life.  Fabric collage being one of the methods of choice.  I became interested is such activity several years ago when I found one of my "stitching heroes," Mandy Pattullo.  She lives in the UK and I found her through her blog and instantly became a huge fan.  I couldn't wait for her to write a book.  Eventually, she did just that, calling it TEXTILE COLLAGE.  I purchased it as soon as I could and loved it immediately.  (I'll show a photo of it below.)

This year she produced another book, her second,  TEXTILES TRANSFORMED.  And, once again, I purchased it also.  And, once again, I loved it immediately.  Her designs are so appealing....and fun. If this kind of work is "up your alley" you might want to check it out.  I'm sure you will love her work as much as I do.

 

 

The covers of Mandy's books are just wonderful.....tempting you to read further about her chosen work.  Each page giving you so much information about reusing these sometimes ragged pieces combining all manner of threads and other bits and pieces to create lovely works of art. I have read them over and over again....and never grow tired of imagining what I could do with all the rescued pieces I have.  As I said, she is very inspiring.

 

 

Here, all the photo needed was Mandy's new book.  But, I wanted to add a little extra color to the photo....that painted vegetable can is full of painted book pages I have cut up to use as book marks.  It can hang from a hook somewhere, anywhere.  Of course, I like to use lots of paper to mark the places where I find all the things that catch my fancy.  There is also a little creature that you met in my last post.  I'm mentioning that now because Birdy will be showing up in a few odd places now and again and I may not mention it....just see if you notice though.

 

 

Here the book is open to show you a bit of what you might find inside.  Make it larger so you can really get a good look at what she has done here.  Log Cabin, one of my favorite patterns...and what she has done to add so much life to such a varied selection of 'pieces.'

 

 

And, here is one of Mandy's own pieces.  This was given to me several years ago.  I consider it one of the most "precious" items in my home.  That sweet bird.  And, my funny bird!

Mandy rarely buys new fabric, preferring instead to use vintage and antique fabrics along with her rescued quilts or embroidery.  Yes, inspiration, indeed!!!

 

 

And, here is Mandy's first book.  So filled with stitching goodness!  There is a little trick I do when I don't feel well.  I can get a book or two or three....a comfortable quilt, and a nice hot cup of tea....and "pile up" on the sofa, studying the photos, reading the text, feeling the inspiration, and before you know it...I feel better.

           FYI:  I ordered my books from amazon.com.   And, here is more information on Mandy:

blog:  threadandthrift.blogspot.com  etsy: etsy.com/shop/mandypattullo

                                                                        Wishing you a

VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Have a Warm and Happy Heart

from

                                                                     Bird Nest Cottage

                                                                            ❤️❤️❤️

 

A VERY SPECIAL BOOK!!!

 

Remember, I told you I'd post about a very special new book?  And, here it is:

"THE CRAZY HABERDASHER'S INSPIRING LIFE"

by

BRIAN HAGGARD 

Published by Quiltmania

in France 

 

Here is the cover...please click to see these enlarged, as I cannot possibly do the book justice with my limited photographic ability.   I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this book.  I do own each of Brian's previous books and I can tell you that if Bird Nest Cottage catches on fire...Brian's books will be leaving with me!  That means I am terribly fond of them and using a word from the title of this new book - I find them INSPIRING to the Nth degree!  If you like what I like...you will want one for yourself!!!

 

 Now, Brian is one of my best friends and one of my favorite people on planet Earth, so as you can see, I get to have a special autograph in my book!  It means an awful lot to me that he took the time to make this special drawing for me!  The graphics in this book are quite interesting and add so much to the book....not to mention that the text is written first in French, then in English.  I don't understand French, but I do love to see it written on the page, so this is an added bonus in my opinion and I enjoy 'reading' it.  Beautiful!

 

 Here is Brian!  (I apologize for the glaring light!!!)  He is a great guy and is over flowing with talent.  I am amazed by his talent even more with each project he creates.  As you will see in this book, he is also a wonderful decorator too.  (And you thought I had a lot of stuff!!!  Wait til you see his, only he knows what he is doing!)

 

 Just beautiful!!  There are quite a few photos of his home/studio.  I think it would take weeks to see every little thing!!!  Beautifully displayed to the max!

 

 Of course, he has Crazy Quilts!!!

 

 I just loved this bowl and lamp full of pincushions!!  And, that little stitchery on the wall is DEAR!!!

 

 Oh, be still my Heart!!!  Look at this collection!  So much more beautiful in the pages of this book!

 

 More goodness to admire!!

 

There are several of these faces.  Magnificent!!!

 

 And, this item is one of my favorites...because...look closely in the next photo....

 

 The lace frame is EMBROIDERED!!!!  OMG!

 

 I would buy the book just to see this "up close and personal!"

 

 And, I love this girl!  Look at that embroidery!  So PRECIOUS!!!

 

See the Log Cabin quilt behind this quilt?  In my next post, I will tell you about it.  It's all about a personal connection I have with Brian.  Amazing what has become of that quilt!!   The quilt on top is quite amazing.  Have I talked you into ordering this book yet? 

 This is the cover quilt.  Quite beautiful!!!  And, of course, much prettier than any of my photos can say.  I LOVE the vines and leaves on this quilt.....of course...you do know that green is my favorite color!  Brian's embroidery completely blows my  mind!!!

 

 I thought this basket on the door was just divine.....with embroidery and ribbons....I could go nuts over those envelopes tied in ribbon too.  I like to imagine they are full of other people's memories!

 

 LOVE the pincushion!!!

 

 Like I said.....text printed in French first, then English.  Makes such an interesting looking page.  And so SPECIAL!!

 

 My copy even has a special drawing in the back.  So dear.  Look over there to the left...LOVE seeing

the mannequin kneeling like that....I'd say grateful to live in such a place!!!

Ok, you know you want one!  For ordering your personal copy, here's how to get one:

 

 To order:

Brian's blog: HERE 

(You can ask for special book signing here)

Direct Order:  HERE

Tomorrow I will be posting more from this book...a very special post regarding the old navy  man, Brian's tribute to him, and something you will love called "Pat's Big Heart."  All because I gave Brian and pair of scissors and said "cut this quilt in half."  

from

Bird Nest Cottage

until next time

♥♥♥