(Note - if you read the Here2There blog... this is mostly the same post... but there's a bit more here...)
Sometimes... I find that the gifts I decide to make are gifts I want to give because they're important to me... or sentimental... or symbolic... and not necessarily because I think they are the gifts someone "wants" to receive. It's a strange thing, I guess. In this case, I hope it will be loved and treasured... even as it comes along with regular store-bought gifts. I do sometimes wish that my family all shared the same sensibilities about this kind of thing... that a hand-made piece of art would be "perfect" and not "only perfect as an add-on"... But, at this point in my life, I know the realities, and so I bought what was wanted and made... what I wanted. How come it feels and sounds a bit selfish of me?
The pillow is for a family member, and it was a special project to work on. I know the recipient loves animal print... and always has. And I know that their household colors involve lots of deep and dark browns. And so I went through my stash of pieces, large and small, and pulled out the this's and that's... only a few of them "technically" animal print, and wove something together in terms of color and tone that I love.
I did have to go out and buy the home dec fabric for the top and bottom (and back), and I had hopes for a perfect print... but I couldn't find one. (That trip to the fabric store was one that was carried out to the tune of a four year old in the cart singing, "Pee... pee... pee... I have to pee... " as I tried to quickly find what I needed.) This plaid, however, did seem perfect - really perfect for them and for the pillow. The other fabric I considered is one I already had in my stash, a vibrant orange print with varying shades and a random leaf pattern... very "safari" in feel somehow. It would have worked, but I'm so happy with how this plaid turned out. The whole piece is still vibrant and rich and fun... but very sophisticated at the same time. I hope he loves it.
And, it was satisfying for me... to make it... and to give it.
