Needling News

Writer's friend Bittie has done needlework for ages. She so enjoys the activity, and writer has commissioned her work many times. 

Writer's grandmother did needlepoint, usually embroidering one of her hundred handkerchiefs. Bittie loves to sit down with a highball and go to work. "It's repetitive. It's relaxing," she says.

Bittie does a simple half cross tent stitch:


Bittie made this key fob for Writer's friends' engagement:

And, currently, Bittie is working on this belt for Writer; hoping to have it finished for holiday wear:

Click here- The College Prepster's guest blogger, Little V, explains wonderful tips and tricks for making one's own needlepoint belt (many of which Bittie's taking). 

Needlepoint is very en vogue. Garden and Gun tweeted about the, "obsession," recently. G&G says, "Southerners have always loved needlepoint—whether it’s a framed 'Home Sweet Home' sign in an entry hall, a piano bench, a personalized belt, or pair of loafers. The intricately designed handiwork is just about the most durable, long lasting heirloom you could pass on to your children and grandchildren."

Writer quite agrees! But, doesn't writer agree with everything G&G says! 

Favorite Media Mums

Just as 'mums are added to gardens everywhere, writer gives a nod to their homonym as traditionalists know it.

3. Lea Hilfiger:

And, is that Gracie wallpaper? Lea and stylist Karl Templer apparently have faultless taste.



Laird + Partners created this marketing campaign circa 2010- Tommy Hilfiger's the family Hilfiger. The campaign is ongoing, and has new spin for fall/winter 2013. The youngest Hilfiger is off at University.

And, there's Lea showing her off:



Lea is mother- always sunglass clad; a cocktail always in hand. I'd say it's a gimlet. What's better than buzzed Mums?



And always dressed fantastically- stylized as traditional with a nod to the whimsical.

Tommy Hilfiger is reclaiming the brand for traditionalists searching for well priced goods. (Let's forget about the 90's TH hip hop sportswear.) Writer has put Hilfiger's brand where its mouth is. Writer owns a pair of navy khaki pleated shorts worn for six years and still kicking. Mummy knows best!

One guesses most families have matriarchs that shape the style of the rest of progeny, many times, the husband too. Lea's taught her family well. So, advise Tommy to stop overusing his logo insipidly, Mums.



2. Marilyn Truman

- William's mother from Will & Grace.

Who could play Marilyn better than Blythe Danner! She is the mother of Gwynie. And, Gwynie is the mother of Goop.

Marilyn is tradition at its most aloof. Will once recalled a near drowning. To save him, Marilyn offered her foot; so, she wouldn't get wet. Yes, most mother's do give children psychological hang ups. How could we fault such a terrific character!

Marilyn is a Connecticuter with all the parts of a traditionalist. Marilyn is always wearing something elegant, and dishing out her trademark advice- mostly telling Grace not to slouch. We all know the love of a mother veiled in almost comical critique.

1. Bunny MacDougal:

Bunny may not be as popular as she was the adversary of Charlotte York on Sex and the City. Bunny, played by Frances Sternhagen, was an antagonist of Trey, Bunny's son, and Charlotte's marriage. But, writer can't help but compare her to his own mother . . . in the best ways.

Charlotte explained to her divorce lawyer emphatically, "On Easter morning she would put chocolate eggs under his pillow. . . . She still buys his underwear!"

There are those mothers one would consider overbearing, but isn't that the way most mums show they care- by doing.

Alright, the bathside talks with Trey were a bit odd. But, look how she decorates a guest suite:

The mallard on the mantle, the chintzy blue and yellow; that bed! All by Bunny! Trey once explained to Charlotte that, "Mother does all of our houses." Bunny is learned on house- "You cannot not have a dust ruffle. It's unsightly." Yes, Bunny is definitely a traditionalist!

Don't think you'll get away with bad manners in front of Bunny, either. As she instructed Charlotte, "Don't hustle me; this is Chanel!":

Note keychain, smug look, and boucle. Bunny is, also, still wearing bows.  

Writer loves a traditional mum. They instill in their children what preserves our way of life.

Cin, cin, Mummies!