Sunday, April 5, 2009

Dragonfly Boudoir Box

I DID IT. I DID IT. I DID IT. I DID IT. I DID IT.

Please imagine myself jumping up and down here, wiggling my butt like crazy, making weird sounds and you'll receive a pretty realistic picture of my state of mind right now. What mind btw?

I DID IT (or did I say that already???). And phew, that was quite a bit work involved.

Making a box like this from scratch is not too difficult when following precisely the directions as given by Judy Odell, but it surely is quite work intensive. Because I had to learn couple of new things - like the ladder stitch and how to use my newest bestest friend the curved needle AND because I was afraid to screw it up, it took a bit longer then expected. In the end I'm very happy I finally kicked myself in the butt and did it.

Dragonfly Boudoir Box

And in reality the box looks even better then on the pictures.
I am SOOOOO happy right now.

And did I say "when following the directions ...blabla?" Of course I didn't. As my husband would say: she never follows any directions - why do you think she would do now?
I followed the directions word for word until almost the end. But then I thought, stuff it, I'll do it my way. Now...I can assure you, if Judy Odell tells you to lace then you do NOT glue. At least not if you don't want to screw up. I glued the fabric of the lid, and the glue was clearly visible. It caused me quite a bit work to get it nicely fixed. There is no glue visible anymore, but next time I follow Judy's directions to the T (I think...lol)

Ohhh....and I'll start this month another Chatelaine project. Here is a picture of the Hanging Garden of Semiramis, and I mounted that picture on my chosen fabric

36 comments:

Dani - tkdchick said...

Wow your box is just stunning!!!!!

Rene la Frog said...

Awesome box!!! Doing a happy dance for you. You have every right to be proud of it.

The new project will be beautiful too.

Lou's addictions said...

Wow, I love that box. You did an awesome job on it.

Diane (di) said...

Oh my goodness, YOU DID IT!! :) I'm wiggling with you. It really is beautiful and the finishing you've done. Gorgeous!!! I'm so glad you're doing Semiramis... it'll be fun to have company. Love your fabbie choice for it, too. Congratulations Gabi!!! (((hugs)))

Unknown said...

Absolutely fabulous Gabi! You are way too talented lol.
Love the new project!

Emily in NC said...

WOW, I am majorly impressed. Came out fantastic. Your nest project looks just as ambitious.

Nessa G. said...

Amazing! Even lovelier than the original and I'm quite partial to pink ;)

I am glad though that I did not get the GPA version of the box I've long been eyeing. I don't think I have your patience or talent for finishing right now.

Cannot wait to see Hanging Gardens!

Debbie Jo said...

Awesome job on your box! Your next project is going to really be stunning. Will be watching.

craftypatty2 said...

WTG awesome box!

HUGS Patty

Nancy M said...

It's absolutely AWESOME! I can see why you are wiggling your butt! Your finishing skills are just unbelievable! I feel so bad, I have a tiny 3-D house that only needs a roof and it's been sitting here for 2 years. Guess I should look up the ladder stitch and get a curved needle! What a thing for your family to treasure and pass down over the years. Good luck with new Chatelaine project.

Terri said...

Gabi this is absolutely beautiful. I can see why you are jumping up and down lol.

Your next project looks great on that fabric

Solitary Raven said...

wow :) I love the dragonfly box... I have wondered about doing it... and you have proven to me I should ... it is great :) happy dancing with you... Hope I can still get the chart :)
also have fun with your next project! Your blog looks lovely as well :)
Laura

Sharon said...

This is breath-taking!!! This piece is sure to be treasured for MANY, MANY years to come. I love the hanging gardens too. You have quite the talent for enabling, dontcha know! :)

Deborah said...

Gabi,
Your box is one of the most exquisite things I have ever seen!!
Fantastic job!!
Told you that you could do it with no problem - I had complete faith in you!
Great new project, I will be anxious to see started!!
Love and Hugs!
Deborah

Binky's Blog said...

That is simply amazing work that you have done. A great big congrats.

Unknown said...

All I can say is WOW! That is an absolutely gorgeous box!
Heidi-ILCS

Carolyn NC said...

Gabi - I'm beginning to think we really like the same designs. I'm not going to stitch it any time soon, but I'd already decided that this Hanging Garden was a must have! Can't wait to see your progress! Your box is just beautiful - you did a fantastic job!

Cynimin said...

Just gorgeous! I'm impressed with all of your work.

Meari said...

Absolutely stunning, Gabi! Well done!!

Donna said...

The box is just absolutely beautiful! Great job!
I had a curved needle, but never knew what to do with it.

Jeanie said...

Your box is absolutely gorgeous ! Great job !

Anonymous said...

Huge congrats, Gabi! When I assembled Martina's Leporello with Judy's instructions I went through exactly the same (ladder stitch, curved needle, plus using a hot glue gun for the first time, brrrr....), so I know how absolutely incredible it feels to be holding the completed masterpiece at last and mutter "*I* did *this*???" in a stupor. Jump and wiggle away, you go girl!

Mel said...

The box is so great!!
It's really, truly beautiful Gabi.

Can't wait to see the new project start up.

Katrien said...

The box looks great! Congrats!!
Katrien - ILCS

Jan said...

Wow! That is great! Lovely, just lovely.

Sharon said...

What a stunner! Congrats!

Kathy said...

I am speechless. Your box is stunning. You should be proud. You did an amazing job on it.

Nathalie said...

Beautiful box! And the Semiramis picture is so wonderful looking! I think I might just have to do it, lol. But great job on finishing that box!

Julie said...

Beautiful work!

Quiltsmiles said...

Love your Dragonfly Box, It is so beautiful! The patience of a stitcher. Please contact me on where you got this pattern. I have a friend that is inspired be dragonfly's and this would be perfect for her. Thanks

Jane

Anonymous said...

WOW! That box is gorgeous! And the Hanging Garden's is none too shabby either. Enjoy your happy dance because you have earned it!

Robyn in Oz said...

Impressive box you've made, congratulations!

Mimosa said...

Hello, your box is absolutely gorgeous! I really love it!!

Thanks,
Mimosa

Debbie Jo said...

Your Dragonfly Box is gorgous! Congrats on the finish.

LadyV said...

You did it and it's beautiful! Your joy comes through loud and clear in your post...I'm celebrating right along with you!

Awesome job!

Vee
http://brokenneedle.typepad.com

Kim from Oz said...

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING Gabi!!

You did a brilliant job and it is just gorgeous.