An old friend asked me to make a pin for his wife. Even though I don’t usually do commissions, I couldn’t say no to this request.
David Wiesner (the amazing children’s book illustrator) and I were in the same class at RISD (1978) and he bought some of my pins back then. See posts about my pins here. He gave them to his future wife, Kim Kahng, who was a student at Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia during that time. At RISD, David and I were lucky enough to have David McCaulay as a teacher. See the pyramid pin I gave him here. Several years ago, David and Kim’s apartment was destroyed by a fire and everything was lost, including the pins. Years passed and David was reminded of the pins when we recently got back in touch. He thought it would be nice for Kim to have a new pin. I found out that she is a pianist and since I had just returned from visiting Istanbul, where carpets are sold at every street corner, I made a piano flying on a carpet. The pin is about 1 1/4″ x 2″. As you can see I made use of hooks and eyes. David reports that Kim is wearing the pin every day! I’m amazed at how the pins I made 35 years ago still hold memories.
January 10, 2012 at 12:03 pm |
Cette broche est adorable. Une belle histoire qui se poursuit en musique et aux couleurs d’Istanbul.
January 10, 2012 at 12:27 pm |
That is absolutely brilliant. It is nice that you still have the contact and can help repair a damage done by fire – the loss of mementos is devastating. Wonderful work.
January 10, 2012 at 12:52 pm |
fabulous ! you are really a witch and Iam sure it will be a lucky charm
michele
January 10, 2012 at 12:56 pm |
What a treasure!
January 10, 2012 at 2:10 pm |
You never cease to amaze me, the little piano pin is wonderful.
Jenny
January 10, 2012 at 2:12 pm |
You have gone way beyond even yourself with this pin, Salley. The hooks and eyes – oh to have your vision. I looked at the piano and wondered if you hinged the lid so it lifted up to show all the strings inside. That would be just like you….The carpet is captivating.
January 10, 2012 at 3:53 pm |
Marvelous little piece with such a clever use of hook and eye!
January 10, 2012 at 5:38 pm |
Salley, the piano is wonderful and your use of the hooks and eye are so cleaver. The rug is so imaginative. We were in Turkey not too long ago and I agree with you that rugs are sold where ever you look. Some how, I came home without a new rug. As always, I love your work and have introduced my grandchildren to your books.
Gita
January 10, 2012 at 6:23 pm |
This is such a wonderful piece and love how you used the hooks and eye. I am sure she will treasure it.
Debbie
January 10, 2012 at 6:44 pm |
Your piano pin is delightful, and I loved reading about your other pins. How incredibly thoughtful of him to order that pin for his wife!
January 10, 2012 at 6:57 pm |
What a lovely story, how wonderful that your hand crafty items are so valued by others. Makes all the stitching worthwhile.
January 10, 2012 at 8:50 pm |
Hi Salley! I’ll add to the chorus – the pin is wonderful. I read your other pin posts (Nice to hear about Niki!). You say you don’t recall making a doctor’s bag. I don’t know if you made more than one, but I had you make one for Kim our senior year! Sadly lost in the fire – but now replaced with a beautiful piano, her true passion. Thanks again.
January 10, 2012 at 10:38 pm |
David, thanks for writing a comment. Now that you mention it, I do remember making an old fashioned style doctor’s bag for you to give to Kim!
January 11, 2012 at 8:49 pm |
I love David’s books (have several and used them all while teaching second grade) and love your original designed pin for his wife. Thanks for letting us all know about this great gift of friendship, which Kim can wear with love.
January 12, 2012 at 2:56 am |
Oh, my, what a darling pin you have made.! The story was very touching, too. I cannot imagine losing all one’s handmade items! It was wonderful that you made this special piece for your friend. Such a clever design, too! Loved seeing this.