I have a real fondness and appreciation for great packaging...
I usually have my needlepoint belts "finished" by the ladies at The Elizabeth Turner Collection but, this one I decided to have custom leathered and buckled by Chuck Pinnell, aka The Chap Man. A master craftsman, Chuck was selected as Saddler to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
From the equestrian teams of 37 different nations to a furry judge of one...
Chuck also hand makes these gorgeous leather and ostrich with sterling keychains which are sold at my favorite Charlottesville fine furnishing's store, And George. I have the Tiffany blue ostrich one, that I love, but now I'm eying up a new one in either the navy or the Hermes orange leather (insert Babe rolling his eyes...)PS...received an note from Chuck this morning letting me know that he hopes to have a new and improved website up by this summer. And, ending on a funny note...I showed Babe this posting last night when he arrived back in town. His jaw dropped when he saw all the keychains, in what he thought was a staged photo on one of our plates, and he said, "are...all...those...yours?!" hahahaaa....poor Babe
What a stunning belt. I had a belt with a very similar buckle. That is stunning. Is that for you or Babe?
ReplyDeleteI love those keychains, And George looks like a wonderful spot. Just think of the fun we could have wrapping, needlepointing and keeping each other entertained.
Who do you attribute your excellent taste to? A person, a cat or were you just one of those born with it.
pve
Dear Allie in Gtown,
ReplyDeleteI agree with PVE, that belt is STUNNING. Love love love the buckle. Have been to And George to look for lamps, never thought to look for those key rings. Enjoy your new acquisition. Thanks for sharing Denise
I love that belt, how beautiful! Did you do the needlepoint and then have it custom leathered or did you buy the needlepoint somewhere?
ReplyDeleteI always do my own needlework and this belt is indeed for moi. I love needlepointing and could do it til the cows come home. My Nana, from yesterday's posting, introduced me to all kinds of needlework when I was très young and had me mass producing embroidered pillow cases, crocheted scarfs, and woven pot holders before I could read. My good taste (thank you for that compliment Patricia!)is very much a learned trait and my talent really lies in positioning myself near others with great taste so that I may learn thru osmosis. Kind of like an Alex Keaton meets Eliza Doolittle. XXOO
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the link in your blogroll - how flattering for someone with such pristine taste! In the meantime, I'll have to lend a little feature to your favorite Virginia shoppe here soon. Love your blog, keep it up and I'll keep reading loyally.
ReplyDeletexoxo, Jess @ The Love List
ps, if you like needlepoint, take a gander at my friends at Tucker Max
ReplyDeleteAllie! I am thrilled to see you are fellow stitcher. I am working on a belt right now, and a friend recommended having Chuck Pinnell finish it, so I am delighted to see his handiwork in action. Beautiful belt and beautiful stitching. It was so lovely to meet you yesterday. I am looking forward to many more such afternoons!
ReplyDeleteYou too Janet! We will most def have to make this a monthy habit. And, I highly recommend using Chuck, besides his exceptional craftsmanship, he was wonderful to work with. I am already midway thru the next belt and have been eying up one of his swanky sterling buckles! XXOO
ReplyDeleteI am in love with you're belt. I have been looking for a good equestrian inspired belt and haven't had much luck. Congrats on the finished product, it is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteim ALL about the packaging as well. perfect presentation!
ReplyDeleteDoes Chuck have anymore pictures of women in Chaps? Not very Trad but I'm a fan.
ReplyDeleteHahahaa...classic. Thanks for a final chuckle Trad as I walk out the door to the doom and gloom of the dentist for another horrible proceedure.
ReplyDeleteLove love LOVE your needle pointed belt! I've been working on a long, huge pillow for 5 years. I need a smaller project because I put it down about a year ago and can't seem to pull it back out... needle pointing is oddly obsessively relaxing isn't it? So glad to see your work.
ReplyDeleteJust stubbled onto your blog from Horse & Hound! I too am a Chuck Pinnell lover! Have you ever been to his shop? I am so lucky to live in Charlottesville and have always enjoyed going out there to pick out leather and buckles or get fitted for chaps! He is the nicest man! Enjoy your belt, its a beauty!
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