Thursday, May 6, 2010

The Hatter Waits

"I think he's been sitting at that table, having the same tea, with the same people, in this kind of funk, for ten years, waiting for Alice to come back."
~ Johnny Depp



This waiting...this hope and loyalty and faith that the Mad Hatter has for Alice...that is what this block is all about.

The scene that follows the Mad Hatter's wait is one of my favorites. And it's the Hatter's reaction when he finally sees Alice again for the first time after sitting and waiting for years and years that makes it so.


Here's the excerpt from Disney's Alice in Wonderland as Alice comes upon the tea party and the Hatter catches sight of her:

At the sight of Alice, he bolted upright. His whole being seemed to brighten; even his clothes perked up. Transfixed, he moved toward her, stepping directly up onto and over the table, as that was the shortest route to reach her. Alice shivered a little as he came closer, staring at her intently. There was something in his face that made her anxious for him. She knew she couldn't possibly deserve the delighted look he gave her.

"It's you," said the Mad Hatter. He reached toward her golden hair, then pulled his hand back before touching her.

"No, it's not," the Dormouse snapped. "McTwisp brought us the wrong Alice."

The Mad Hatter shook his head. "It's absolutely Alice! You're absolutely Alice! I'd know you anywhere. I'd know him anywhere."

This time he did touch her, seizing her hand and pulling her back to the table. He stepped right up onto a chair and led her over the table the way he had come. Alice tried not to step on any teacups as they walked across the tablecloth. On the other side, the Hatter plunked her down in the chair next to his. She fidgeted nervously under his rapt gaze.

"Well, as you can see, we're still having tea," the Hatter explained. "It's all because I was obliged to kill Time waiting for your return. You're terribly late, you know...naughty. Well, anyway."

"Sugar?" asked the March Hare.

"Time became quite offended and stopped altogether," the Hatter continued. "Not a tick ever since."

This whole block is a precursor to this scene in Tim Burton's Alice. It's a snapshot in time...a vision of the Mad Hatter waiting...and, unbeknownst to him, Alice has already landed in Underland...he just doesn't know it yet.


Johnny Depp plays this scene masterfully...and it's amazing that his whole persona...his makeup, his clothes, his accent...all change with his mood. His character is remarkably written, acted and portrayed. I can't wait to do more blocks with him in mind...or out-of-mind...

This morning I felt like I've been painting. First came the foundation, the piecing and the seam treatments.


Then came the first layer of embellishment. And now, I think I'm on either the second or third layer. Building up the scene as one might build up a painting??


I don't know. I've never taken a painting class in my life but I've heard that what painters do. So, today, I felt a bit like a painter with threads...


I'm off to find Alice...see you next Time if someone doesn't kill him.

31 comments:

Mosaic Magpie said...

Your mind would indeed be a terrible thing to waste. Such creativity, amazing.

Gerry Krueger said...

Your "hatter" looks very mad indeed... All the detail is such fun to watch.... Hugs Ger

salley mavor said...

Impressive! You've captured the atmosphere of Burton and Depp's mad hatter scene. I can't wait to see what's next.

Marty52 said...

He is wonderful, Susan! He really makes the block pop, doesn't he? Keep going, I can't wait to see what is next!

Evelyn and Lise said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Catherine said...

Wow!! You just keep out-doing yourself with this piece! I find myself waiting impatiently for the next glimpse and can't wait until we can see the entire piece!!!

Perhaps Johnny will get wind of this project and pay your blog a visit - now wouldn't that make your heart skip a beat?

Evelyn and Lise said...

The mad hatter is wonderful. You say you are not a painter but what wonderful work you do with thread!!!
You have great imagination and your creativity is like a painter. Can't wait to see more..Lise

Front Range Stitcher said...

You know it's hard to comment, there are so many things to say about this block. Your intrinsic and extrinsic (the trinsics :)) inspirations are clearly in alignment and working beautifully together. Lucky us! Watching the process couldn't be more enjoyable!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

OMGosh!! I am stunned. I have no words. ME? no words...fooled ya!

Hatter is just to to absolutely off this planet!! So Perfect. OMGOSH, so glad you left the chair alone. He fits perfectly.

I can't imagine the pride you must feel in this accomplishment. Its so much more than embellishing a block.

We, not so patiently, await the next chapter.
xx, Carol

coral-seas said...

Well, you already know that I think you are a true artist but I'll say it again for good measure. Perhaps you should rename your blog "Paints with Needles"

Your Hatter is amazing, he has just the right air of insanity about him.

As well as eagerly awaiting every post, with every post you make me want to go and see this film more and more.

Rachel said...

I'll second what coral-seas has said, both about your artistry and about the film.
And yes - my mother is a painter, and she does indeed build up some of her paintings layer by layer.

Françoise said...

Extraordinaire!!!!
françoise

Sheila Iskin said...

Oh Susan,

This looks so GREAT! You know I think figures, faces and hands are so hard to do, and all I can say is WOW! Great job! How fun to see him come to life!

Shirlee Fassell said...

I love what you are doing!! I didn't see the movie but feel like I am in wonderland with Johnnie Depp.

Great fun
Shirlee Fassell

Re-Illy Unique said...

You are just amazing! I never thought I would be so excited and love embroidery so much, till I stumbled on your blog!
These are just amazing, it's like a waking dream, like you are looking into another world :)

Dees said...

Just one word... or abbreviation... or just: WOW! You have caught the Mad Hatter at exactly the right time, no wait.. that can't be, cause he killed time. At least, it didn't tick for quite some time, it has stopped alltogether... so, that makes me wonder: how will this story continue out of time?

Judy S. said...

Speaking of masterful jobs, Susan, that's a good description of your work on this block. Don't be surprised if DMC requests yet another project.... I'm loving watching this one progress. (Would you believe we had SNOW in OR?)

Ingrid Mida said...

Your work is truly magical!

Maureen said...

Great Job Susan!!! Love the Hatter!

Robin said...

WOW! WOW! WOW!

Susan, this is so amazing! Somehow, someway, Tim Burton & Johnny Depp need to see this. This is so amazing. Did I read that this quilt will be going to be on display at Columbus/TNNA? Please review the details. I'll be there next month, and I MUST see it in person. Thanks, Robin (Memphis)

Cathy said...

What a stunning work of art! I'm enjoying each little step. You've sparked my interest in Alice; I pulled out my old book (from childhood) with original illustrations, watched trailers on You Tube, and must go see the movie now. Look what you've done! Inspiring, indeed - and breathtaking!! Hugs, Cathy

Loralynn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Loralynn said...

In a word...Fantastic! I'm almost speechless...just...Fantastic!!!

allie aller said...

It is so cool to see you tuning in so acutely to Burton and Depp's vision here. You are fully continuing its expression in another medium...and the way you are capturing this eccentric and layered "moment": well, THAT is art.
Never mind how great the design and execution are...;-)
And the fact that you are serializing this for us...well..it is such a delightful gift you are giving to your readers and fellow stitchers. Thank you!

I've actually been learning to make tea in a more serious way lately. Tea....what is it about tea??!!!

Unknown said...

I'm thrilled I stumbled across this fantastical post! I'm afraid I can't do more than say "me too" with all the wonderful comments you've gotten. I wish I would have gotten to see the movie in the theater, now it seems I'll have to wait until the DVD is released (not the same effect at all though) I love your work and this piece is just fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing!

Maura said...

WHO are YOU?...and How is a Raven like a writing desk? How is it that you can be so brillant always?

Ruth Schmuff said...

Susan - you set the bar high for yourself on this one and you've leaped over it by miles. IT is fabulous already!

Elizabeth said...

Well I have taken painting classes and you ahve it stitched down just right!! YOU ARE painting with thread and it is magnificent!! SOmebody get Johnny on the phone to see what incredible creativity his art has fostered. as someone before me said, you are out doing yourself at every step and you are a tough act to follow even by you!!!!!!

Eagerly waiting for time.........

Seahorse Ranch Girl said...

Stunning. I think you've captured the Hatter well. And obviously Johnny captivated you, as he did me. I recently went, alone, to see the movie again. Better and better.

Emese said...

I've just found your blog, your works are wonderful!!!
Greetings from Budapest, Hungary.
Emese

Emese said...

I've just found your blog, your works are wonderful!!!
Greetings from Budapest, Hungary.
Emese

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