For centuries women have used cloth as a tool of comfort and as an expression of beauty within their homes. Creating cloth for warmth, cloth for shelter, our female predecessors embellished these linens with hand stitch using laborious and time consuming techniques thereby enhancing the functional beauty of objects which enveloped and protected their families. Inspired by these women I hope my creations pay tribute to and recognise the devotion expressed in cloth by our female ancestors .







''the use of traditional often time consuming process alludes to the devotion of a mother''. c K. A. Ruane 2007







Friday, July 11, 2008

Progress....of sorts

Since my last post, (was it wednesday?) I have managed three brooches for the fair!!! Yippee, three whole brooches, I can hardly contain my excitement. I would also like to apologise for that hideous background in my last post, I wasn't sure, now I am, I hate it. If it wasn't for the fact that basically I can't be bothered I would change those images, but I will leave them, as a reminder of a bad mistake. These brooches, and other stuff whenever it may be completed, are going in the shop, then come the fair I will remove them, another yippee....I made a decision.


On an absolutely delightful, exciting and positive note, look what I finished yesterday....
my hook and eye cloth. I have edged one side with hooks and eyes and am so pleased with this that I am almost bursting with happiness. What do you think? The images aren't the best, sorry, but we are in the first phase of the seven plagues here, flood, and I am awaiting pestilence and whatever else is next on the list. Torrential rain is not conducive to good photography.
Seriously though, this particular cloth is quite large and I think I will struggle to get a decent image of the whole thing without professional help so I am considering an enquiry regarding the cost of a 'proper' photographer.






When I finish a major piece of work I always think 'what can I do now'. I do have to continue making for the fair, but regular readers will know that I am never happy or creatively satisfied with 'quick and easy' so making small will continue, alongside another wrapping cloth, form as yet undecided. You will be the first to know.

13 comments:

jude said...

this is beautiful karen, i know what you mean about photographing larger pieces, it is so hard to get the complete feel along with enough detail. this must be amazing in person...

méri said...

It looks beautiful!

Oh, the photos! I'm not good at photos. In fact I have a little camera, so... (my foolish excuse!)

But I think your photos are very good.

Gayle said...

These are amazing! Please take a look at my post today. :-)

Threadspider said...

Despite my earlier misgivings about hooks and eyes, I really really like the finished effect now. It's such a beautiful and inspirational piece. Makes up for the endless greyness of the light.

Camilla said...

Oh this is beautiful- I think it would be worth investing in professional photography (she says, not having any idea how much it would cost) or at least look into 'borrowing' a photographic studio at a local college perhaps? Documenting my work is something I keep promising myself that I will get better at, but I routinely put things in the post without having photographed them first.

thanks for your comment over on my blog today- it takes fresh eyes to see a change sometimes, I went back and re-read the last few posts and then gave myself a pat on the back.

jennyflowerblue said...

Really liking this edging. I think again this lack of function is almost decadent.....good stuff. The glimpses are a real tease.

Victoria said...

The brooches are beautiful, and the cloth, stunning! Oh, the details! The lovely, lovely details that you do!

(And so sorry about the current plagues you are enduring! I do hope you are spared the locusts!)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and well done - it is beautiful.

Jacky said...

Karen your wrapping cloth is AMAZING, I wish I could see it in the flesh to really appreciate it.

I have enjoyed following your progress too as you make this beautiful piece.

Well done and cant wait to see what your next large project will be!

Jane said...

It is beautiful, and it has been a pleasure to watch the progress. Can't wait for the next one. Love the brooches

Anonymous said...

Karen this is your mum you are inspirational as you know i have not done any creative needle work in along time, you put me to shame i am definitely getting my quilt out of the loft i promise!

Jacky said...

Hi Karen,

just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for the Brille award!
I just love visiting your blog and seeing your inspirational work - soooo beautiful!
(sorry, dont have your email address so couldnt let you know via email).

Jesse said...

While I'd love to see a photo of the whole cloth, your photos of the details are beautiful!