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







Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Just fiddling!!

Hi! I want to say a really big thanks to you all for caring so much about my leg, it's hugely appreciated honestly. At the risk of over doing the info though there is more news, developments so to speak. In all honesty I know I shouldn't have gone to work on monday...but I did...and boy did I suffer because of it. Last night was horrendous so today I sought more medical advice. Apparently I don't have tendonitis, I have a bacterial infection under the skin on my lower shin. That sounds so much worse yet it is a relief. Firstly because I couldn't begin to imagine how I could get tendonitis, it can't be all the jogging I do (ha, ha!!) Secondly it means there is treatment which leads me to believe it will improve. So here I am, off work with tablets so big I am sure they are meant for a horse! and strict instructions to wear a 'support' stocking before I even think about geting on a plane next week. So can I beg more positive thoughts please so that by take off I am back to normal and if they work I promise to bring you a present back from Sweden!!
Now onto todays offering, proof that I am being good and taking it easy. There is only one new piece here (small, white, lower left) so I am cheating a bit, but to satisfy the ''sit down and put your leg up brigade'' I have been fiddling with easy non challenging stuff. In preparation for the Makeydo I have been mounting these little samples, ready to put into clear bags. I had an e-mail from my good friend Jodie with a few tips on selling at fairs. One of them was to have a basket or similar full of little things that people could have a good rummage around in so these are probably going to fit that purpose, safe and secure inside polythene of course.


Now you would think that with all this time off work stretching ahead of me that big plans would be taking shape.......WRONG!! My mind has gone blank, it is so frustrating. AAAAAAAAAARGH!
So for the moment, whilst I am waiting for the big idea/revelation I am picking up this. So you don't get bored of looking at it I am showing you a different angle, the back! Quite brave of me I reckon, please don't judge me too harshly.

One really exciting thing I have done since I have been incapacitated is order some printed tape for my work. There will be two types, more info and images when I get it, I can't wait! Now I am off to see if I can conjour up a brainstorm. x

23 comments:

Guzzisue said...

varma tankar !!

hopefully that is warm thoughts in Swedish, if its something rude instead, PLEASE DELETE!!

Love the samples :-)

Karen said...

I couldn't possibly delete it. it sounds amazing, just how I feel!!

méri said...

Hope you get relief at once and recover soon and respect strictly all the recomendations - even those horse tablets :(

Your samplers are an inspiration!

Take care and don't forget those support stocking!
h&k

Jackie said...

Is it cellulitis? If so take my advice and BE CAREFUL!
Its a good idea to have the 'little things' at a craft fair. You could have some big spectacular expensive NFS pieces to attract attention.Good luck.

Jane said...

Hopefully with the tablets, there will be a speedy recovery. Good use of the imposed time off work

Victoria said...

Thank goodness you found out the true problem! Hope you are all healed up lickity-split. The sample cards look wonderful!

Joei Rhode Island said...

Glad you asked for a second opinion and are being treated correctly. Still...keep that leg elevated =-) and don't force the brain .... you will find something to work on....I'm sure.

Love the white on white.

Elizabeth said...

Take very good care of yourself because a bacterial infection is serious, big time.

Diane Cransac said...

OH what fun they all will have rooting around in your samples basket. I envy them. Those little pieces are just gems! Glad to hear they have a solution for your leg. If its a bacterial infection your pills will probably start helping within two days. Hope the pain goes away and STAYS away and I wish you a good journey Karen!

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and wishing you much fun Bunny-hopping your way around Sweden. Take care of yourself Karen, we all want you properly better!

jude said...

sorry about your leg issues and hoping all clears up soon. love the back of things as you know, sometimes they are the front to me. the samples are great.

Threadspider said...

I've been dying to see the back of your pieces! You must have read my mind.
The little samples are very attractive and will surely appeal to buyers. How about little bags with small squares of silk and a few fabric and thread oddments oddments too? It's the kind of thing I always buy-hoping the genius of the seller will rub off.
Take care.

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

The little pieces are lovely,you could frame one as an example for your stall.
Make sure your resting!

Gina said...

Get well soon Karen!

jennyflowerblue said...

Surgical stocking huh? Mmmmmmmm, will be looking out for it re-appearing behind a cut work window when you are all better. (which I do trust will be very very soon) xxx

AnnaVallance said...

Your creations are awesome.

syko kajsa said...

I hope the horse tabs will do the trick and get you well in time for your trip!!

The tip you got for the fair is good, I always try to have a basket with something small to dig a around in too!

Love the gingham flowers!

Do you speak any Swedish btw? That's my mother-tongue, I belong to a Swedish-speaking minority in Finland.

Trevlig resa!

Dee said...

Gorgeous work!

Helena said...

Hi Karen!
So nice to hear from you. Your blog is truly inspiring.
Take care,
Helena

Elizabeth said...

Just came by to see if you are keeping your leg up.

Have fun in Sweden, if you are able to go.

Happy Easter holidays.

Elizabeth

Jacky said...

Your blog never ceases to inspire me.... love the pieces for the upcoming market.

Take care of that leg and definately have the positive vibes going that it is functioning normally for your holiday in Sweden...have FUN!

Jacky xox

Francesca said...

Hi Karen, hope your daughter didn't run into any trouble in London the other day.

I have a little award for you - hop over to my blog to find out.

Miriam said...

I'm i first time visitor. i love your work!:D
Hope that your leg will feel, better, and that you enjoy your vacation in sweden!:)

(I'm Swedish. Right now, it's 18*C and not a cloud on the sky :D WONDERFUL!)