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 3, 2009

Put the kettle on!!

Tomorrow was going to be blog night for me, uploading pics etc. Today though I had a real sense that I was missing something, I have realised what it is, I am missing all of you wonderful, creative people. It has been so long, or it seems like a long time, since I have visited my favourite blogs and my lovely friends that I have decided I am coming to visit you all tommorrow night, have a good root around and see what you have been up to. I shall expect coffee.....so get the kettle on!
Progress has been made with my next cushion. The 'juxtaposition' must have jump started my brain after all. I can sense a theme here, is it just me or does all my recent embroidery look edible?? This looks like sprinkles that you find on the top of a cake or something, at least I think so. Totally accidental, I have no cravings, I am not half starved or in need of a sugar fix. It's a mystery! For this piece I wanted to create my own work to show through the cutwork areas. I haven't done any seed stitch for ages and I had forgotten how effective it can be.

I made just enough petals for the amount of cutwork I have planned for this piece, minimum waste and all that, so this part didn't take very long really. The downside, I want to do more but will resist the temptation to have another tantrum.

and here is part two taking shape. There is still a long way to go with this one, I have a plan..... so far it seems to be coming together nicely.




I will see you tomorrow........

10 comments:

méri said...

This is lovely, Karen!
I love to do seed stitch - easy and lovely, I use it many times.

Thanks so much for your lovely and supportive words! Today you have some little cakes which go very well with coffe (or tea)

MargB said...

Definitely yummy and I certainly don't need a sweet fix - not at breakfast time! And I love what you are doing with them.

Jane said...

I've made cake too, I'll make sure the boys leave you some.

This is such a cheerful and colourful piece, just perfect for these petals

Gina said...

Your stitching looks wonderful behind the cutwork - very effective and very edible colours!
I've got the kettle on... slice of cake?

Diane Cransac said...

Beautiful as always and very yummi looking too I must say. I get so excited when I see that you have posted and look forward to seeing what you have been working on. I have yet to try any cutwork but I adore yours. Someday I will have to do a project including that method.

jill said...

Just checked your blog whilst trying to get things sorted out at home in order to get organised and now I feel like baking cakes, if i find batteries to my camera you just may get a view, I love the petals and direction your going in.

jill said...

Just checked your blog whilst trying to get things sorted out at home in order to get organised and now I feel like baking cakes, if i find batteries to my camera you just may get a view, I love the petals and direction your going in.

Jacky said...

So beautiful, I love the effect of the seed stitch too.

Sara lechner said...

I love the process photos, karen. this work you are doing now has a special definition to it. I like to imagine the stitches that are somehow covered by other fabric on top. the hidden treasure, the generosity of letting it flow even it doesn't show all.

Victoria said...

I adore your joyful embroidered sprinkles, Karen!