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







Saturday, May 30, 2009

Commission

I finished my commissioned piece late last night and I am delighted to report that the customer loves it! I know that if someone approaches you with a specific request to make something for them from scratch it is probably safe to assume that they like your work, well even so, it doesn't necessarily stop the ''oh my goodness, will they like this, is this bit o.k.'' kind of angst. Happily though they appear more than delighted...phew, and thanks Virginia, it's been a pleasure. (mostly anyway, if you discount the sleepless nights!) I have photographed it from every possible angle to try and get a true reflection of the piece, even the obligatory folded images have been used. Somehow the flat, full image way below here doesn't do it justice, I hope these images give you more of an idea, a feel for the piece.

In the intervening minutes, whilst things have been damp stretching etc I have also made some of these. Guess what they will be? I am sure you will get it straight away I am so predictable!! So, as you can see I am still in ''Makey Do'' mode, producing for the fair. I have so many things I want to make, more dolls, more cushions, lots of buttons but it's back to work on monday, production will slow, it's inevitable. Hey ho. that's life. If I didn't work I don't suppose I could afford to go on a self indulgent jolly to the other end of the country to maybe sell zilch, zero, nothing, so there are advantages to the daily grind.

Enjoy what's left of the weekend, I am off to make dolls, buttons, puffs and pillows!!

16 comments:

meplusmolly said...

Your work is just so beautiful! such detail and such finish!
Just waiting to hear back about whether any stalls available still at the makey-do, crossing fingers ;0 X
Enjoy your weekend!

Elizabeth said...

A wonderful piece Karen. It is always such a joy to read your posts. It feels like you are sitting behind the computer with a big smile, you words are so full of energy. Each time I think she can hardly can wait to get back to what she loves most, sit down and make another series of stitches.

Have a fantastic weekend filled with that you love most.

méri said...

Beautiful work, Karen!
And a good weekend

Jane said...

Congratulations on your finish, it's beautiful. Enjoy tomorrow

Katy Swift said...

Another gorgeous creation. You really are very talented.

Jackie said...

I don't think I've ever told you how much I like folded fabrics.
I can absolutely appreciate the pleasure you get from making these pieces.They are lovely.

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Beautiful finish to all your work.x

Lajoni said...

Your work is incredible...I love it :)

meplusmolly said...

hello!

I've looked at the application form for next year and I can't actually see a date they have to be in for on there! Are you applying??

Are you applying for Sparkle(gourmet food & craft!) in Nov this year as well?

I'll be there again next year for the textiles one, such a lovely venue, its well organised and the exhibitors were lovely too!
Any Q's ask away, I'll help if I can! ;0 X

Victoria said...

Beautiful piece, no wonder the recipient is thrilled with it!

marie said...

your work is a "treasure", just beautiful! : )

Ulla said...

This is a beautiful, happy piece!

meplusmolly said...

Coee!
my email is hello@meplusmolly.co.uk, drop me an email and I'll send you the Sparkle info.
I know that the Textiles forms have only been emailed out the last few weeks so still plenty of time I would say! 0 X

connie said...

Oh my what a wonderful piece. I love the paper lace in this!!! I can see why the recepient is happy with it.

You have done it again :-)

Diane Cransac said...

Looks like you have been busy! Love the little pin cushions, they are so sweet. Hope you are doing well, I have been meeting myself coming and going!

Anonymous said...

A lovely piece of art: pretty, serene and very feminine. Thanks for sharing it.
julie x