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







Sunday, June 28, 2009

So relaxed

It's amazing how much more relaxed I feel now the ''secret'' project is out of the way. I know I felt under pressure at the time but it's only now that it's finished that I realise how stressed I was. I also think I am much more productive when I am relaxed. This weekend has been fantastic. Two posts! friday and today and also these brooches made for the ''do''. On top of this I have been working on my doll. She is really coming on and I hope to have the first part damp stretched before midweek so I can show you. There has also been a lot of Glastonbury watching going on here too. Not a lot of dancing round the living room but a little bum wiggling at times!
Anyway, I digress, here they are, another four brooches. I suppose I should really consider getting them all in their little bags soon, maybe a few a day then I won't have a mountain to do all at once. As the ''makey do'' is getting nearer I am getting more excited. It's quite a long way from here, about a 4 hour drive so we are going down the day before and have booked to stay in Canterbury. I have never been there before so even if I don't sell anything I will have had a little break so it's all good! Right, I am off to attend to my doll and maybe wiggle a little to Bruce Springsteen!

16 comments:

jennyflowerblue said...

I see you baby, shaking that a*s*! You will have a ball in Canterbury, maybe even a sparkley bullion knotted ball!

Jane said...

They've had a good line up there this year. So glad you're enjoying yourself now, can't wait to see the doll

Mihaela said...

Beautiful!!

Kirsten said...

Hi Karen! Thanks for the comment in my blog - the adress for the class is www.suziblu.ning.com but I think it's too late to register - but she is putting up classes later too. The class is really worth it's money because her videos 3-4 a week are hours long... and so much fun!
I love your brooches and your embroidery! I'm thinking of embroidering some of the dresses for the dolls and your blog is a great source for inspiration!

Jackie said...

very lovely brooches. Should do well.

connie said...

These are beautiful. I am sure you will do well at the "DO".

Glad you are having such a nice weekend!

Diane Cransac said...

Good to hear you are finally relaxing.Hope everything comes together for a wonderful makey-do!

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

Lovely brooches. You threw me with the extra post. Canterbury is a lovely city. I'm sure you'll enjoy being there. Bruce Springsteen hasn't lost any has he!! My word, no!
Janice.

Carlie said...

I have just discovered your blog and I am very impressed with your style, I just love it! Keep up the great work!

Victoria said...

So pretty... I especially like the yellow one, and the turquoise and pink one... almost like tiny exquisitely iced cakes... yummy!

murgelchen said...

Your work is only wonderful.
LG,
Helga

Elizabeth said...

Have fun with Bruce.

Ulla said...

The brooches are lovely, like always!

potsandpins said...

Oh my gosh Karen - your work is insanely beautiful! I wouldn't have thought it could be prettier but it is! I love your pins - you call them something else and now I can't remember what but they are just gorgeous! I'm sure you'll sell them all! It was so fun "catching up" and seeing what you've been up to - you put me to shame! I need some of your energy or maybe I just need to get me some Springsteen and start wiggling too! Have a great show! xo, Nan

Threadspider said...

Rock and roll brooches-excellent! Glastonbury was great this year-I thought Neil Young rocked like the best of 'em! Hope you are surviving the heat OK.

Lakshmi said...

Hi Karen,
Beautifyl embroideries..pleasing colours..I want to know the stitch You have done in white in the last picture..