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, October 31, 2009

cushions, edges and (more) fragments

The cushions are finished. All day thursday sewing, stuffing, adding trims and hand stitching edges. I made little trims for the back folds too because I wanted them to have another little touch, to make them stand out. You know I feel as if I am stumbling blindfolded into Sparkle. I have no idea how many things to take? which things I should take? small things or large things? what will sell? If I take big things like wrapping cloths they may not sell and will I have enough buttons and stuff if people want to only buy little things? My head really is swimming. Help?? If you feel you can it would be much appreciated. Then there's the fact that it's on for two days. What if I run out of stuff? Wishful thinking definitely but still something to think about. Now I've shared my headache (sorry) I will let you look at the pictures of cushions.

this is the back of the white cushion......(above)


the back of the flower cushion





and the back of the pink and green cushion.


Another fragment is also underway. I am really happy with this, it's like a precious piece of lace in real life and since I took this picture I have added to and finished it. I will show you that next time I promise and something else I am working on at the minute.






Lots of pictures today but not much else to say. I feel as if I am ''on a roll'' and need to keep going so I will wish you all a fantastic weekend and see you soon. x

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you come home with so much as a loose thread, then the people are crazy. Your work takes my breath away and I drool all over my keyboard each time I visit!!!! I recently found your blog and can't stop looking. Sorry, do I sound like a stalker....I'm not, just blown away by your stitches.
Marilyn

Anna Kristine said...

I love the light fresh colors! I'm always so inspired by your beautiful work. :) I love to do embriodery but don't do it nearly enough.
~Anna

Claire said...

Ohhh I REALLY love the rectangular tag flappy things on the cushions. A lot :-)

connie said...

You continue to amaze me. These are incredible and the just keep getting better. I agree with the first comment, I think it will all sell and quickly... Wish I could come see and feel.

I also love the fragment. I am missing snow and it makes me think of just that..

Take Care

Joei Rhode Island said...

If you run out early....celebrate with champagne and a cake!! Silly girl.. =-) Love the colors on the little cushions...but the white work always takes my breath away. I'd go blind...

Anonymous said...

Those cushions are gorgeous! lustrous! The embroidery looks like little jewels on them. I hope your headache goes away...asprin, maybe? (That's all the help I can offer from down here, I'm afraid)

Jacky said...

The cushions are delightful!!! Those special touches are truly beautiful and that gorgeous fragment!!!!!!
Your stitched works are treasures.


Jacky xox

Jane said...

It's so difficult to pick out a favourite, but I do like the stitching on the prairie points. Look forward to seeing how the fragment turns out.

Anonymous said...

cushions are stunning karen nd i love the lace sample,will tell thelma not to miss you in london

Gina said...

I love those fragments!

jennyflowerblue said...

These are finished so beautifully. Simon has a book on marketing which had a couple of bits which I tried to apply to my last craft fair; that people like scarcity-so perhaps just ut out a couple of each and replace as you sell, and that if you have some large pricier items the smller items seem like a reasonable compromise to someone who falls in love with your work- so yes, mainly saller items, but also a couple of biggies!

Jackie said...

I don't think I want to g with you...too much competition.
Love the flower cushion with the colourful spots.

Elizabeth said...

Oh Karen, your needle is going so much faster than mine every will. Wow what an amazing pieces you made again. I'm still drooling no matter how often I come by.

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

love it all and the fragment would be so beautiful as a precious cuff.x

Dolores said...

Simply divine.

Threadspider said...

Difficult to add to the praise-I agree with all of it, but I just want to say how much I love that white cushion with the coloured inserts and the little flaps.

Gayle said...

Love the rectangular tags...such wonderful creativity!!!

Victoria said...

everything you make is like a beautiful and precious heirloom. exquisite.

Sara lechner said...

I love the piece with the small "cameos", they really look like some!

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