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, December 19, 2009

does it??

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, hence my question. I know, I've been away so long, too long, I have truly had withdrawals. Why?? Well, monday, tuesday and wednesday I was at work trying to convince anyone between the age of 11 and 16 who would listen that there REALLY IS A FATHER CHRISTMAS. Sadly I think I've failed and now there are several hundred young people who are thinking, ''Miss Ruane needs help!'' Well I believe, don't you? Next christmas stuff, shopping, wrapping, you know how it is I'm sure you're all doing it. Last night I went out for the evening with my husband, my fingers wanted to be doing this but I thought, hey, let him see the woman who's always hiding under a mountain of fabric and thread. Today I ventured north in Arctic conditions, in the car, on my own, reluctant to travel at anything more than 20 mph delivering and collecting gifts. I've been home about 4 hours but then I just had to watch Take That and eat some divine homemade ham soup, thanks mum! So here I am eventually, begging forgiveness. The first part of a commission I have received is coming along too. The white silk piece is the first of two I am making for the same person, a little peek for you Indgrid..... The buttons I have made for a gift, a christmas gift, for someone who isn't online, ever. Let's hope it stays that way until 25th, fingers firmly crossed.





I think I am part way to solving my dilemma from last time too, at least in my head. Putting it into practice might be a different matter only time will tell. I may be back sooner than you think, progress is good! Have a lovely weekend, don't get overwhelmed by wrapping paper and be good or father christmas won't come!

15 comments:

Lajoni said...

I must say personally I do prefer the white or cream pieces you do they are simply beautiful, and those buttons are really pretty.....have a lovely Christmas and happy new year xx

Pots and Pins said...

Thanks so much for your holiday wish - and right back at you! Father Christmas?! Absolutely! I am the biggest believer this side of the pond - and always will be! I'm also in awe of your latest work - you are truly an artiste! Merry Christmas friend - and Happy New Year too! xo, Nan

Diane Cransac said...

I am glad you are finding solutions. I knew you would! I hope you have a joyous holiday, full of rest and relaxation!

ps.my word verification was ressnest, doesn't that just sound cozy?

Anonymous said...

I'll look forward to seeing your solutions to your dilema - how intriguing. Hope that Santa is very good to you and yours! Have a wonderful Christams.

P.S I believe in fairies too! What's life without a bit of magic?

Ingrid said...

Oh Karen,its gorgeous I love it!

Jane said...

Delightful as always.

gunnelsvensson said...

So beautiful as always! I can´t understand how you have time to sewing all that beauty, it´s must take a lot of time with all that handembroidery ? But I know you love to do it!
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a new godd creative year
Gunnel x

jennyflowerblue said...

All crisp and fresh and lovely. As for Father Christmas, I have a huge soft spot for big beardy guys! xx

Tammie Lee said...

Your art as always is so lovely. I just love to look and look and look.
That was a stiff task trying to tell teenagers about father xmas! Brave woman!

Threadspider said...

May Santa bring you everything nice and I too wish you a happy and stitchy Christmas.

Jacky said...

Your fragments are just beautiful ...truly beautiful.

Wishing you and yours Peace and Joy at Christmastime. Yes, I believe in Father Christmas too!

Jacky xox

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Karen, Merry Christmas to you and your family. I believe in Father Christmas. I love beening a kid at heart. It keeps us young. Your stitching is as beautiful as ever. I look forward to hearing the solution to your dilemma. Hugs Judy

Liana said...

Very nice work, I like the buttons...Your embroidery had a nice touch of antique. Congratulation!
Merry Christmas!

Denise Kiggan said...

Magnificent white on white work! Have a lovely Christmas!

Grangry said...

Karen, about believing in Father Christmas. Conversation between my daughter Jen and her son Joe, aged 8.
Jen: "What's up Joe?"
Joe: very upset and tearful, "Max's mum says father christmas isn't real"
Jen:"Well, Joe, do you believe he's real?"
Joe: "I want to, but I can't work it out"
Jen: "Well, Joe, if you believe in him, he's real to you!"
Joe: "Yes, but I really need to know"
Jen: "Why is it so important for you to know Joe?"
Joe: crying and very distressed "Because if I don't find out, my children might not get any Christmas presents because I won't if father christmas is bringing them or if I have to buy them"