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 27, 2010

subtle

This piece has been such a joy to make. It is so ''me'', more so than the coloured pieces. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy making everything I do but I'm sure we all have favourite colours, shades, techniques, surfaces and this almost completely sums up mine. It is going to be especially hard to part with this one but part I must and it is now listed. I swear if I was a millionaire I would keep everything I make, wouldn't be able to move for embroidery. (sorry it's gone now! this one is still there though) I only added three chinese knots, that felt like it was enough and I really don't think this piece needed fabric beads either, don't want to over egg the cake so to speak. There are tiny lace prairie points and most of the hand embellishment that I added is in the form of cutwork flowers on the white linen areas.




I have two more pieces tacked together and ready to go for purses but as for the handbag situation, I haven't decided on the shape or size yet. I really need to make a template but it is so hot here that it's affecting my work rate. Does anyone fancy buying a time share with me in the Arctic Circle for 6 months of the year?? I really detest, loathe, dislike and HATE this weather, roll on December I say.

This 3 column blog is working for me, how about you? I am so pleased with the way it looks and yesterday I added another list, of my favourite reads (on the left). I have tried to link to most of them but some unfortunately are out of print or not available any more for whatever reason. I am sure it will grow, as will the list of my favourite online shops so keep checking.
Up to now I have avoided the ''f'' word but it can't be ignored. Today is D Day, I am so stressed already, have been since last wednesday, take pity on me and send me tons of positive thoughts, please, pretty please.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a glorious piece of stitching; I can see why you wouldn't want to part with it.
Loving the new 3-column look :-)
As you know, Kaye went 'poof' last week - you might want to amend your new-look sidebar... and thanks for putting me in it.

Lois Evensen said...

I just love your work. I am new to your blog and enjoy seeing what you make. It reminds me of thing my Mother used to make. She made beautiful embroidered table cloths.

alice m said...

Yes I will join you at the Arctic circle. I spend my time trying to find some shade AND a breeze and some energy which just drains away in the heat. Like the plants in the garden, I am longing for some soft rain. The plus side is the fabulous scent (and appearance) of the rambling rose by our front steps and the honeysuckle round the back. I am loving your cool white patchworked embroidery.

Elizabeth Braun said...

I think your blog layout is certainly one of the better ones - the colours work well, no flashing or noisy bits and it's well laid out. Well done!

The only small reservation I would make is that the 3 column layout makes your main text window rather narrow and it can look a little bit tightly packed together. Perhaps the whole thing could be made wider somehow so it fills more of the screen?? Just my impression, although I normally follow vis Reader.=)

Elizabeth said...

Another stunning piece in white with some soft colours. Beautiful.
Sorry Karen I am not going to the artic circle. Finally summer after an endless winter, I am enjoying the warmth and have no need for snow yet.

Have a beautiful warm sunday.

xoxo

deanna7trees said...

No need to tell you how much I love your new piece--you already know that. I am enjoying visiting all the blogs, books and shops you have now listed with the 3 columns.So much new inspiration. I don't like the heat and appreciate that my home is air conditioned.
stay cool.

Jan said...

I wouldnt want to part with that either Karen ,it is simply delightful ,the foot ball is on as we speak ,..I keep popping in for a look ,and its so hot here too ,we just arent used to it are we ? .....love Jan xx,

Tammie Lee said...

I can see that you enjoyed making that top piece, it is so lovely in its subtlety. I will explore your 3 columns more as time goes on, it does look good..

Jane said...

Oh dear, I imagine you are crying now, hope you can find comfort in your stitching.
Glad I'm not the only one that slows down in the heat. This piece is gorgeous and i love the subtle colours

Stitching Away said...

May I be the first to offer my condolences over that F stuff...Not a F fan myself but the house if full of em. I would thread your needle if I could just to make ya smile again.
On a positive note though...your work is amazing and keep it up.

Karen said...

that's a lovely thing to say stitching away, thankyou. Actually I am not sad, bottom line we weren't good enough, second goal allowed or not. I didn't see the passion at all.

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

It's so hard to part with things we put our heart and soul in, which means these are special.xx

Diane Cransac said...

Sending positive thoughts and fairy dust by the barrelfulls your way! XOX

Jill said...

It is all over - now you can go through, denial, anger, excuses, blame, and finally exceptance and enjoy your wonderful skill with the needle.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry you are so stressed. If it's any consolation at all, I came immediately to your blog this evening to de-stress! Ever thought of making "embroidery pieces for contemplation". Your work is so beautiful and tranquil, even when there's a lot going on.

Rachel said...

Love the chinese knots, although remembering the struggle I had doing them once for a waist-tie, I'm not surprised you're stressed!

jennyflowerblue said...

Very serene. I too am a heat hater, it makes my brain fur up....and goodness only knows it wasn't the most efficient machine before! x

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

Hi Karen,
The piece is gorgeous and I hope you win the lottery so you never have to part with another single piece. The 3 columns is looking good and I noticed your reading section, which is an interesting addition - must take a look at some of them. As for the F word. Best not think about it any more. All the St George flags have now been removed from streets around these parts...
Janice.

Jackie said...

I am usually a heat hater but somehow I am loving the weathe rin general this summer. Its breezy here so you're welcome to pop over with your sewing and sit and cool down. I have a nice table in the garden and a shady tree.
Oh about the F word..even I was sorry about it all.