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, February 19, 2011

dots, knots and prairie points

Well technically they are not dots, they're little squares when you look closely but overall the impression is of dots wouldn't you say? This is another section of toe wrap two finished.....amazing. I seem to be making really quick progress with this one. The part of this you can't see is the section where I used cutwork on the red stripe with lace behind. I felt the need to have a stripe-less post today so that's why I have cropped that part out of the picture. I have to say that I always love the seams that are embellished with french knots. They kind of look like a 'proper' trim (as in shop bought) as they are so substantial and textured.

This will have to be put away for a while now though. No more toe wrap for at least 2 or 3 days. My wedding piece is ready to be damp stretched, mounted on a board and posted off to it's owner. I have had a request for more wedding favours too, ten this time so you will be seeing those shortly. Also there are my little books of embroidery, or sketchbooks. I am quite anxious to get those finished and as I only have six of the thirty pieces of embroidery that I need I think I should get a shake on!! So saturday night, party night. My place will be rocking to the sound of a hand embroidery needle...and the kettle, What about yours???

14 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

You and your posts are so much fun.

Yes, my idea of a fun evening at home is to be quietly sitting beside My Honey who is engrossed in figuring out on his computer how to make a wooden clock as my knitting needles click away. Ah, yes, that is the life!

Patchwork Linda said...

As its raining,grey and drab here in Norfolk I can't think of a better way to spend a day let alone an evening.

Ingrid said...

im always amazed of how much you get done!beautiful embroidery as always:-) here the weather is gorgeous, just got back from an hour walk, finally feeling some spring in the air..........

Elizabeth said...

The more I learn the more I am in awe of your work. You are so good holding your needle.

Wishing you a lot of fun tonight while rocking your needle. Is Robbie keeping you company or Bruce?
I am still trying to finish my clothposter, so enough work ahead for one night. My company will probably be some sweet voices of the past with some new found piece played on a cello.

Enjoy yourself.

xoxo e.

deanna7trees said...

love the square dots. i'll be watching a Netflix movie while stitching on my moon quilt pieces.

Jane said...

We can have a cyber party, lol, needles will be flashing here, for as long as I can stay awake!
I admire your patience and thickness of skin to do so many french knots.

fabriquefantastique said...

lol...Im barely out of bed today...but yes, tonight I will sit in my favorite chair and have a little knit. Lovely images today, Karen.

Amelia said...

beautiful as usual and my saturday night will involve something similar and the sofa. Fending off a sore throat at the moment . . . . .

Amelia.x

John'aLee said...

Oh I just love it. You come up with such 'different' stuff like I've never seen anywhere before. Thus...you are an inspiration to us all. So thank you soooo much for taking the time to share it with us all!

Tammie Lee said...

so many wonderful projects and this one is stunning.

Anonymous said...

I've been mounting embroidery today. Time I did some of the real thing!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

My evenings right now are taken up with crocheting two afghans for the weddings. Finished one this week and have a good start on the second. My light in the living room isn't bright enough for needlework unfortunately.

Anonymous said...

A rare Saturday evening out for us - very pleasant. Those french knot seams are tremendous.

connie said...

This is so nice. I just love the red and the yellow. So simple and beautiful.