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, February 27, 2011

french knots, paper and cloth...

Back to blue and white, only on paper....I have been asked to make something similar for a book that I had used in other books before, so I made two pieces. These are so small, probably no more than 3 inches wide, maybe less, (too idle to go get a tape measure!!) All three pieces are for new books of embroidery, sketchbook form that I hope to have finished before the weekend. The colourful piece with the prairie point trim was oh so fiddly to make but worth it I think.
Remember I needed thirty of these little pieces? Well I have twenty now, more to show you tomorrow, so ten more to make...I am hoping to have my favours machined before today is over too, so there will be lots to tick off my list come the morning...I love a good tick!! It's a good feeling...

15 comments:

Jane said...

A good tick is very satisfying!
The prairie point piece is amazing

Joanna said...

Love the blue and white detail but my favourite bit is the french knot piece, so scrunchy looking in texture

Joei Rhode Island said...

Ah yes, the good *tick* process is everything but ticks are so satisfying.

Lois Evensen said...

Your work is so intricate, yet it seems you always have something new. You must be able to work quickly with wonderful precision. These are so pretty, Karen.

Hugs,
Lois

Suztats said...

I love those french knots! And the soft colours on that piece. I don't know why, I just do!

Tammie Lee said...

i love crossing things off my list as well!
so am i seeing this right, french knots on paper that has holes in it? Quite wonderful and the idea of mixing mediums like that is exciting.
love the little green pink and white too!

Jan said...

Time consuming you say ,yes but look at the result ,delicious ...love Jan xx

Elizabeth said...

Great to see your ideas for your booklets. Have a lovely tick off evening.

Pilgrim at Kerjacob said...

Love the way you've punched through the paper - I've done the same thing and love the effect.

Diane.

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Beautiful colours and textures.x

Jacky said...

I do love your work with the blue pattern pieces....scrumptious!
20 pieces of delightful stitching finished - you are a marvel.
Look forward to seeing the new books.

Jacky xox

Karen Larko said...

Wow! All those little french knots are so perfect! Beautiful work!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I really wish I could sit and watch you work sometime - your prolific-ness is incredible. (Yes, I know prolific-ness isn't a proper word, but it does fit!!). I love the little flowers surrounded by white french knots - reminds me of cotton candy.

Anonymous said...

I received my little embroidery book in today's mail, Karen. Very pretty and inspiring!

:) Linda

Anonymous said...

Fiddly but worth it, I feel, Karen!