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, April 16, 2011

blue and white...

I have been uploading to etsy all morning...and I am only half way done so I thought I would pause and do this instead. I made another fragment, the blue and white, reserved I'm afraid but that doesn't mean I will never do another one. I wouldn't do another one the same, I strive to never exactly repeat anything I have done before as I think that maintains the ''special'' place I give my work. Working in blue and white has such memories for me. When I was putting together the final collection for my degree I made a Wrapping Cloth for my daughter and one for my son...in both I used blue and white. The blue is from vintage iron on embroidery transfers, they remind me of my nanna...

When I have posted this I am off back to the shop...more listing. I made more puffs, yes you guessed, blue and white and the pin pillows are now finished too, they will also be going in.

I started the first piece of my new work last night...I am so inspired by my blue and white memories that I am using it there too. I will show you next time no matter if it isn't finished. (which it won't be) you can monitor my progress and if you sense I am slacking you can harangue me to get on with it. BUT...I am very taken with those little things at the edge of the blue and white and I sense a desire to make some of them for toe wrap two...watch this space
right, I'm gone, I will be over at etsy if you need me...

19 comments:

Jane said...

I've got lots of my great grandmother's embroidery transfers. Love the way you've done the blue and white edges

DIAN said...

I visited Etsy earlier. Will have to go back again.

Anonymous said...

Love the little "ears" or "leaves" on some of those edges - delightful!

Suztats said...

Oh I love your little pin pillows! so delicate. The blue and white is precious.

Lois Evensen said...

Very, very nice. I'm seeing some different items today. :) Love the blue and white. It reminds me of Wedgewood China that I inherited from my Mom.

All the very best for continued success with your shop!!!!

Hugs,
Lois

Gina said...

I love that petal effect on the edges!

Anonymous said...

Those little things are a delight Karen!!!!
I see you are very busy... and good luck!

deanna7trees said...

yes, like everyone else, i just love that leaf-like edge.

Joanna said...

Love the transfers peeking through. I used to use them when I was a kid and loved doing the crinoline ladies in the lilac garden.

Carol Q said...

oh yum, gorgeous Karen. those pillows are beautiful and I love all the little extra touches you add especially those little ears.

Elizabeth said...

I am falling, falling, falling in love with your white/blue work. Can't help myself.

Have a lovely weekend.

Flaming Nora said...

Love the blue and white, it reminds me of Delft pottery, and I love the edge of the piece too, so delicate. Love the puffs too. Can't wait to see more blue and white.

Jacky said...

I've always loved the blue and white pieces you do....those iron on transfers are lovely (and remind me on my Grandmother too...she was a beautiful embroider)
Lovely to see the blue and white making an appearance again.
Have a lovely Sunday Karen,

Jacky xox

Johoanna Robson said...

The blue and white is gorgeous. It reminds me of the Willow Pattern. We used to have a dinner set in the Willow Pattern.

Tammie Lee said...

gosh, I love blue and white as much as I love white on white.

Patchwork Linda said...

I've never been that keen on blue but I think that you have converted me, really really lovely.

Sheeprustler said...

It does have a very lovely willow pattern feel about it :)

Angela said...

These are gorgoeus. I love the blue and white piece. I've not long come back from a trip to Amsterdam so saw plenty of blue and white Delft inspiration there.

Anonymous said...

Oh, blue and white reminds me of my Nana too! It's so calming and stylish! I love that piece with the little points - it's so playful...yet calm!