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







Monday, April 18, 2011

thingys.....

I did warn you that I would get distracted by these little things. I just had to make some for an edge of toe wrap two. These are only tacked in loosely at the moment and I think they are going to prove difficult to stitch down in a conventional way. I will probably have to tie them individually and then stitch the seam inbetween the ''bumps'' , they are quite thick and I know my fingers won't like it at all. The reason I haven't gone any further with this yet is because I am determined to work on my new pieces and one day working on them doesn't constitute commitment does it? So this has been put aside for now and I have spent around a day and a half on the first piece of my new work. When I say a day and a half I don't mean 36 hours, I mean the time that is left after eating, sleeping, housework, cooking and washing...not a lot of time then!!
After saturdays post I was really chuffed with all the lovely comments about my blue and white. I know that piece was reserved and I am sorry but I have to grab takers when I can as some stuff languishes over here for eons....so quick takers and reservers are more than welcome, beggars can't be choosers and all that. I have had an order for another piece which is fantastic, it won't be exactly the same, I don't do that or at least I TRY not to repeat anyhting but it will be blue and white and it will have ''thingys''.
The first piece of my new stuff is also blue and white and I hope to show you progress on that this week. I don't think it will be finished but it will be partially damp stretched and fit to face the world. Meanwhile I am anxiously awaiting the arriveal of THE MAGAZINE!!! I can't tell you how excited I am about that, it is such an honour, well it is for me anyway, the woman who never goes out, who spends most days in her shed and for whom the only well worn path is to the kettle!! When it comes....and please let it be soon...I am stalking my post man!! I will take pictures so you can see...promise...and I shall probably sleep with it under my pillow such is my excitement!

21 comments:

Helena said...

I am really glad for you!!
Kisses.

Jane said...

I love the thingys! I will be thinking of your poor fingers as you stitch the seam47777

Anonymous said...

Your "little thingys" are delightful!

I do hope the magazine arrives soon...

DIAN said...

Your post is so filled with positive vibes and beautiful things.

I am sitting here smiling.

deanna7trees said...

sounds like it's all coming together well. great thingys.

Carol said...

happy days, get you Mrs positive!superb stuff, love the red and white!!!!!!

Lois Evensen said...

I am so excited for you! You have every right to be featured in the magazine. I look forward to seeing the article when it comes out. :))) It's so good that you get a "heads-up" to be able to get your shop extra stocked.

Big hugs,
Lois

Heartwideopen said...

Congratulations, but I always knew~ LOVE the thingys!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is the most lively and spring-like piece of cloth I've seen in a long while. I really love it.

;~) Debi

Suztats said...

Thrilled for you about The Magazine! And I adore those thingys!

Joanna said...

Such a long time since i have heard anyone use the term "thingys", must teach it to my English class one day :D. Love them by the way and I am glad I am not the only one with a well worn path to the kettle. So is that tea or coffee? Mine's a black tea when I turn up one day.

Elizabeth said...

Oh, these thingys are so cute, no matter what color they are.

Congratulations with your magazine!!!! Enjoy your tea and have a lovely evening.

Johoanna Robson said...

I love your thingys. They look great on your new toe wrap.

Thank you for your lovely comment on my slippers. Yes, they are lovely and warm. Blessings for the coming week.

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Hi Karen,
Love the blue and white, thingys, and the red is great - so vivid next to the white, but I REALLY love the pin pillows! Trying not to go downstairs and chip my credit card out of the ice cube tray. Love, Linda

Sheeprustler said...

Ooh, thingies... Gorgeous as ever!

Anonymous said...

I like the thingys too. And I know exactly what you mean about 'all day' constituting the time that is left after all the other jobs have been done. I bet you anything Picasso had a maid to do all that for him.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Karen, Love your thingy!! VBG The red is bright and bold but I especially liked the blue and white. My goodness I have missed what Magazine you will be featured in. Please let me know so I can see if I can find it. Thanks Hugs Judy

Vicky said...

The thingys are so cute. Your work is beautiful!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Pretty little 'thingies' that remind me of Easter bunny ears - fitting for this time of year, don't you think?

Debra said...

I have long admired your work- such intricate work and beautiful stitching. My passion is needlework of all kinds, but especially embroidery. Could you please let me know which magazine you are featured in?

Jacky said...

Those little 'things' are so cute...and I love how they peep out on your cloth.
THE MAGAZINE...will keep my eyes open.

Jacky xox

Diane Cransac said...

LOve this, it's so bright and fresh! Sorry I haven't been by, I've been a bit out of commission.