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







Wednesday, May 4, 2011

I made you something....

Have you ever had one of those days....yes actually I am sure you have, when you seem to never sit still yet when the time comes to settle down for the evening you feel as if you haven't achieved anything apart from a frantic state of mind? Well I had one of those days yesterday......so when it came to settling down for the evening I had a need to achieve something, anything. It worked, I achieved two things that I am really chuffed about. I made two buttons, large buttons with Liberty lace, silk, some french knots and a litttle bit of buttonhole edging. Then, just before bed I managed to fit in a long soak in the bath.....two good achievements don't you think?

So, in a back to front kind of way picture wise here are the buttons, resting on my hoop. My hoop which has in it the white on white piece from yesterday undergoing the next phase. More pleated and ruched silk with a french knot edge along both sides and another piece of silk in the process of being pleated and ruched alongside.

and the good news......I am giving these buttons away. Infact I am considering giving something away every week but don't quote me because it depends how busy I get!! It's easy too, just a comment is all, no questions....nothing, zero, zilch! 

54 comments:

Jane said...

Seem to get those days quite often here
Love what's going on in the hoop and the buttons are a real bonus.

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen! No questions, no answers .
but I have to say the buttons are precious...:)

Jacqueline deRuyter said...

Beautiful! On days like those a soak in the tub is just what the doctor ordered!

Jade-louise said...

Looking stunning! xx

Amy Friend said...

Your work is beautiful as always. I wish I could watch you work for a bit to pick up some hints!

Joanna said...

The buttons do look good. I must admit to not having too many days of being frantic but plenty when I don't achieve much, but that has something to do with thinking it is a major achievement to cross one thing off a too do list. Setting out to do anything here in Latvia can seem like a major task and so aiming low helps not to stress out, I learnt that when I moved to Denmark.

Unknown said...

These are beautiful. It's hard for me to fathom how you do this, but possibly it has to do with my slowness in handwork. You must work very quickly? Lovely results, and so inspiring!

deanna7trees said...

beautiful buttons. i must say that i did enjoy giving something away on my blog and plan on doing more of that too.

ParisMaddy said...

My 1st visit....beautiful work. Thanks for including me in your giveaway.

Anonymous said...

imagine this crisp blue sky morning
becoming brighter . . .
well. your generous give away
just DID THAT! :' )

Flaming Nora said...

I'm glad its not just me who has those days. Unfortunately they do seem to happen way too often these days. Really enjoying watching this new piece emerge, great selection of fabrics (and knots!)

Doreen G said...

I love your work Karen-the crispness of the fabrics that you use and the beautiful stitches are to die for.I would be honoured to own one of your buttons.

Soozy said...

Hi Karen, Am having just one of those days today....although it will all be worth it when my gorgeous 18 month old grandson Kieran arrives for tea with his mum and dad :)
I think lace is so beautiful, but for you to enhance it in such a skillful and delicate way is more than masterful.

Heartwideopen said...

I adore those buttons!!! And it's so cool to actually see your work in the hoop! It gives it some kind of perspective for me. Your handwork is so beautiful...sigh...

:~) Debi

connie said...

Karen you are too generous!! I love your buttons! I hope your day goes well. I hope to have a productive tomorrow,when I don't work and can stay home and sew... :-)

Jane said...

Those buttons are beautiful! I would say you made many people happy today with the chance to win them, thank you!
Jane

Anonymous said...

Those are lovely buttons! How sweet of you to give them away. :)

I am enjoying all this pleating - very pleasing texture.

:) Linda

Gina said...

I have those sort of days all the time! But I think I would have been quite happy to have achieved two buttons as beautiful as that!

Carol said...

These are so stunning, they should be on a christening gown just love them, count me in the draw please :)

Kate said...

when you said 'I made you something' you were just talking to me right? You made them just for me?? Of course you did

thankyou
xx

Elizabeth said...

I really, really like your second accomplishment, taking a bath. You know why? We only have a shower!!!! (LOL)

This new white piece has a new feeling to it, can't really put my finger on it but something is definitely changing.

Have fun tonight and I'll see you soon.

Gina said...

Well, can't pass up an opportunity to win those special buttons!

I had a day like that not long ago and it seems every day gets busier and busier with so little to show for it! You've done quite well!

Gill said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Sue Krekorian said...

Such beautiful buttons, exquisite embroidery, such generosity, such inspired artistry xxx

cateriksson said...

You have inspired me to start embroidering again although I don't think I could ever produce anything as beautiful as your work!

Brenda T said...

Beautifully done!

Unknown said...

Your work is awe-inspiring!

Helena said...

I love them: pure white! wonderful!
Nice evening.

Miriam Weaver said...

Hi Karen,
I would love to give your buttons a good home! They would be looked after and appreciated, they are lovely!

Unknown said...

Your work is so beautiful.I love embroidery.it a great way to help me with stress.Thanks for the inspirations !!

Digital Misfit said...

So beautiful! I love your white-on-white work.

Ferg 'N' Jude said...

Karen,
As always your white on white work is simply elegant with the delicate stitching. I may not comment as often as I should but I am always following.

DK said...

Gorgeous as always, though I am particularly drawn to the ruched bits this time.

jennyflowerblue said...

Looks like a 'pretty' successful day to me! x

Anonymous said...

Exquisite as always! Your work is so delicate.

And thank you for giving away the buttons. I know that whoever gets them will love them.
Jules

amester said...

Love all your work. Would love to win a button.

mary k said...

Oh so pretty. Love the white on white. The buttons are yummy!

Jacky said...

Love your white on white work...so glad you ended up having a productive day.
Just sitting in the airport at Brunei (my sister and I are having a 10 day holiday in Thailand) and thought I would visit a few of my favourite blogs before we catch our next plane...
Please put me in your draw. Would love to win one of your gorgeous buttons!

Jacky xox

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Oh my goodness, I would make a whole outfit around those buttons - something lacy and elegant and french handsewn.
I loved the blue and white, but nothing beats the white on white with all the textures Love Linda

Anonymous said...

Your white work is definitely my favourite and the buttons are extra special!Thank you.

annie's abode said...

how can you bear to give away such beautiful buttons - they are gorgeous!
anniex

Anonymous said...

Fabulous work, Karen - and yes, I know exactly what you mean about the frantic feeling!

Suztats said...

Beautiful buttons! Oh, I'd love to win one! And the white on white....gorgeous!

Carol Q said...

there was a joke going round the internet suggesting that it was something to do with age... I'll say no more lol. gorgeous buttons. needless to say one would be well cared for

Patchwork Linda said...

Loving the buttons.

Tammie Lee said...

my goodness the buttons are gorgeous as can be
as is the cloth under them (in the hoop). oh to the lucky winner!

Montreat Designs said...

You are sobtalented and funny as well! I was scrolling down your photos of your accomplishments and seemed to miss the one of you taking thst long soak!!! ;)

Beacee said...

Beautiful! I love the ruched silk with its edging - such wonderful texture.

Threads of Inspiration said...

I was going to leave a comment about how beautiful your work is, and it is!!!! Then I see in leaving a comment I may win your beautiful buttons! Thanks for the opportunity.

Unknown said...

Love those buttons, Karen. And of course everything else you make :)

Wendy said...

Unfortunately, that sounds like how my day goes every day! The buttons are beautiful.

JacqueLynn said...

Your art always continues to inspire me! Your embroidery is an absolute delight

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work as always, such an inspiration!

love

flame lily
xx

JP said...

would love to win a button - they are amazing