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, June 6, 2011

soft, gentle, white.. and gone already....

White, soft white, muslin, silk, patchwork etc etc etc...listed yesterday and gone already. Now that's what I call a result. If only that would happen with the other billion things that are in there then we'd be cooking! Above...the process or part of it at least, below the finished piece. This one even has a little pocket, not a pocket that will necessarily be any use but a pocket all the same.





 Today however I am back on my collection, trying to forget about this because it brings me down, really it does. Now I know I can bang on about stats and stuff but really I am trying so hard to make a go of this. I gave up paid work for this. After 12 months I KNOW I am not even a tenth of the way there and my brain is frozen for ideas. I was always told that hard work pays off....I beg to differ. Saturdays post was part of a big ''hawk myself around the internet'' exercise.....that didn't work.....what next.....if only I knew.
So.....it is onwards with the other stuff. Also I have an article to write after being approached by another magazine which I must say is fantastic...who knows, it may lead to good things. And just so this post isn't completely miserable....I don't want you to go away feeling my pain... I must tell you that my little girl is here, having the time of her life, paid for by her company after she won employee of the year. We are very proud and this is definitely something to celebrate and to make me smile a lot!!

15 comments:

DIAN said...

Karen, your work is always so beautiful. I love the little pocket.
Dianne

Montreat Designs said...

You are one of the most skilled artists I have come across. Your work is simply beautiful. Keep your heart open to these opportunities... The upcoming article is great news!

Your daughter is certainly a reflection on your work ethic and connection to others!

Hugs, Susan

letrecivette said...

Bellissimo!
Have a nice week!
Monica

fabriquefantastique said...

Yeh for a quick sale. Often you do not see results straight away,but I'm sure all your efforts will pay off in the long run.

Doreen G said...

Hang in there Karen it may take a while but it will all be worth it in the end.
I think our biggest problem is getting people to understand that what we do is art not just sewing.

Suztats said...

Gorgeous whites! Love the ruched and french knotted muslin.
Fingers crossed the new mag article leads to wonderful new opportunities. It must be quite exciting.
Enjoy your time with your daughter. Blessings.

Jane said...

Well done to you on the quick sale and congratulations to your daughter.
I always think of those little pockets as being ideal for holding little precious treasures

Carol Q said...

rather than repeat it again - I'll just echo everyone's sentiments. :)
that's some prize your daughter won Karen.

Joanna said...

Congratulations to proud Mum and daughter :)

It is good news about the magazine articles, like you said, maybe that will lead somewhere exciting.

Hope your proud of me, I did white flowers today but they maybe on a vivid colour. I can't show anyone yet as my daughter has to see first as they are for cushion covers for her.

Anonymous said...

I'm not surprised it's gone already. It's so interesting to look at but yet the soft white makes it restful as well.

Flaming Nora said...

Its a long hard road, but sometimes a little side path opens up, and you think no I mustn't deviate from my chosen path, but Oh it does look interesting down there. Then you take a little mini detour and suddenly you find that it wasn't a side path it was a really interesting short cut, and you are now much further up the path with out really knowing how you got there. Phew that I think was a very convoluted way of saying roll with it, enjoy it it will all come together eventually.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Wow - you have a lucky daughter and obviously she works for a great company. Congrats on the quick sale and most especially on writing another article. Good for you! Getting more exposure HAS to help your business. If I ever were lucky enough to win the lottery I would make a beeline to your shop and buy every single thing but don't hold your breath for that because thus far I've only ever won $5 and that wouldn't even begin to pay the shipping. I can live in hope!

Anonymous said...

Stick with it. It will happen.

Jacky said...

Well done on your article Karen, and hang in there, I know good things are coming your way....you are true to yourself and your stitching and it is beautiful!

How lovely for your daughter.

Jacky xox

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately some endeavours have long gestation periods. Perhaps if you find something which is a strong contrast with your usual work to play with for a while, that will help to relaunch your inspiration!