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







Tuesday, August 9, 2011

sigh...


Yes...a sigh, a long sigh, a sad sigh...London. I will mention it later but first, this is an embroidery blog. Embroidery is calming, peaceful. Perhaps there should be more of it..spread the love so to speak. I had plans for the small patchwork piece that I showed you last time. I had intended to border it with paperwork...it doesn't want to work, or at least it doesn't feel right to me. I have a box of 'stuff' a large white box. It's where I keep things from the shop until they leave me. This morning I tried my tiny piece of paperwork next to some pieces from the big white box and it hit me..my next direction. I would like to make good progress with this so that I can take it on Sunday. I know I have lots of work to take but making a 'special' piece seems appropriate. 


and then there is London....I don't have to say much. I know that you know how I feel, how I'm sure we all feel. I think we should concentrate on the good in youth, the good young people who have a conscience and a sense of right and wrong. This morning my daughters partner, a teacher on his summer break, was in Clapham assisting with the clean up along with numerous other young adults, shocked an appalled at what has happened. I say Richard you are a star, the people with you are stars. It's you we should keep in mind, not the others.

14 comments:

Joanna said...

Your new direction is definitely working it looks gorgeous.

It must be really worrying for you with all the troubles being so close to London, but your right your daughters partner is a star indeed and my prayer would be that many others will volunteer to clean up and show a very different face to the world of caring compassion.

Lois Evensen said...

Hi Karen,

We are watching the news from London here. It is such a sad commentary on our times that people have no problems causing death and destruction. I hope you find peace there very soon.

As always, your work is gorgeous!

Huge hugs from over here to over there,
Lois

Anonymous said...

Looking great.

Quite dramatic images on the news in Australia and hard to believe this is happening in a civilized society. Must be quite a shock to everyone and difficult to come to terms with. Our thoughts from downunder and that it comes to an end quickly.

Heather Woollove said...

You're so right to focus on the positive, Karen!
When I was young, 'ostracism and shame' worked remarkably well on wrongdoers. Now, it seems, that this kind of behavior is what lands them their 15 minutes of fame. Sighhhh. XXO-

Patchwork Linda said...

Well done to Richard and the others like him I hope the people who caused such terrible damage are watching him and decide to change their way of life to mirror his.

Gayle said...

It's always a surprise to see how much good rushes in after a crisis. Please send our gratitude to Richard as well.

connie said...

Karen your piece is looking spectacular, as usual... :-)

Sending good thoughts to London.

deanna7trees said...

always love that unexpected bit of color in with the white. all is beautiful.
London....what can i say? nothing seems to be enough or appropriate.

Sheeprustler said...

That tiny splash of blue is gorgeous in a sea of utter gorgeousness :) I have already exchanged concerns with you about London, I know. I got rather upset yesterday when I read about Bristol, where my husband used to work and where we both still know people who live and/or work there. Hugs and hope your daughter and her partner stay safe. He does sound like a hero :)

Sheeprustler said...

Stupid Blogger just ate the big comment I posted. So just hugs to you all :)

Montreat Designs said...

Karen, you are certainly on my mind as I watch the news and listen to NPR. My thoughts are with you and your country.

Suztats said...

Thank you Richard and friends.
Stitching and my art keep me grounded and I hope your stitching brings you comfort and peace as this craziness occurs. May it be resolved soon.
As always, your work is gorgeous.

Doreen G said...

Karen your work is beautiful as ever and how sad my heart feels as I see the images on the TV to do with the riots.
Well done to Richard and the others like him they deserve all the praise they can get.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

For every idiot in this world there are thousands more that are like Richard. Somehow that helps to put perspective on a bad situation. Good for Richard for standing up for what's right and trying to rectify the bad.