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







Sunday, October 30, 2011

knots.....

Yes knots and not the embroidered kind. I get so anxious before I go on holiday. Why? Well I think it's because I am going so far away. It doesn't happen when I go to Sweden but the USA...knots, in my chest, in my stomach for days before. Then there's all the security information you need to provide before they even think about letting you in. I totally understand this, I don't blame them, I am happy they do this, I want to be safe too, I think we should have it in England  but it's the ''have I done this?'' have I done that?'' panic. I wonder what I have forgotten to buy, to pack. I rang my travel company this morning to get them to check I hadn't forgotten anything. (in terms of security info) Could they please check for me that it was all done. Nightmare customer that's me. The very nice man said yes, everything is fine but I still wonder ''should I check again tomorrow in case he missed something?'' GET A GRIP WOMAN!!!!!


Medication is required I think but before I am sedated and carried off I wanted to show you some pretty pictures. I have done more work on the bumpy bit, I have, I have! The group of three bumps is new as are the scattered embroidered motifs.
I have also had my sketchbooks out again, got to keep you interested. I would hate you to think I am showing the same old tat over and over again. So there's some painting, did you hear that? Painting??!! a tiny bit of collage and some bits of silk thrown together with some buttons on.
I'm off to give myself a talking to now and to write some lists...lists always help don't they??? If you've got a list all your problems are over.....

23 comments:

Mommarock said...

Relax...enjoy your trip LOL. Really it can't be all that bad. Silly.. They aren't keeping out perfectly nice people like you. Giggles.

Joanna said...

I'm glad I'm not as anxious as you after my several trips into and out of the US, after all I lived there for two years. Now if they let in the likes of me, they will let in the likes of you and all you have to do is put on your best Northern Accent and they will think you're from Australia anyway, and they will luuurrrve your accent. When I worked in the church's coffee bar if five people hadn't commented on my accent by lunchtime then I was beginning to think something was wrong, it was such a common routine.

Iceni UK said...

OH Karen, bless you, you will be fine. GO... ENJOY :)

Love your bumpy embroideries. the fabric and stitches wonderful.
hugs

deanna7trees said...

I don't travel much out of the country but I'm sure all will be well. Just enjoy. We want to hear all about it when you return.

Flaming Nora said...

Have a fab time. I'm sure you have remembered every thing, make sure you have some amazing adventures to tell us about upon your return!

Jane said...

haha, you should have seen how many times I had my papers in and out of my bag when I took the boys away, then I started to panic, I hadn't put them all back in!
You'll be ok, just smile sweetly and enjoy yourself

Hoola Tallulah said...

This post really made me chuckle, and your bumpy bits are spectacular.

fabriquefantastique said...

Hmmm, I can see your work going in another direction.

connie said...

:-) Hang in there, time for some deep breathing. You will be fine. I do understand your anxiety though, I was the same way before our trip to Sweden... Breathing helps. Just figure it will be a bit of a hassle to get through security but it will not last long and you will be having a great time on your holiday!!!

Doreen G said...

Karen I hope you never have to go on holidays with my husband--the pair of you would be a screaming mess by the time you got there.
But then if I was going with you I would be the calming effect for you both.
A month before we leave the notes start--a week before we leave the suitcase is out and the packing starts (his not mine)then the not being able to sleep at night(him not me.Me I muddle along and as long as I have my ticket and passport I am happy.
So I can see where you are coming from my friend but from the other side.'Oh and I love your bumpy bits
(the embroidery not yours)

Beacee said...

I'm like that going for a week in the Lakes from Preston ;) The fact that we can be home again in an hour if I have forgotten something doesn't make it any easier.

Enjoy your trip! You'll be fine.

Monica said...

We promise not to eat you

Ingrid said...

Have a great time overthere!:)

Elizabeth said...

I ALMOST feel sorry for you but I know you will enjoy yourself!!!!

Jeannie said...

Breathe!!! I am like you, even if it is just a trip to the coast. LOL! Lists all over the place. My husband reminds me that we aren't going to outer Siberia and there are stores along the way if I have forgotten anything. Here is a link for the TSA and there should be answers to all your questions. Now, they tend to change their mind frequently! LOL! Once they hear your accent, they will be hopelessly in love, and you will have no problems! http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

Gina said...

Well bummer! You'll be on the wrong coast for me! You know, it's as hard for us to get out of the US as it is for anyone coming in! My trip to Australia about did me in with all the customs stuff. Haven't traveled since, but it's truly more about money and time than the inconvenience of it. Have a wonderful time!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your trip. I enjoyed looking at the pictures - they don't reveal the stress you've been under!

Mosaic Magpie said...

I made a recent trip into Canada and had the same apprehension as you. It is hard to leave our little corner of the world without wondering about the "what if's". I hope the trip is wonderful and if you do get in trouble... I am across the country, but I guess I could come and bail you out!
Deb

Jackie said...

I would LOVE to go theUSAbut I would be just like you.
I'm sure you'll be fine. You've done it before haven't you?
Enjoy and stop panicking.
xx
Loving the bumps too.

Suztats said...

Hope your travel knots get all untied! Love your embroidered bits 'n' bumps! Hope you have a wonderful trip!!
(hmm, I'll have beautiful embroidery deprivation while you're away)

Sheeprustler said...

Bumpy pretty bits :) And yes, lists are good :)

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Making a list and checking it twice (or MANY more than twices!)...then I made a list to remind me to check the list. Oh yes, I'm totally identifying with you.

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Have a wonderful time over here!