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, November 22, 2011

buttons......


I made you a little video today, kind of a button show and tell to share these little things with you and also to clarify a couple of points about the class which starts tomorrow. In the video I mention that you should pop over to flickr and see how everyone is able to develop these techniques in their own way. You honestly wouldn't think that the images on there were inspired by my offerings, individual style is so evident in the things created last time.The link to the class page is here and if you decide you want to join us then all the information you need can be found here....but watch the video first, it may help you decide.


In other news....I feel more normal today whatever normal is. I had a full nights sleep last night and woke feeling very refreshed...phew! This morning I had my flu injection and although I was very brave and didn't cry they never gave me a sticker!!! Last time I go back there!!! I continued to work on my latest white piece last night and hope to show you some more of that tomorrow. Thursday I may go out...yes out. I may leave my little cocoon in order to peruse some Christmas stuff. I have resisted this long but am beginning to wonder if I should start and get my act together!! Is it just me or does it sneak up on you too?

10 comments:

Flaming Nora said...

makes me want to sign up again. Or at the very least finish my homework! A plague on the day job and this Christmas thing stopping me from doing what ever I fancy!

Gina said...

I taught a Dorset Button class with my lace group this year so I really loved seeing the variations in this group along with all the other ones....still looking at them....so many...so many!

Anonymous said...

It sneaks up on me, too, Karen!

Love your variety of fabric buttons and toggles!

Tina said...

It was great to hear your voice again! I need to complete my homework-I have done one that needs to be damp stretched! I have many more ready to go but have not had time to stitch-sad face here!

Thanks for the video!

deanna7trees said...

haven't made many more buttons but the ideas they have generated will show up here and there in my future stitchings.

Doreen G said...

I have my Christmas tree up already-my pudding is made and I have made and addressed all my Christmas cards----now before you say something nice about me being all the ball let me tell you it is only because I am going on a cruise next Monday and don't get back until mid December so I had to do everything early.

Elizabeth said...

You are sleeping like a baby again and woke up like your old self. Now that is what I call progress.

Good luck with your new class.

Sheeprustler said...

Buttons schmuttons. Must do some more embroidery this weekend. Must play!

Sandy said...

I love your work Karen, I found out about it from the vidcast that Bonnie McCaffrey did.

I am working on a recycled jeans project inspired by what you are doing. It has been good to get back to embroidery again! It has kept me sane whilst having observation for teaching and inspection at the college where I work!

I don't seem to be able to access your button video. It is not loading. I will go look at the student work though.
Sandy in Bracknell

Magpie's Mumblings said...

No stickers for flu shots here either! I continue to be amazed at the talent shown in all the button making. I knew all along that you would be teaching it again (and again, and....)