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







Thursday, November 24, 2011

paperwork....




Last night, after my moaning and complaining of yesterday, (sorry about that) I picked up this piece of paperwork again. I added French knots and then put it in my sketchbook. (I use the term sketchbook very loosely, not a lot of sketching goes on in there) I then extended my page and added some web stitch and a running stitch edge to that. It isn't finished, I will work on it some more tonight. When I looked again this morning I though, ''moving on''?  ''complete change of direction''? I don't think so....look at it placed next to my embroidered white cloth...almost identical. Conclusion? I'm not ready to move on? I am incapable of moving on? I have so little imagination that I will never do anything different? I should stop moaning and be happy with who I am and how that reflects in my work?....the last one is the one I prefer. So today I am positive, I am content, I think we all have these ''moments'' when we question our creativity. Yesterday is now in a box, put away.....
I am off out now...Christmas browsing. Having a look at what is out there and maybe buying a couple of things.......see you soon...

13 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Don't dismiss the small differences made, they can be live changing.

Happy shopping!!!!!

sharon young said...

Glad you're back on track, your work is wonderful and I would think has taken a long time to perfect, as someone who is still looking for that niche, i envy you.

I love these new pieces, the paper designs look so great against the fabric.

All power to you.

Jane said...

So glad you are feeling happier today, what you do is beautiful and I wouldn't want it to disappear

Mosaic Magpie said...

Being happy with who I am....is something some people never achieve. They don't know the feeling of contentment, the enjoyment of everyday things. Your work is as unique as you are and the sheer volume of it, shows how much you enjoy it and find contentment there.
Deb

Carrie said...

There's nothing wrong with a little thinking out loud on your blog - not everything in a creative life is all shiny and rosy and easy. It's refreshing to read about the difficulties, doubts and creative processes on a blog as well as the "look what I made today" stuff. Love your whitework as always.

Flaming Nora said...

Ah the endlessly repeating patterns of our lives.

deanna7trees said...

i love the paper work. i imagine it takes longer to achieve than the cloth work. glad you're back on track.

Sandy said...

Next thing I am trying is paper. you are an inspiration.thanks for showing us.
I do think your little bits of colour in the 'toe rag' piece were exciting, too. That is what sent me off on the idea of trying it on a skirt.
I have finished the bit on the front. http://sandysnowden.blogspot.com/2011/11/refashion-challenge-4.html
Sandy in Bracknell

barbara l. hale said...

I understand what you're saying. But I think that's the way we all are. Your work is so beautiful! Hope you enjoy your shopping day. It's Thanksgiving here in the USA so we'll be stuffing ourselves and playing games with the family.

Sue Krekorian said...

Do you remember your diversion into colour which had wonderful results, but also in the end had you champing at the bit for the purity of white again? Maybe it's time for your blue (or green, or purple) period - or maybe you need to start taking Liberty's... xxx

**EYE-SNACKS** said...

Dear Karen,Yes I know these moments so I will say to you..you're work is gorgeous and be happy with it and yourself even if you don't do anything else in life..so what..it's ok and don't fight against it because then you even loose more :)

hmm..from a wise girl in the Netherlands ;) xxx

Anonymous said...

It's lovely, Karen, even if it isn't really a change of direction...

Ingrid said...

just love the mix of paper and cloth, beautiful!:-)