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, February 20, 2012

on my table....





This is how my table is looking...I hope nobody needs to eat! I think I am hanging back a little with this, taking too long, wasting time. I think I can be excused. Do you have any idea how hard it is to let go of something that has consumed you for weeks? That's how I feel about these big pieces. When this is finished I will be lost for a few days....at the moment it's a constant, pick it up and put it down at will...not once it's finished.
Anyway...once again...it's a regular occurrence...I need to get a grip!
My new class is filling up nicely, thank you...I am always amazed at the faith you have in me...I feel privileged.

20 comments:

Magpies Laundry said...

wow - that's *so* beautiful :-)

I know what you mean about slowing down towards the end ... I've got a big quilt on the go that I can't seem to make myself finish up, because I don't want it to be over.

Beacee said...

Beautiful!

Jane said...

This is the exciting bit, seeing how they all fit together. Looking forward to seeing where the hexagons are going to end up

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

It's so pretty, and understandably all-consuming. I can't believe anyone in the household would actually expect you to move your stuff so they can eat!!!!
Wishing you a good week. xx

deanna7trees said...

oh yes...i understand the feeling. i am anticipating the feeling of loss on a couple of things that i'm working on now. maybe that's why i work on so many things at once. it cuts down of the feeling of loss.

Suztats said...

Wonderful to see all the pieces spread out on the table, imagining how you'll piece them together. I love those hearts! It's a gorgeous piece, and no wonder you don't want it all to end.

My Creative House said...

Oh Karen all your blocks are fantastic and so beautifully made, love the little pocket.
Anni

Bea said...

Oh what a beautiful collection!
I wonder why we slow down at the end of big projects... The feeling of "no return" and a wish to make sure it will turn out at its very best, perhaps...:) best wishes for the job to be done!
Beate

Elizabeth said...

So, so, so beautiful. You are lucky to have a table which no one needs. Me, I'm working on the floor at the moment and each time when the guys come home I need to clear the space to make room for them.

Tina said...

Karen-as always this is beautiful! I want to touch this-so, so amazing! I think your mum will love this piece of work!


Deanne, thanks for the new way of thinking-I like that. Now I have a good excuse for starting yet another project!

Jeannie said...

What I love so much about your art is that I never tire of looking at it. A very beautiful cloth and then gorgeous stitching upon it.

Iceni UK said...

Karen, your work overwhelms me, I feel emotional at the beauty I see. Truly beautiful embroidery.
Hugs

Rosa said...

Sigh...

Yvonne Moxon said...

Beautiful! beautiful! work Karen, youcan just see the hours that have gone into all those pieces x

Linda Carole Bloom said...

This is Magnificent!!

stitchinglife said...

Beautiful. Liking the new blog look too :-)

jill said...

It has all been said, beautiful, stunning now get a move on and get it made up so we can see the end product ...please

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Seeing this in the little tantalizing bits you've already shown simply does not compare to seeing it like this!! (btw - I'm sure your family have laps to eat from).

Nancy said...

I just mentioned you on my blog...and this beautiful work is why! You may like the video I posted, lots of white!
http://pomegranatetrail.blogspot.com/2012/02/10-minute-drill-16.html

Rachel said...

It's a wonderfully detailed piece - well done!