karen ruane
contemporary embroidery
https://karenruane.blogspot.com/p/gorgeous-things.html
''the use of traditional often time consuming process alludes to the devotion of a mother''. c K. A. Ruane 2007
Friday, July 24, 2026
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Hand embroidered gingham pouch and two little pin pillows.
My little pouch is finished and is now available in my shop.
The edges were closed with hand stitch and a pretty, contrasting printed fabric has been used for the lining.
You'll also notice that I couldn't resist adding a Suffolk puff too, I'm a sucker for Suffolk puffs.
Also in the shop, these two pretty pin pillows.
Monday, July 20, 2026
On the 'to do' list today.
Today's plans....
Measure, mark and line my 'mushroom' wrapping cloth.
Finish the embroidery in the hoop.
Line the pink gingham piece with the blue cherry fabric.
Make five big gingham Suffolk puffs.
And below....
Already ticking things off that list.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Design for a drawstring bag.
Yes, more pink gingham.
Design work for a new drawstring bag...a pink gingham drawstring bag with child themed applique.
I have woven paper and gingham here for the backgrounds of this sampling which I feel works well.
These pieces still need to be finished and I'm also piecing more samples.
The more information I have to hand when deciding on my final design the better,
Friday, July 17, 2026
Progress
Last image, patchwork pinned and ready for the next section to be embellished.
This piece is developing nicely!
It was damp stretched last night ready for the final section to be embellished before I line it and put it together.
There's a 'freshness' to gingham that I love.
Below is a short video from when you last saw this which explains what I'm doing here.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Three more fabric headers.
Following on from my last post.....three more headers for hand embroidered samples.
There are four more waiting to be done, I'm slowly getting there.
Monday, July 13, 2026
Pinning headers
Do you remember this post?
I have finally started the process of finishing these pieces in order to create another cloth sample book.
After thinking about it I decided to use cloth headers, it really is the most practical solution.
The strips of Liberty print fabric that are pinned here will be embellished with hand stitch at the seam.
There are seven more pieces requiring headers and once they are all finished with decorative embroidery they will be joined to finish the new cloth sample book.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
French knots on pink gingham
Friday, July 10, 2026
Collage, stitch, surface design.
A little surface design happening over in class.
Collage, ribbon, papers, tags...all hand stitched to a white base.
This work is moving on, can't show you yet but I'm getting there.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Gathering
I've been gathering, or more accurately 'scrabbling' around to find things that will fit as I progress my latest design collection.
I think I have fallen a bit short to be honest.
It's true when they say you can have a house full of stuff but still not have the one thing you need!
I'll crack on and make the most of what I've got, I will try and be inventive
(don't laugh)





























