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, April 26, 2010

playing with patchwork

The patchwork theme is continuing, hexagons and tiny squares paired with larger pieces of embroidery. I love hexagons I really do. These are cut from cloth with embroidered text and a hand embroidered cotton sample I did some time ago. The card was added to make it easier to place in the book and I have added a few knots to the card too, looks better don't you think? The squares are tiny, 1 inch, very delicate and this strip is going to be added to the larger piece below.



When I said I love hexagons I really meant it. I have made these templates from printed card and I adore them. I know that when they are used, if they are used , you won't be able to see them but hey, what's wrong with having gorgeous templates? Nothing I say, just makes the task even nicer! I am also going to put some of these in my book, maybe in a little pocket, haven't decided yet.


I am a little frustrated today, but in a good way. Just as I am getting over excited about my books with tons of ideas and plans it all has to come to a stop. I am going away tomorrow for a little R&R. It is definitely needed and I know that when I get back I will have so many new ideas and things to create, so many book ideas to explore, yet I wish I had time to bring this one to a conclusion. Still, it will be here when I get back.
It is my little girls birthday on thursday, I am off to see her and spend a few days enjoying her company and yes........... there will be gifts, cards, cake and of course balloons!!
Happy (early) birthday Helen!

14 comments:

deanna7trees said...

Love it all. Enjoy your R & R and happy birthday to Helen. I'm sure you'll come back with lots more great ideas.

Rachel said...

It gives a totally different view to have the printouts on card as well as the stitching - really fascinating to see that change!

Jane said...

oh these are delightful.
Have a lovely time with your little girl, I am sure you will come home feeling much better

Helena said...

Happy birthday Helen!!!
And you, have a nice time whith her.

meandering pearl said...

i love the hexagons!!! so exquisite!!! lovely thoughts

Sarah E. said...

I love your templates, too. Enjoying the process is so much a satisfying part of creating. Hope you have a great time w/R&R etc. and looking forward to seeing what transpires upon your return!

vintagerockchick said...

Lovely post as always, the colours in the photos are fab! Enjoy your break and cake!

Anonymous said...

My little book arrived yesterday. It's exquisitely beautiful, thank you.

Gina said...

So many pretty little pieces!

Jackie said...

Very lovely. Have you cut up your business cards? Still its all in a good cause. Glad you are enjoying the break.

Amelia said...

have fun!!!!

Amelia.x

Ingrid said...

Hope you are having a great time with your daughter:-)

Tammie Lee said...

I have told you so many things about what I love about your art, but I am not sure if I have told you this: there is a pristine quality to every thing you do, including your cut out hexagons that is so enticing. So different from anything in my life.

Marie said...

Happy birthday to your daughter!
Love the new direction you are going...so colorful and little projects are just my favorite thing!
:) Hope you get some rest <3