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, July 29, 2010

at last.....

What a relief to have the clutch bags finished. I originally ordered frames which were faulty when they arrived. I sent those back and ordered more from somewhere else and I seemed to wait an age for them to get here. Maybe it wasn't that long, maybe I was just being super impatient. Anyhow, they're here and they're finished. I had people already waiting for these two but due to unforseen circumstances one person can't take hers, these things happen, it isn't a problem because it means that the red one is available for anyone who wants it. I am so happy with how these have turned out, bigger than my smaller coin purses thay are approximately 8 x 5.5 inches in size (21 x 14 cm) more like a small handbag than a purse. I am definitely going to order more of these frames so keep an eye out for more bags, be warned, you may get bored!
The postman is forgiven though for taking an age with my frames. This week he has brought me gifts, yes gifts. Gorgeous packages of lace have dropped through my letterbox courtesy of the lovely Jane and Mary. Isn't it amazing when people just give you stuff, makes me wonder what I have done to deserve it. I wonder if this is how Victoria Beckham feels when she gets given all those designer dresses? Give me lace anyday, you can't wear a designer dress when you're putting the bins out!!
We had a really good day in York yesterday. a change is as good as a rest they say. I was remarkably restrained in the shopping department too, I am very proud of myself. I did buy a little baby dress from Monsoon kids in the sale though and when I got home last night after an hour of cutting it up I have now got the most fantastic pile of edges and trims. How's that for innovation and seeing an opportunity?
My white silk piece is almost finished. I did want to show you pics of it in progress but we haven't seen the sun here for weeks and I really want good light so I can do it justice. Next time I hope.... otherwise I will have nothing to show you at all. I will also announce the winner of my give away next time too. Now I have to go and sort out piles of lace and trims and find homes for them so that in 2 weeks time I won't have a clue where I have put them!

15 comments:

Helen Moreton said...

I love the way you bought a new item and chopped it up! I do that too! Except I buy from charity shops - in all diferent sizes - it confuses the assistants!!! Excellent resourcefulness!

Jane said...

Well worth the wait for the clutch bags, beautifully finished.

Kate said...

These clutches are very beautiful!

TinaK said...

I happened upon your blog and just wanted to let you know that your clutches are absolutely yummy! Very nice work!

- Rekkehuset - said...

How beautiful they are - like candy.

helena said...

Congratulations! They are great!!!

fabriquefantastique said...

You obviously love doing this.....and it shows.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

To your readers it's pretty obvious what you've done to deserve getting lovelies in the mail! These clutches are a case in point.

Tammie Lee said...

each one is precious!

carol said...

Darling bags! You really have a "gift" for making them. I was wondering if you'd let me know where you ordered your name tags. They just are the finishing touch and I'd love to get some for my quilts.

Rachel said...

We won't get bored of seeing your bags, Karen, each one you do is different!
Glad you enjoyed York, and it even turned into a profitable day - a whole pile of trims and edges, no less!

Jan said...

As I have said before your bags are just delightful ,yes I take stuff to peices too ,The last was a pair of boxer shorts !! not even worn and just the right colour lol ..love Jan xx

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

I love the shape of your bags.
Glad you had a lovely day in York.
Your right about the weather as we have had heavy rain today!

jennyflowerblue said...

So pleased that York was as good as a holiday! (it is brilliant isn't it?) xxxx

Ingrid said...

Those purces are gorgeous!