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, October 18, 2010

yikes!!!!

that word keeps getting repeated here. I know I made this it's just that I don't know how, where it came from, if I like it, if I will do more, expand it. I don't know if it's ''me''. Maybe it is me just another form of me, another side of me. It's hard enough keeping the facets of ''me'' that I'm already aware of on the right track, not sure I can cope with hidden stuff coming out. Truth is I suppose, I don't like it. I don't suppose I have to like it, they are the ones who have to like it. Going into a new situation will always be easier I think if you are comfortable with what you have though so the jury is out. It may be taken, it will most likely be left at home.



I had to show you though because I don't have much else to show from this weekend. Favours are up to 45, yes 45!!! I don't want to show you those again until they are properly finished though. When I say they are up to 45 I have to keep reminding myself that I only have 45 fronts. I still have to back them, stuff them, add labels and hand stitch the edges. Piece of cake!!
I'm also hoping that my temperature, sore throat and burning eyes don't amount to much either, feeling slightly iffy today. It's a good job embroidery is a leisurley pastime.

20 comments:

Dolores said...

It is strange how one day we come across something we made and question ourselves. You are right, we don't always have to like what we made. Perhaps if you hung it on a design wall for a little while it might 'grow' on you.

Lois Evensen said...

Yes, I find things I have made awhile back and wonder about them, too. I haven't seen anything you've made that I don't like, though. Over here, from afar, I just sit and admire your work.

Best,
Lois

sunday school materials said...

It does kind of have a falling out effect.( 4th pict.) movement...??!!!

deanna7trees said...

i love it. it looks very japanese. would love to see the pink in a cream color or light pastel. when i do something that is foreign to my hand and eye, it has to grow on me.

Jane said...

It was a surprise, but I like it, especially the knots.
Hope the cold goes quickly for you, it was hanging around here for a couple of weeks

Rachel said...

I suspect the sore throat and burning eyes have something to do with your disenchantment. I think it looks fab-u-lous (yes, Strictly is back!) - love the bright cerise colour, it makes me think of raspberry sorbet!

Suztats said...

Oh, something new! Rachel is right---Raspberry Sorbet describes it perfectly. Sometimes new takes getting used to. I do like it.

jude said...

yes, i agree with deanna, i would love to see this in a more neutral palette or even on black an white.

Unknown said...

This is so funny because I was reorganizing some fabric stash this weekend and found four cross-stitch angels--quite elaborate--representing the seasons. I don't know if I still like them, but I think I do, so they might become part of a wall hanging tapestry thing; we'll see. But so glad I'm not the only one who does this!

Heartwideopen said...

I think it looks gorgeous! I love the stark contrast and the knots are fabulous! Wouldn't it look lovely to start with a very pale compliment and then move across or down the piece with the colors getting darker and the contrast deeper as your eye scans across the piece??
I always love looking at your work...

;~) Debi

Tammie Lee said...

I am so sorry to hear that you are sick, be well soon!

Really fun to see such a bright color on your page here.

sylviesgarden said...

I think its lovely especially that dark pink. I hope that whatever it is that you are doing goes well for you.
I also hope that you feel better soon, there are some nasty bugs going around at the mo.
Big hugs. x

Elizabeth said...

What is it exactly that you don't like? The very bright colors? The background? The thickness of the knots? If you know what it is you don't like in more specific terms you learned something new about your preferences.

Lately I have been writing a lot about chicken soup and drinking a lot of fluids to my blogging friends and it seems you are joining them. So make a big pot of chickensoup and drink a lovely cup of hot tea with lemon.

Hope you will feel better soon.

Helena said...

Lovely points, lovely couleurs. Have a nice evening.

Anonymous said...

I've been away for a while and so have some catching up on your wonderful work to do. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on failure and creativity. I love this sumptuous crimson and white piece you have going here!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Is it okay to say that I like it? Of course the fact of that colour being one of 'my' colours probably has something to do with the eye appeal. Nevertheless - I like the deep pink and white combo. Take care of you and hopefully the cold won't catch you. Lots of tea and honey and vitamin C!!

connie said...

Take Care of yourself Karen. I love your new piece. I had to laugh, today I made my 24 year old daughter a hot pink cape for a race she is running... Pink must be the color of the day.

Q @ JAQS said...

WOW you're up to 45 already - so close !

Hope you feel better soon. I'm beginning to get sick too - I guess it's that time of year :(.

Gina said...

I misread this yesterday. For some reason, I thought it was a commissioned piece. I do like it. I probably would pick a different color but I like the design and boldness of it. It wouldn't fit in everywhere, but I think it shows you aren't afraid of doing something with a strong statement.

Ingrid said...

i love this pink piece!
hope you are feeling better