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







Tuesday, May 24, 2011

binding and buttons....

I'm back!! One year older and having consumed more cake that I thought was humanly possible. Can you tell just by looking at me...do I have more wrinkles? No...oh that's good then, phew!! I have had such a wonderful three days....tea party was amazing, so many people, lots of fantastic food, thanks mum! A trip to the cinema in VIP seats no less! A meal out last night and so many presents...books, a gorgeous watch from my hubby, earrings, money, chocolates,  huge hamper of Thorntons chocolate, a beautiful bracelet off my little boy and a delivery courtesy of my little girl of delicious handmade cup cakes! See, too many cakes!! Thanks so much to all of you too, for the messages on here and on facebook, it's official, I'm a spoilt brat.


Consequently there hasn't been much embroidery going on. I have finished binding the edges on two of my collection pieces and I also managed to make some more buttons for you, yes you, my one reader. I have moved from white as you can see. I had a pink moment.... as usual just leave a comment, simple as. Last weeks winner.....under a topaz sky. Sorry you can't all win honestly I am but if I keep giving buttons away every week until I am a hundred then I'm sure you will all win eventually! All you need to do is hang in there with me, we can grow old together!
Well now that party time is over I have a list, a long list. Top of the list? Responding to the 40 odd messages I have...yikes!! That's a full day then. Next on the list....coming up with a new product for the shop. It is so dead over there that I would starve were I not a kept woman. I think it's time to try and get the ball rolling....


29 comments:

cateriksson said...

Those buttons made me swoon although I have two boys and have no idea what I would do with them. I am sure I could think of something if I were lucky enough to get them though. I will keep trying until you are 100 if necessary!

Kitsch Kitty, UK Beaders founder said...

What gorgeous buttons I love the hint of green alongside the pink, makes me think of a beutiful country garden, or a porcelain vase of delicate blooms. So glad I found you (via UK Handmade on facebook). :)

Jackie said...

Those buttons are so pretty. Perfect for a summer teaparty if it were summer weather. I don't know about you but this wind is driving me mad. A garden chair flew past out window yesterday! So I gather your tea party wasn't outside but glad you had a good time. Your party planner is a star.

Anonymous said...

So glad to know you had such a great time - a well-deserved break!

A belated Happy Birthday...

Jane said...

The bindings have finished those pieces so well, I love that corner piece of embroidery. Beautiful

Doreen G said...

Love the pink buttons Karen--I will hang on in the hope that I can win one of them.

Yvonne Moxon said...

Happy Birthday!, sounds like you have a lot of love around you and lots of thoughtful family, glad you had a nice time :) pretty buttons! very sweet with the pink x

Joanna said...

Love the buttons and that is all I am going to say as I should be writing a report, not being distracted by your embroidery :o)

Jane said...

Pink buttons! I love them!
Jane

Suztats said...

pretty pink spring buttons! I love them! I want them! I win them?? Well, I can hope.
The collection pieces look lovely with the trim.

Miriam Weaver said...

Glad you had a great birthday! From one kept woman to another I'd love to win the buttons. Karen thanks for your comment, the shoes did rub on both heels, ouch! I'll never learn.

Ferg 'N' Jude said...

Glad you had a wonderful time It's nice to be spoilt occasionally.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I won!! :oD Thank you so much, Karen. I hope I've managed to email you my postal details but let me know if it hasn't worked.

Helena said...

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!
Your buttons arrived!
They're gorgeous, much more beautiful in real!!!
I'm going to make a post in my blog to show them to those who does'nt know your work yet. I'll put the links too, I'm sure some of my friends will want to buy some of them.
A biiiiiiiiiiiiiiig kisss to you and thanks a loooooooot!!!

Tammie Lee said...

I feel happy that you enjoyed your birthday so well! Yea, a well loved woman.
These buttons are charming as can be.
And the trimmed pieces ooh la la.

deanna7trees said...

trying the comment thing again.
love the binding and the fan shaped embroidery on the edge. so glad your birthday was a 3 day celebration.

Kira said...

Those buttons are soooo cute! I've just started making altered clothing and I can just picture these buttons on a pretty little floaty top.

Betsy said...

I LOVE pink and I LOVE buttons! What a combination - you've done it again.

Beacee said...

It's amazing how the addition of colour changes the mood of these buttons. So pretty!

Gina said...

Happy Birthday and may they get better & better!

I love those pink/white buttons! And I love that fan/umbrella (?) shape in the corner of the white embroidered piece. Wow...a year older and new new stitching!

Sherry said...

Thank you so much for another opportunity to receive your wonderful buttons. As long as you offer - I'll try to be the lucky recipient. :)
The buttons are beautiful and with two daughters, I would definitely be able to use them quickly.
Thank you again for sharing your beautiful work.

Patchwork Linda said...

No, I really don't think it can be possible to have too much cake,however if you can't manage the big box of chocolates i'll volunteer to help out. Glad you had a lovely birthday

Gina said...

Pleased you had a good birthday Karen... you can never have too much cake. The buttons are beautiful as ever!

Heartwideopen said...

Button,button, who has the button? I hope it's me!

;-) Debi

Iceni UK said...

Hi Karen, your birthday sounded like it was a super one.
Please enter me in the draw, your buttons are beautiful and I would love to own them.
Isabell

Lois Evensen said...

Oh, yes, the rework... I know it all too well! Your work always does come out so beautiful, though! Work, rework, who the heck cares!

It's so nice to be able to check in today. I'll be back next Sunday when I get a connection again. :)

Hugs,
Lois

jan b. said...

you have no need to apologize for not having buttons for everyone. The chance to win is a generous offer and to go multiple rounds AND respond back to all your commentors ... well, I'm befuddled. thank you for your generousity in sharing your art not only with give-aways but also by maintaining this blog.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

You deserve every single one of the giftie moments AND every bite of cake too! Your latest buttons are so pretty - remind me of cake icing (do you suppose you were influenced?)

Yvonne Moxon said...

The buttons are beautiful!! and bigger than I expected too thank you so much! x Yvonne