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







Saturday, December 31, 2011

tomorrow....

Tomorrow is Sunday....and it's also a new year, something that doesn't really mean much to me but this year I think it's a good time to take stock. When you stop at any given point and look back at what's happened before it can be very revealing. This time 12 months ago I didn't know that I would have created so much ''white''. I wasn't aware that I would share sketchbooks with you. I hadn't really got started on ''paperwork''. I didn't have a clue that I would acquire a video camera enabling me to talk to you or that something like that would lead me to fall in love with the sound of my own voice!!
I have given away beads, given away paper, given away buttons....but most revealing....I didn't know that I would start to teach again, online, and be overwhelmed by the number of you who cared about that and wanted to listen to my inane rambling and learn something. I cannot begin to express how amazing it has been to ''meet'' and work alongside such amazing people in my classes and I want to also give them a massive WELL DONE and share their work with you, here, here and here...to my girls...you should be very proud.
Tomorrow, Sunday, is the start of another period for us all. I will share my stitching again starting in little over a week. 
I believe that you are supposed to approach the year as you mean to go on....I shall be stitching then!!
So tomorrow....and every day after that....not just at the start of a new year.....I wish you all everything you wish for yourself.

17 comments:

Doreen G said...

God willing Karen I hope to be travelling along this road with you.
All the best for 2012 my friend.

barbara l. hale said...

You've accomplished quite a lot this past year. Glad to have shared a bit of it with you. I so admire your work. Have a great New Year!

Peggy Holt said...

Rally? You just started teaching this year? Wow. I think you are very impressive.

I love your whitework and it is what called to me from the very beginning.

I am so pleased to be included as one of your "girls" and I thank you for your generosity in sharing your gifts with us.

Your blog is now one of the sites I go to daily to see what beautiful work you have been up to.

May you find all the time you need to continue to bless the world with your beautiful work.

I hope to be able to catch another class another time so please keep offering them.

deanna7trees said...

amazing how life can change in just one year. and i'll bet there will be more amazing happenings in the new year. always wishing you the best.

Elizabethanne said...

Hello Karen
Thank you for the privlige of being able to do you wonderful workshops. I have enjoyed doing the button workshop & have learned so much from it. I am very strongly concidering doing the stitch embellish & embroider workshop. But may have to wait till the next time you run it.

I have loved following your blog, you have given me such great inspiration. Thank you
Big Hugs Your Friend
Elizabeth xxx

Lois Evensen said...

It has been a marvelously busy year, hasn't it, Karen. I've so enjoyed getting to know you better and thank you for the buttons I won in your give away. I truly enjoy reading your blog and seeing all of the beautiful things you make.

All the best for 2012.

Hugs,
Lois

Jacky said...

It's been wonderful following along on this journey with you Karen. We cant get enough of your beautiful white work!!!

Happy New Year to you...wishing you health, happiness and prosperity in 2012.

Jacky xox

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I'm very much looking forward to the embroidery class and learning to better my craft with your able guidance - happy 2012 Karen. Here's to the fun we're going to have!

Mary said...

Such a pleasure to "meet" you this year. I so enjoyed taking your class, and am hoping to actually get the sewing done this coming year!

Wishing you great happiness in the new year!

Tina said...

Amazing year indeed! I had such a great time in your class and am so excited for you as you begin a second class in just a few days.

Wishing you an amazing and wonderful new year!

Tina

Suztats said...

On this New Year's Eve, I raise a glass of wine in toasting all, and wishing for a brighter day tomorrow, and a New Year filled with Joys, Creativity, Friendships and Love. May we all be so blessed!

Jane said...

It was a privelege to take to classes with you, I think the white work piece is my highlight of the year. I shall enjoy seeing what happens this year, and wish you all the best for the coming class

Jeannie said...

Happy New Year! Karen, you are a wonder. You have opened my eyes to the beauty of white work. Your stitches are so beautiful and should be on a Goddess' gown. Thank you for sharing your journey with me and I hope to one day take your classes and listen to the voice that takes me back to childhood with my Great Gram Polly.
Wishing you only the best of things in the new year.

Anonymous said...

A very happy new year to you! x

Joanna said...

Happy New Year to you and your family, may your fingers remain nimble and your head overflowing with ideas :)

Barbara said...

Happy New Year Karen and looking forward to your new class
Barbara
x

Rachel said...

You've had an adventurous year, Karen - thank you for sharing it with us!