an interview....

 

 

 

 

More work on unmentionables today, along with more tabs. I had hoped to have these all finished before I went away but sadly I don't think I will, sorry. Two are almost finished, I will be mailing a couple of you before the week is out so stand by your computers!! 

I  want to comment a little on yesterday. You are all so kind worrying about my stress levels. I have to say though that you can all relax. I am not at all stressed, I wasn't stressed yesterday. No, not stress, more yearning.....a desire to find some time to completely immerse myself in embroidery, no distractions, no outside things and stuff to attend to. And yes I know...we could all do with that. Trouble with me is I have to say it, to verbalise my inner most desires. Be relieved that they are limited to fantasies of the embroidery kind!! It could be so much worse.....

Now I want to share with you a little intertview I did for British Cream Tea website. It must be all my talk of cake that attracted them....enjoy!

 

 

Share a Pot of Tea with...

Karen Ruane

I am so excited about today's guest! When I first sat down to make a list of who I would love to introduce you to, Karen was one of the very first names that came to me so I am thrilled she is joining us today ;)

I first discovered Karen's ridiculously gorgeous embroidery years ago and was awe struck by her intricate white on white pieces. Patchworks of lace and embroidered cloth and monograms scattered liberally with bullion knots and teeny tiny flowers...

seriously...whats not to love??

so this afternoon, my lovelies, lets sit back and savour the fabulous stitches of Karen Ruane's Contemporary Embroidery...take it away Karen ;)

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 .

 

All my hand embroidery takes place on the sofa, in front of the TV or listening to the radio. I find it impossible to hand sew anywhere else....on a plane, train, in the car....at someone else's house. I have to be in ''my seat'' in my home

As for my favourite pieces....my wrapping cloths, the cloths I first created as a representation of my desire to shield, protect and envelop my children.

I really hope you have enjoyed this mini romp through Karen's work and that you adore her pieces and fabulous stitching as much as I do.

If you want more information about her work you can visit Karen'sblog...though be warned, once you start flicking through the photos time will run away and you will find that hours have passed in a flurry of bullion knots ;)

And finally, in my usual method of saving the best for last...

Karen has an 8 week course starting on the 17th June that she is calling "Simply Stitch. A Gathering of Cloth & Embroiderers":

"Twice weekly, sometimes more,  we will gather together and embroider. I will discuss my plans, my inspiration, the preparation and creation of embroidered cloth. I will demonstrate technique and process throughout.  I can guarantee that there will be pockets, pouches, pin pillows and more.  I will share thoughts along with the more tangible sources which drive me. I will doodle, you will be encouraged to do the same."

A seat on her course will be my treat to myself if next week's Artisan Market goes swimmingly...so you have to join me!

Thanks Karen xx

 

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