Karen Ruane

doodle, colour, play,

I've had such a good morning, I've been doodling. It's not like I've got anything else to do.....ha.....dust four inches thick, filthy kitchen floor, pile of ironing reaching the ceiling, windows that haven't seen a shammy for months....no, nothing to do at all. I see it as prioritising, the doodling was urgent, the idea may have disappeared if I had left it in order to tackle chores.

Whilst I was working on the keepsake pouch for little Lottie last night I had an urge to develop the pattern....so doodling it was. I also referenced some other, similar stitching in the paper piece. It's got me fired up now.......there is a class coming related to all this just as soon as I can get my act together and compose an illustrative, legible, concise, clear listing for it. 

The pouch itself is almost finished surface embroidery wise. I won't show you that again until it's all done and dusted. I figure another couple of hours stitching this evening along with decision making regarding added titivations for edges and then it will be good to go, to be backed, lined, put together.

In all seriousness though, I can't work in squalor so I am off to do my domestic goddess bit....kitchen floor first....see you on the other side.

 

1 1/2 hours later.....spotless kitchen!! Floor, check. Worktops, check. Splash backs, check!!!

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Three hexagons with tabs have been added to this silk cloth doodle. I like them, I think they enhance....they make me smile. The only negative as far as I'm concerned is a distinct lack of stitching in any kind of volume. I mean....three hexagons? I don't know, I have slowed down, events are conspiring against me? who knows....I want to finish this sooner rather than later because I am going to make it into a keepsake pouch for little Lottie Rose. I would like to give it to her before she is 21.

I've been making notes....(oh yes, making notes as opposed to stitching, there could be a clue to the lack of embroidery in that). Anyway, notes, lists, ideas for a new stitching adventure so watch this space. It involves doodles on cloth, Broderie Anglaise, piecing, maybe some lace and a lot of embroidery along with recognition of the body bag.

And now.....Happy Birthday to the most gorgeous girl in the world....Helen. Love you to the moon and back.

 

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Wow, thank you so so much for the comments and  e mails yesterday about the London day. I know it's been said that I should host something similar in the USA and I agree...it would be amazing but do you have any idea of how much that would cost? That is a terrifying thought......it will definitely be happening again in the UK though I promise.

I'm still playing catch up here, don't even mention housework or go on a dust hunt....I think I will need to spend a little time attending to chores this afternoon.....

Today's pictures? The top two are paper play pieces from class. I was doing more of that with them this morning too. That is actually a very lovely way to relax and gather yourself together when you are surrounded by chaos. The last four pictures are of unsold items from London which are now in the shop.

Tonight I will stitch. I did stitch last night but only managed a handful of bullion knots.....shame on me. I do intend to rectify that later.

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April 25

Wow, didn't that flash past at high speed. I can't believe it's been and gone already. Speaking for myself......it was amazing, wonderful, It was more than I ever could have hoped it would be and it wasn't scary at all.

Myself and my able assistant come tea lady Helen set up each table. A white table cloth, a pin pillow, pins, needles, tape measure, embroidery, samples, ledgers, pouches, pencils, paper, colouring in sheets, coloured fine liner pens. It looked very well organised and welcoming, (I hope). The day flew by. There was cake but I only had time for half a piece. The tea lady took the photographs as I just didn't have time. (any complaints point them in her direction). 

I don't think a million photographs would have done justice to the day though. I am going to say it was a success. I am going to say it will definitely happen again. I arrived home yesterday afternoon on such a high..I feel very privileged to have had that day...thank you.

Whilst I was in London (and by the way, my feet know I have been to London!) I went to see the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the V&A. I can't recommend that highly enough. I particularly love his use of silk tulle for draped skirts, flowing layers and flounces (type his name into google images and you will see what I mean).....I've got to get some...I do....brace yourselves because if I do buy some you are likely to see nothing else for quite some time.

There are one or two things left from the selling side of Saturday and I will be putting those in the shop later today. Also, whilst I was away we had a new addition to the family...a baby girl....(see what happens when my back is turned??) can you all please say hi to tiny, tiny only  five pounds in weight Lottie Rose....she is adorable. (mummy and daddy don't want her to make her internet debut yet...that's fine, she's pretty shy. As soon as I am allowed I will let you see her)

Doodling 5

You will notice the absence of red from yesterday. It's in the bin! I am more than happy with this one however.

I will be home tomorrow. Did you miss me?

(and for those of you who don't know....Man Utd, Manchester United is a football team, a football team that I don't like)

 

Doodling 4

No image today. That's because I am not happy with this one......it all gets resolved tomorrow.

 

 

chain stitch

Sorry if this video is a little dark. I didn't use my lamp as it was sunny outside. The next two days are also quite dark......I throw myself on your mercy.

Doodling 2.

 

Doodling 1

A quick doodle video for you. 

 

partial flower heads

The latest scrap of doodled cloth has been extended with applique. There are now two partial flower heads on this piece, each petal edged with a double row of chain stitch in two colours. I damp stretched this last night and now I will roll it onto a tube so that it can be safely taken to London with me.

I am just about ready...I think. Lace cloth has been tied to stiff card so it doesn't crease, pillows have been placed in clean bags to keep them dirt free, there is a pile of pockets and a couple of pouches waiting to be wrapped in calico. Let's hope I have room for my unmentionables. The sewing machine will be packed any minute now and then I must check my list...pins, needles, thread, scissors, wadding, cloth, pockets of cloth, name badges, table cloths, paper plates, napkins......(for the cake).....if I've left anything off there please feel free to give me a nudge.

My blog will post daily whilst I am gone as if by magic...videos....short videos and I will be posting on Instagram, probably obsessively whilst I am in London so if you want to keep an eye on me just have a look over there.

Behave yourselves when I'm gone......miss you already.

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