THE ART IN STITCHERY

Hello there...

There is a very special exhibition currently showing at QAG,

complementing the Quilts: 1700-1945 show from the V&A which is nearing the end of its run.

 Ruth Stoneley: A Stitch in Time,

showcases the work of the late Ruth Stoneley, an inspirational figure in the Brisbane art and quilting communities, until her untimely passing in 2007.

Ruth's embroidery and quilting moved from the traditional patterns of quilting into another dimension, as she made abstract and expressive works which reflected her own feelings, emotions and ideas.

She was a much-loved teacher and generously shared her gifts and expertise with many lucky students.  

I was one of them for the last three years of Ruth's life, taking various classes in imaginative, free-form embroidery, her distinctive version of crazy patch quilting, and many other projects.

I treasure every item I made under Ruth's keen and artistic eye, and love to know she stitched a little bit here, a little bit there, on some of my pieces.

Ruth's life story is not mine to tell, but like all of us, she knew good times and bad, joy and heartache...

A series of black quilts - which I had never seen before, are shocking, powerful and emotionally charged...

A wedding dress ... it is not known if this was ever worn ...

An abstract take on traditional Log Cabin

Ruth Stoneley died of breast cancer in 2007..

Last piece:

I still meet and regularly stitch with a group of fellow students of Ruth..

Ruthie, we miss you...

Ruth Stoneley: A Stitch in Time continues at Qld Art Gallery until October 7.

Take care of yourselves and each other -

and have a great week!

xxxx



REMEMBRANCE

 

This beautiful hand-painted, Wedgewood cake plate belonged to my mother.

I loved it as a child, and was very happy when I found it during our clean out of the old family home this year.  It was in the kitchen, mixed up with a lot of cheap and chipped plates.

And it was still in perfect condition.

This year it may take the honour of holding our Christmas Cake.

 

 

Mum's little Shelley apple blossom dish is another treasure.

Such items keep the memories alive and are a pleasure to use...

 

 

and this Christmas I have my mother's old Nativity scene, given a new lease of life at our nest.

 

 

Today is Remembrance or Armistice Day.

We remember those of lost their lives in World War 1.

My Grandfather survived the experience, serving in the Fields of Flanders and the Somme.

 

 

These are his service medals.

 

Lest we Forget ...