Karen Ruane
“My main love is embroidery, by hand, traditional stuff like our grandmothers used to do”.
~Karen Ruane
Karen is a graduate in embroidery and surface design with a First Class Honors Degree and qualified teacher status. She lives in Lancashire UK. Her work has been exhibited widely.
Was there any influence in your life that you felt that pushed your work to another level?
I was very close to both my grandmothers throughout my life and as a child would be fascinated with their embroidery. I adored the colored silks and the pre printed patterns they would use to create beautiful things for the home.
When I studied at University I researched the role of cloth in the life of women throughout time. From furs and roughly woven cloth used by Nomadic tribes through to elaborate and ornate embroidery used to embellish the lives of wealthy Victorians. Through my work I hope to pay tribute to all women who have used cloth to enhance the lives of their families but most importantly I use my needle to remember, recognize and pay tribute to the role both my grandmothers played in my life.
Karen Ruane Resources
Read more about Karen and her creative process in the FAQ section on her blog. http://www.karenruane.blogspot.com/
Plan to spend some time on her blog. She has a wonderful video about her sketchbook. ( I liked the entry I found at: http://karenruane.blogspot.com/2010/05/books.html)
Karen also has an online class that will take you through the process of creating a unique “wrapping cloth."
Embroidery, Fiber Greats, Karen Ruane
Reader Comments (7)
Karen is a very talented person, I have followed her work for some years. Her work is a true work of art and have inspired much my own work.
Congratulations Karen!
Nina
Karen is so inspiring! I am signed up for her upcoming class. Her work is so interesting and different.
Deb
Karen's embroidery is exceptional. I took part in both of her online classes 'create, embroider, embellish and 'Buttons.
I learnt so much from both that it has allowed me to find another level of creativity in my own embroidery.
Congratulations Karen.
Karen's work is fantastic!!! What she does, in white embroidery, is gorgeous and so creatif.
Karen is amazing-I have taken two classes with her and we continue to correspond. She is amazing and anyone who gets the opportunity to take a course from Karen should do it in a heart beat!
I'm taking Karen's online class next week, and can't wait. I am honored to also own a piece of her work!
You're very talented. You've done an exceptional work. Good job.