Seams French

Traditional boutis stitched in a traditional design. (Francine Born) The tradition and heritage of boutis, which is a technique of corded white work whose provenance is specific to the southern areas of Provence and Languedoc, is still being actively promoted and practiced by many needle artisans from the region. It's origins in France date back to 15th century Marseilles, where between 5,000 to 6,000 women were employed in needlework ateliers producing between 40,000 and 50,000 finished pieces of "toiles piques" (hand stitched needlework), mostly for export. Fortunately, subsequent generations have understood and appreciated the rich heritage of this craft. They have continued the tradition with dedication and enthusiasm, both by creating and by teaching. For the past two years, I have had the privilege to further my study of boutis (it's techniques as well as it's historical significance) from Madame Francine Born , www.boutis.fr , who herself has learne...

It`s been almost 3 months since we have been back in France and, as is very typical of life in general, the time disappears very quickly. Although I have not had much "quality" stitching time, my mind is never far from the subject. As we travel around the area, my camera is always poised and ready to capture new ideas and inspiration, old ideas and inspiration, and of course, objects of beauty that are always inspirational. These wildflowers are growing on the sandy banks along a quiet country road in the  camargue (a region of salt lagoons surrounded by marshes near the sea). At the end of this road stands the Romanesque cathedral of Maguelone, built in the 1100's. The quiet, serene setting of this cathedral, standing alone in a vineyard between the etang (a lagoon) and the sea, makes it one of my favourite places to visit. And of course, the opportunities for inspiration are limitless. Below are some examples of how I use these influences in my work. Above t...