what if

what if #51: discharge dots

i have this fabric which is a yarn dyed check.  indigo and sulfur dyed green. both discharge easily in different ways. there is also a mock leno dobby dot motif woven to this check. so i thought what if i play round with discharge dots on this fabric? as part of my dot series.
i was thinking that the texture of the open weave as well as where the colors cross could add interest to the discharge area.

1.a big dot that spanned the different areas of the pattern (leaving the fabric wrinkled and un-ironed),bleach, painted on with a q-tip.
2.smaller dots placed in different areas of the pattern, bleach, painted on with a q-tip.
3.a splatter ...bleach splatter done with a toothbrush .

what if #47: continued

some progress from where i started here, i have added a 'dotted line = running stitch' concept and also i wondered what would happen if i create  contrast between stitching and appliqué for the dot fillings. the different shades of indigo are working nicely here.

in process for side by side.

what if #50: tiny linen applique

i couldn't help wondering if i could applique such a tiny figure with linen fabric. and then i thought what if i can't. so i tried, knowing i was in for some trouble, but willing to work through it. i lost one of the front legs in the process and i will need to patch that somehow, since i did it directly on the quilt. if it was cotton it would have been easier. linen has a harder more slippery surface and the it frays more. just a quick try with no fuss,  i will try some other methods. this one will have a story over here.

what if #49: ragged mandala

what if i stitch fabric with fabric? i suppose this what if was born out of need, after all, today i had my fabric and my scissor on that commuter train, how is it i forgot my thread? small fabric strips threaded through a large eye needle, fabric carefully perforated with a scissor.  fabric strips used like thread. in addition i pulled and recycled some thread from a printed strip of fabric and used it to stitch around the circle's edge. the print gave the thread a mottled appearance , instant variagated thread!
ragged mandala, 6" x 6", cotton on cotton velvet. the method has reminded me of sewing and its relationship with weaving.

whatif #48: raggedy linen lion-part 2

the technique of layer on layer is working well here and i am interested in taking this forward in a more "serious" mode. i have had success in applying fabrics scrap by scrap and adding thread detail. this what if is complete in my mind and i will make this into a gift to be continued over at spirit cloth....

mostly linen with velvet paws, cotton embroidery and mane.

4" tall

what if #48: little linen lion

i wanted to try to make a doll/toy. i like linen so i thought what if i use my favorite fabric...linen...and make it a lion....a raggedy lion? what i am after here is to see if i can apply some of my quilting techniques to a 3D piece.

in process, about 4" tall. to be continued....

whatif#47: connect the dots series -1

what if i do a series of  connect the dots based on my previous post.  a few more formal and focused pieces. i am starting here. on a more loosely woven linen ground. continued here

what if #46: connect the dots

so i like those dots.

what if i connect the dots... ?

the nature of dots seems to want me to connect them.

i think this will be a series. but not in this color.

jaspe scribble backstitch filled in with applique.
silk and cotton on linen ground

(detail form " working through it " )

what if #45: spool wrapped shibori

i am very inspired to finally try some shibori after visiting glennis today. i need some practice to understand how different methods work. first i thought what if i wrap a printed dot fabric around an old wooden spool? and bind it tightly here and there following the shape of the spool.... then i thought what if i try stitch resist but use an overcast stitch intead of a running stitch. i did it on a pleated fold. i like the fishbone effect.  and then my first try at makiage shibori...i thought what if a try a lion?  nice try on linen...but it needs some work....i'll try again.

what if#44: one fabric patchwork

what if a patchwork block is pieced using both the back and front of the fabric to create the motif.  that could work.

one fabric nine patch
english paper piecing method
front and back of printed dot on cotton
3" x 3"

a good approach for a limited stash.
back  of fabric has a nice worn or antiqued look to it.
many more possibilities here, a series.....

and i have included the back of this block, because it inspires me...