what if

what if #161: reverse embroidery

...i have done so much with reverse applique, what if the same is done with embroidery?  i thought of this while working on this section of a project, and before i filled in the leaf i thought what if i don't.  now i am asking what if (?)  i embroider around things and build  the image by focusing on the background. this particular sample section is indigo split back stitch on linen. i like the relief of it.

what if #159: shaded dots

what if i draw the dots and leave the outline when filling in with embroidery?  i think they will look shaded. more dimensional. pitt pen and dmc floss ( 2 strands) over painted linen.

what if #127: letters on the edge

so what if i continue from here... and use letters as the edge?
....i folded the edge of the fabric over so there are 2 layers to work on. it makes it more stable. letters are drawn with permanent marker and then the edge is snipped and bound eyelet style to follow the negative space.
...and then of course i couldn't help but ask what if (?) i make the spaces in the letters eyelets, what an edge that would be. oh yeah....i'm not finished yet.

what if #125: patchwork skitchskatchwork

..... of course this is just a computer collage but i couldn't help but ask what if i cut up the skitched skatchwork and pieced it back together? continued from what if # 122.

what if #122: continued- padded reversible skitch-skatch

....continued from the last post, i have tried the padding. working here with an yarn dyed blue linen, folded over and stuffed with a strip of  chunky cotton twill. (the twill weave is more flexible and keeps the border from becoming stiff).
i left the ragged fringe from the stuffer hanging out as a decorative element. the extra layer works well to catch the stitches and so far nothing shows on the back.

what if#122: reversible skitching

....i am always investigating edges and the nature of edges is that they can be seen from both sides. i was wondering IF(?)  i fold the ragged edge over, could i sketch a stitching design and then using the pocket created by the fold, hide the unwanted parts of the stitch inside so i could get a reversible stitched border. it is working fine and i have some other questions. what if i add a third filler fabric strip or batting to add bulk? what if i skatch as well on the top surface only?

and the big question of the day....what if i gather all these crazy terms together as some sort of glossary?

continued here

what if #121: skitch and skatch

this one is dedicated to Paula, (one of my favorite stitchers and a fellow what-iffer) and her recent skitch-capades... a continuation from my last post and my old adventures over here. what if i combine skitch with skatch as an all over effect? working on a sketch with patch and stitch. 3" lion block, applique patch work and stitched face. 

silk and cotton on linen. i am freeforming the approach to applique, cutting a piece larger than needed and using turned applique using the drawn lines as a guide. i suppose you could cut pattern pieces if you need to be more exact. i like the ease of going out of the lines once in a while. i am having great fun fussy cutting patterns and fitting them in as special effects.

what if #115: form and function

many times i start out with a plan, but rarely does it take the original imagined form. today i am think about why that is. i suppose that part of it is changing my mind during the process. but with this one it was necessity. the floats of the stitch were becoming too long and interfering with the functionality. and so i asked myself what if i go back and slice up the larger areas into smaller pieces. and do the design has begun to morph within itself. same framework. different feel. motif/ design is often derived from the chosen technique itself.

one more thing...Sara Lechner has chosen to join me in focusing on what if on her new blog. go take a peek.

what if #113: crazy leftovers

this block is inspired by asking myself what if(?) the crazy block was made from thread scraps instead of fabric scraps. it will take awhile to finish so here it is in process. 7" square, drawn design to be filled in with thread ends, and a few fabric scraps for good measure.
many of you have asked for my address to send your block. i hadn't asked for you to send them to me, i just volunteered to send you one. but if you want to shower me with gifts i will wecome any with open arms. so no rules. swap or not. whatever. so much fun this CQR. great things!

what if #107: wool and cotton continued

....a break from CQR-on the lighter side..., so what IF sheep could fly? this is just a wool embroidery test. and i mixed a scrap of appliqued wool in for good measure. all sewn to cotton on a linen foundation for a machine wash test. my weaving wool has been eaten by moths into convenient sized lengths for sewing. recycling and trying new things.

wool. mohair boucle has been couched with wool covering sheep number one. wool split stitch covering sheep number 2. with a bit of straight floss filler because i ran out of wool on that commuter train.