....of course after doing sheer patchwork, i started wondering if i could execute the same idea with shapes. 
cotton print on top of linen sheer. fairly simple but a little more difficult on a commuter train.
cut the star out first. and baste well to avoid shifting.
well it was what if (?) i use sheer fabric in patchwork this time... the seam allowances are usually the issue here, i plan to iron and tack the seam allowance toward the opaque fabric to clean the window edges... this is cool and merits more experimenting. and then what if (?) the batting is something to be seen as a shadow effect behind the window....oh gosh you could go on and on......
3.5" square block cut and dirty dyed from old sheer linen embroidered napkin.
for applique version go here.
today i was wondering ...what if i burn holes in fabric? 
6x6"
smoked and burned muslin over muslin.
washed.
amazingly the smoke and char stays fast. 
i've already started playing with the idea of sliding printed or drawn images between the layers. something ancient about it. what if i use this technique for february's TIF?
ok. this one sat around for a while all coiled up waiting to become the holder for something, and i couldn't get going with it. it needs to hold more was the felling i got and i had plans to extend it a bit. it sat. and then i though what if i extend it using an old shirt placket? an indigo shirt. a beautiful ready made edge with holes. button holes. buttonhole are always good for something. so that's what i did. and for some of the raveling edges i thought what if i just mend them with satin stitch,,, solid indigo.... and tack them down with that magic blue? nice. (left, by the needle) . when it gets a bit bigger i will coil it up again and see what it will hold. i need a bottom edge.
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.
what if i expand on the idea from here...and just cut windows in on fabric and overlay it on an already stitched piece?
linen with window cutout over what if #33.
6x6"
frame quilted
unplugged.
the cropping helps isolate the focus on details and the flat overlay enhances the texture.
and there is also a concept of reverse patchwork forming here.
and something related to mending.
experiments in contrast and stitching are random, trials in technique and motif.
i am particularly liking this effect using embroidery in combination with other texture levels.
the printed dot is a nice clear contrast against the drawn black.
the raised split stitch is nice against the kantha stitch on the dark lines and also gives a sense of dimension to the whole motif. cont'd from
what if i just fool around with black and white, mola style. ragged. small.
6" x 6" study in edges and contrast.
permanent marker on loose weave linen
3 layers, linen, dotted cotton, white slub linen
in process while thinking about the different levels of intensity of the circles and the different levels of contrast between dark and light.
after the third layer was exposed i wasn't sure what to do about the next one. there were so many organic shapes... the only thing i could imagine was a grid of some kind. my desire for order always surfaces. i just drew in an angled grid to soften the effect, a harlequin type diamond pattern ( a sort of cut-away patchwork) is what i envisioned. the lines are stitched with a single strand of variegated floss doubled back on itself to shorten the repeat of the color change and the cutting, although confusing to follow, shows signs of pleasing me.
another layer of soft lightweight cotton has been added with no intention other than stabilizing layer 4. all other what-ifs will be additive.
...all
three original layers are showing now. work is slow on this one, stitching and snipping, little by little. another layer has been added to the back and the outline stitching color has also started to become a design element.now there are questions like like what if some small cuts with inserts for accents are added and what if some turned reverse applique is combined with the ragged edge?.....
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