....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.
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?
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?.....
molas have always intrigued me. so i was daydreaming and wondering what if i try a ragged edge mola using patterned fabrics. and maybe let the patterns guide the cutting. so i layered a floral over a floral over a yarn dyed check. 
and i am thinking of cutting the background from the first floral away and letting the second floral show through for starters....
tiny back stitches outline the shapes first, then cutting and clipping. of course a machine stitch will also work fine. but this is an unplugged blog.
i suppose you could use a light box, or a window (staying unplugged) to position the 2 florals strategically, but i like surprises. especially on a commuter train.
after i finish the top layer i will cut to reveal the check here and there and then , no doubt, i will be wondering....what if i add more layers....because i like the way it is working. continued
so it came to be that i asked myself ...what if i just forget this one? ( continued from... ) i mean i wasn't liking it a lot. so it went into my what if it just isn't working basket for a while. sometimes it is just a good idea to step away . before i "junked" it i cut holes in it and cursed and started to tear some of the stitching out and well it was really irritating. this morning it caught my eye as i left (in a hurry) to catch a train and i wondered what if i just sew again for no reason, just to sew.
there was the smallest scrap of silk shibori on the floor leftover from something else. i was thinking what if i just patch up those holes?...with silk again and ....
so here it goes again. still liking the feel of the silk inside and now liking the depth of the ragged silk cut-outs. what if i just keep sewing and see what happens? this is starting to be more about embroidery.
this project has been completed in terms of its goal, although it has now become part of # 25. the heavy stitching over the print and the silk sandwich is satisfactory. 
i have exposed the silk in the middle in a few spots to validate the sandwich and the original reverse appliqué premise.
this project (continued from) has turned into a sew for no reason thing now. the silk windows work nicely and the sandwich holds it in place. the reverse appliqué being easier than regular appliqué on the slippery silk. 
i didn't use the silk embroidery thread yet so that issue is still open....
and so the sandwich has a theme of pink bubbles that became things and now seem somewhat like alien lifeforms.
i don't like it yet.
but since this blog is all about fabric, let me mention a bonus discovery (at least for me). the silk layer in the middle imparts some wonderful drape and strength to the sandwich, like a magic liquid batting and i feel that a layer of silk between 2 lightweight fabrics would make a wonderfully warm but dreamy, creamy blanket. quilted of course. with silk maybe.
to be continued.....
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