Working outward
What if you want to make your piece larger? We have been focused on creating a base and then adding and working within that frame. But often times I use a base as a core and then start extending outward. This method works well when you want to make something larger and add more components as you go. There is nice feel of open ended story this way. This method can change the context of what you have quite quickly and encourage you to consider working larger. To continue.
You can continue to add and cut away, paying attention to the thickness of your piece and adjusting as necessary. This method works well also because you can complete the stitching/quilting in the center and then move outward so you are always working on the edge, making it easier to get at.
You can vary the placement of your core on your extension, it does not have to be centered. You might also, if necessary, sew some smaller scraps together to make a larger piece to use as an extension.
I will be talking more about stitching/embellishing, quilting and managing the back of a piece as you go. When you get used to this method, you can always JUST GO... Don't worry about the back. If you manage the thinness, more cloth can always be added.
What if I want to combine multiple bases. Would I arrange them on a backing and do the same, using strips & pieces to meld the edges of the bases together? Yes, that is one way, or I might extend one base with a big piece and add more bases and then extend and add more etc. Or you could just overlap the bases and let the edges touch, simply stitch them together... depends on your arrangement idea. Think collage. There are so many ways, what if you invent your own? And it works? And you share it here?
