what if ?

what if #42: the nature of dots

i have always been obsessed with dots, and spots, and the tiniest motifs floating on an open ground. at the same time, i am  learning to piece by machine which is new for me. this what if, is a series. i accepted Robin Ferrier's invitation to post on side by side and i will use the opportunity to continue to explore variations on this theme. it will be about small spot motifs, and also about inspiration from nature. and  i will be working in linen mostly...the project will also be a lot about the fabric, its texture, its structure , its history, its beauty. off i go...what if i explore the nature of dots? that small pieced patch is 3/10ths of an inch!!! the black dots are painted.

hey! and you can catch the queen of the series Lee over at side by side too! oh what fun...

i will make a category for this series... to connect the dots.

what if # 42: study 1

as a point of reference, i would like to record a doodle study done back in the 1970s somewhere when i started thinking about dots, spots and small single unit motifs.

what if any small free-standing unit could be considered a "dot"?

what if#42: study 2

what if intersection points are considered "dots"?

what if #42: study 3

...still in process

what if #42: study 3-part 2

what if i experiment with all kinds of fabrics for the dots? the dots are the only unifying element. i am also experimenting  with handing small applique with in a border. (fussy fit )

scanned image:

freehand drawn dots outlined with split backstitch, turned applique dots, cut large so that turning under provides padding.

7" x 7" overall

dots are in general about 1/2"

linen ground

study for a series of larger pieces

inspired by that candy, dots on paper.

additional photo

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 " )

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 #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.

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 #59: stitching snow

an old drawing inspired a patchwork window. i used the free piecing machine method i just learned to block it out quickly. the sky is indigo, the snow drifts are white linen. i thought first about painting the snow but then i wondered what if i use thread beads for snowflakes on both the sky and snow areas. the raised white especially on the white is a nice effect. it works for snow and also fits into my nature of dots studies. the window with just the dimensional snow is so interesting i am thinking what if i leave the other details out. to be continued...