BACK AT IT

 Okay, a small misstep is now in the past after some thread sketching added texture & motion to the sky area while the impression of grassy clumps appear in the lower section. The appliqué motifs are the theme, thread painting merely adds to it. Since this is an art quilt, machine quilting through three layers, top, batting, backing will complete the project.  

But first I'll be adding some highlights using fabric pencils and crayons. Please visit again to view the finished piece.

STITCH - THEN UNSTITCH

 Gosh, and I was making such good progress...... The top is pieced and as usual I tend to add texture and movement by stitching through the pieced top and its stabilizer before many of the foreground motifs are placed.

My preference is to sew with a walking foot, rather than FM (of which I am terrible at). Following simple drawn lines would/should/could have provided a sense of motion for the sky area. NOT....it wasn't fluid enough. Fortunately, the realization came quickly before too much 'unstitching' had to be done. Because each of my pieces are original, one-of-a-kind, ideas and methods are constantly evolving. AND that's what keeps it fun and challenging for me.

GEARED UP TO CREATE AGAIN!!

 Normally there aren't many lulls in my creative process........life has kinda gotten in my way lately.  It happens!!

Often I begin with only a vague design idea............declaimer, unlike many who claim their designs come from dreams, my projects DO NOT COME FROM DREAMS.  Frankly, I have to work harder than that!!  This idea has been in the back of my mind (I call that passive designing) for several months.

Take a look at the progress so far.  My goal was to feature some of my indigo dyed and Ice dyed fabrics.  Piecing is not my usual approach for the background of art quilts, but in this case it worked well to utilize the colors and textures of these hand dyed fabrics.