Teaching Kids and Slow cloth progress

The first two images show some examples of stitching using the straight stitching:  running stitch and the ladder stitch that I used for the classes I taught at my local Island Art Association's youth art classes.  I taught elementary aged children, none of whom said they've never stitched before.  I had a good time sharing my love of stitch.  Most seemed to enjoy themselves.  I hope I inspired the rest to stitch some more. 

 These below are just my stitching along side the children.  Way too much fun!

 

Here's some works in progress.  I am sure enjoying the needle and thread, stitching in and out, filling up the spaces.  Added some words:  machine stitched and hand stitched.

 





Decided to machine quilt the woven strips of my own silk tie dyed fabrics, then tacked the silk red heart down.  I've done some more work on these two.  I'll take some more work in progress images to document my journey.

The background is hand painted and printed on this last piece.  All the fabrics are recycled ones:  a blouse, ties, dresser scarf.  Even the painted and printed background - I clean my brushes and brayers on a damp old bed sheet. let it dry all scrunched up and then leaf print and stamp it. 

It's raining and I can't beach walk!

So, I thought I'd take some images to show what I've been working on. Not a lot of product but lots of playing. When I say playing, I really mean experimenting and practicing. And a lot of practicing comes before a decent product. Thread doodling and canvas - from real life and from internet images. Trying to thread doodle every day to start my work session. I've also become to collage like fabric colors together for future background. The upper left and lower right 4x6ers(in the composite image) are examples - I've needle felted and machine stitched on top. I've got to use up my scrap piles. I'm been having a ball experimenting with my new machine needlefelter. I've discovered cheesecloth - painting it and then needlefelting it!

I've included an image of Saturday's sunrise - simply glorious!

I've cut up some previous art quilts (ones I really didn't like so much) to make into purses - I've upload some images when completed. I've been recycling crazy patch cornucopias - Christmas ornaments - into neat little hangings that buyer can insert own photo. I gave a similar one to my brother and sister-in-law for their 40th wedding anniversary. Am pleased so far with the results.

Oh, some great, great news. A new Art Boutique - 3 Eclectic Chicks Art Boutique, Jacksonville, FL. called and said I came highly recommended - so my work is being shown there!!!!! Am thrilled!