Paint + fibre

Between the 2QAQ group, Dale Rollerson and Playways have taken me and my machine to creative places I did not think I could imagine ... my only complaint is that the possibilities are endless and the WMBM is frequently a "studio widow". He will manage. His mantra is that I should follow my dreams, so long as that doesn't mean he has to leave his dreams to participate in mine. Art quilts and aviaries - it's a marriage made in compatibility. 
Painted some sheets of vliesofix over last weekend and  bonded them to felt perhaps to be rotary cut, re-purposed and start a new life as a journal cover. Played with Tyvek thanks to an envelope received from the US some months ago when playing tourist ... I'm getting into the painting and loving it.
Used all the copper thread offcuts from a different project with silk that I'd dyed at Ankie's some time ago to make another ....(you guessed it ) nest and played with wafer thin sections of silk fibres carefully bonded with a hint of Angelina fibre and now have a possibility for another nest or bowl .. albeit with  a fragility rating of "fairy floss".

Silk nest - Mark III

Mirror images

This nest is translucent now it has completely dried, and there are several places where the fibres are so thinly spaced it is possible so see through to the inner sanctum. The goal is to create 2-3 nests each week - different fibres, techniques ... and embellishment ...the embellishment is way down the artistic track ... for now the focus is on creating. Now what did I do with all those emu feathers ......

Thread bowls and nests

Only two bowls survive from a set of four I acquired in my late teens from a local potter - they have been constants over the decades holding just enough nuts, or cereal and now, in my Year of Continuous Improvement, perfect for thread bowls or rather, nests as I prefer. After partially rinsing the soluble stabiliser the sticky mass was moulded over the bowl (which was already covered in cling film). Sometimes I wrap them tightly in kitchen string and that brings it's own texture to the finished product - this time I simply worked the shape onto the bowl with my hands ... and tinkered with pushing it this way and that in between stitching something else. Last evening I painted the inside with fabric stiffener and worked it across the base and about 2/3rds the way up the inside - then placed it over the cling wrapped pottery bowl again. The extra body helps reduce "wilting". Every time I look into the thread bags - sometimes three on the go at the same time - I see another nest.

Bowls and nests

I've started a series of bowls / nests - using silk top and hand-dyed organza / chiffon. It is sumptuous stuff - here's another in the series that used deep purple silk, some merino, torn tea bag papers (thanks again to everyone at work who contributed to the collection of papers) and other threads - then beaded around the rim. Tons of fun!

Silk tops and nests

This week I've been "playing" with silk tops, mohair and other fibres - making "nests" - and doing lots of hand sewing / quilting. Very good for the soul. I am able to recline in a lounge chair, conveniently located in the sewing room / studio and elevate the troublesome foot on a dining chair - perfect for hand sewing and entirely medicinal.