..and smaller again......

...this time with a bit of brighter-coloured painting.





This sample was done differently to the others. I covered the calico fabric with a coat of watery lightweight plaster before adding the design and spraying with dyes.

When all the machine stitching was done, I then used some acrylics mixed with a matt medium on a few sections of the panel.

I thought it was a tad "bright and new" looking, so after a rummage around I came across a Tim Holtz distress ink stamp pad (walnut), and, using a bit of natural sponge, went over the surface to knock it back a bit.

Pleased with that!

...now for the hand-stitching around the edges.

(The larger one is still progressing....in short bursts at a time to avoid a pain in the neck!)

...another sample...

Samples are happening quite quickly....

...just as well with everything else that has to be fitted in around here!

Don't think there'll be a chance for tea tomorrow...

...it's going to be a right running-around day :-(

French goodies and new work...

Of course I tried to get some vintage lace bits...

...especially at the flea market in Chartres on the Sunday Morning...

...but failed miserably!

What I did find there was this little book...




...stuffed full of "les mots sages"...

...that will find their way into some small pieces of mixed-media collage.

Just look at the marbling too....




So, with no vintage lace on the horizon, I plumped for new instead!



Luckily there was the delightful "Mercerie du St Pierre" in Montmartre, where I was able to pick up these beauties (for collage too).





(This last one will make gorgeous window nets in a not-so-little French house!)

Now a happy bunny!

Since I've been home, I've been getting stuck into a few new things...

..like brightly coloured Indian-flavoured stitching..



...and small sample pieces for my new exhibition theme, "Stitched in Stone", inspired by ancient Mayan stone carving.



This one is a complete departure ....

..and it's going to be both fun ....

...and a major challenge, because some of the pieces will be 1m x 1.5m.

Machine quilting is a new method for major work....

...I hope it all goes ok....

...as I have rather large walls to fill in August and November! :-o