Lipstick hibiscus

Here is the results of my lipstick hibiscus solar dying. The silks are a soft beautiful pink and the cottons are  faintly tinted. But I didn't soak in soy or add any protein to the fabric before dying so didn't expect to get too much if any colour. They are still wet in this photo and now have dried a little paler, but I am happy with the result.

I have to work out a way to keep note of how I got the colours. So these are now tied together in a bundle with a hand written tag detailing the information.

Running stitch

I have started an online course with Sue Stone . These are my first two samples where running stitch is explored. There are variations in each square to relate to spacing, tone and texture. I am trying very hard to make my samples neat and controlled but my fingers and mind won't let me ....is that something about new dogs and old tricks? As I stitch these I am pondering how I can use some of these textural stitching ideas in pieces that have come to a standstill because they need something to bring them out of a predictable space they and my thoughts are in.

Year of Stitches

Today I went to the Aladdins Collectables fair and purchased some vintage lacy small appliqués. I have added some to this weeks stitching.

I also bought some unfinished transfer embroideries and a totally cutable doiley,which has stains but not on the actual embroidery. I will make hexagons out of the small floral embroidered bits scattered over it. Also got some lace , some white covered buttons and a beautifully mended hand made baby dress. It has grub roses and smocking on it, lace edges and small holes. But the mending speaks volumes, of repair , saving, hand me down, cherishing and the evidence of women's work, the hand of the maker in the process. 

Flowers

Thinking of flowers and jugs , using up , recycling, simple things and as always Margaret Olley is on my mind. Too busy a background? Or should the foreground be stronger colours to come out a bit more? Will try a few other layouts. The background is an old sample of machine quilting I had been practising.

Primitive Doll

I was inspired by a work colleague Koula @akida2 who has been making these primitive or folk dolls. Made up a pattern and didn't think too much about colours and matching, just went with the items I found. She is so endearing! Might be inspired to make more ...why ? I have made dolls years ago and did not think I would ever get back into that activity again. I think they became so popular and very detailed that the fun for me was taken out of them.

Solar hibiscus

Some lipstick hibiscus which are a beautiful red colour. I have put in some silk, cotton and lace. Will see what happens . Planning to put outside tomorrow. Cut from the garden of my family home which changed ownership today. Also I did a rubbing with paint of the hearth , took some soil, have pressed some of my Dads favourite pink geraniums, picked leaves for printing and cuttings of several plants.