I cut flower shapes from purple fabric. I cut centers from redish-brown fabric. I followed the shapes of the petals and with straight stitches sewed back and forth starting with the darkest color of thread then medium color and then the lightest thread. I embroidered around the petals for a more finished look. I zigzagged the redish-brown shapes in place on the machine. I cut out the 3 purple flowers and appliqued them to a 16 x 26 inch hand-dyed fabric. I cut out the red shapes and fused them in place... also the green leaves.
I then added leaves to the red flowers.
Looking at the piece, I decided the background was to light -- needed some dark and medium tones, so I got out my fabric paints and added 2 more leaves.
Started sewing down the red flowers and all the leaves following their shapes with a stabilizing fabric pinned in place to the back of the piece. All red flowers have been sewn down... will add more stitches in a lighter shade of red or real light lavender. Green leaves -- I put a little piece of batten under and turned-over parts of 4 leaves. I also darken the background in a couple of places.
I'm making the stems by wrapping fabric around yarn and stitching it... then I will stitch it to the background making it curve like a vine. I add lavender threads to the red flowers and embroidery the stems from leaves to the stems of purple flowers.
I removed the dark green leaves from the red flowers -- I wanted the flowers to look taller.
Looks muddy; needs change. Needs lots of little flowers.
Looks muddy; needs change. Needs lots of little flowers.
I painted more. I added printed flowers.
Quilted. Binding is done with yarn zigzagged on.
