Painting on fabric

I finally tried out a new medium for embellishing CQs; been meaning to try this for some time, but apparently I needed a push. Lauri offered a challenge to our CQ for Newbies list called "Out of Your Comfort Zone" in which we were to first define our "comfort zone" in CQ, and then do a block within that zone. Then we were to pick some aspects of CQ that were outside that zone and make another block using them.

I just reread that sentence, and I'm afraid it may only make sense to CQers, but hopefully pictures will help explain. This is in my "zone"; lots of seam embroidery, and just a few in-the-patch motifs, because I like the beauty of the fabric to show.


So here is "out of my zone", with more....everything. The carousel horse is painted, which is new to me, and I did lots more motifs of other kinds. Still not what anyone would call encrusted, but I just can't seem to make myself go that far. Maybe someday.

Here's a block I made using an owl I painted on black Dupioni silk.

A chipmunk done on cotton.

A cabin and a squirrel, both done on cottons.

A morning glory done on black silk.

And a pansy with lilacs, also on silk.

I've had a lot of fun with this, but obviously need more practice, especially with the flowers.