A complex issue of to add more embellishments or not

Started to work on another piece of free motion machine embroidery last night. This fabric had been block printed awhile back. Have not been able to think of a way to embellish it so decided to randomly free motion machine embroider. It is beginning to look quiet effective. At this stage undecided as weather l will add beads and buttons as further embellishment , what do you think?

Unfinished Projects

Always great to finish projects that have remained unfinished for a few years. These pieces not particularly complex but nevertherless satisfying to complete and experiment with a variety of techniques. In both these pieces the backing fabric was stiffened with a couple of layers of medium weight Vilene. The landscape is constructed from furnishing fabric sample pieces. The pieces were backed with visoflex and ironed into place, no particular design was followed here. It was ...placement according to the eye. Sky fabric in the 2nd piece is procion dyed and l felt once in situ required no further embellishment. To complete the scene in both projects l free motion machined landscape elements. Due to the thickness of the layers l used a jeans machine needle and a variety of Birch sewing threads. I always tend to find that it is only when l have completed a project and can stand back from it that l can fully appreciate the journey.

Mixed Media Fun

A fun mixed media piece, again fabric backed with a medium weight stiffener. Laces and fabric pieces placed in a pleasing effect and then embellished with free motion machine embroidery. I chose the theme red here and not having my fabric dyes on hand l used red food dye to colour the pieces. As always when sewing thru extra layers of fabric or paper, as in case of the heart, l used a thicker shaft machine needle.......denim or size 90-100.