To Couch or Not to Couch

Indigo and tannin dyed sisal, am contemplating couching some to the surface of Bjorkboda.

Definately not as one mass but more like bits and pieces, more like the stand of cottonwoods at the marsh bent, broken, and leaning.

And maybe a little knotted, like the vines that creep over the cottonwood trunks.

WIP - Bjorkboda 081612

Now with some dark teal cotton thread.

I love the overlap of the cotton panels.

I forgot to remove the dye technique notes from the botton of the fabric panel, so now to figure out what to do with that little bit and then it's time for some hand stitching.

Bjorkboda Marsh

Went out to the marsh this afternoon for a much needed infusion of inspiration!!!

Now to spend some time in the studio this evening working with a fresh mind!

Stitching Details

More stitching coming later this afternoon, had to take a break from sewing.  In the mean time I'm thinking about  the direction of this particular piece, of rivers, cottonwood trees, marshes, and the difficulties early settlers faced in settling this wild wet often boggy land called Iowa.

Cottonwood Stand

A beginning sketch on cotton fabric, more pen and ink and then some stitching and then maybe I'll rust and compost it for some additional color.

My favorite Sycamore Tree.

Stand of Cottonwood Trees at Bjorkboda Marsh