Forest Quiltie Swap / Creative swap challenge entry

I think that this is my 3rd swap with Creative Swap Challenges and I have enjoyed every single one of them. I like to stitch for a particular goal sometimes so swaps suit me very well. I signed up for this swap a while ago, yet it still sneaked up on me! Whilst I was visiting my parents I did find a few little bits to add to the surface, but my main aim is to try and use what I already have. It does add to the challenge. So the above picture shows the pile before making.

I first cut up some pre-patterned green fabric into 6 x 6inch squares. I decided to add some stitch and tear and a layer of thick interfacing to add fullness and quilting when I added the free machine stitching.

I collected a few leaves and dried them off. I looked for leaves which had quite prominent veins, then using a paintbrush I evenly covered the back of the leaves and used them to print onto the fabric. I used bronzes and golds to show up on the fabric and to add colour interest. I then used machine embroidery, metal leaves which I attached with a few stitches. I carefully hand stitched on some small paper flowers, which added some additional colour to each square.

I made 5 so that Lenna, who organises the swaps, has one too. Once they were finished the stitching on the back is covered with a piece of cream Cotton fabric. I then carefully wrote some info on the back. Then using my 'j' foot I stitched the backing on and sealed the edges with a built-in stitch which gives an overlocked type of stitch.

The darker strips were stitched down using green silk thread and free machine embroidery, which I love doing. Very therapeutic!.

The metal leaves seem to have come out looking rather silver in these pictures, but they are in fact a copper/brass colour and are normally used for card making.

I then carefully wrapped them and they are now off on their travels to America. I will get 4 quilties in return and I will post them once they arrive. Pop over the creative challenge and have a look at all of the work there. I challenge it not to make to drool and stare in wonder!

I am off to my sewing group after tea and I and continuing with my Christmas Decoration Swap for ......

the swap that I am organising.

Take care and have a warm and cosy evening.

XX