Sumptuous Surfaces Monotone Assignment

For the last three weeks I have been thoroughly immersed in an online class being conducted by Sharon Boggon

In the first half of the course, we have been working a project in monotone, and as I have stated previously, I'd chosen greys.  It was a difficult colour choice for me, but in the end I settled on using our Australian gumnuts as my theme.  

Of course, I won't go into all the details of our class brief, but much of the work is done using quite heavily textured stitching.  I really enjoyed this part of the exercise, and must admit to perhaps packing far too many knots into my chosen areas.  I also think I should have used a little more variety in threads, and types of stitches - a lesson for the future no doubt.

This close-up may give you an idea of some of the pulled thread areas that have been worked, some of which have been made up as I went along.  It has been wonderful to see the way others have approached this assignment, and I am honoured to be part of such a creative group of stitchers.

I had always intended to use this as the front adornment for a journal cover.  I have so many little ring binders, and I don't know how they have found their way into my house.  They just seem to look so much more exciting 'wearing' a stitched cover.  I did not buy the fabrics for this, but have used pieces from my cupboard.  The inside has been lined with a quite busy, marbled print, but I have used a much more sedate piece for the outside.  

Before I finish this post I have to give a big thank you to a friend and fellow blogger, Shirley  During this assignment, Shirley has been so very helpful, sending me little 'grey' treasures, as well as offering me advice on a few aspects that were worrying me.  Shirley has a great gift for seeing the right line and light, but without doubt, her greatest gift is the willingness to share and encourage.  Thank you again Shirley, your kindness is very much appreciated.