Lots of new work finished!

(Above:  A composite photo of Lancet Window CCXXXIX on left and Lancet Window CCXL on right.  Each piece is layered shapes of polyester stretch velvet fused on recycled black industrial felt with free-motion machine stitching and melting techniques.  Each piece is custom framed: 31 1/4" x 11 1/4" and is priced at $395.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Several weeks ago, I constructed the foundations for lots of new work.  Lancet Windows CCXXXIX and CCXL were among them.  More recently, I stitched them and then worked under the exterior vented oven hood in my kitchen to solder holes in them.  Outside (because the fumes are more than the hood can handle!), I subjected them to the intense heat of my industrial heat gun ... melting away the synthetic felt between the various foundation shapes.  Only the 100% cotton thread connecting the shapes didn't melt.  They held the pieces together.  Finally, I mounted and framed them.

 

(Above:  In Box CDLIX, a medium sized work in this on-going series.  Custom framed:  22" x 18"; $350.  Same materials and process as the Lancet Windows.  The difference is only in the way the polyester velvet shapes are cut.)

I also managed to stitch, melt, mount, and frame two In Box series pieces.  I make these in three sizes:  small, medium, and large.  These two are "medium" but I can create them in any desired custom size.  Right now, I have two more "Windows" and one large "In Box" waiting to be stitched and finished.  I'm also working on a group created on white synthetic felt.  In the past, I've only hand-stitched the ones on white felt but I think I might machine stitch at least one using a bright colored, variegated cotton thread ... just to see how it might look!  There's never a dull moment here in retirement!

 

(Above:  In Box CDLX.  Custom framed:  22" x 18". $350.)