House Swap Textile Challenge

Finally got around to doing some stitching today.
I have joined my friend Carol's Textile Challenge group. The topic for swaps is Houses and my first swap partner has chosen the theme The Country Cottage.
I have put a French twist to my offering, getting my inspiration from a popular computer wallpaper. Some of you won't know what I am referring to, but my 13 year old daughter sussed it immediately.

I have appliqued the window, pots and ladder and free machined the detail. I also added small bits of fabric for the climbing flowers, that have been heavily stitched over.
The fabric is hand dyed and hand painted.

Talking of hand dyed, this week I received an order for 6 metres of dye painted fabric, the results of which are in the photos below.







I have decided to set myself some creative goals this year, which are as follows.

• Keep up with challenges set by Carols group
• Create a monthly journal quilt
• Make something incorporating the bits and pieces that I pick up from the beach most days

I have collected so much stuff over the last few years and I need to start using it.