This creature was ‘thread-painted’ by machine.  When I was making him, as his face evolved, he didn’t seem to be a mighty fierce predator, but simply interested in what was going on ‘out there.’  Consequently the name:  “A Curious Cat.”

To create the background for him, I started with a large piece of muslin.  Over this, I added 2 layers of Osnaburg, which is loosely woven and therefore will ravel easily.  The next layers were all print fabrics with a variety of colors and values to help keep the work from looking static.  The ‘sunshine,’ the river and the biggest tree were created at this time, to be ‘in the background.’

When the layers where all gathered and arranged, I sewed thru all the layers in straight lines 5/8 of an inch apart across the entire piece.  These lines were on a 45 degree angle, so that the fabrics would ravel and create the soft ‘chenille-like’ background.

After the lines were all sewn, I cut all but the bottom muslin fabric, between each of the lines.  Then washed the piece and dried it in the dryer (emptying the lint trap several times.)  It wasn’t as ‘fluffy’ as I wanted after the first washing, so I did it again to create the soft muted ‘background.’

On the top of this piece, I appliquéd the threadpainted lion and the rest of the trees.  The trees are styled after an African tree, the Baobab, sometimes called the ‘upsidedown tree.’

My husband, Paul Romanowski made the oak frame.