Making it up as I go - as usual

 I have started a new small tapestry. It is for the online group challenge that I have entered for several years now. It used to be the AusNZ group but New Zealand has its own group now and our organisers are (understandably) tired. So they have said that it will be the last challenge - unless someone steps up and takes on the job. It is a huge job, so I am not holding my breath that someone will take it on. 

I am very grateful to the organisers for the many years they have put in. It has given me a theme to work towards, something that I seem to need. 

The theme this year is Sense of Place - I have had trouble coming up with an image. I ended up using a photo I took on the Aqueduct Trail above Warburton - I actually have a LOT of photos from there. 

The size of the tapestry is no larger than 20cm square. The photo I am using would work on a much bigger scale. To make it easier, I tried drawing the image using water colour pencils. I left out quite a bit of detail but it is still fiddly. 

'Based on' the photo is being kind. And I have added a person and dog that were in another photo, just to give the perspective. Not sure how I'll go weaving them, especially so small. 

Initially, I was only going to do the ferns but then I decided that what really appeals to me is the sheer size of the trees and the ferns. I am going to insert a person (probably) to give an indication of the scale. The main fern is very large.   I am doing the weaving from the side, so I can decide about the human figure towards the end. As I said, I am making it up as I go, to some extent. 

To get started, I thought I would work on one section first. This has left me with a large area that will need to be attached. As I am not sure how I am going to do the ferns, I am not sewing the slit up as I go, which is what I usually do. I am leaving myself the opportunity to pull out my ferns if I don't like how they are going. I have decided to try some Soumak. It will be interesting to see how it goes. 

I accidentally did one bit with only three strands of wool and that seems less bulky so I will persevere with that. But the first bit was done with four strands and I am not going to go back and pull it out - I have pulled so much our already that I am over it.  And it might not matter - I hope.