Artist's Muse - Chapter 4 (Challenge 4)

The July challenge for the Artist's Muse group was to take up to 12 different fabrics, cut them into 12" squares, cut these up and place them in a bag, and then place them randomly one by one onto a base fabric that has a fusible web on it. The idea was to let your piece develop as you worked, rather like doodling. I chose a piece of purple velvet for the background, and I 'pushed it up' a bit before I ironed the fusible web on it. There was a large pleat in it when it had cooled, so I pulled this out revealing the purple velvet you see above.
I liked these ridges so I lightly 'foiled' them in places. I decided I needed to cover the plain velvet area, so I needlepunched a piece of chiffon scarf into it. The picture shows the scarf before being punched!
This shows the scarf punched into the velvet and the 'cords' are the hem of the scarf! Thought I might use them, but subsequently changed my mind. I liked the look of the fusible web where I had pulled it and broken it while it was still warm. It reveals a nice contrast of colour.
I then cut up seven different gold nettings and some green organza, put them in a bag, shook them up, tipped them out and spread them over the surface. I then ironed them into the fusible web, using baking parchment to protect it. I then placed black netting/tulle over the piece and ironed again.
By this time I realised I had 'cheated' somewhat, as I had deviated from the original challenge inasmuch as I had not 'covered' my base fabric (it was too textural to hide) and I didn't cut up 12" squares of netting (I didn't need all that to get the effect I wanted). I feel however I have completed the challenge, because I let the piece 'grow' as I played, and doodled with it to so speak!
The picture above shows the piece machine stitched using some zigzag and some free machine stitching. The piece is about 14" x 12" and as I have some more of the same velvet, I reckon it may well make a nice bag, or a book cover (why am I on a book cover kick!?)