Thread painting vignettes

I wanted to test out a couple of stabilizers to use with thread painting....I'm in that mode right now for something small.   By far my favorite is Totally Stable Solvy.  It is an iron on and tear away type, and for really small projects doesn't require hooping.  There is still a small amount of distortion from the concentration of thread, and that just seems to come with the technique. 
  Machine is set for free motion stitching with a #14 top stitch needle.  I like to use decorative threads with a sheen, like sulky or embroidery threads.  Go slow to avoid breaking and snapping the thread.

  I chose a couple of  pieces of sun dyed fabric to experiment on.   I lightly penciled in a few lines to get started.  The stabilizer was ironed to the back of the fabric.  No hoop, just hands.  Just be sure to keep the fabric flat against the bed and the machine and not loft it.
  First, I put in some green  straight stitches for arching stems and then began to lay in the color for the mound/rock.....whatever it is.  On the rock I used a zig zag stitch to put on the first layer of color.  I worked across the area keeping the stitched rows parallel to the base. 

Then I changed to a slightly darker thread color and began to fill in along the base and one side.

I am using a zig zag stitch....but I am moving side to side (not back and forth towards me). This type of motion will fill in quickly and blends well.

Extra green stems, darker grasses at the base, a few red buds....all free motion stitches either straight or zig zag.    Russ says it looks like an island in the sky. 

  One more...just for the season.  I began with a penciled in  shape, filled with base color, and then added extra colors and details.  I got very little distortion on this one.  The stabilizer tore away easily and left no residue. 
  I think I'll try a few more...just don't ask what I will do with these.....just practice for now.
Happy stitching.