Sketching and Inspiration

Here is Stitch Sketch 15

a big experimental blob using rice paper, metallic tissue paper, wool, silk, polyester, wool roving, metallic thread, regular thread and of course, my new transparent free-motion presser foot.  Can you tell I am having fun with my sewing machine? 
Just think, a week ago I hated this machine.  Now I kinda like it again.

Here are some books that I'm looking at right now for some inspiration.

Currently Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques By Cate Coulacos Prato

Currently Cover To Cover: Creative Techniques For Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums By Shereen LaPlantz

Currently How to Make Soft Toys and Dolls (A Sunset Book) By various

Currently
THE BIG BOOK OF SOFT TOYS
By MABS TYLER  (sorry no pic from amazon on this one)

The last two books are oldies but goodies, worth buying used. 

I'm taking the kids on a trip to Southern Illinois next weekend.  I'm going to make up a bunch of vague fabric doll forms and/or quick fabric sketchbooks for us to decorate on the trip.  I was originally thinking of stitch sketch material for myself.  I know that if I'm doing it, the kids will want to do it too, so I will make enough for all of us.

The trick for me is to make them without thinking that I need to go buy a bunch of supplies in order to make them.  I am quite sure that I have enough stuff lying around here to do it.... 

Must
Restrain
Myself