I´m working on a textile picture today. A portrait of a polar bear. A bit of application, but mainly freehand machine embroidery. I don´t have a fancy machine that can be programmed to do this, so every stitch is hand-guided. Handmade is what makes it art! 😉
I´m using a solid wool fabric, which I´ve stiffened even a bit more with Vliselin. After making myself a pattern, I cut and tear fabric pieces in soft colors, to add life. Pinning everything down, leaving small crinkles for added texture.
And then… just start sewing! The face is about 25×30 cm / 10×12 inches. These kinds of pictures take a small eternity to make, so some nice music in the background is a must! 
Work in progress…
Finally the face is covered in stitches!
The background isn´t finished yet, but for now, he can rest on a bit of rice-paper.
OH WOW!!!! your bear is freaking awesome!!!|I especially love love the close up shot of all the thread painting you did!! wow, seriously this is so beautiful Janne :o) Plus I love polar bears…is it for a client or for fun?? Your art wall is so happy! Is that at your house or your studio? Coming to visit you is so on my bucket list. I just went to see Le Miserable last night! Hugh Jackman did such an incredible job. I kept crying! luckily my friend had kleenex…poor Fontine. Ah! so good :o) {{{BIG HUGS}} to you today my friend!
I have to echo Tammy’s words. WOW~ this is so beautiful!!!
Æææææ, look at all those stitches! This is really stunning Janne.
It’s alive!!
Very nice!!!
OMG- this is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!! seriously LOVE it!
Hjelpe meg Janne, detta va imponerande!
Thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback! I am so honored you like it, and so glad you took the time to tell me so
yes, this is absolutely amazing. so intricate and detailed! all I can say is “wow!”