Holes # 6 is finished! I’ve also been able to finish two other works on paper.
I’ve hit a bit of an impasse with my substrates. I’m torn between creating works on paper or works on wood panel. They each have pros and cons. On one hand, the birch panels are great because they’re heavy, substantial, and they do not require framing. On the other hand, they are much more expensive than paper, are harder to store, and they limit my use of materials in that I can’t easily pierce through their surface. The only way to use embroidery floss on panel is to “glue” it onto the surface. With paper, I can actually sew through the surface, which makes for a really nice effect. Paper is also more cost efficient and can be easily stored away in a portfolio. On the down side, paper can easily wrinkle, it’s hella expensive to frame, and there’s also the issue of conservation.
Most of what I have read about conserving works on paper is very pessimistic. Apparently, if you want to work with paper or own paper art, you have to keep is stored in the Fortress of Solitude away from all light, moister, and air. I get that paper is more susceptible to the elements and is at higher risk of deteriorating over time, but sheesh, I can’t afford to spend over $200 framing every individual piece. If any of you artists out there have advice or wisdom about works on paper, I’m all ears.
I suppose I look at it this way: if the content of my work is not good enough to stand the test of time, then it doesn’t matter if it physically deteriorates over the years. If the content of my work is good enough to last past my lifetime, then art conservationists will take care of the upkeep. (This might be a lazy approach, but it suits me.)
(Despite all my effort, I could not take a good photo of this piece. In real life, the colors are beautiful, trust me!)
Megan Caldwell Chandler 
Megan, I think your works are SO LOVELY! Both individually and arranged together like here, they look wondeful. Terrific job! I would love to see them in “real life”, but ths is the best we can do isn’t it?
I think you’ve got great ideas to explore here.
As for paper, best not to use it, given all these points, I reckon. Have you thought about canvas, I mean you can buy it in pads. Preservation would not be such an issue, framing just as costly, I s’pose. And of course you can buy canvas in rolls or pieces bigger than the pads I have seen. That’s the only thought I have when you talk of sewing through it.
Best wishes
Adam