Today’s stitch finds its origins (both stitch and name) in my first book of stitches. It’s also a great example of how to deconstruct a stitch to get the results you need.
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The stitched sample uses a size 8 DMC Perle Cotton on 13M. I selected a lightweight stitch and thread combo because it’s the background for a vintage pumpkin canvas from Melissa Shirley. So the pumpkins will be the star of this show.
From page 152 of Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1.
I find many stitches by taking select parts of a different stitch. As I alluded to earlier, this stitch was inspired by my first book. I removed the black and gray lines to make it simpler yet still interesting.
This stitch will make a great sky with an overdyed silk floss. I love the idea of it for a roof with Rainbow Linen. Pair it with white Flair and you have beautiful snow. If you want more coverage, feel free to cover the empty rows with straight stitches from top to bottom of the open space. I always recommend to do that with a contrasting thread (color, finish, or both) so the pattern is more visible.
I hope you have a spot for this stitch. Enjoy!
Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.
As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.
By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.
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I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!
A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!