What better anecdote to today’s doldrums than a splash of color and beads? Well, I think Painters Threads, a whole lotta beads, and some really bright colors are exactly what we all need today.

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Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitch is a simple elongated leaf stitch connected by not one but pairs of beads! Naturally, when I think leaves, I think Painters Thread Shimmer Ribbon. Not really, but it certainly is the perfect thread choice for a Zecca bird from my Royal Peeps Stitch Concept.

Funny thing is that it would make a really beautiful tree with some overdyed silk floss and beads or Swarovski Crystal Rounds (2mm or 3mm). Now that I’m pondering, I think this stitch could make a very interesting roof for a tall, narrow house. I would use Rainbow Linen with a matte bead for that application.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

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If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com has a book for you! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint. For more information, visit here.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!

Today’s stitch is a clever combination of two different sized leaves from an adorable little turkey. I can’t wait to integrate it into an upcoming project!

The stitched sample is from our friends at the Knotted Needle in Grosse Pointe. It uses Gloriana Silk Floss.

I diagrammed the smaller leaf in a different color to draw attention to the accent. I love integrating tiny accents into leaf stitches. Examples are here, here, and here (scroll down to Classic Leaf with Bead Accent example). The fact that the accent in today’s stitch is integrated directly into the leaf, versus adjacent or as a connecting device) stands out for me. And I like it a lot.

I would love to see the accent stitch in a contrasting thread, whether that is color, finish, or both. It will make a wonderful bird with an overdyed floss (black lines) and a contrasting solid metallic, such as Neon Rays or a Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines). I would flip it 180° for a tree, using an overdyed wool (black lines) with a solid silk floss (yellow lines). I would also like to play with adding 1-2 empty rows between the leaves for something a little different…and a possibility to add a bead to the mix.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

#whimsicalwednesday blog