Thanksgiving in January

Last week was Halloween so, of course, this week is Thanksgiving, right?

Today's stitch comes from an apron on a vintage Melissa Shirley Thanksgiving stand-up.  It's a wonderful balance of open, interesting, and sweet.  

Click on image to see on pinterest.com.  Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on pinterest.com.  Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

I recommend adding the gray lines first.  Fill the smaller diamond with a single Upright Cross, followed by four Upright Crosses in the larger diamond.  The stitched sample uses DMC Perle Cotton #8 with Shimmer Ribbon as the accent thread (on 18-mesh). 

I love the mix of thread finishes in the stitched sample.  The single hue makes for a classic look.  Along these lines, I see this stitch (and single hue combo) as perfect for a shirt, field of grass or dirt, tablecloth, clouds, maybe even water.  It strikes the right balance between open and full coverage stitches, allowing the shading to play a role in your final stitched piece.

Mixing colors and finishes would make this a great stitch for more dramatic clothing such as a coat or dress.  I imagine the gray lines with a rich red velvet, the group of four Upright Crosses in a deep red metallic, and the single Upright Cross in a gold or silver metallic.  Try it for a roof or basket with Rainbow Linen for the diagonal lines, Straw Silk for the single Upright Cross, and an overdyed Perle Cotton for the group of four Upright Crosses.  Just a few thought-starters for you!

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more will be announced later this week, so stay tuned!  

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!

Halloween in January

The blog posts for the remainder of the month unveil a secret about me.  I've been negligent in returning my Christmas decorations...okay, some Halloween decorations as well...to storage.  The good news for me is I didn't have to scrounge for stitched samples.  The good news for you is today is Halloween!

Today's stitch is illustrated as a background for a vintage Melissa Shirley Halloween ornament.

Click on image to see on pinterest.com.  Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on pinterest.com.  Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

It is very simple.  The core stitch element is five straight stitches six rows high (on the vertical).  After the core elements are complete, add an accent thread across the top in the middle on the horizontal axis.  Voila!  Perfect background, floor, wallpaper, basket, dress...even a large window!

The stitched sample uses DMC Perle Cotton #8 with Shimmer Ribbon as the accent thread (on 18-mesh). 

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works.  I will be posting about 15 new Stitch Concepts later this month, so stay tuned!  

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy! And happy, happy 2018!