Is Pizzazz-y a Word?

If it is, then it describes these pants. If it isn’t, well, it should be because of these pants.

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

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 stitched sample is a pair of trousers for a Thanksgiving standup. It uses two plies of Impressions (aqua lines) and three plies of Lorikeet (black lines). This is from a long, long ago project I worked on with Aristeia Needlepoint.

I’m very glad I stumbled across this piece because it reminds me I need to integrate more overdyed threads into projects and those threads don’t have to be used for trees or flowers (overdyed threads are my general go-to for those). That said, I like these pants because the ratio of solid color to overdyed color is appropriate for me. I love the sassiness of the stripes. And that sassiness is solely due to the Lorikeet.

This stitch would make a great mountainside with a Perle Cotton and overdyed silk or cotton floss. Obviously, it would make a great jacket with the same threads as above. I’m playing with the idea of adding an empty row between the blocks of stitches and using it for a t-shirt with silk floss and Petite Silk Lame. And, when I’m done posting this, I’m going to play with increasing the height of both sets of rows and using it for a background stitch on a current project.

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, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 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; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

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!

Meet the Neighbors!

Today’s stitch comes from last week’s project. It’s another cute full coverage stitch that will work almost anywhere.

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

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 from a neighboring square at the bottom of the stocking from last week. The stitched sample is two strands of Impressions (black lines) and Shimmer Ribbon (yellow lines) on 13M. As I mentioned last week, I don’t have a clear recollection of where I stumbled across the stitches. However, I’m confident I selected this stitch because it fit the 12X12 square perfectly. And, yes, the upper right-hand corner is wonky and I have no idea what I did with that corner.

It’s another great all-purpose stitch. I will use it again for a riff on a checkerboard floor with black and white silk floss. It will make a pretty jacket with Elegance (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines). Consider lightening it up with two strands of silk floss (black lines) and a size 4 Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines) for a tabletop (on 18M).

These stitch diagrams, 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.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 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; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download The Essentials, a free guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

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!

It's an Extravaganza

It’s an extravaganza of straight and oblique layers…in pink! ::Swoon::

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

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 stitched sample uses two plies of Impressions (black lines) and Neon Rays (aqua lines). The layering of the aqua lines plays a critical role in the final look. The black edges of those lines will help you navigate those layers. (Note: This is the last stitch I’ll be sharing from the pink, red, and white sampler.)

I’m looking forward to using this stitch again for a pretty skirt with silk floss and Petite Silk Lame. Flip it 90° for some stunning slacks for Santa with Petite Very Velvet (black lines) and an appropriately sized Kreinik (size 8 for 18 mesh and size 12 for 13 mesh). I also think it would be very intriguing as a tree you want to draw attention to. Use an overdyed floss or wool for the black lines and a solid wool or matte for the aqua lines. Consider using two shade of the same thread as well.

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.

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!

Christmas is Around the Corner

So it’s all about red today. A lot of red, I might add.

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

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 stitched sample is two strands of Impressions (black lines) and Shimmer Ribbon (turquoise lines) on 13M. It’s part of the same sampler I shared with you last week.

Your eyes are not deceiving you…it is a full coverage and diagonal stitch. Oddly enough, what draws me to this stitch are the single tent stitches in between the 3X3 squares (turquoise lines with the Shimmer Ribbon). It adds a tiny element of surprise AND opens up a different pattern for the Impressions (black lines). I look forward to using this stitch for a jacket with Vineyard Silk and a Kreinik Metallic. It will also work well for a roof with two shades of Rainbow Linen or Vineyard Silk.

If you want to glam it up a tiny bit, consider replacing those single tent stitches I mentioned earlier with a seed bead or a Cross Stitch with a different metallic.

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.

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!

Whole Lotta Pink

Today’s stitch is from the wayback stitching machine, aka early aughts, and a whole lotta pink.

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

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 stitched sample is Impressions (aqua lines), Petite Frosty Rays (gray lines), and Neon Rays (yellow lines). It’s from a class taught by one of my favorite former shop girls (who is now a full-time+ mom of three adorable boys).

This stitch is from a heart sampler and is full of red, pink, and white. (So it’s highly likely you’ll be seeing more red and pink soon.) I love how the oblique angle of the stitches, combined with the use of contrasting finishes in the main repeated stitch elements, adds an element of surprise. I’ve used this stitch for a skirt with black Petite Very Velvet (for the aqua and gray lines) and multiple Kreinik Metallics for the yellow lines. A blouse or dress would be really pretty with more lightweight threads, such as Soie Cristale (aqua lines), Petite Silk Lame (gray lines) and Flair (yellow lines).

If you want to lighten it up a bit, consider a single bead or bugle bead (on the horizontal) in lieu of the yellow lines. Taking that one step further, consider a string of three beads in two colors across the open space (on the horizontal).

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.

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!

BOO!

And a very happy early Halloween to you! Today celebrates one of my favorite needlepoint holidays with two darling stitches from an adorable Mary Lake Thompson stand up (from Melissa Shirley).

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

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

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.

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.

Allow me to address what seemed odd to me as I mapped out the diagram. The orange columns are four rows wide and the white columns are five rows wide. It seems like an unusual purposeful choice for a stitch pattern, which leads me to believe it was painted that way. I can’t confirm or deny this as the canvas isn’t listed on Melissa’s site. BUT, this now becomes a great lesson in crafting a stitch pattern to fit how something is painted. You can adjust the squares or the long columns of white tramme to fit whatever width you need. (Reason #257 why I love Tramme stitches.)

The stitched sample for the background uses orange Fyre Werks, lime green size 12 Kreinik braid, white DMC Perle Cotton, and (because there clearly was not enough metallic), YLI Shimmer Ribbon on top of the Perle Cotton. The pumpkin uses a single strand of Impressions, tied down with another Kreinik metallic. It’s bright, it’s shiny, and it’s PERFECT for Halloween.

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!

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 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!

Throwing Shade

When I picked up stitching again in the mid-’90s, I insisted every single intersection on canvas be covered. Every. Single. One. The good news? I got over it. A patient teacher and shading on canvases from artists such as Melissa Shirley, David Galchutt, and Lani changed my mind. Today’s stitched sample illustrates why I am so grateful I got over it.

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

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.

Today’s stitch comes from a Lani succulent canvas. It uses a single strand of Impressions (black lines), Flair (aqua lines), and translucent Sundance beads. This stitch covers one of the succulents, providing eye appeal yet integrating the beautiful jewel tones of the canvas into the stitch in a subtle way. (For you eagle eyes out there, not all of the beads are included in the stitched sample yet as it is a work in progress.)

This stitch would be great for clothing, holiday bags, and even greenery. Consider a silk floss for the black lines, a Kreinik 1/16” ribbon for the turquoise lines, and a small Swarovski crystal for the bead for clothing. To create a more matte look for a holiday bag, use a single strand silk (black lines), Very Velvet (turquoise lines), and a Sundance matte bead for the bead. If you want to use this for greenery, consider Silk ‘N Colors overdyed silk floss (black lines), a solid color silk floss (turquoise lines), and a contrasting color bead for the bead.

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.

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, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

A Real Time Stitching Sunday

Today’s #stitchingsunday comes from a sweet email this morning from a student who is stitching this stitch on this project on this Sunday. I love it when that happens!

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.

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

Today’s stitched sample comes from my new Stitch Concept, Moon Dance by Sandra Gilmore. It uses a single strand of Impressions (gray lines) and Glisten (aqua lines). It’s a great stitch to add direction to an area. In this case, it’s the path. The original post shows a slightly heavier version for a background.

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.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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! Happy #stitchingsunday! I wish you a very happy and joyous New Year!

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!