Beep Beep!

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.

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 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!

Gobble Gobble

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!

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 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!

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!

Confession Time

Today is a blog in two parts.  First, I'm offering up a fun Scallop Stitch with four(!) different and fun options for filling.  The second part spends a little extra time on one of the fillings.  

The stitch is a scallop stitch over three rows.  The topmost points of the scallops in subsequent rows are centered along the lowest point of the row above, creating small shell-shaped spaces in between the horizontal columns of scallops. 

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.

There are four ideas to fill the empty space (from top to bottom):  Eyelet Stitch (turquoise lines on diagram, purple thread in diagram), Traditional Leaf Stitch (light gray lines on diagram, blue thread in diagram), Shell Stitch (yellow lines on diagram, white thread in diagram), Oblique Tied Stitch (aqua lines on diagram, purple thread in diagram).  Feel free to mix and match the scallops and filling stitch to your heart's desire.  The stitched sample uses Gloriana Florimell (yellow thread), Kreinik 1/16" ribbon, Kreinik Medium Braid (#16) (purple thread), and Gloriana Princess Perle (white thread). 

Personally, I like the idea of the Eyelet or Oblique Tied Stitch as a single filling.  Each offers a smidge of open work and lightness to the overall stitch.  Conversely, I like the combination of the Traditional Leaf and Shell Stitch on alternating horizontal rows.  They are very similar in shape (but not exactly the same!) and I like the alternating directions the two fillings offer.  This is all a matter of personal taste!  Mix and match to your delight.

Now it's time for my confession.  This is the first time I've included an eyelet stitch on my blog.  My confession is they make me nervous.  Today, this changes.

Eyelet stitches are adorable and I appreciate what they can add to a piece, as the added element of a larger hole draws the eye in a unique way.  And therein lies my fear...that the larger holes I create will not be identical sizes and chaos reigns.  (I have enough chaos with my new kitten.)

Here's how I navigated this for the eyelet stitch above.  A tapered laying tool is critical, as it provides more control over the size of the final hole.

Use a tapered laying tool as a guide for consistent eyelet hole sizes.  Final knotted ribbon on laying tool.  Just make sure it's tight!

Insert the laying tool in the hole from the front of the canvas and gently push it down until the hole is the desired size.  Don't remove the laying tool yet.  Tie a wide piece of a stash thread (e.g., silk ribbon) where the laying tool meets the canvas on the front, creating a guide for future holes.   

Tie the thread tight, pull the laying tool out of the hole, and complete the knot by tying it again, making sure is tight.  Move across the canvas, creating holes as needed.  Revisit any outlier holes and repeat the process if required to make the hole larger. (I recommend silk ribbon because it is not a slippery thread and will, if tied tightly, stay still on the laying tool.) 

Sometimes, you might make a hole a little too large (compared to other eyelet holes).  To make that hole smaller, use the eye end of a size 22 needle to push the canvas threads back into place.  Put the needle in the immediately adjacent hole, and gently push the needle against the canvas thread, helping nudge the thread back into place.  You may need to do this on all four sides of the hole.  It may take a couple pushes, so be patient.  You can push them back and start over again or just push in a bit to get it to the desired size.  Use your judgment.

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, and Patience Brewster.  60 guides are currently available, with 12 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Baby Leaves!

I love finding new (to me) small stitches as it is always good to expand your repertoire beyond your traditional small stitches.  I continue to be amazed at how many small space stitches are out there.  Today's is especially cute!

I love a good leaf stitch and today's is a perfect one for a small space.  It's offers generous coverage and is just plain cute.

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 diagram is colored to offer clarity on the steps.  Personally, I would stitch the diamonds first (dark gray lines) and add the leaves afterwards (light gray lines).  As always, thread selection truly depends on the look you are going for. 

Clearly, this stitch would make a great tree or shrub.  A single overdyed floss or silk would be lovely (for the entire stitch).  If the area has room for more personality, consider using two different shades of a single color.  The stitched sample uses three plies of Soie D'Alger on 18-mesh.  Adding one more ply certainly wouldn't hurt.  

The diamonds around the small leaves extend its appeal beyond greenery.  If this isn't going to be foliage, for goodness sake, have fun with dramatic color and finish combinations. Frankly, it would make an adorable coat or a floor covering.  For the coat, I think a combo of Very Velvet plus a deep Kreinik Metallic or Entice would be gorgeous.  For a lighter look, try silk perle (Rainbow Gallery Elegance or Subtlety, or Gloriana Princess Perle) for the diamond and a Petite Silk Lame for the inside.   

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, and Patience Brewster. 60 guides are currently available, with 12 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy!

Spread Your Wings and Fly!

It is highly likely you already know that leaf stitches make fabulous stitches for birds.  While there are a ton of leaf stitches, I selected two for you.

The first is what I consider a classic leaf stitch and works beautifully on the chest of a feathered friend.    

It's elegant and dramatic.  A lightly overdyed silk or wool works well here.  Pair it with a matching solid colored silk or wool for the face and you are off to the races.

The next stitch is a smaller leaf stitch, perfect for a wing.  It's illustrated in all the possible angles, showing how you can emphasize the direction of a wing.

For a lighter touch, add an empty row in between leaves.  This is a great way to show off the shading.  You can also take it one step further and add a sparkly accent, such as a bead. 

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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for seasonal Melissa Shirley designs.  27 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!