A Classic

There might be few things more holiday classic than deep red poinsettias sprinkled with snow. Even I, a 4th generation (snow-less) Californian, know how classic this is. And voila!

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.

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.

Today’s #stitchingsunday is Alternating Nobuko from my Debbie Mumm Poinsettia Stitch Guide. It uses two shades of Splendor and Trebizond Silk. I used to avoid Nobuko as it frequently vexed me. (Okay, and made me swear, I confess.) It clicked for me when I saw the stitch as vertical columns of diagonal stitches over three rows, skipping a row in between. That may seem obvious to some, but it is what got me over the hump with this stitch. I now love it. There are so many wonderful variations that can really pop on a piece.

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!

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!

Travelling Girl

This week's stitch also comes from recent travels. It's bright, cheerful, and fun...something we always expect from our friend, Ruth Schmuff.

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.

Today's stitched sample is a Triple Alternating Nobuko with a single strand of Floche (on 18-mesh). The stitch is one of many Nobuko variations. This larger version is a great all-purpose stitch. It includes an intriguing pattern, is scalable, and can be understated or much more. (Here's another Nobuko variation just for the heck of it.)

The sample is the background for a fun Zecca piece*. Leaving the stitch open adds subtlety, allowing it to recede a bit into the background. This simpler version would make a great background (obviously), sky, tabletop, roof, green field, or pathway. The stitches in this pattern go in two directions; consider using two threads, one for each direction. You could use a matte and a metallic, or two completely different colors.

If you want to dress this up a little, add your favorite metallic in the empty rows. If you want to dress it up a lot, add beads in the empty rows! Combinations like those two would make wonderful clothing or bags. I would love to see this as a Santa coat or a witch dress with a with a rich Very Velvet or Pepper Pot Silk along with a heavier metallic such as Kreinik 1/16" ribbon (for 13-mesh). Soie D'Alger and a size 15 crystal bead would be perfect for 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 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, 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 fun Zecca piece." Let's acknowledge this is a redundant statement.

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!

Still Say Yes!

Say yes to today's TBT, the Nobuko Stitch.

It's a wonderful symmetrical stitch with oodles of variations.  It's great for many areas.  The stitched examples happen to be from greenery.  The first example on Instagram is from a leaf (Alternating Nobuko) which aligns with the original post.  

I included a second example just for fun.  It's from a tree and uses Double Alternating Nobuko.  I included that to illustrate just the beginning of the possibilities with this stitch.

The original Nobuko diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can 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 Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  27 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!