Zoom!

I attended my first virtual needlepoint class this weekend and learned a boatload of new things about Zoom video conferencing (literally our link to the outside world these days) and a darling new stitch! Both will be invaluable going forward.

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.

The stitch is from Ruth Schmuff’s new project, Fashion by Zecca. The stitched sample is from the background of the border and uses three plies of Soie (gray lines) and Petite Silk Lame (turquoise lines).

A couple things to note before you begin. The blocks of vertical stitches include five stitches five rows high. The blocks of horizontal stitches include four stitches six rows wide. I’m not gonna lie; I may have rolled my eyes (ever so gently) when Ruth said to stitch all of the stitches in one direction before you stitch the second group of stitches (horizontal blocks first followed by vertical blocks). Wellllll, I jumped ahead to finish an area for today’s blog post and, yes, confirmed Ruth was correct. Your head gets into a pattern of five over five, five over five, etc. Flipping back and forth took some getting used to. There was a whole lot of “Wait, what?” when I would miss a cue.

This stitch will make a fantastic architectural stitch, including wallpaper, house wall, roof, or flooring. For roofs or floors, I would audition wools for the gray lines and a slightly heavier matte thread, such as Vineyard Silk, for the Cross Stitches (turquoise lines). For walls, I would use threads similar to the ones in the stitched sample.

A couple of variations flicking around in my head are stitching one direction of stitches in a different thread, whether that is a different color, finish, or both. Consider changing the Cross Stitch to beads. Consider adding three tent stitches in the center of each empty row between the blocks to give the stitch slightly more coverage.

I’m not going to lie…I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in a virtual class. I participated in enough hilariously awkward video conferences during my corporate years to be wary. Well, it was anything but awkward. Sure, there were some endearing ceiling shots but it was nice to be able to connect with a lovely group of stitchers from across the country. We all learned through live demos, show and tell (from across the country), Q&A, and a few oops. All in all, a great stitching weekend in my pj’s at my dining room table.

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!

What Day Is It?

Today’s stitch is a fun little open stitch from our friend, Ruth Schmuff. In all honesty, I don’t know what I like more…the stitch itself or just the very happy color combo on the piece. I hope this little burst of color helps brighten your indoor day, wherever that may be.

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.

The stitch uses two plies of Soie D'Alger (black lines) for a background on a sweet topiary. I would love to see this stitch on a large window with a lightweight metallic such as Bijoux or a Kreinik Metallic. I think it might be fun to do the single straight stitches in a different color or finish (or both) for a roof or floor.

While the stitched sample is a solid color, please remember how well open stitches enhance any beautiful shading that many contemporary canvases have.

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. My favorite needlepoint retailers that carry the book can be found 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!

Right in Front of Me the Entire Time

Today’s stitch is from FOWS (friend of whimsicalstitch.com) Ruth Schmuff. When I first saw this stitch, it was a literal head slap moment (aka a swear word). I have to confess to the swear word because there was a witness. Possibly witnesses…I’ll never say.

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.

The straight lines are a darning stitch. A darning stitch is stitched as a running stitch resulting in smooth edges between stitches (instead of crisp wrapped edges). A stitched sample of a generic darning stitch is here.

The stitched sample for today’s uses Petite Silk Lame (black lines) and one ply of Needlepoint Inc Silk (aqua lines). Since the Needlepoint Inc Silk is such a light touch, I zoomed in on today’s stitched sample to help illustrate this. For a photo with more context, visit here. (And, for the full kit, visit here.)

My head slap moment was the Cross Stitch covering the darning stitch. It’s such a cute touch on top of an already interesting stitch. By using a lightweight thread, the darning stitch is still obvious to me. Truth be told, you could stitch the pairs of straight stitches as traditional wrapped pairs. But I do love how the smooth edges of the darning pairs flow into the Oblique Cross Stitches.

It is highly likely* upcoming Stitch Concepts will include this stitch on floors or roofs (with Elegance for the black lines and Petite Silk Lame for the aqua lines). Vineyard Silk (black lines) coupled with Fyre Werks (aqua lines) will make great clothing. As I stare at the stitched sample, I want to play with this for water with Petite Silk Lame and Bijoux.

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!

* Highly likely? Hah! Try a certainty.

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!

Deceptive Diagrams

Today’s blog post is a wonderful example of how a diagram is just the beginning of what wonderful things can come from putting threads to canvas.

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.

The stitched sample uses two strands of Ruth Schmuff’s Color Dreams Floche (gray lines) and three plies of Gloriana (black lines). By using strands (or plies) of thread and laying them very carefully, it creates an even more interesting look as it appears there are three separate threads for the black lines. (Truth be told, that’s how I diagrammed it at first. Fortunately, I caught that embarrassing error before it came to you.) I love the subtlety and lightness of this thread selection.

I would love to see this stitch as a roof with overdyed wool (black lines) and Rainbow Linen or Tweedy (gray lines). It will make a beautiful grassy area with single strand silk (black lines) and Silk Lame (gray lines). My last thought is to create a beautiful tablecloth with Petite Silk Lame (black lines) and a second color of Petite Silk Lame (gray lines).

This stitched sample comes from a recent project of Ruth’s that you can find here.

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!

I Have a Crush

I’ve had a massive crush on today’s stitch and thread combos for a while and am excited to share them with you! (Also, look at those snowflakes!)

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.

The stitch and stitched sample come from our friend, Ruth Schmuff. It’s from the gorgeous Winter Sleep, a gorgeous winter piece from Brenda Stofft.

The stitched sample uses Kreinik Very Fine Braid (#4) for the black lines. The aqua lines are a combination of Floche (white in the stitched sample), Petite Silk Lame (lavender in the stitched sample), and Soie Cristale (blue in the stitched sample). The snowflakes are a wonderful assortment of Swarovski flatbacks and other clear seed beads.

Clearly, this is a new go-to stitch for snow (as illustrated). I would love to see it as water with any combination of lightweight metallics, such as Kreinik, Petite Silk Lame, ThreadWorx, etc. It will make a great now-snowy hillside with a single strand of Impressions (black lines) covered with Gloriana Silk Floss or Rainbow Linen (aqua lines). It will also serve you very well as a roof with matte threads, such as Vineyard Silk (black lines) covered with another Vineyard Silk in a similar color (aqua lines). Don’t forget to flip the diagram 180° for the opposite side of the roof. If you’d like to add more visible canvas, consider making the pairs of diagonal stitches trios of diagonal stitches.

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!

Mind Games

How did you see this stitch at first pass? When I first saw the stitched sample, my eyes saw the diagonal flow of the stitch pairs, starting in the upper right and moving to the lower left. It was only when I created the diagram that I realized the vertical columns were identical. Now all I see is columns. It was a kinda fun mind-game, even though it is still early in the morning for such games.

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.

The stitched sample is from FOWS (friend of whimsicalstitch.com) Ruth Schmuff. It uses two plies of Gloriana Floss on 18-mesh (for the gold area) and brown Petite Silk Lame for the brown areas above and below the gold.

This would make a gorgeous water stitch, as the gentle direction is made for water. My favorite threads for water are lightweight Kreinik Metallics or Petite Silk Lame. This will work very well with greenscapes, such as grass or fields, with silk floss or a silk perle.

You could alternate colors or finishes by column or within a column. Stitching every other pair of stitches within a column will accentuate the original directional flow I mentioned at the beginning of this blog. I think it would make an adorable sweater with two colors. Alternate matte overdyed floss with a solid floss for a floor or roof.

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 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!

Lucky Me!

I always enjoy visiting and teaching at Bedecked and Beadazzled. The customers are a blast, Ruth is a great hostess, Johnny, and I always come home with new stitches (and stitched samples) to share with you! Win, win!

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 stitch is from Ruth’s gorgeous guide* for Patio Table by Annie O’Brien Gonzales (distributed through Melissa Shirley Designs). It uses Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines) and Princess Perle (black lines). (* I say gorgeous because I saw the student’s exquisite work in progress.)

This stitch will work with so many thread combos. More often than not, I use strong single strand threads such as Kreinik Metallics, Vineyard Silk, or Elegance as the base thread (aqua lines). I use these because they are heavy enough to be visible in the areas between two beetles. And, similar to Ruth’s version, I cover it with another single strand thread, often a metallic.

Ruth used this stitch for a tabletop and I love how it complements the original canvas design in that area. Extending the tabletop idea, it would also make a gorgeous tile floor with silk perle, such as Elegance, and Straw Silk (!) on top for a rough-ish looking floor or even a silk floss for a smoother floor. I would love to see it as a coat with a heavy Kreinik (such as size 16 or even the 1/8” ribbon) for the base thread and Very Velvet for the beetles. Consider alternating the top threads by color or finish in every other column for the coat 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 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!

Challenging Myself

I love any and all tramme stitches, sometimes referred to as layered stitches. I can whip out a straight tramme stitch as a solution for almost anything. I’m not so good at diagonal tramme, so I love sharing this one with you.

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 inspiration comes from Ruth Schmuff at Bedecked and Beadazzled. It uses two plies of silk floss on 18-mesh.

A quick distinction between layered and tramme. For me, base threads from edge to edge (gray lines) distinguish tramme stitches from layered stitches. (Visit this blog post I wrote about tramme for insight on the history of tramme.)

This stitch would make a great architectural stitch, such as a roof or floor. Thought starters for threads for a roof are overdyed wool (ThreadWorx, Lorikeet) for the base threads (gray lines) covered with a solid Rainbow Linen (turquoise lines). Petite Silk Lame (gray lines) and Elegance or Subtlety (turquoise lines) would make a great combo for a floor or wallpaper. For a dramatic look on clothing, consider a single strand silk such as Vineyard Silk or Pepper Pot Silk (gray lines) covered with a heavier metallic such as Kreinik size 12 or 16.

If you want to go really crazy, consider making the center diagonal stitch (in the groups of three) a string of 4-5 beads. Just a fun thought that I WILL be trying someday.

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!

It's Hard to Not Smile

Today’s stitch makes me smile. It’s light, airy, and oh so pretty.

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.

Ruth Schmuff, an FOW (friend of whimsicalstitch.com), integrated this stitch for a background in her guide for Sudden Realization by David Galchutt. It uses Gloriana Silk Floss (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (gray lines) (on 18-mesh).

The intriguing pattern belies its delicateness. I’m integrating it into teapot that has beautiful shading for an upcoming Stitch Concept, using a solid color silk floss (black lines) and a ThreadWorx overdyed metallic (gray lines). I’m also adding a bead in the center of the smaller flowers. Using clear beading thread for the beads provides the ability to drag the beading thread across the canvas. If you are using solid beading thread, add the beads up and down vertical columns or from right to left and back in the horizontal columns.

I would love to see it for a solid background with a Silk Perle (black lines) and a bright Kreinik Metallic or Fyre Werks (gray lines). It could make a very pretty sky with overdyed pearl cotton or solid silk floss (black lines) and light metallic (gray lines).

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!

Ruth 1; Me, 1/2

Today’s stitch is a case study in how teachers learn from teaching.

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.

The stitch and stitched sample are from our friend, Ruth Schmuff, at Bedecked and Bedazzled. The stitch uses Gloriana Silk Floss on 18-mesh for a background on an elegant geisha.

So, those of you who I’ve worked with in class have heard me say, “For any layered stitch, such as a cross stitch or an Upright Tied Cross, it doesn’t matter what direction you do it. Just be consistent.” And, of course, Ruth does it differently, yet is smart about it. Take a close look at the diagram and note the top stitches are in opposite directions. The top stitch on the vertical version goes from lower right to upper left while the horizontal version goes from lower left to upper right. It’s not the way I would have diagrammed it BUT it is consistent and that is what is important. Ruth, 1. Me, 1/2.

This stitch would be great for a basket with Lorikeet or ThreadWorx wool There are many outdoor applications, such as a tree or mountainside. It will make a wonderful rustic roof with Rainbow Linen or Caron Collection Watercolours.

If you want to glam it up, consider adding a bead in the open intersection where the top stitches meet. Since the stitch is rather large and it’s a single intersection, I recommend a slightly larger bead (or crystal) to make sure it doesn’t get lost in the rest of the stitch. For example, consider a size 8 bead for 13-mesh and a size 11 bead for 18-mesh. This glam version would be fantastic for a Santa coat or an elegant dress with silk floss and an appropriate bead. There is something exquisite about red silk floss and gold beads.

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 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!