Sugar Plum Fairies

June 2, 2021 whimsicalstitch

Only in our little world of needlepoint does working on Christmas ornaments over Memorial Day weekend make sense. I may have missed a few clues in the murder mystery I was watching on Monday night because I was kinda captivated by today’s stitch.

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 nothing more than a patterned skip tent on the background of Sugar Plums by the Plum Stitchery. The blocks alternate between two plies of Soie d’Alger and a lightweight Kreinik on 18M. I wanted something simple and elegant because I want the tutus to stand out. And y’all know I’m a sucker for any open stitch.

This stitch will be gorgeous for water with two colors of lightweight metallics. I look forward to using it as a sky with a single color of blue, or perhaps a subtle overdyed silk floss. Another idea floating around my head using a light and a dark hue of the same color in a silk floss for a floor.

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!

More Cousins

March 3, 2021 whimsicalstitch

Both of today’s stitches use two threads and a shared stitch pattern. I love the two unique stitches that emerged.

The stitched sample is me playing with Soie d’Alger (3-ply and a size 8 Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines).

This will make a beautiful wallpaper or floor with any silk floss and your favorite lightweight metallic, my favorite being Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame. I also am looking forward to using it for pants as it will help give the area height. This simple stitch has a subtle elegance that I just love.

Truth be told, as I was stitching the sample, I became obsessed with what it would look like without the underlying Kreinik, so I whipped up the sample below.

And here we have it. It’s a really cute look with more Soie d’Alger (black lines) and Trebizond Silk (yellow lines).

As you know, the openness of this stitch makes it ideal for areas with shading. It will be so pretty for many outdoor spaces, such as tree trunks, water, green fields, hills. many options.

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.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Seriously, What Day Is It?

February 24, 2021 whimsicalstitch

Happy Wunday! It’s a good old regular Wednesday stitch with a sweet small Sunday stitch thrown in for good measure.

I haven’t had a lot of time to stitch of late and definitely feel those pangs of jealousy when there isn’t anything for me in the wonderful packages from the finishers. At times like this, I turn to small projects such as ornaments so I can have my own stuff in the next box from the finisher. The current project is a sweet little circus ornament from Plum Design.

The stitched sample is the background from the ornament and is nothing more than a single strand of white Floche on 18M. When I was foraging for a stitch, I kept returning to this one but knew it was too big. So I simply resized it and could not be happier.

I’m looking forward to using this on a medium-size window with Petite Silk Lame. I think it will also make a pretty rooftop with Rainbow Linen.

The second stitch is yet another variation of how to play with Cross Stitches in small spaces. I used three plies of Soie d’Alger on 18M.

My go-to stitch for small columns is horizontal straight stitches over the width of a column. But it wasn’t doing it for me, mostly because of the roof (visit here to see full piece). I love the tiny stripes that emerged from the Cross Stitches. (Before anyone asks, the white stripes are stitched in Encroaching Gobelin with two plies of the same Floche from the sky.)

I’m looking forward to using this stitch on small pieces of clothing with wools. I think alternating between a wool and a metallic in the vertical columns will be a cute twist.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Smile!

October 14, 2020 whimsicalstitch

Today’s stitch has lots of beads and makes me smile. It also happens to be from one of my favorite projects and stitcher/designers, Plum Stitchery. It’s one of the adorable ornaments from Twelvetide. It makes me smile…a lot.

The stitched sample is two plies of white Needlepoint Inc. Silk (black lines) and white and blue Sundance beads (yellow and blue circles, respectively) with clear beading thread on 18M.

My learned advice on this stitch, and with all leaf stitches in general, is to stitch them from the outer edge to the shared hole. This will reduce wear and tear on the threads and make the process so much easier. In addition, stitch the mirrored stitches sequentially (from side to side) so the layering matches on both sides. (See sequence in the lower left-hand corner of the diagram).

This is rapidly becoming my new go-to stitch for trees and birds. More often than not, I use silk flosses (solid or overdyed), as that helps me manage the potential heaviness of the stitch. As I mentioned, the stitched sample on 18M uses two plies; I would use a minimum of three plies on 13M. If you want a more dramatic look (read heavier), consider a single strand Perle cotton, Elegance, Grandeur, or Trebizond Silk. If you want to minimize the bead, feel free to use a single bead. In that case, I would use a bead slightly larger than the canvas typically calls for. Specifically, I would use a size 11 bead on 18M and a size 8 bead on a 13M canvas. If you want to add more sass, consider an appropriately sized bugle bead or even add a Boho 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.

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.

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!

Oh My!

September 30, 2020 whimsicalstitch

The ratio of beads to threads in today’s stitch is a little on the high side. And, clearly (pun intended), I’m okay with that.

The stitched sample is clear Sundance beads with clear beading thread (gray circles), Soie D'Alger (aqua lines), and Petite Silk Lame (turquoise lines) on 18-mesh. A little background on the stitch origins. The project (which will be shared soon via a new Stitch Guide) is an exquisitely painted teacup, with beautiful shading and sweet details. I use two extremes with shading. I either use basketweave, as the area is painted, or I use a very open stitch to let the painting show through. (Fun fact, this upcoming project uses both.) I landed on this stitch because I wanted the teacup to be the center of attention (and beads are a great way to do that), but I also wanted something a little more than my standard Brick Beading. And here we are.

This stitch is scalable. For example, this is the stitch for the vase on Gold Pot and Figs. I used silks and metallics for the Oblique Cross Stitches and colored beads for the beaded columns. However, I made the Elongated X’s a row wider in that version. In fact, you could also change up the stitch in the columns in between the beads with simple horizontal straight stitches over two (or more!) rows, or a column of Alternating Skip Tent (in a width of your choosing), or a single column of Alternating Diamonds (as thought starters).

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Let There Be White

April 29, 2020 whimsicalstitch

On the off chance you didn’t know, I adore tramme stitches. Today’s variation is a great way to add more subtle direction.

Most of the tramme stitches I’ve shared with you have been horizontal or vertical with cute accent stitches. Today’s tramme uses diagonal base threads with long accent stitches. The accent stitches provide the subtle angle of the stitch.

The stitched sample is the stomach of a flying puffin (naturally), hence the use of a whole lotta white threads. The base threads (black lines) are Kreinik 1/16” ribbon. The gray lines are Petite Silk Lame and the aqua lines are Soie D'Alger. I acknowledge you may not be able to distinguish between the Petite Silk Lame and the Soie on the stitched sample but I promise they are distinct on the actual canvas.

The most difficult part of this stitch is the first step (black lines). If one of these diagonal lines is off by even a single canvas thread, it will screw up the remainder of the stitch. My recommendation is to start small and work up to the longer diagonal stitches.

An easy way to accomplish this is to add your first short diagonal stitch in a corner. For this example, start in the upper left corner from the left edge to the top edge. Double and triple-check that your first diagonal stitch travels along a perfect 45° diagonal path. After it is complete, count across four rows to the right, bring your thread up from behind the canvas at that point and return it four rows below the left-hand side of the prior diagonal stitch. Count down four rows, bring the thread up from behind the canvas and return it four rows to the right of the prior stitch on the top edge.

Select members of the needlepoint police may offer a more complex way to ensure that your threads are wrapped around the edges versus an ever so slight resulting from my technique. I do the first step of most of my tramme stitches in this manner, especially for large areas, in order to minimize the use of the thread and make this go as quickly as possible. It is a matter of personal preference. I find this counting method effective and easy.

I stumbled across this stitch for a roof with a similar angle. The angle was reinforced with painted lines at that angle (in a different color). That is where the idea emerged to use two different color threads for the straight 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.

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!

Zoom!

April 22, 2020 whimsicalstitch

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.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

What Day Is It?

April 9, 2020 whimsicalstitch

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.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Calling All Stitchers!

March 26, 2020 whimsicalstitch

2020.03.25 Stitching Sunday Submissions .jpg

Calling all Stitchers! It sounds like a lot of us are using these days to get a lot of stitching done. So, let’s do a show and tell. For the near term future, I’m going to dedicate Sundays to #stitchingsundays with your work using #whimsicalwednesday stitches.

This is a great opportunity to see how the whimsicalstitch community as a whole uses the stitches shared here or in my new book. I am confident there are some wonderful riffs on the whimsicalstitch library that will generate new ideas for anyone to use in your projects.

To be included, please send the following to mary@whimsicalstitch.com:

Stitched Sample Photo: A clear photo of your stitched sample. Ideally, the photo should be high res, straight on so we can see the detail, and clear of those annoying phone shadows (if possible).
Threads: The thread(s) you used in the stitch, including brand name (e.g. Soie d’Alger, Splendor, Sundance Beads, Vineyard Silk), ply count (if applicable), and mesh size.
Deisgner: Please include the name of the designer (if you know it).
Stitch Source: Include a note if the stitch is from my new book and page # for the stitch if you know it.
Instagram Handle: If you have an Instagram account, please include your account name so I can tag you!

As an example, the photo on the right is the raw photo I used for yesterday’s #whimsicalwednesday stitched sample. I cropped and resized it to fit into the stitched sample template.

Please send photos of your stitched work and stitch/thread information to me at mary@whimsicalstitch.com.

My plan is to post them on Sundays as part of the #stitchingsunday theme. #whimsicalwednesdays will continue as scheduled.

Please join the fun! Stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stitch!

Happy #smallsp...I mean #whimsicalwednesday

March 25, 2020 whimsicalstitch

You aren’t losing your mind. Today’s stitch is small, but there is a good reason for that. Please read on to understand the why’s.

The stitched sample is a background on a Funda Scully lidded jar (18-mesh). It alternates tiny diamonds and slightly larger diamonds with a metallic accent inside the larger diamonds. I used Soie D'Alger for all of the diamonds (black lines) and a Kreinik Metallics for the accents (aqua lines). I used three plies of the Soie for the tiny diamonds and two plies of the Soie for the larger diamonds.

This is a wonderful small stitch for a sky, water, clothing…you get the idea. And, yes, it is a small stitch on a Wednesday. I’m not trying to make your head explode. It’s just that I have a new plan for Sundays for the near to mid-term future.

Speaking of said new plan, I need your help! I think we would all love to see how the whimsicalstitch community as a whole uses the stitches shared here or in my new book. I have a feeling there may be some wonderful riffs on the whimsicalstitch library. And this is a great time to do this, as most of us have some time on our hands, so to speak. To be included, please send the following:

Stitched Sample Photo: A clear photo of your stitched sample. Ideally, the photo should be high res, straight on so we can see the detail, and clear of those annoying phone shadows (if possible).
Threads: The thread(s) you used in the stitch, including brand name (e.g. Soie d’Alger, Splendor, Sundance Beads, Vineyard Silk), ply count (if applicable), and mesh size.
Deisgner: Please include the name of the designer (if you know it).
Stitch Source: Include a note if the stitch is from my new book and page # for the stitch if you know it.
Instagram Handle: If you have an Instagram account, please include your account name so I can tag you!

As an example, the photo on the right is the raw photo I used for today’s stitched sample. I cropped and resized it to fit into the stitched sample template.

Please send photos of your stitched work and stitch/thread information to me at mary@whimsicalstitch.com.

My plan is to post them on Sundays as part of the #stitchingsunday theme. #whimsicalwednesdays will continue as scheduled.

This stitch diagram from above, 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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

#whimsicalwednesday blog