Such a Lovely Mistake

This week’s stitch is a lovely mistake. I mapped out one of my traditional “double” diamonds. The customer added an extra row between what was supposed to be a pair of stitches, I added a bead and an X, and here we are. Teamwork!

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

For the stitched sample, I played with two plies of Soie (black lines), Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines), and a Sundance size 11 bead on a Zecca backgammon board (18M). (Full disclosure: this is me playing. If I go with this stitch for the backgammon board, I will eliminate the bead.)

The accent can be the X, the bead, or both. It really depends on how much attention you want to draw to the area. The original version of this used only a bead with a single ply of Gloriana for the diamonds for a sky (on 18M). Using this for clothing with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and Silk lame (aqua lines) would be a dramatic example of the other end of the spectrum. I’m looking forward to using this for an dress on an upcoming project with three plies of silk floss (black lines), Fyre Werks, and 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, 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!

I'm Sensing a Theme

Yes, today’s #stitchingsunday is another angel. I promise it uses a different stitch than the last angel on the most recent #stitchingsunday. :)

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 is a skirt from a sweet Melissa Shirley star angel. It uses Petite Silk Lame and Sundance Beads (size 14/15) (on 18-mesh). Click here for the original blog post that includes a couple variations. In addition, this stitch can be found on pages 164 and 165 in my book. (I renamed the stitch to Oblique Diamonds to be consistent with similar stitches in my repertoire.)

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! 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!

Let's Fly!

Today’s stitch is just what we all need to get through the winter doldrums, whether they be snow, rain, wind, or just plain cold. It’s bright green and it includes beads! Works for me!

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 just might be a student’s work in progress from Walking in the Rain, the latest addition to my Stitch Guide Library. The stitched sample uses Rachelette (black lines), Gloriana Silk Floss (aqua lines), and Sundance Beads (yellow circle with black lines).

I would love to see this as a fruit tree with an overdyed wool (black lines), solid silk floss (aqua lines), and a bead the color of the fruit on said tree. I might play with it very soon for a small-ish body of choppy water with lightweight metallics, such as Petite Silk Lame, Bijoux, and an appropriately colored bead. I think this would be an adorable tiled roof by eliminating the bead and moving the stitches up one row (so the top center of a repeated element shares a hold with the bottom center of the repeated element immediately above). For the tile, I would use two related shades of silk floss or silk floss (black lines) with a Petite Silk Lame (aqua 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 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, 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!

Chirp, Chirp!

This was my summer of bird…stitches. My bird stitch repertoire was being stretched thin between the Twelvetide club and multiple Vicki Sawyer projects in private lessons. It was a fun challenge to build the bird stitch library as I wanted to replicate stitches across these projects as little as possible.

Today’s stitch was inspired by a diagram named the Cup Stitch on pinterest.com. I made it vertical (versus diagonal) and added some beads to the center. I hope you like it as much as I do!

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 four plies of Gloriana Silk Floss (gray lines) and Sundance beads (aqua and yellow circles) on 13-mesh.

I think single cups would make adorable standalone ornaments sprinkled on a larger Christmas tree with your favorite metallic and beads. I recommend a slightly lighter weight or flat metallic due to the layering of the stitch. Another idea is sconces along the upper edge of a wall with silk perle and beads. My last idea (for now) is to use this combo as a flower bush or fruit tree. You could have a lot of fun with the beads with those two ideas.

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!

Elegant Simplicity

Beads change everything. Enough said.

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 is the elegant and very close cousin of this stitch on a Melissa Shirley apple purse. It uses a single strand of Petite Silk Lame (black lines) and a Sundance Bead (yellow circles with black lines).

This stitch is great for any area where you want to accentuate the canvas shading. The addition of a bead adds nice texture, meaning it would lend itself nicely to most clothing. For a richer look, consider increasing the weight of the thread to a Very Velvet or single strand silk. Just make sure you use an appropriately sized seed bead (size 11 at a minimum).

I would love to see this as a flowering tree or field with a bead of contrasting color or finish. Stitch the black lines with your favorite variegated wool or perle cotton and add the appropriate bead for the nice pop of texture. It would also make a great snowy roof with a white single strand metallic, such as Crystal Braid or Kreinik Metallics size 8 or 12 with a clear bead. I’ve had fun adding those clear beads with a light blue or white beading thread for a

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!

Perfect Pink

Today’s stitch is a whole lot of pink…and some blue. But, really, a whole lot of 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.

Today's stitch comes from my Shell Table Stitch Guide, a beautiful still life by Melissa Shirley. The stitched sample uses DMC Floss, Neon Rays+, Flair, Sundance Box Beads, and Sundance seed beads. (Whew! That was a mouthful. But, let me tell you, box beads are fun!)

This stitch is full of drama and should be used as such. It would make a gorgeous dress for one of Melissa Shirley’s Treetop Angels. (One of the many examples is here). It would be gorgeous for a sampler, a large border, or even a frame. Consider changing the seed beads to a single diagonal stitch over five rows and stitching a vertical column (the width of a single diamond) with a few empty rows in between for a gorgeous background.

The thread combos are endless. I would stitch the angel’s dress in Soie D’Alger (black and gray lines), a Kreinik Metallic (turquoise lines), Swarovski 2mm crystals for the yellow circles, and Sundance Box Beads for the aqua squares.

For the columns in a background stitch, I would use Elegance (black lines), Splendor (turquoise lines in the Upright Tied Crosses), Petite Silk Lame (gray lines and for the diagonal stitch in lieu of the beads), and Sundance Box Beads for the aqua squares. For this stitch, I would eliminate the turquoise tent stitches surrounding the Upright Crosses in the center of the diamonds.

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!  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!