Two Extremes

Today’s stitch is kinda fun. The first step was fun all by itself so you now have two new stitches!

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

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

The stitch is nothing more than a Chevron stitch three rows tall with a tiny vertical accent covering the intersection where the diagonal stitches meet. I went a little crazy with the stitched sample. I used red and white Vineyard Silk (black and gray lines, respectively). I covered each intersection with Neon Rays in the opposite color. It was a lot of fun though I may not want to stitch with Neon Rays again for a while. (That said, I love the look.)

This full-coverage stitch will make a fantastic roof, using one color for both the gray and black lines. I think Rainbow Linen, perle cotton, or Vineyard Silk would work for those stitches for a brown roof. I would use a darker brown and cream Silk Lames for the accent stitches to add subtle interest to the roof. This stitch will create a beautiful blanket with a version of the two-color concept illustrated in the stitched sample. Imagine how pretty a blue and yellow blanket in silk floss with contrasting accents in Flair will be.

As I was working on the sample, I loved the first step as much as the end result. Just the red Vineyard Silk and white Neon Rays created such a sassy open stitch. (Note. The threads are way too visible on the back because this was the first step for the stitch above. If the plan had been to skip a row, I would have added the diagonal stitches following the horizontal path across.)

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

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram. (Be sure to swipe to see this version.)

I am looking forward to using this version as a purse with two contrasting colors of Straw Silk for both lines. It will also be a beautiful vase with two shades of Kreinik Metallic with a twist. Use size 8 for the black lines and size 12 for the yellow lines.

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

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize. (Or, in today’s case, the stitch is much larger than it looks.)

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s 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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of three books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 250 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to 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.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca DesignsSandra 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 integrating 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!

Test Drives

I have two stitches to share with you today because, well, I’m indecisive. I had a lot of fun yesterday playing with stitches and color combos for some clothing and couldn’t choose between them for today’s post and, frankly, the project.

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

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

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

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

Both stitch samples are me playing with two plies of a very lovely light blue Soie D'Alger and a size 8 green Kreinik on 18M.

In unsurprising news, I’m leaning towards the first stitch simply because I love the lightness of it, which will enhance the shading in the area I’m stitching. Going forward, I can’t help but think of using it for a basket with two shades of brown Straw Silk. It will also make a beautiful vase with Silk Lame (yellow lines) and Flair (black lines). I’m also toying with the idea of adding a layer of horizontal straight stitches from edge to edge as the first step for a very interesting layered stitch.

The second stitch is full coverage, as far as I’m concerned. I’m really digging the ratio of blue to green in it, even though the area to be stitched doesn’t need that much green. I think this will make a fantastic tree trunk with a Bella Lusso Wool for the yellow lines and an overdyed wool (such as ThreadWorx) for the aqua lines. I am also looking forward to using it for clothing with a Vineyard Silk for the yellow lines and a bright metallic such as Kreinik or Fyre Werks for the aqua lines. For extra bling, consider replacing the tent stitches with seed beads.

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

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize. (Or, in today’s case, the stitch is much larger than it looks.)

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s 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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of three books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 250 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to 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.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca DesignsSandra 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 integrating 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!

A Pop of Color

Today’s stitch comes to us from one of my favorite Santa stand-ups. Technically, it belongs in a box with my other Santa stand-ups but I can’t bring myself to put it away because the color always makes me smile.

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

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

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

The stitch is an easy variation of a 5X5 square. By splitting the center diagonal stitch into three stitches and adding a second thread, you create a cute contrasting square. The stitched sample uses bright green and white Petite Sparkle Rays on 18M on a vintage Melissa Shirley Designs Santa.

I loved using it as a border. It was a perfect way to add a little bit of sass to the already sassy pink Santa. It’s a great all-purpose stitch that would easily work for a basket with two distinct shades of brown Straw Silk. I love the idea of it for a pathway up to a door with two distinct shades of gray Bella Lusso wool. Consider alternating the directions of the squares for a fun Halloween or Easter house.

You can also replace the contrasting center stitch with a single bead or Cross Stitch. To add a little more bling to that Halloween house, consider adding a small sequin over that single stitch. (It will be larger than the single intersection, BUT a whole lot more fun than the single intersection.)

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

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize. (Or, in today’s case, the stitch is much larger than it looks.)

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s 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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of three books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 250 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to 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.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca DesignsSandra 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 integrating 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!

How it Started…How it’s Going

Today’s post continues the theme from this past Sunday. I know what I always do and I want something different.

Click on the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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.

I needed a stitch for a cute little basket. It just so happened the canvas was painted in an almost perfect match to a 2X6 Alternating Cashmere stitch (far left diagram). Cute, right? But I’ve done too many Alternating Cashmere stitches to count. (You want proof of that? Here, here, and here.)

I wanted something different but couldn’t see past the way the canvas was painted and I knew it was right to stitch it in that pattern. After a lot of staring and getting up to go to the kitchen too many times to count, I landed on the solution…a 2X6 layered stitch (middle image). I love the texture the layers in the 2X6 areas adds. The stitched sample uses two colors of DMC Cotton Floss (gray lines and aqua lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) on 13M.

This stitch will work really well for virtually any winter clothing…pants, sweaters, or a hat as thought starters. Any or all of those will work well with overdyed wool (gray and aqua lines) and a solid colored metallic such as Flair or Fyre Werks. The stitch also has the right texture for a weathered roof, using Rainbow Linen. I would eliminate the Smyrna Cross accent (yellow lines) for that scenario. And last, but not least, I’m looking forward to using it for an outdoor floor with silk floss (gray and aqua lines) and a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Silk Lame, for the yellow lines.

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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 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.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca DesignsSandra 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!