January 47th

I needed a fun little stitch to get through these last days of what feels like the longest January ever. I hope today’s stitch makes you as happy as I was when I found it.

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

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

The stitched sample is me playing with blue Petite Silk Lame for a blue background. I love the shape of the four small kites that make up each of the larger kite “stars.” I see this as a background or the solo stitch on an abstract canvas. I want to play with this to create columns of kite stars with anywhere from 5-10 empty rows in between. I am toying with the idea of filling in the center that emerges between the stars with another star for a “full” pattern. I am confident there is a lot of fun to be had with this stitch!

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

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.

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 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 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 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!

Skipping Along

I love skipping rows in needlepoint. Today’s stitch is an excellent example of how skipping rows is a quick way to open up a stitch and add a bit of lightness.

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

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

The stitched sample is me playing with lavender size 12 Kreinik (black lines) and gold Fyre Werks (black lines) on 13M. The stitch and thread combo here will make fun and festive gift wrap. To glam it up, consider replacing the black lines with beads or add beads in the empty columns. The stitch will also make a lovely wall with two shades of silk or cotton perle.

Flip the diagram 90° for a rug. Use Vineyard Silk for the yellow lines and a Silk Lame the black lines. Also consider filling in the skipped rows with more Plain Needlepoint in a contrasting color of Silk Lame.

Have fun with it!

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

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.

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 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 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 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!

Brr…It's Cold

And my stitches need more coverage to get through the cold snap. Today’s full-coverage stitch is a fun medley of squares, rectangles, and a much-needed burst of color.

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

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

The stitched sample is me playing with yellow Splendor (turquoise lines), white Elegance (black lines), and blue Fyre Werks (yellow lines) on 13M.

I can’t wait to use this for a background on a simple ornament, say behind an initial. I am all about white backgrounds on ornaments. I would use a white silk floss for the black lines, a white silk perle for the turquoise lines, and an accent color for the yellow lines. Consider using it for a tile floor with contrasting colors, as illustrated above. You can also flip it 90 degrees for a floor or a roof. To dress it up a bit, consider replacing the yellow lines with beads.

This stitch is also scalable. If you want to downsize it a bit, consider a 3X3 square for the turquoise lines, which would make the rectangle two rows wide and six rows tall (to keep it at the current scale). You can also grow it to a 5X5 square or more. Have fun with it!

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

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.

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 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 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 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!

Big Blue Sky

Today’s stitch started out as a stitch I introduced in an embellishment class for a sky behind a witch (by Melissa Shirley) and ended up as the sky behind a row of houses on a Melissa Shirley winter Christmas piece. I promise it is a great candidate for a sky stitch on designs by any designer and not just those created by Melissa Shirley.

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

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

The inspiration for this stitch comes from the Straight Shifts stitch in book 3. Today’s stitched sample (from the Melissa Shirley Christmas piece) includes narrow bands (three rows) of stitches, using two plies of Soie D'Alger (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines). The space between the bands is random to add more organic motion.

Those same open spaces between the bands were the inspiration to make the small snowflakes (or stars) stand out more. The snowflakes were painted as simple 2X2 white squares. I added a crystal O bead (from artbeads.com) and attached it with a 2mm faux pearl from S&J Designs.

Meanwhile, back on the Melissa Shirley witch, my independent-minded customer added two more rows of metallic to each band. (In unsurprising news, she used Soie d’Alger for the black lines and Petite Silk Lame for the yellow lines, as illustrated on the right.) She reduced the amount of space between the bands, and I think it worked perfectly. (Full disclosure: I asked her for the stitched samples Tuesday morning and told her how I was going to present it in the blog post. Her response? “I am honored and humbled to be your student gone bad!!! I am really not worthy.”)

It’s a fun stitch that may not work everywhere, but I am looking forward to using it for water with two shades of lightweight Kreinik. I also think the denser version from the witch sample would actually make a really interesting stitch for a moon with silk floss and a lightweight metallic (Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame).

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

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.

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 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 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 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!

Going Down the Rabbit Hole

I flew down the rabbit hole last week to find the moon stitch I was looking for and couldn’t be happier with my two choices!

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

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

As you can see, the layered diamond I shared last week was the jumping-off point for this week’s stitches. After some trial and error, I added some space between the layered stitches at the tip of each diamond so I could have more fun with the stitch inside the diamond. It was so much fun to play with stitches in either of the open spaces created by the layered diamonds (yellow lines) that I ended up with two stitches for today. In all honesty, I love the layered diamonds all by themselves without any accent stitches.

The first stitched sample (above) is me playing with gold Kreinik (yellow lines) and three plies of pink Splendor (aqua lines) on 13M. I love the scale of this stitch. It has a certain elegance that will enhance so many areas. I am looking forward to using it for a vase with two shades of metallic thread, whether that is Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame. It will make a gorgeous background for an ornament. (Truth be told, you could fill a 4” round with nothing but this stitch for an ornament.)

As you may recall, my goal was to find a stitch for a moon on a Melissa Shirley holiday piece. I used the same layered diamonds and added accents inside of both open areas. It’s a fuller stitch. (It also looks smaller than above because it is on 18M.)

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

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

The threads for the moon are a size 8 Kreinik (yellow lines), Flair (aqua lines), and two plies of white Splendor (black lines) on 18M. The black lines, while an afterthought, were a fun way to connect the layered diamonds and fill what I thought was a little bit of a large space. It is highly likely I will replace the Splendor with either the same white Kreinik as the yellow lines or a very pale shade of a blue or yellow Kreinik. Time will tell.

Either of these stitches will add interest to whatever area you have in mind, whether it is a pumpkin or clothing. (Still stuck on pumpkins as I am writing this post on Halloween, but pumpkins are always looking for great stitches.) I would love to see the pumpkin with layered diamonds stitched with Petite Very Velvet (yellow lines), orange Kreinik (aqua lines), and an orange Fyre Werks (black lines).

A lot of fun is to be had with this stitch, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

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

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.

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 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 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 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!

When Things Go Right

Today’s stitch was a journey. It started out as something utterly different and I’m thrilled with where it landed.

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

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

The stitched sample is me playing with a batch of colorful threads, including Neon Rays (black lines), four plies of Spendor (yellow lines), and Fyre Werks (aqua lines) on 13M.

The first place I want to use this stitch is a pumpkin. Yes, that has everything to do with the orange Neon Rays. I would add an orange Twinkle for the yellow lines and a copper or gold Kreinik for the aqua lines. I also look forward to including it in a stitch plan for a jacket with silk floss for the black lines, a lightweight Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame for the yellow lines, and Silk Lame for the aqua lines.

I played with diagonal stitches and straight stitches for the center and preferred the coverage of the diagonal stitches. I am also playing with its scalability and will report back. Have fun with it!

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

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.

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 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 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 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!

Sometimes I Have Nothing To Do With It

Today's stitch comes from the background of a cute ornament I’m working on. The fun fact is the stitch I’m using is…exactly how the background is painted. So the credit for today’s stitch goes to Joanna at Plum Stitchery! 

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 stitched sample is the background from Two Calling Birds (part of the Twelvetide Series from Plum Stitchery). I used Fyre Werks for the black lines and white Sundance beads for the centers.

You could fill the center with a modified Rhodes Square with Flair or Neon Rays and surround it with some lovely contrasting silk floss or single-strand silk. Consider two contrasting metallics in all plain needlepoint for a background that will pop.

Adjust the distance between the columns to suit your tastes. Consider changing the shape to a square or diamond! A lot of fun is to be had with this stitch. Enjoy!

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

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, 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 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 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!

So Many Odd Photos

I am often asked how I come up with my stitches. I travel down a few different paths in search of a stitch. For example, my camera roll has more than its fair share of rugs, fabric patterns (from chairs, naturally), and leaded windows from…wait for it…TV shows. (And, yes, I frequently receive an eye roll when I pause an episode for a photo). I, too, am inspired by all of the stitches we see in our internet travels and today’s stitch is a good example.

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.

Today’s stitch is a hybrid of a cute background from a Zecca piece from @themarquissisters (scroll until you see the diamonds on the yellow background) and a stitch I saw for the briefest moment on my pinterest.com feed.

The stitched sample is me playing with two plies of Soie d’Alger (black lines) and Treasure Braid (yellow lines). These diamond groups are a little large, so I added some extra space between the groups to let each group shine. To minimize bringing threads up from under pre-existing threads, I added the split stitches in the center of each diamond first. I parked the Soie to the side, added the Treasure Braid for the yellow lines, and resumed the stitches on both sides of the split stitches to complete a single diamond. When I was done with all four diamonds of a group, I buried both threads behind the group of diamonds and moved on to the next diamond.

This stitch will make a fantastic background or wall covering. To take that one step further, and if you are a fan of more open spaces, consider adding the groups of (four) diamonds in a random pattern. They are large enough to stand alone and the randomness will add lightness to the background or wall, redirecting the eye to the main subject on the canvas. I am also already planning on using this stitch, as diagrammed, on clothing for a rather large Halloween personality. My current thoughts are to use a Petite Very Velvet for the black lines and Fyre Werks or a Kreinik ribbon 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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, 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 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 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 Journey

Arriving at today’s stitch was a journey and, as far as I’m concerned, worth it.

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.

Today’s stitch inspiration comes from a geometric wallpaper pattern. The stitched sample is me playing with red Fyre Werks (black lines) and size 8 gold Kreinik (turquoise lines) on 18M. I minimized visible threads by using a modified back stitch that followed the shape of a diamond or the horizontal path of the turquoise lines. Full disclosure: the compensation required for the stitched sample eliminated some of the pairs of the turquoise tent stitches, so pay careful attention to the diagram for the full effect.

Two metallics with distinct finishes are always a winning combination in my book. I’m looking forward to using this stitch for sheet metal, as shown above! I plan to replace the gold Kreinik with a red Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame. Two related metallic shades, such as Kreinik or Treasure Braid, will combine to make gorgeous water.

Flipping the stitched sample a simple 90° creates all kinds of opportunities. Using a matte thread such as Vineyard Silk for the black lines and a substantial metallic like Silk Lame 18 or size 12 Kreinik will make gorgeous clothing or a background. I also want to play with Rainbow Linen for the black lines and some Straw Silk for the turquoise lines for a tree trunk.

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.

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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, 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 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 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!

Stash Threads for the Win

It was a circuitous journey to arrive at today’s stitch, but I think it was worth it. And I learned a lot along the way.

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.

The stitched sample is me playing with Splendor (5-ply) and Flair (black lines), Kreinik Japan Thread #5 (yellow lines), and Fyre Werks (aqua lines) on 13M.

Splendor and Flair is not a typo. Most of my stitch and thread choices involve the use of a matte thread for the primary thread with metallic accent(s). I realized that the original Splendor choice needed something more to help with coverage and I really didn’t want to add more plies. The solution was to add a layer of Flair on top of the Splendor to gain the final coverage (in both directions) I was looking for. Flair is so good for this because it can lay flat and, more importantly, spread a little for the perfect poof of coverage. Having Kreinik Japan Thread in my stash was the chef’s kiss for this stitch because it had the structure needed for the diamond trellis. (Stitching this sample took way too long, but it was so worth it.)

I’m looking forward to using versions of this stitch for a fence with wools and possibly more Japan Thread. It will also make a beautiful bedspread with Alpaca (black lines), a Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines), and Flair (aqua lines). Substituting an oversize bead or small pearl for the Upright Cross is a fun variation to consider for clothing or purse, along with silk floss for the black lines and a 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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, 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. All three books include chapters on Balanced, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches. Volume 1 also includes a chapter on Borders. Volume 2 includes a chapter on Beading, and Volume 3 includes a chapter on Tent Pattern Stitches. Any or all are a great enhancement to your stitch library. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

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!