One Last Stitch…

…before my beloved Melissa Shirley Santas take a vacation until next year. Today’s #stitchingsunday is a small gem from a very large toy bag and a surprising lesson in scale.

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

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

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

The stitch is a variation of the Step Stitch from my first book (page 216). Every third row uses a contrasting color to add interest to this subdued stitch. The stitched sample is a rather large and exuberant green toy bag from the attention-seeking musical Santa. My best guess is I used a green and gold size 12 Kreinik to give this bag a subtle kick. (It’s on 13M.)

There is a method to this madness. This is, without question, a small stitch. But this small stitch is perfect for this large area because it steps back and lets the fun toys and drum shine. I am confident my first thought was to use a large stitch, but I am so happy I re-evaluated. The addition of the second color makes this small stitch all the more interesting.

The moral of today’s post. Small Stitches. Not just for small spaces anymore. (IYKYK.)

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. Retailers carrying the book can be found here.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! 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!

It’s #stitchingsunday x2

The myth of working in needlepoint is that you sit around and stitch all day. Oh, how I wish. One of my New Year commitments was to carve more time to stitch in 2021. Today's #stitchingsunday is from a fun Madcap Cottage project (from @plumstitchery) I’m currently working on that includes a very recent #whimsicalwednesday stitch as well as a long-time go-to stitch.

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.

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.

The background on the stitched sample is a narrow Alternating Cashmere (without the Smyrna Cross) stitched with Elegance (on 18M). The jury is still out as to whether I’m going to fill the empty 2X2 square. The light blue border at the top of the photo is stitched in Reverse Basketweave with Petite Silk Lame. I consider using basketweave for the border but wanted something sweeter than that on the border.

Speaking of loving your stitches, please do not forget to tag us on Instagram (@whimsicalstitch) so we can share your stitching in Instagram stories.

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, 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!

It’s #stitchingsunday

It’s always a joy to see how one of the stitches from my blog is used in one of your projects. Always. Much of the joy comes from how you use it, whether that be the thread or the area, especially when it’s an area I may not have mentioned in the original blog post.

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.

The stitched sample comes to you from one of my favorite needlepoint friends, Kelli. She flipped the stitch 90° and used a Kreinik metallic for a darling, snowy background. It’s just too cute. This horizontal version will work well for pathways or grass with an overdyed wool or silk floss and water, or even a wide window with a lightweight metallic such as size 4 Kreinik (for 18M), size 8 Kreinik (for 13M) or Petite Silk Lame (for either).

Speaking of loving your stitches, please do not forget to tag us on Instagram (@whimsicalstitch) so we can share your stitching in Instagram stories.

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, 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!

Gather

This morning’s #smallspacesunday connects the dots with the most recent #smallspacesunday post. And, voila, we have a completed project!

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 sky that goes with the snow from the piece I shared with you a few weeks ago. The stitched sample uses three plies of Splendor on 18M. Jump over to the stitched sample on Instagram to see the final piece in its entirety.

I loved the snowflakes that Joanna painted on the canvas and knew I wanted to keep them. I brought some attention to them by stitching the four points in Cross Stitches and then added a size 11 seed bead in the center. Once that was complete, the question was how to keep the background light and vertical (to balance with the horizontal stitch on the snow). As I mentioned with the snow, I was kinda tired of darning stitches and wanted to integrate simple stitches. And blocks of five tent stitches is about as simple as it can get. I added the 3X3 squares to liven it up a little and absolutely love it.

This stitch will make really cute wallpaper, especially if you alternate colors or thread finishes (or both) between the vertical columns. I want to play with it for a window stitch with Petite Silk Lame or a lightweight Kreinik. I suspect that might be a fun surprise on a larger window.

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 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 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!

Tiny Crowns

After a long hiatus, #smallspacesunday returns with a sweet little stitch that reminds me of tiny crowns.

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 snow under some snowmen with a white Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) from my stash on 18M.

My go-to stitches for snow are darning stitches on the horizontal axis, or some sort of horizontal straight stitch, with a lightweight metallic to highlight any shading and/or to keep the area light so the focus will go elsewhere. Even when you don’t factor in teaching projects, I get tired of my go-to stitches. Factor in teaching projects and, well, you can understand why I was hungry for something different. The inspiration for this stitch came from the last page of the Lagniappe section of the Lone Star’s Grab ‘N Go stitches. I combined the two directions they offered and added more space between the rows for more separation between the rows.

And I’m thrilled with it and can’t wait to use it for water with two colors of Petite Silk Lame or size 8 Kreinik (on 18M). I’m looking forward to flipping the stitch 90° and using it for a tree trunk with Rainbow Linen or a Burmilana Wool.

I elaborated on the origin of this stitch because I was hoping you would have two takeaways. The first is that any stitch book has more inspiration than just the stitches included in it. Many of my composite stitches, especially from my earliest blogs and from both books, find their inspiration in grand and complex composite stitches that I really liked but were not perfect for me. My solution was to remove one or two elements of the inspiring stitch and, voila, I thought they were perfect. Alternatively, feel free to add things! You can rarely go wrong with adding beads to a stitch. I find that skipping a row or rows in any stitch is a great way to find new things. I did a whole post about that a few years ago. You can find it here.

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 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 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!