Such a Pleasant Surprise

Today’s stitch was inspired by what a stitching friend insisted was mistake. I love what emerged from this friendly disagreement.

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

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The stitched sample is the background on a charming hydrangea canvas from Love MHB Studio. I absolutely did not need this canvas but had to have it, so I bought it while I was at Emily’s Stitchery a couple of weekends ago. (That run-on thought is due to my guilty but happy subconscious.) It all ended with a new stitch, which makes it all okay, right? I used three plies of peach Soie Cristale for the black lines and two strands of peach Petite Silk Lame for the aqua lines.

I’m looking forward to using this for a small roof, with Vineyard Silk for the black lines and Glisten for the aqua lines. I'm also planning to use it for a small sweater, with Silk Lame for the black lines and, as a little twist, Bella Lusso wool for the aqua lines.

Consider dressing it up with a single bead over two rows in the center of each diamond (in lieu of the straight stitch) for water with a Kreinik metallic for the black lines and a Sundance Bead. If you want a little more coverage, replace the straight stitch with an upright cross.

I hope you have the perfect spot for today’s small space stitch. Have fun playing 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!

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 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 Big Small Stitch

Today’s stitch doesn’t look like much from a distance but it certainly packs a surprising little punch of interest up close.

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 diagonal paths of diagonal stitches over three with tent stitch accents on either side of where the stitches over three rows meet. That’s it…nothing more.

The stitched sample is me playing with Petite Silk Lame (for all of the lines in the diagram) on 18M. I followed the diagonal path adding a stitch over three rows and the two tent stitches on either side at the bottom of the stitch over three rows and….repeat. I do not recommend doing it across the horizontal or vertical as the threads will be visible between the diagonal columns.

I don’t typically love overtly diagonal stitches, but this one is just so sweet. This stitch will be integrated into an upcoming project for a small-ish body of water with two hues of blue metallic (either a size 8 Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame). It also makes a great roof for a Christmas stocking with Straw Silk. It will also play well for a is the

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!

My Dowager Countess Moment

“What is a weekend?” is one of my favorite lines from my favorite character on Downton Abbey. My local version is “What is a Wednesday?” Sorry for the delay, but here I am!

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 is a sky on a medium-sized piece with size 12 Finca Perle. Technically, it’s a small stitch but the area between the diagonal-ish columns requires a larger area for the pattern to fully kick in. I selected this stitch because I wanted the sky to have some motion and drama (hence the angle) but wanted to keep the beautiful painting underneath visible.

This stitch is a good way to add direction to water, a pathway, a wall, or a patch of snow (say at the toe of a stocking). For water, you may want to alternate the columns between two metallics to add even more dimension. Consider using a solid metallic and an overdyed ThreadWorx metallic to make it interesting. For snow, my go-to thread is Flair as it absorbs the color under it, making the stitch even more interesting. And my last (kind of crazy) idea is to replace the tiny diamond between the diagonal stitches with a single bead over two rows on the vertical.

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 books (!) for you! 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. For more information, visit here. Volume 2 debuts in January 2021.

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!

Your Eyes are Not Deceiving You

Today’s stitch may be diagonal (what?!) but you know you’re in the right place because it’s an open stitch. Thanks to Sheena of Sheena’s Sweet Stitches for the inspiration!

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.

Overtly diagonal stitches are far from my typical go-to stitch. I prefer what I call balanced stitches which have pairs of stitches (regardless of direction) in opposite directions, resulting in a balanced composition. Some of my recent favorite balanced stitches that include diagonal stitches (and other directions) are here and here. I use balanced stitches to keep the eye on an area as a whole versus the possible distraction of a directional path, let alone multiple paths. So, since I don’t use them frequently, paths pop when I use a directional stitch.

When you need a diagonal, you need a diagonal. Water is a perfect example. This stitch is *perfect* for water, as illustrated by the stitched sample (Petite Silk Lame on 18M), because it has the gentle flow built into it all the while not competing for attention with other stitches. It’s also great for outdoor areas, such as paths or ground cover, and select architectural areas, such as a roof. As you know, metallics are my go to for water. A fun twist on the stitched sample would be to alternate metallics of related colors in this stitch. A path or ground cover is especially suited for an overdyed wool or overdyed single strand silk. A classic silk floss or Merino wool would be beautiful on a roof.

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, 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!