Skinny Fish

Today's stitch was an accident.  The original plan was a #stitchingsunday with this stitch.  It was only when I assembled this blog that I learned it was ever so slightly different.  Oops!  The silver lining is you now have another new stitch!

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 another bird wing from a student in a recent embellishment class, using three plies of Splendor and Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8).  Technically, this is a Herringbone stitch.  However, I don't see it that way because the alternating thread finishes draw my eye to horizontal columns of oblique stitches. 

This stitch is perfect for tall narrow spaces, such as fireplaces, tree trunks, (shirt or coat) arms, or stripes in wallpaper.  Some of those ideas are oddly specific, but isn't kinda cool to have ideas for some of those off the radar areas?  I also think it would be an adorable moon using two metallics with distinctly different finishes, such as Flair and Kreinik or Silk Lame and Entice.  Just some food for thought.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 81 guides are currently available, with 20 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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 #smallspacesunday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

I. Love. This. Stitch.

Today's stitch is a variation on another favorite stitch. It's a great pop of colors and finishes that can help bring a small space to life. I. Love. This. Stitch.

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 me playing with Vineyard Silk and Kreinik Metallics 1/16" Ribbon on 13-mesh. 

There are so many applications for this stitch. I integrated this stitch into a student's project with Lorikeet for a small bush, replacing the single tent stitches with French Knots. It would make a darling sweater or small Christmas stocking, especially with two colors and/or two different finishes. The stitched sample is a perfect example of that. Consider leaving the two tent stitches out for an open stitch for any sort of small greenery or even water.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 81 guides are currently available, with 20 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy! Happy #smallspacesunday!

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!

A Second Life

Today's stitch is an obvious variation on a go to stitch in my stitching circle.  It's a really subtle variation that makes the stitch go even faster.  Win win!

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 me playing with two plies of Impressions and Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid #12 on 13-mesh. The right side includes a small Cross Stitch in the middle of stitches on the horizontal row.  That could easily be a bead or a French Knot. This stitch leaves more room for shading to show through than its cousin. 

This is a stitch for all seasons.  It would make great tree leafy greenery as well as tree trunks.  Roof, floor, wall...virtually any architectural element.  Clothing is also an obvious use for this stitch.  I would love to see it as a Christmas stocking hung by the chimney with care.  I think you get the idea.

I lifted my thread commentary from the original post because it is a good reminder about thread weights.  

The cross stitch over one row condenses the stitch and adds a small level of bulk.  If you do not want that added texture, your thread choice should be lighter than you normally use for the specific canvas size.  As an example, I like to use DMC Pearl #5 or Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) or Tapestry Braid (#12) on 13 mesh.  Elegance or 4-ply floss is a good choice for 18 mesh.  

Truth be told, just last night, I used this stitch with a 4-ply floss on 13 mesh because 6-ply floss added way too much bulk for the stitched area.  It was a great reminder that there are guidelines in needlepoint, but you need to let your eye tell you what the right thing to do is.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 91 guides are currently available, with 20 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

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!

Baby Steps

Quick heads up.  Wing stitches were a big part of my life for a couple months recently as I worked on several bird canvases.  And that's where today's little gem came from.

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 me playing with Petite Silk Lame on 18-mesh.   It's subtle, easy, and a very sweet stitch.  Any shading will show through the skipped row, making this even sweeter.

As I mentioned, I used this stitch for a student's small bird, alternating royal blue and turquoise threads in the vertical columns.  I love the idea of this as a small body of water, using a lightweight Kreinik, Petite Silk Lame or a sky.  The simplicity of the stitch is enhanced by the subtle directional element. 

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 91 guides are currently available, with 20 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

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!

Ginabean

Today's stitch is an ode to short, powerful, and surprising.  Kinda like my dear friend, Gina(bean).  She's all kinds of short and awesome, just like today's stitch.  I think the technical name is Alternating Diagonal Mosaic, but I know it as the Ginabean.

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 Soie D'Alger with Entice for the accent.  Two things happened on the way to the stitched sample.  First, I really liked the stitch without the accent.  But, I also love it with the accent!  So, your stitched sample is both.  Magic! 

This stitch would make a great small almost anything.  The diagram includes a bead; the stitched sample uses a Cross Stitch in lieu of the bead.  The bead version would make fantastic water, angel wings, small dresses or aprons, somewhere where you may want a little extra pop or extra added femininity.  I see the Cross Stitch version as more multi-purpose.  Sure, I would use it for any of the items I mentioned for the bead as well as clouds, receding landscape, tree leaves, roof, water, angel wings, small dresses or aprons.  I think you get the idea.  

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

It Sure Doesn't Look Small

Today's stitch packs a lot of interesting detail for a small stitch. And it's fantastic.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample uses DMC Floss and Kreinik Metallic for a roof on a small house from a Melissa Shirley vintage Halloween village.  The symmetry makes it a perfect roof stitch.

The stitched sample used the same thread (the black Kreinik) to fill the open 2X2 intersections.  Using two different threads for those intersections, as the diagram illustrates, offers a bunch of fun ideas.  Consider it for a small coat or dress with Soie D'Alger for the black lines, Entice or Kreinik for the gray lines, and Petite Silk Lame for the turquoise lines.  Another idea is to combine Gloriana Lorikeet for the black lines, Straw Silk for the gray lines, and Vineyard Silk for the turquoise lines.  One last thought is to replace the gray lines with a bead and this could make a great small water stitch.  You can have a lot of fun with this.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

Just How Open is Open?

Today's stitch is a great variation of Reverse Basketweave.  I recall when I was first encouraged to use this for a window on a small Halloween house.  It makes me giggle to think about how nervous I was.  I was convinced that it was too open to be a window.  I was wrong.

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.

As with most window stitches, I recommend a single strand metallic such as Petite Silk Lame (for 13-mesh) or Kreinik Metallics Very Fine Braid (#4)  (for 18-mesh). 

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy!

Baby Leaves!

I love finding new (to me) small stitches as it is always good to expand your repertoire beyond your traditional small stitches.  I continue to be amazed at how many small space stitches are out there.  Today's is especially cute!

I love a good leaf stitch and today's is a perfect one for a small space.  It's offers generous coverage and is just plain cute.

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 diagram is colored to offer clarity on the steps.  Personally, I would stitch the diamonds first (dark gray lines) and add the leaves afterwards (light gray lines).  As always, thread selection truly depends on the look you are going for. 

Clearly, this stitch would make a great tree or shrub.  A single overdyed floss or silk would be lovely (for the entire stitch).  If the area has room for more personality, consider using two different shades of a single color.  The stitched sample uses three plies of Soie D'Alger on 18-mesh.  Adding one more ply certainly wouldn't hurt.  

The diamonds around the small leaves extend its appeal beyond greenery.  If this isn't going to be foliage, for goodness sake, have fun with dramatic color and finish combinations. Frankly, it would make an adorable coat or a floor covering.  For the coat, I think a combo of Very Velvet plus a deep Kreinik Metallic or Entice would be gorgeous.  For a lighter look, try silk perle (Rainbow Gallery Elegance or Subtlety, or Gloriana Princess Perle) for the diamond and a Petite Silk Lame for the inside.   

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 60 guides are currently available, with 12 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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! Enjoy!

Sometimes Being Right Isn't Everything

And that's because today's stitch comes from another mistake!  The diagram below was my first attempt at diagramming this adorable window stitch, it wasn't quite right.  It wasn't right because it didn't match the stitched sample, but it's still a cute stitch on its own merits.  So meet the Patterned Cross Stitch's cousin, the Patterned Cross Stitch!

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.

My counsel for this version is the same as the cousin.  Use it to help an area recede, such as a sky or a horizon behind a beautiful landscape, or to let how the canvas is painted standout.  The pink area of this canvas was so cute that I didn't want to overdo it.  It's also a foolproof way to highlight shading in a small area.  A stitch like this is always top of mind for water or windows.  I recommend using lightweight threads with a stitch this gentle.  For example, the stitched sample uses Trebizond Silk on 18-mesh.  Depending on what you are stitching, consider Petite Silk Lame, Silk Straw, 2-3 strands of your favorite silk floss or wool.  

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Go Greek

I'm not trying to make your neck snap.  And, yes, this stitch is about as small as last Wednesday's post was large. 

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.

I shared this stitch as a candidate for a border stitch over one row.  And then I forgot about it. Seriously. I stumbled back across the border stitch while looking for a small space stitch for the tiniest of houses that just so happened had vertical stripes in alternating colors.  Voila.  

I stitched the sample with two dramatically different colors of Trebizond Silk to reinforce that point.  It would be very cool with two colors or two finishes, or both.  As I write this, I ask myself why not make it three colors or finishes?  And I say to myself, "Why not?"  (Cue everyone on the plane looking at me as if I'm crazy.)

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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