Open Squares

I created* today's stitch for a beginning student.  It was a great way give the student practice with the Continental stitch, stretch them a little bit with an easy decorative stitch, and add an element of style to the piece.  Win, 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 Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

The student used this stitch for the background of a cute little animal.  You could add a Rhodes square in the 3X3 intersection for a smoother corner. The stitched sample is a background on a Scott Church Creative piece (in progress). It includes DMC Perle Cotton, Flair, and Trebizond Silk. This stitch is wide open.  Use that openness to exploit beautiful canvas painting.  This stitch could help define a grassy area or help highlight the painting in a beautifully shaded tablecloth.  Don't be afraid to use a contrasting color for any of the threads.  Have fun with thread finishes and color!

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. 47 guides are currently available, including the brand new Decisions, Decisions, Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the pipeline.

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

* Note on "creating:"  This stitch may very well exist in a book or on another site.  I can't pretend that I'm the first person to think of any stitches I share with you.  I say "I created it" because I haven't stumbled across this stitch anywhere.

Mistake? What Mistake?

I was at a needlepoint store recently while a customer was turning in her project for finishing.  (Note:  the first rush of new threads for a new project and turning in that same projects are the two best parts of needlepoint, IMHO.)  The customer shared with me that her snow stitch was a mistake.  It was supposed to be all darning and ended up darning and backstitch.  If this is a mistake, I want to be wrong.  I think it's adorable.

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.

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

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

The stitched sample includes Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (size 12) and Flair (on 13-mesh) for an open look on snow, allowing the beautiful canvas painting to show through.   As with many darning stitches, this would work really well for most architectural elements, such as a roof, wall, floor, or outdoor hardscape. For the sturdier elements, such as a roof, have fun with matte threads.  Rainbow Linen, Petite Very Velvet, single strand silks (e.g., Pepper Pot, Vineyard Silk), or single strand wools would all work well.  A lot of fun combinations can be made with those threads too.  :)  

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. 47 guides are currently available, including the brand new Still Life with Shells,  Decisions, Decisions, Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps.

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

All About Threads

I introduced you to this stitch in one of the first #whimsicalwednesday posts to illustrate open stitches.  Today's stitch uses a different set of threads and the stitch pops in a completely new way.

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.

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

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

The addition of multiple colorful accents, including Cross Stitches and Smyrna Crosses, turns this stitch into something quite spectacular.  The stitched sample uses Silk & Ivory, Frosty Rays, and Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid (#16). The heavier thread weights provide more coverage and more focus on the stitch than the shading underneath (unlike the original post).

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. 45 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

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

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

Technically, this stitch is a composite of small stitches.  However, there are too many elements to name that make it wonderful.  As I was creating the diagram image, no other title that popped into my head after the first one seemed appropriate.  It truly is everything but the kitchen sink.

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.

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

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

Believe it or not, the stitch includes only two threads and one bead.  The gray lines are Shimmer Ribbon; the black lines AND aqua lines are one strand of Impressions; the turquoise circles are gold beads.  The best sequence to use (and I say this from experience) is to stitch the gray lines first, followed by the black and aqua lines, and end with the gold beads.  Establishing the pattern with the gray lines will make the rest of it go much easier.  I swear.

Clearly, this stitch belongs in a space you want to draw attention to.  I used it on a dress.  It would make a great roof, Santa bag, sampler area, or grass area (without the beads).  It would also be wonderful as snow, but only if you want that snow to dominate the piece.  Have fun with it.  You can experiment with different sized beads for a more subtle effect.

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. 45 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

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

Little Black Dress

The good news is today's stitch is gorgeous.  And easy.  And looks fantastic on the stitched sample....which happens to be black on black.  So, pay more attention to the diagram this week.  And please enjoy and don't use my name in vain too much. 

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.

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

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

Did I forget to mention the stitch sample also uses two colors of beads?  Oops.

The stitch is simple with Scotch Squares in alternating directions with a skipped row in between the squares.  (Another wonderful example of how skipping a row opens up a whole new world.)

As you may have already inferred from the title, this stitch is from a little black dress on a recent piece.  So, clearly, it is wonderful for clothing.  Replace the bead with a Cross Stitch and you could have a fantastic floor or any number of architectural elements.  Use a lightweight thread on a beautifully shaded body of 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. 44 guides are currently available, including the brand new Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the pipeline.

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

More is More

Welcome to July!  The theme this month is "More is More," meaning metallics, beads, and lots of layers.  I hope you enjoy!

The inaugural stitch is a riff on a common #whimsicalwednesday theme, Tied Crosses.  What makes this version pop is the bright matching metallic plus a contrasting bead.  Take a look.

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.

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

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

I purposefully added the beads in alternating rows.  The metallic thread was so bright that I did not want to lose that crisp accent by surrounding all of it with beads.  Personally, I like the little break.  That's simply my taste. Feel free to add more beads if your heart so desires.

The stitched sample is from a dress and includes Very Velvet, Fyre Werks, and Sundance Beads.  I think a lot of fun could be had with thread combinations that include pearls (any color) or matte beads. The stitch lends itself to so many areas.  Due to the bling of the stitch, it will work best for an area you want to draw attention to, such as a dress/coat, Santa bag, large hat...I think you get the idea.  The open areas in the stitched version will let any shading show through but I wouldn't necessarily consider this an open stitch because your eye will be drawn to the bright accents. 

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. 44 guides are currently available, including the brand new Decisions, Decisions, Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the pipeline.

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

Don't Forget Color Combos

We wrap up the month of stolen stitches with, well, a classic Cashmere stitch, using one type of thread (wool).  So, not something that should really jump out at you.  Yet, this stitch does.  I really love it.

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

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

It's an unpretentious stitch brought to life with two colors of wool in a clever use of color within the columns.  This would make a darling sweater, roof, walkway, house...you get the idea.  As much as I love to combine threads with different finishes, this little gem reminds me to combine colors.

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. 43 guides are currently available, including the brand new Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you learned something from the month stolen stitches.  Next month's theme is "More is More."  So, yes, there will be lots of beads and lots of thread finishes.  It was really fun to assemble and I hope you will enjoy it!

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

Karen's Diamond

Leave it to Karen Hennessey of Zecca to provide another clever take on a diamond stitch and have a wonderfully bright stitched example to go with it.

The stitch begins as your more traditional diamond with outer rows over three rows and a row over two in between the rows going over three.  But, she skips a row between the outer edges and that's where things get interesting.  

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.

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

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

Due to the many unique components of this stitch, this might be one stitch that I don't see with threads all of one color.  It almost NEEDS the multiple thread colors to add definition.  As an example, the oblique tied crosses in the center of the diamonds stand out in their own color.  I love how the diamonds are in a darker shade to help add to that definition.

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. 43 guides are currently available, including the brand new Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the pipeline.

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

At Least I Admit I Stole It

A stitching friend walked in with this stitch on a Charley Harper toucan and I gasped.  I love, love, 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 Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

I love the slender columns.  I love the mix of matte and metallics.  It's perfect for so many tall, or wide, spaces.

Add the oblique crosses (gray lines on diagram over two rows and up four) first.  Tie them down with the vertical stitch over the center (aqua lines).  Finally, add the bead over two rows on the vertical in between the oblique crosses.  And voila!  Tall magic!

With a similar combination of matte and metallic threads, this stitch would make a great Santa bag (on the horizontal).  I'm playing with the idea of using it as paneling on the side of a house.  It's really quite spectacular. 

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. 41 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

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

Stolen Stitches

The month of June is dedicated to stolen stitches.  These are stitches I've come across on other people's work that I've "borrowed" and made for us to own!

Today's stitch is probably the only stitch that I could find its root source...one of Ruth Schmuff's wonderful iStitch books.  Essentially, it is a 3X3 diamond.  What I love about what Ruth did was how she offset the center stitch on each side of the diamond.

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.

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

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

A little Upright Cross in each of the intersections makes for a perfect sassy accent.  The stitched sample uses City Needlework Silk and Frosty Rays.  And Scott Church Creative's Easter Duck is ready to rumble!

As with most diamond stitches, there are way too many applications to count so I'm going to ponder thread choices.  I would love to see this in Very Velvet (for the diamond) with a matte accent, such as Rainbow Linen or even Lorikeet, for a coat or roof.  Using Elegance or Pearl Cotton (for the diamond) with a lightweight Kreinik (for the accent) would make a beautiful sky.  This would also make a wonderful water stitch with two metallics, such as Kreinik and Petite Silk Lame.  The possibilities are really quite amazing.

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. 41 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Please!  Someone "steal" this from me and let me know what you do with it! 

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