Such a Good Kid

Today’s stitch comes from a stocking I did for one of my favorite kids ten years ago. So, said kid is at least two heads taller than me now but still thanks me for the stocking…every single Christmas. I adore him.

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.

Since I stitched this almost ten years ago, I don’t have a clear recollection of where I stumbled across this stitch. What I do remember is I loved it the moment I saw it. Diagonal stitches are not my forte but the contrasting diagonal stripe made all the difference for me. That simple and uncommon accent makes this stitch sing for me. The stitched sample is Pepper Pot Silk (black lines), white Shimmer (gray lines), and green Shimmer (yellow lines). It’s one of three patterns in a checked pattern at the bottom of a Melissa Shirley stocking.

It’s a great all-purpose diagonal stitch. I’m looking forward to including it in a stitch plan for a wooly coat with Burmilana (black lines), a mild metallic such as Glisten (yellow lines), and a darker Burmilana (gray lines). There are many household objects that this will work for, such as a blanket or a pillow. I would love to see it as a blanket with Alpaca (black lines), Silk Lame (yellow lines), and a contrasting Silk Lame (gray 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.

IIf 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!

Scaling New Heights

I talk a lot about scalable stitches in this blog. And today’s stitch is one such example.

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 a taller and far more subtle version of this stitch from 2017. The stitched sample is a background stitch for one of Debbie Mumm’s pots from a club I worked on several years ago. It uses Elegance and Flair, like every other background in the series. (The six projects from the club are here, here, here, here, here, and here.)

And here is where the height of the stitch makes a difference. While I used the same threads in all six backgrounds, I used six different stitches. All of the backgrounds are open stitches (in varying degrees), so I needed more white space between the stitches and that is why this stitch is so tall.

Between the layered X and the three cute accents on top, this stitch also has the added benefit of texture. I love tall stitches to enhance the height of a tall area, such as pants, chimneys, or tree trunks. The added texture makes those areas all the more interesting, in my opinion. Pants would look great with a combination of Pepper Pot Silk (black lines) and Neon Rays (gray lines). I would stitch a chimney in silk floss (black lines) and a very subtle metallic, such as Glisten (gray lines). Frankly, it would look just as elegant if you used the Glisten for the X’s with the silk floss on top. A perfect combo for a tree trunk is Rainbow Linen (black lines) with Bella Lusso or Burmilana as the accents (gray 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.

IIf 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!

More Cousins

Both of today’s stitches use two threads and a shared stitch pattern. I love the two unique stitches that emerged.

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 Soie d’Alger (3-ply and a size 8 Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines).

This will make a beautiful wallpaper or floor with any silk floss and your favorite lightweight metallic, my favorite being Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame. I also am looking forward to using it for pants as it will help give the area height. This simple stitch has a subtle elegance that I just love.

Truth be told, as I was stitching the sample, I became obsessed with what it would look like without the underlying Kreinik, so I whipped up the sample below.

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.

And here we have it. It’s a really cute look with more Soie d’Alger (black lines) and Trebizond Silk (yellow lines).

As you know, the openness of this stitch makes it ideal for areas with shading. It will be so pretty for many outdoor spaces, such as tree trunks, water, green fields, hills. many options.

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.

IIf 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!

Seriously, What Day Is It?

Happy Wunday! It’s a good old regular Wednesday stitch with a sweet small Sunday stitch thrown in for good measure.

I haven’t had a lot of time to stitch of late and definitely feel those pangs of jealousy when there isn’t anything for me in the wonderful packages from the finishers. At times like this, I turn to small projects such as ornaments so I can have my own stuff in the next box from the finisher. The current project is a sweet little circus ornament from Plum Design.

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 the background from the ornament and is nothing more than a single strand of white Floche on 18M. When I was foraging for a stitch, I kept returning to this one but knew it was too big. So I simply resized it and could not be happier.

I’m looking forward to using this on a medium-size window with Petite Silk Lame. I think it will also make a pretty rooftop with Rainbow Linen.

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 second stitch is yet another variation of how to play with Cross Stitches in small spaces. I used three plies of Soie d’Alger on 18M.

My go-to stitch for small columns is horizontal straight stitches over the width of a column. But it wasn’t doing it for me, mostly because of the roof (visit here to see full piece). I love the tiny stripes that emerged from the Cross Stitches. (Before anyone asks, the white stripes are stitched in Encroaching Gobelin with two plies of the same Floche from the sky.)

I’m looking forward to using this stitch on small pieces of clothing with wools. I think alternating between a wool and a metallic in the vertical columns will be a cute twist.

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.

IIf 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!

Hello Dolly!

I burst out laughing the minute I removed my new dolly truck from its box because I knew immediately a pattern from the platform was going to be a stitch. And here we are!

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 colors of Kreinik Metallic on 18M. This stitch covers a lot of ground and it goes quickly. So, win-win.

I already have plans to use this as a background with silk floss (black lines) and Flair (aqua lines). It will create beautiful water with two aqua hues of your favorite metallic. I also see it as a great stitch for a Santa coat, say on one of the 30” Amanda Lawford Santas.

I’m toying with alternating a matte and a metallic for the larger blocks and replacing the Smyrna Cross (aqua lines) with either four seed beads or a single oversized bead over two rows to tie it together. No matter how that plays out, it will be a fun experiment.

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.

IIf 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, the 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!

Happy Wednesday!

A sweet little stitch in the lightest of colors may be what the doctor ordered for these gray days of winter.

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’m playing with Elegance (black lines) and the lightest of blue Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) on 18M for today’s stitched sample.

I’m seriously considering using this stitch and thread combo for the background of a Madcap Cottage piece I’m currently working on. I’m looking forward to using this stitch with two related hues for water with a lightweight Kreinik metallic, Petite Silk Lame, or even Flair. Another idea is to flip it 90° for wallpaper. I would use silk floss and Neon Rays for the wallpaper.

Something to consider is to use a single color for the black lines and to alternate between 2-3 colors for the yellow lines. That is a look that works especially well on the vertical version.

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.

IIf 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!

Wait, Is That What I Think It Is?

Today’s #whimsicalwednesday stitch is the elusive full-coverage stitch, a rare find on this blog. And, full disclosure, I can not take credit for the perfect French Knots on the stitched sample. All credit is happily bestowed upon one of my favorite stitchers.

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.

Byzantine is one of the most versatile full coverage stitches as you can make it as square as you want or as tall as you want, as today’s stitched sample illustrates.

I prefer the tall versions. I love the height and interest they provide. They are great for wintery clothing with wools. The stitched sample uses ThreadWorx overdyed floss for a sweet little Easter tree. (Come on, it’s needlepoint. We have holiday trees for almost everything.) Flip the stitch 90° and you have a great floor or green field. You can use basketweave, beads, or a 2X4 cashmere square in lieu of the French Knots. If there is shading you would like to integrate, feel free to leave the blocks of French Knots unstitched.

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!

Stitching Friends are the Best Friends (Part 593)

I got to catch up with a dear stitching friend this weekend (virtually of course). We spent time regaling each other with family news and crazy current events. But, truth be told, we spent more time talking about stitches and current projects. She slipped me today’s adorable stitch and stitched sample. The stitch is as charming as my dear friend.

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 background on an adorable Rebecca Woods Easter bunny with Rainbow Gallery’s Elegance on 18-mesh. This pattern is very similar to darning stitches I’ve shared in the past. However, it is a traditional wrapped stitch. Start at the top of a column, add the three stitches on the horizontal axis (over 2-1-2 rows), drop down and switch the pattern to 1-2-1 rows. (See where I got the stitch name?)

Clearly, this makes a charming background. I’m looking forward to using it for tall and narrow clothing, like pants or jackets with a matte thread such as Vineyard Silk, silk floss, or an overdyed wool. Flip it 90° for water or a snow-covered path. My favorite threads for those kinds of areas are Flair and Kreinik Metallics.

Two things I want to play with when I use this stitch. The first is to alternate between matte and metallic in the columns. For example, the groups of stitches over 2-1-2 stitches would be a matte thread while the 1-2-1 stitches would use a metallic thread. Or alternate matte and metallic by entire columns. Also, consider adding more empty rows between the columns to give more space, especially if the canvas has beautiful shading.

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!

Sharing is Caring

And today’s stitch is a great case study in how to navigate shared holes. It’s also a beautiful stitch and one of those stitches that I get overly excited about when I have an opportunity to use it.

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 beautiful bird from an upcoming Stitch Guide that uses Gloriana Silk Floss (3-ply) and navy blue Swarovski Bi-cones (on 18M). As I mentioned earlier, I love opportunities to use this stitch (or its variants). Flip it upward or 90° in either direction to create the direction you need.

Shared holes are common in virtually all needlepoint. However, a shared hole typically includes two threads. This stitch has multiple shared holes sharing everything from two to seven threads. The best way to minimize wear and tear on your thread and to minimize friction on threads already in the shared hole is to stitch all the stitches from the outer edges to the inside shared hole.

Thought-starters for this stitch include birds, trees, or clothing. I’ve used this stitch for birds with both solid and overdyed silk floss and various beads. I would love to see a more substantial version of this stitch with a metallic that lays flat, such as Flair or Fyre Werks. I would love to see this as a coat with a Pepper Pot Silk and seed bead. And, lastly, I look forward to using it for a Christmas tree with solid silk floss and varied colors of sequins or crystals for the bead accent.

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!

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!