Every Which Way...is Right

Every time I see this stitch, I see a different path to stitch it. This is the perfect example of how not every numbering pattern is for everyone. What's more important is that it is a cute and effective 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.

This stitched sample is a roof from Emma Williams Rooftops stitch guide, using DMC Perle Cotton #8 on 13-mesh. The shading on this canvas is exquisite and I went out of my way to expose it or integrate the color schemes of the individual roofs into an appropriate full coverage stitch. This stitch accentuates shading in a great way as the open areas are not a traditional shape nor are they on perfect 90° or 45° angles.  It's intriguing to me.

Technically, it's a small stitch, yet I wouldn't classify it as such because of the open areas. I think this would make great water as, at first glance, it's a little messy. Long-time readers may recall my go-to threads for water are Petite Silk Lame and/or a lightweight Kreinik Metallic. It would be very interesting as a tree or green space with Lorikeet, Burmilana, or ThreadWorx overdyed floss or wools. 

To close the loop on numbering from earlier.  This is such a perfect example of how numbering is in the eyes of the beholder.  The first time I stitched it, I stitched similar squares from right to left on a downward oblique angle (essentially skipping a row across).  When I returned to it, I stitched it in horizontal columns, skipping two rows in between and returning up the horizontal column with the squares in the other direction.  It's all a matter of perspective.  Neither way was better or easier.  It was simply the way I saw it at that given time.  

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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. Click here to see the 20 newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

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!

Balancing Act

As much as I love open stitches, they require balance. A balanced project includes open stitches with varying degrees of coverage and a handful of full coverage stitches. Today's stitch is just that perfect full coverage 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.

This stitched sample is the background from last week's post, using DMC Perle #8 and Flair on 13-mesh.  I selected the lighter weight threads because I didn't want to ignore the brown spots in the background, but I also didn't want to draw attention to them.  Sure, heavier threads would have covered the brown spots, but I wanted it all, as it were.  I think this strikes the perfect balance.

I love how understated this stitch is.  It would work well for clothing (with Very Velvet for the gray lines and Fyre Werks for the turquoise lines), calm water (with lightweight Kreinik for the gray lines and Petite Silk Lame for the turquoise lines), or even greenery (with Bella Lusso Merino Wool for the gray lines and Lorikeet for the turquoise lines).  

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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. Click here to see the 20 newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

Layered Loveliness

Today's stitch is another background from a sweet small piece.  I love how the Flair expanded to fill the space so it looks like a full coverage 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.

The stitched sample uses Flair (gray lines) and Elegance (yellow lines) on 18-mesh.  Using Flair as the base thread is an atypical choice for me.  In most cases, I use two stronger threads.

A semi-brief tangent on base threads (the gray lines in the diagram).  My go-to base threads for layered (and tramme) stitches are Very Velvet, Perle Cotton (size 3 for 13-mesh and size 5 for 18-mesh), Grandeur (for 13-mesh), Elegance (for 18-mesh), and Kreinik Metallics (size 16 for 13-mesh and size 12 for 18-mesh).  Each of those threads is well-defined and strong.  Strong is important because, in most cases, the base thread adds height and definition to the accent threads (the threads on top).  With any of these threads, the stitch is fairly open.  I say most cases because there are times I throw all of this out the window and use surprisingly light threads for layered and tramme stitches, like I did today.

So, back to today's stitch.  Since this is a typically open stitch, it would work really well for many architectural elements that can handle the texture (of the layered threads)...think roof, floor, ground covering, rug.  For these stitches, consider using any of the base threads I mentioned above and cover them with something a little different, as stitch combos are not all matte and metallic. Don't be afraid to incorporate threads with a less than smooth finish.  Ideas for accent threads include overdyed floss (or wool), Rainbow Linen (one of my favorite threads for a roof), or a subdued metallic such as Silk Lame or Petite Silk Lame.   

Traditional matte and metallic combinations would make great clothing, sampler, or large flower petals.  I love Elegance and Flair (as illustrated above).  I love the idea of Very Velvet and Fyre Werks (or Neon Rays).  Another idea is to add a bead to the single open intersections between the pairs of yellow lines.  That would up the glamour level quite a bit, especially for a flower petal.  

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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. Click here to see the 20 newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

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

It Takes a Village

It's been a little nutty around here for the last few weeks, so I counted on my village of stitcher friends to get me through.  Today's stitch is inspired by a project a friend shared with me a couple years ago.  I've included it on many personal and student projects. It's easy, versatile, and well-behaved.  

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 say well-behaved because this stitch just adapts to whatever area you put it in.  The example above is from a Santa coat, using Vineyard Silk and Shimmer Ribbon.  I've used or recommended it for snowmen with Crystal Braid (gray lines) and Flair (aqua lines), fruit with Soie D'Alger (gray lines) and Trebizond Silk (aqua lines), and backgrounds with Perle Cotton (gray lines ) and Kreinik Metallic (aqua lines).  And they all worked.

You could reduce the texture of the 2X2 square by replacing the Smryna Cross with four tent stitches or a 2X2 Mosaic stitch.  That combination makes me want to try it for a tabletop, a floor, or even a field of grass.  There are a lot of ways to play with this stitch.

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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!  Please enjoy!

#stitchingsunday

Welcome back to another episode of #stitchingsunday.  This recently added Sunday theme* highlights stitches from blog posts in current stitching projects.

Today's #stitchingsunday uses a variation of the Double V Stitch I originally shared with you last April.  I love the use of a Smyrna Cross instead of the Upright Cross. The stitcher used the stitch on a sweet Christmas stocking for her grandson.

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.

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 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.

Today's example used Vineyard Silk and Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12).  The original stitch diagram, as well as the variation, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday, #smallspacesunday, and #stitchingsunday stitch diagrams, can be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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!

* Don't worry.  #smallspacesunday hasn't disappeared.  I like to mix it up a little.

Nothing Wrong with More Diamonds

Welcome to more diamonds.  While I love the stitch, this post is really a story of threads.  

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.

Take a close look at the stitched sample.  It is an interesting exercise in thread weights and distinct finishes. 

The parallelograms surrounding the 6X6 diamonds are two different grays on the diagram and two different matte threads on the stitched sample.  The dark gray lines represent DMC Perle Cotton and the light gray line represents Vineyard Silk.  The diamond is filled with two different metallic threads.  The aqua lines are Shimmer Ribbon and the teal lines are Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12). 

This is not the only way to stitch this stitch. Feel free to stitch the parallelograms in a single thread.  Depending on which part of the stitch (the parallelograms or the diamonds) you want to pop, adjust the thread weights accordingly.  Consider metallic parallelograms with velvet diamonds.  Try two different colors of a matte thread for the parallelograms with one color (but two threads) for the diamonds.  There are so many things you can do with this stitch.  It's great for any number of large areas...large fruit (as illustrated in the stitched sample), clothing, baskets, roofs, or floors, just as thought-starters.

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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!

#stitchingsunday

Welcome back to another episode of #stitchingsunday.  This recently added Sunday theme* highlights stitches from blog posts in current stitching projects.

I always enjoy hearing when a reader shares one of my stitches was perfect for their project. What's more fun is to see how it is used.  Today's stitch example uses the Darning with Backstitch and comes from Amy Poore.  What is even better is that Amy used it for a background and on the vertical axis, neither of which I mentioned as possibilities in the original post.  And I absolutely love it.

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.

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.

Today's version provides more coverage with Perle Cotton and Flair.  The horizontal columns would lend themselves to wallpaper, chimneys, fireplace mantles, tree trunks, pants...anything tall and/or narrow.  

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 FacebookPinterestInstagram, 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!

* Don't worry.  #smallspacesunday hasn't disappeared.  I want to mix it up a little.