Splish Splash

August 19, 2020 whimsicalstitch

Today’s post is a shout-out to scallop stitches, which have been a great solution for a few areas in current projects. Today’s version is sweet, small-ish, and sassy so….it’s perfect.

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 samples are me playing with Flair (black lines) and Caron Collection Snow (yellow lines). What drew me to this scallop was its motion. Most of the waves in the scallops I’ve shared with you thus far are in one direction, generally down (here, here, and here). The last one in that series of links uses the same two stitch lengths, but adding the “up” wave in today’s version really makes a difference.

I’ve used scallop stitches as water with two metallics with distinctly different feels, as illustrated above. Yet, scallops are more than just water. I’ve seen larger scallops used for a flowy skirt alternating scallops between silk floss and Flair. I have used scallops stitches for backgrounds with a single strand silk and a Kreinik Metallic.

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

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If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com has a book for you! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint. For more information, visit here.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

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

It's Hard to be Lola

August 12, 2020 whimsicalstitch

The highlight of yesterday morning’s unplanned visit to the vet was stumbling across a rubber mat, which forced me to look down…to see a fun pattern that inspired today’s stitches! (And, yes, it’s a two-fer!) (The stitch is named in honor of my poor girl Lola who was subjected to the vet yesterday morning. She’s home and fine now, and milking this for all it’s worth. Still.)

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

The stitched samples are me playing with Finca Perle (size 12) on 13M (top) and the same Finca Perle with a size 8 Kreinik on 13M (bottom). The top version is more representative of the pattern on the rubber mat, but I remembered a fun background I saw on Pinterest and added the smaller straight stitches in the empty rows on the second version. I expected to like the second one more than the first but the truth is they both have a place in needlepoint and I like them equally and for different reasons.

Obviously, any stitch over eight rows AND skipping a row is going to go fast. What I love about the top version is, yes, how little time it took to stitch but also the sheer simplicity of it. It’s an interesting pattern with two twists (the size and the skipped row). It will make a fantastic wallpaper or solid colored background, a large rooftop, smooth water, or a large green field. Consider using two colors or finishes, one for each direction. Based on the simplicity of this version, lighter weight threads come to mind here, such as a cotton or silk perle, Petite Silk Lame, silk floss (4 plies for 13M; 2-3 plies for 18M).

The second version adds more intrigue. As I mentioned, a background on Pinterest introduced me to the idea of adding the smaller stitches in the empty rows. It works well and makes this stitch one that will work well for areas that you want to bring attention to. I can see this working well on a Santa bag with Petite Very Velvet and Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12). It will make beautiful clothing with a single strand silk and Silk Lame.

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

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I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Happy #smallstitchingsunday

August 9, 2020 whimsicalstitch

Sometimes simple and small is the best way to go. Today’s #stitchingsunday is a shout-out to some of my favorite small stitches.

By the end of the day lately, I’m tapped out. Several of my works-in-progress are large, exquisite, and honestly, too much at the moment. I turned to a small canvas I had in my stash to get me through this week. (Also, loving Perry Mason and the Watchmen on HBO. Not necessarily perfect stitch TV*, but easy stitches make it easier to do both at the same time.)

The canvas is an adorable eyeglass case (on 13M) I picked up a few months ago. The letters are stitched in Cross Stitches, a trick I picked up from a fellow needlepoint junkie, with silver Fyre Werks. The advantage of a Cross Stitch, instead of a French Knot, Tent Stitch, or bead is that a Cross Stitch covers all four sides of an intersection, making the lines created by the stitches (in any direction) smooth and uninterrupted.

The background is nothing more than what I call Plain Needlepoint, but more commonly known as Basketweave, in Vineyard Silk and Pepper Pot Silk. I considered and discarded cuter and more complex stitches because I wanted the attention to go to the letters and the glasses. In addition, I didn’t want to do that much compensating around the same letters and glasses.

And, last but not least, the lenses are covered in Reverse Basketweave with a size 8 Kreinik Metallic to ensure the canvas shows through, as it would do through glasses.

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

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There’s a time and place for everything and sometimes it needs to be simple. I anticipate I will finish this tonight while I watch the Perry Mason finale. I’m confident you have the perfect spots for any of these stitches. Happy #stitchingsunday!

*Stitch TV = any programming that you can watch and comprehend while stitching. I prefer it to not be completely vacuous; I’m also not a fan of overly harsh reality TV. My favorite Stitch TV includes binging on old series I already know and love (Justified, I’m looking at you), easy comedies (Parks & Rec, anyone?), Great British Bake Off (who doesn’t love an English accent with their sweets?), and sports (or what is passing as sports TV these days).

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!

No Drama? Not Today.

August 5, 2020 whimsicalstitch

Today’s stitch may be in all white threads yet the drama shows through. Pretty much says it all about this stitch.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. This week’s Instagram post also includes a wider view of the entire area for more context. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples library for select … — Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. This week’s Instagram post also includes a wider view of the entire area for more context. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples library for select blog posts.

The stitched sample is the body of a snowman from my stitch guide for Polar Express from Melissa Shirley Designs. It uses Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid (#16) (black lines), Flair (aqua lines), and Sundance Boho Beads (yellow circles). The Boho beads may be a little difficult to see on the stitched sample due to their color combined with their unique (and fun) shape. I promise they are there!

This stitch is best for larger areas that demand attention, like a snowman who is the centerpiece of a project. :) The stitch will make excellent clothing, such as a dapper coat with Petite Very Velvet (black lines), an appropriately sized Kreinik Metallic, and a larger than typical seed bead. When I say larger than typical seed bead, I’m thinking size 11 or size 8 for 18 mesh canvas, and size 8 or size 6 for 13 mesh canvas. I love how the straight lines of this stitch result in a diagonal pattern, meaning this will also translate very well to feathers, say on a Charley Harper bird piece. An overdyed silk, such as Silk ‘N Colors or Dinky Dyes will work well there. Mate it with a solid metallic, such as Petite Silk Lame or Entice, and a seed bead.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Being Wrong is Occasionally Fun

July 29, 2020 whimsicalstitch

I’m not sure what I like more about today’s stitch…how it uses an overdyed thread or the fact the darning stitches are random. Regardless of the answer, I can’t wait to integrate this into an upcoming project.

I numbered the darning sequence in one of the columns simply to remind you that darning stitches are similar to running stitches, traveling across or down a straight axis, creating a smooth stitch versus the crisp wrapped edge of a traditional needlepoint stitch. Make sure you have enough thread to complete a row from edge to edge, as ending a darning stitch mid-row creates an uneven look.

A tiny bit of background. I love overdyed threads and, as you may know by now, I love me my darning stitches. Prior to a dear stitching friend sharing this stitch with me, I would have said I use overdyed thread sparingly and typically for leaves, flowers, and water. I rarely, if ever, used overdyed thread for basketweave or continental stitches. And darning stitches always involved distinct, repeated sequences.

Yeah…I was wrong. The combination of this darning idea with the overdyed is just charming. It’s everything I would have said no to and I love it.

The stitched sample is an exterior wall with Gloriana Silk Floss (black lines) and Perle Cotton (turquoise lines).

I plan on using this stitch for tree trunks with two colors of Impressions or a pair of pants with overdyed silk floss (black lines) and solid silk floss (turquoise lines). Flip the stitch 90° and use it for a green field with overdyed silk floss or overdyed wool (black lines) with a single strand silk (turquoise lines).

Something to remember…you can make the columns of darning stitches as wide as you need. Say, five rows of darning for every column of Continental stitches. It’s up to you!

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Or What?

July 22, 2020 whimsicalstitch

Or Nue is an exquisite goldwork embroidery technique that translates perfectly to needlepoint. Today’s post focuses on very simple Or Nue with standard needlepoint threads. Two examples are provided, illustrating a solid color and a pattern.

Very simply put, Or Nue combines pairs of threads on canvas with one thread covering the second thread. It’s similar to couching. However, I consider couching as a method to tack down a piece of thread on top of the canvas at strategic points to keep a shape, say attaching a piece of cording as a tendril. My version* of Or Nue covers the entirety of one of the threads in the pair with the second, creating beautiful ridges. * I use the expression “my version” because Or Nue is a elaborate technique in embroidery using silver-gilt (gold) threads, e.g. Japan Gold. A very simplified version of it is being shared here.

The first example above illustrates a solid color Or Nue. I numbered two separate threads in a single sequence to illustrate how to navigate the multiple threads. It’s important to complete an entire row with both threads before you proceed to the next row.

To begin, add your base thread from edge to edge on a single row (black line, step 1-2). The base thread rests in the ditch between two canvas threads. Park the first thread on the side and bring your second needle up from the hole under the first thread and return the needle in the hole immediately above, gently pulling the base thread on top of the canvas thread above. Repeat this step across the row. When you get to the end with the second thread, park it to the side and return to your first thread. Add your next base thread from edge to edge and cover with the second thread. (The numbering may appear odd but remember you are picking up your work from where you last left the thread.)

The stitched sample uses size 16 Kreinik for the base threads (black lines) and Flair for every other row of the covering stitches (gray lines) and the same size 16 Kreinik for the remaining rows of the covering stitches (gray lines).

The next example illustrates how to create a pattern. The diagram below is virtually identical, except for the numbering for the threads on top of the base threads.

The diagram certainly does not portray the stitched sample on the right BUT represents the numbering strategy. Simply put, when using more than one color for the top threads in a row, add each color one at a time. I like to add the color with the smallest representation first and end with the color with the most real estate. For example, in the stitched sample, I added the silver first in any row that needed it and then filled in the cream threads.

Let’s talk about threads because one thread choice really matters. Earlier, I mentioned how Or Nue creates small ridges. The base thread is what makes that work. The base thread needs to be a roundish shaped thread that holds its shape. An ideal matte thread is Very Velvet, Petite Very Velvet, a large size Perle Cotton (#3 or #5), or single strand silk. Good metallic threads include Kreinik Metallics (size 12 or 16) or Silk Lame (18 or 13). You can cover those with virtually any other thread, including silk or cotton floss. I’ve used matte threads covered with matte, metallics covered with metallics, metallics covered with matte, and matte covered with metallics. Personally, I prefer it when a tiny bit of the base thread shows through so, as an example, when I’m using silk floss over a metallic thread, I keep the floss ply count low. It’s the best of both worlds and I love the tiniest bit of sparkle that emerges.

Or Nue looks so much more difficult than it is. It’s a beautiful technique for rugs, bags, hats, purses, baskets…anything requiring a subtle texture and/or an elegant touch.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

It's Valentine's Day AND Christmas

July 15, 2020 whimsicalstitch

Heart shaped stitches are filling my social feeds quite a bit these days. And I would have sworn I didn’t have any in my stash. Well, today’s stitch proves I would have been delightfully wrong.

Like a lot of us these days, I’m using my extra time at home re-organizing. I was surprised and thrilled to stumble across this adorable ornament in the back of a drawer in a chest I use for my thread stash. The stitched sample uses nothing more than DMC Perle Cotton on 18-mesh. (Bonus links: the stitch for the dress can be found here and the stitch for the wings is here.)

It’s an easy and scalable stitch. Create the heart in vertical straight stitches from top to bottom so they have crisp, wrapped top edges. When you get to the far side of the heart, bring your needle across the back to one hole below the center thread in the heart and add a single, long running stitch to the top of the next heart, and repeat. In the stitched sample, the running stitch is 16 rows high. If you want more hearts in your background, make shorter running stitches. But take the time to count it out so the hearts is subsequent vertical columns are centered against the running stitch on its side. Or not, it’s up to you.

This stitch is a great template for any kind of theme oriented background. Select your thematic element and you are off to the races. I’ve seen these columns with small pumpkins instead of hearts. You could do a bat instead of a heart for a Halloween piece. I’ve used single tiny snowflakes for the repeated element and I’ve seen dramatic single snowflakes as the element (on pinterest.com). The possibilities are virtually endless.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Which Came First?

July 8, 2020 whimsicalstitch

I’m often asked what comes first for a blog post…the stitch or the stitched sample? In all honesty, it’s both. Some weeks I am inspired by new stitches I’ve used for class projects and get to share student’s wonderful stitching. Other weeks I am walking around my house on Tuesday afternoon desperately looking for something I haven’t shared with you. Today and last week were definitely Tuesday afternoon scenarios.

There is a LOT to unpack in today’s stitch. I stitched these pillows in the early 2000’s and I was all about dramatic composite stitches. In fact, the more dramatic, the better. In my opinion, it works here because there is so much real estate to cover. The pillow, which you can see in its entirety on today’s Instagram post, includes basketweave leaves and a low key background to balance the dramatic stitches and threads on each of the fruit. Just like your diet, needlepoint needs to have balance. And, just like your diet, I’m all about fruit in needlepoint.

The stitched sample is a retired fruit pillow from Melissa Shirley Designs and uses DMC Perle Cotton (black lines), Very Velvet (aqua lines), Very Velvet (aqua lines), and a whole lotta red size 12 Kreinik (yellow lines). I recommend stitching the black liems first, folllowed by the yellow, and wrapping up with the aqua lines.

This stitch would make a beautiful fabric of any kind, say a dress with silk floss (black lines), a lightweight metallic such as Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) or Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines), and Flair (aqua lines). Extending the fabric theme, how about a pillow with Vineyard Silk (black lines), Silk Lame (yellow lines), and size 12 Kreinik (aqua lines). I may go so far as to replace the black lines under the aqua lines with the thread used for the aqua 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 Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Beep Beep!

July 1, 2020 whimsicalstitch

What better anecdote to today’s doldrums than a splash of color and beads? Well, I think Painters Threads, a whole lotta beads, and some really bright colors are exactly what we all need today.

The stitch is a simple elongated leaf stitch connected by not one but pairs of beads! Naturally, when I think leaves, I think Painters Thread Shimmer Ribbon. Not really, but it certainly is the perfect thread choice for a Zecca bird from my Royal Peeps Stitch Concept.

Funny thing is that it would make a really beautiful tree with some overdyed silk floss and beads or Swarovski Crystal Rounds (2mm or 3mm). Now that I’m pondering, I think this stitch could make a very interesting roof for a tall, narrow house. I would use Rainbow Linen with a matte bead for that application.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

This Stitch Needs an IMDB Page

June 24, 2020 whimsicalstitch

Today’s stitch has been hanging around in the background for far too long and it’s time for its closeup.

Yes, this stitch’s first uncredited appearance was in December 2015 and its most recent uncredited appearance was, oh, a month ago. (You can see it here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.) I used this for the water on Emma Williams Rooftops; it uses Elegance (black lines), Fyre Werks (aqua lines), and Sundance Seed Beads (yellow circles with black lines).

Scallop stitches are an unending source of inspiration. I am convinced there are too many to detail because of the the countless variations. For example, I shared simple scallop stitches a while ago (here and here), illustrating how to skip rows for a lighter look and how to combine colors for a cute background. This example shows they how small they can be and still be impactful. And, of course, you can offset rows (and also not skip rows) for a completely different look. The last example also shows a much “deeper” scallop than even today’s gorgeous example. Bottom line, you could craft a scallop to fit most spaces and tastes.

My most common uses of scallop stitches are for skies, water, and backgrounds. However, I’ve seen them used for dresses (which is adorable) with Flair, silk floss, and lightweight Kreinik. I would love to see scallops as a tablecloth hanging down the side of a table for full effect. Lastly, I think scallops would be a great roof with an overdyed Vineyard Silk.

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.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

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