Dear Old Dad

I was thrilled to stumble across this pillow I stitched for my dad almost 25 years ago. It’s one of the very first pieces I stitched when I returned to needlepoint in the mid-90’s.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Today’s stitch is one of many Milanese variations. This is a great full coverage stitch with a distinctive look. The stitched sample uses Vineyard Silk (yellow lines) and Appleton Wool (black lines). I acknowledge it is difficult to tell the difference between the two in the stitched sample, so I included the second diagram.

I’m not going to lie. I was surprised I used two matte threads for this stitch as there is little to no contrast. If I had to redo it, I would stitch the black lines in a mild metallic, such as Flair or Silk Lame. The first version will work well for clothing with a Vineyard Silk (yellow lines) and Flair (black lines).

There’s something very comforting and quilt-y about the second (solid) version. I would love to use it for household objects, such as a rug or bedspread. Single strand wools or silks will be beautiful thread choices for either of those. Consider Alpaca or other super soft wools as well. For a lighter look, consider silk floss. It will also make an interesting outdoor stitch (such as mountains or a field) with Perle Cotton or Rainbow Linen.

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 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!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Today’s stitch sample may look familiar as it is from the same project I shared a few weeks ago. The silver lining of never getting around to putting it away is I realized I never shared the very cute (and surprisingly full coverage) coat stitch. So, Santa is here for his star turn.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Today’s stitch is what I call a Wide Star Octagon, clearly a favorite of mine. I love the scalability of this stitch as you can make the repeated element longer or wider to make it work for your area. One of the things I am drawn to with today’s version is the larger space in the center.

The stitched sample uses Petite Very Velvet (black lines), Neon Rays (aqua lines), and Sundance Beads (yellow circles) on 18M. Combining beads and a metallic or two metallics makes for a really pretty look, especially against the rich velvet.

This stitch is one of those great all-purpose decorative stitches for medium-sized objects, such as pumpkins, fruit, or a bowl. For any of those, I would use a silk floss (black lines) and a bright metallic such as Fyre Werks or Kreinik (aqua lines). Beads will be great for the center, but also consider replacing the beads with a Smyrna Cross or a different 2X2 stitch with a milder metallic, such as Flair or Silk Lame.

If you want to add a little openness to this stitch, I recommend not stitching the aqua lines and keep the 2X2 center as beads or a favorite 2X2 stitch. I think that could make a very interesting tree trunk.

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!

Boo!

For those who feel it is too early for Halloween and/or don’t like open stitches, today’s post may not be for you. For the rest of us, rejoice! Halloween season is upon us!

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Today’s stitch is from Never More from Melissa Shirley Designs, a project I worked on at this weekend’s embellishment class at Bedecked and Beadazzled. It’s a variation of a favorite layered stitch using Soie d’Alger (aqua lines) with sequin and bead accents. Sequins are always welcome, but I consider them essential for Halloween. I included two photos so you could see the pretty layering and sequins as well as the overall stitch in context.

The shading on this pumpkin is one of the reasons I love open stitches. I consider open stitches the best of both worlds. You can see the beautiful painting but still add sparkle and charm.

I’m looking forward to using this stitch for a beautifully painted dress, especially one with a poofy skirt, using an overdyed silk floss with a single bead or pearl in the corners (instead of the sequins). It will also make a fun floor or roof with Mandarin Floss. I suggest replacing the sequins with four tent stitches in a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Silk Lame.

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!

Takes a Fresh Eye

As you should know by now, whether through this blog or through one of my stitch guides, I love layered stitches (that I often call Tramme). I also love it when stitchers share Tramme variations they are using that I would not have thought of…and that’s where today’s stitch comes from.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

The stitched sample is a very cute Terry Runyan cat and used Splendor (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines). My layering is typically one repeated pattern, as illustrated here. I love the integration of the two patterns in today’s stitch.

With its woven look and long, lean look, this still will make fantastic clothing, such as pants or a coat. In either of those scenarios, I would use a matte thread on top. I recommend using a metallic that lies flat for the black lines, such as Flair, Fyre Werks, or Neon Rays. Cover it with silk, such as silk floss or a single strand silk (such as Vineyard Silk or Pepper Pot Silk) for a look with more texture.

For some reason, as I look at this stitch while writing, chimneys keep popping into my head. I would use two related hues of the same matte thread for that area.

When I use this stitch (and oh, I will), I will stitch a complete layer combo before moving on to the next one. Since the layers are so close together, this will help me avoid snagging threads. Specifically, I’ll start with the column on the right. Add the one long row of Splendor (black lines), park the thread to the side, and then add the pairs of horizontal straight stitches over two rows with the Petite Silk Lame and park the thread to the side. I’ll add two more rows of Splendor, park the Splendor, and follow up with the pairs of horizontal stitches over three rows. And then repeat.

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!

My First Needlepoint Love was Santa

Searching for a stitched sample for a now rescheduled topic led to the discovery of today’s gems. And proof that I have full coverage stitches in my repertoire.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

The background on a vintage Melissa Shirley Santa is Pepper Pot Silk (black and yellow lines) with a touch of Kreinik sparkle (gray lines). The entire background on the cat mini stocking is, most likely, Pepper Pot Silk or Vineyard Silk. Full disclosure(s): These were stitched in the mid to late 90’s, so thread ID may not be perfect. Also, the background on the cat swapped the order of the yellow and gray lines, but that is a minor detail. It is virtually the same stitch. Be sure to jump over to Instagram to see the adorable Santa from head to toe.

This stitch is perfect for clothing, especially pants or a long jacket. I’m all for using three threads if there are three unique elements in a stitch. That said, finding these samples is a nice reminder that the character still comes through with fewer threads. That said, I think it would be fun to stitch pants with two adjacent hues of single-strand silk or silk floss (black and yellow lines) and a metallic for the gray lines.

My first love of Christmas was usurped by Halloween needlepoint. This stitch would be darling on a small to medium pumpkin with two metallics for the black and yellow lines, such as Silk Lame and Fyre Werks, and a pretty silk floss for the gray lines. (Sidebar: when using two metallics in a stitch, be sure they have distinctly different finishes. For example, size 4 and size 8 Kreinik are not overtly distinguishable from Petite Silk Lame. They work together well if they are distinctly different colors but not if they are close to the same color.)

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 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!

How It Started is How It Ended

I’m about thisclose to finishing the sky on my current project and, of course, I had to take a break and stare at it. (It’s what needlepointers do.) And then I started stitch doodling in the corner. Uh oh.

As the title of the blog says, the sky ended as it started BUT I recorded what I would have done if I thought of it sooner and what I will do the next time a sky presents itself to be stitched. (Full disclosure: I love both stitches.)

How it started and ended:

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

The sky is stitched with two plies of Soie d’Alger on 18M. I’ve shared darning stitches before. What makes darning stitches unique is that they are essentially a running stitch from edge to edge, with smooth edges. Your typical needlepoint stitch has smooth, wrapped corners. For today’s stitch, I stitched all of the diagonal stitches in one direction together (numbered steps) and followed up with the opposite direction (lettered steps).

And then I had to go and stitch doodle.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

The doodle…I mean the Suspension Stitch also uses two plies of the same Soie. The repeated element is a diagonal stitch over two with two tent stitches on either side. It reminded me of a car suspension, hence the name. (Full disclosure: I worked in automotive marketing in my past life. An automotive friend observed about the stitch, “it’s suspension at the little red wagon level!”)

I think both of these stitches will work well in any number of areas, beginning with water, sand, or sky. Consider either for a larger piece of glass you want to draw some attention to. I’m also toying with changing the color or finish of the tent stitches for a little added surprise.

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 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!

It Could be Simple, But Noooooooo

I have a weird thing about Satin Stitches. And that’s where I make things complicated…for myself.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

I knew I wanted to do vertical columns three rows wide for the house in the photo. A Satin Stitch was the obvious choice. For clarity, Satin Stitches are diagonal stitches over the width of an area. They are great for columns and I frequently use them for columns anywhere between 2-4 rows. Satin Stitches can be found on page 18 in my first book as well as the Essentials guide. An alternating Satin Stitch can be found here.

Here’s where I make things complicated. I have a weird aversion to the simplest of Satin Stitches. I feel like I should do more. As a stitcher, I don’t like to fall back on the same thing (except for basketweave) when there are cute alternatives. And, as a teacher, I like having a bigger basket of tricks to pull from. And that is how I landed on today’s stitch. It’s a scaled-down version of a stitch I’ve seen a lot of on pinterest.

The stitched sample is three plies of white Splendor (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines) on another adorable Plum Stitchery holiday ornament.

It’s already in an upcoming stitch plan for some Charley Harper birds. The student will be using silk floss and a still to be determined metallic. It will also work well for clothing, especially pants, with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and a Kreinik metallic (aqua lines). I think it will make a beautiful bedspread or tablecloth with silk or cotton floss (black lines) and Soie Perlee (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.

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!

Shoot for the Moon

I’ve been playing with oblique diamonds a lot lately. Vertical or horizontal columns of oblique diamonds make a great background or wall stitch. Combine them and you have an adorable flower grid!

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

The stitched sample is a moon from Plum Stitchery’s Silent ornament stitched in size 8 Kreinik on 18M. To minimize visible threads, I stitched the columns one side at a time from top to bottom (or left to right) and returned up (or across the canvas) to complete the diamonds.

This stitch will be great for water with the same Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame. It will also work well for clothing, especially an elegant dress, with silk floss (black lines) and the addition of a seed bead over two rows in the center of the empty 2X2 squares. Consider filling that 2X2 square with four beads for a really glamorous look for one of Alice Peterson’s art deco ladies!

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!

Oops. I Did It Again

Remember my epiphany about skipping rows? Well, skipping a row helped me fit a stitch into a short space without the need to compensate at the top or bottom. The fact a cute stitch emerged is simply icing on the cake!

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

The stitched sample is me playing with three plies of Splendor (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines), along with the requisite cat hair on a stitched sample less than 30 seconds old, on 18M.

The openness of this stitch will lend itself very well to a larger window with Petite Silk Lame, a size 4 Kreinik (for 18M), or a size 8 Kreinik (for 13M). I’m looking forward to using it on a cute dress or skirt with Soie Perlee (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines). This still will also work well for a number of household items, such as a tablecloth or wingback chair.

If you want to add a burst of elegance to the stitch for a dress, consider replacing the Oblique Cross Stitches (yellow lines) with two seed beads.

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!

Making a Go-To Different

I remember stitching this blanket from two years ago like it was yesterday. I recall this because I was disappointed in myself for returning, again, to a go-to stitch for a tall narrow area. There’s nothing wrong with tried and true, but I wanted something more. It was kinda fun (and enlightening) to see what the simple addition of two stitches to the pattern makes. Or should I say fun, enlightening, and a relief?

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click image to see the whimsicalstitch Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

The go-to stitch is what I consider classic Tramme (far right), a layered stitch with a base thread (black lines) and trios of accent stitches (aqua lines). The original plan was to do that with pairs of accent stitches (instead of trios). It was working as the scale fit the space but *something* was missing. I was bummed and not sure what to do in its place. Disappointment can sometimes turn into great inspiration. On a whim, I added the vertical lines on either side of select pairs of accent stitches and was immediately smitten…and very relieved.

Today’s stitch has more texture than its cousins. While most tramme lends itself to clothing, this one has a little extra texture that will work well for coats, pants, blankets, or scarves. The stitched sample is a border on a blanket from Walking in the Rain by Zecca. I used Trebizond Silk for the base threads (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame for the accent threads (aqua lines). Imagine what fun you could have with color combinations. For example, I would stitch pants with Petite Very Velvet (black lines), a contrasting silk floss for the horizontal accent threads, and a matching metallic for the vertical accent threads.

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!