Let There Be Light

It took my glasses, the iPhone magnifier feature, a window, and turning up the lights in my office to decipher this stitch from my earliest days of decorative stitches. I can tell this is from long ago because it is about as full coverage as a full coverage stitch can be.

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.

My best guess on the threads is Splendor (black lines), Neon Rays (yellow lines), and a size 8 Kreinik (aqua lines) on 18M. The column of tent stitches down the center, underneath the beard, indicate where two edges of the front of the coat meet. As you can see, I used a slightly darker color to make it stand out and compensated the stitch so it matched on both sides.

As much as I love open stitches, I’m kinda thrilled I stumbled across this stitch and am looking forward to using it in an upcoming project. It will make beautiful clothing, as illustrated above. It will also make a beautiful tree that you would like to draw attention to. I would use a solid wool thread such as Bella Lusso for the black lines. Ideas for the two accent threads include Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines) and an overdyed wool for the yellow lines. If you want to simplify it a little, consider changing the yellow diagonal lines over three rows to match the black lines. In addition, consider using a single metallic thread for the Upright Tied Crosses in the open areas.

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!

It's an Ornamental Time of Year

Happy ornament season! While many of us hang ornaments year round, there’s something special about winter holiday ornaments. My plan for December is to share some new and old ornaments hanging on my office Christmas tree*. None of the new stitches are especially glamorous but they are great for small projects and, dare I say, ornaments in particular? And, yes, we are starting with a frog.

* By office tree, I mean my 4.5’ faux tree that Hank has already tried to climb. (And for those who don’t follow me on Instagram, Hank is my cat who also serves as the Office Manager…who doesn’t do much Office Manager-ing.)

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 stitched sample is, well, a Christmas Frog. Duh. It uses two strands of Floche (black lines) and size 12 Kreinik (yellow lines) on 18M. (Full disclosure: those threads are my best guesses as this ornament is what one might call vintage stitching.)

I’ve seen this stitch pop up a lot recently in my needlepoint feeds on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, so I was thrilled to unpack this gem recently. It’s the perfect balance of thread combos and is a great universal stitch for clothing, architectural stitches, or flower petals (as thought starters). I look forward to using a Bella Lusso wool (black lines) and a Silk Lame (yellow lines) for a fall sweater. It would make a pretty chimney with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and a second color of Vineyard Silk (yellow lines) for a chimney. I would go to the other end of the finish spectrum for flower petals with a delicate overdyed metallic for the black lines and a solid contrasting metallic (yellow lines) 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 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!

Max

When one gets THE call that finishing is in and that finishing is Christmas ornaments, it does not matter that Thanksgiving hasn’t arrived yet. You whip out the faux tree and fill it with Christmas ornaments. What makes it even better is one of the ornaments had a great background I could share with you!

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 and keep swiping to see the needlepoint version of the king and then Sir Max of Legallet himself.

Today’s stitched sample (center photo) is a cute little cat ornament honoring my never-ending love for orange cats. It’s from so long ago I don’t even remember stitching it, so I’m going to give you my best guesses on the threads. The background is stitched with two plies of Impressions (black lines) and Flair (yellow lines). This is clearly from my “no naked canvas” years, so I’m guessing the late 90’s. (The cat is stitched with a single strand wool of the day, probably Appleton.) The current orange king of the household is Max, so here we are honoring Sir Max of Legallet (one of my vet’s many nicknames for him).

I’m thrilled to discover this overtly diagonal stitch because they are not my go-to stitches. As you can see, it makes a great background. It will also work well for a rug or bedspread with a single strand silk such as Pepper Pot Silk or Vineyard Silk (black lines) and a mild metallic such as Silk Lame (yellow lines). It will also be a very pretty coat or skirt with a silk floss and a size 8 Kreinik. It will also work well for slightly rough water with two shades of metallics, such as Petite Silk Lame or Kreiniks.

I’m going to play with it for a future project by leaving a single empty row between the yellow and black blocks to see what that adds to the equation. I suspect that could make a pretty hillside or field. And, if it doesn’t work, I will fill those empty rows with tent stitches for an even more elegant version of today’s stitch.

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!

HHHello!

I stumbled across today’s stitch last night and was shocked I hadn’t shared it with you before. It checks all the boxes for me…an appropriate amount of openness, lots of metallic and, frankly, pink and silver. Pink and silver (or gold) always make me happy. Always.

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.

Basketweave with Vineyard Silk on 13M.

Today’s stitched sample (center photo) is me playing with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and Kreinik size 8 (yellow lines) on 13M. I purposefully selected Kreinik as the metallic because it retains its shape, allowing the accent stitches (yellow lines) to remain distinct and not “melt” into a solid horizontal line. I’m also a huge fan of Vineyard Silk (or Pepper Pot Silk) on 13M. I like the less than full coverage it provides for straight stitches but also LOVE the excellent coverage it offers for other diagonal stitches, especially basketweave (far right image).

I’m looking forward to using this stitch for jacket or pants with a single strand silk or wool (black lines) and a second single strand silk or wool in a related color (yellow lines). What I’m really looking forward to is using this for a fence. It could work as a chain link fence with two colors of lighter weight Kreinik’s. For example, use a silver for the black lines and a darker silver (essentially gray) for the yellow lines. Or a black metallic with a gray metallic. It will also work well for other architectural items, especially roofs. I plan on using silk floss (black lines) and a Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) for the roof.

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!

This Stitch Gets Around

Today’s stitch has been making the rounds on several projects in my stash, so there are two stitched samples! It’s a cute and almost full coverage stitch that adds a little something-something to a project it graces.

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.

You’ve seen the first stitched sample twice before. (The sky and the white walls were previous blog posts). Today’s stitch is used on the roof with three plies of Soie D’Alger (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) on 18M. The sample on the far right is on a soon-to-be-announced Stitch Concept. It uses four plies of Splendor (black lines) and a size 12 Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines) on 13M. In both samples, the metallic accent adds the perfect little something to this stitch that makes it stand out.

Outdoor spaces…architectural elements. Clearly, there’s a lot that can be done with this stitch. I’m looking forward to using it on a jacket with an overdyed wool and Silk Lame (for 18M). I like what I call the chunkiness of the larger Silk Lames with wools or single strand silks.

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!

Whew!

Today’s stitch comes to us via…my living room. The stitch itself is the result of one of those journeys where you are confident it’s going to be one thing and you end up with something very different. Naturally.

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 from one of my favorite stitch guides, Walking in the Rain. It uses Vineyard Silk (black lines) and Petite Very Velvet (yellow lines).

I love how the longer (relatively speaking) oblique stitches enhance the monkey’s long body. The stitched sample illustrates the deceptiveness of the stitch. Due to the layering of the threads, the yellow threads appear to look like smaller tent stitches in the final appearance.

I’m looking forward to using this for outdoor landscapes. Flip it 90° for a hillside or green space with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and an overdyed single strand silk or overdyed silk floss (yellow lines). I love tiny accents of overdyed threads as they add interest without overwhelming an area. It will also work well for household objects such as a blanket or upholstered chair. For either of those, I would use silk or cotton floss (black lines) and add a metallic accent (yellow 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 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!

Oh So Sweet

Today’s stitch is oh so sweet to me as it includes everything I love about a stitch. It’s an open stitch with groups of stitches in opposite directions giving it perfect balance and set off with a combo of matte and metallic threads. It simply makes me smile.

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 two plies of lavender Soie d’Alger (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) on 18M.

I’m looking forward to using this for clothing, especially a winter coat and hat with Petite Very Velvet (black lines) and a Kreinik metallic (yellow lines). It will make a beautiful woven basket or blanket with an overdyed silk floss or Straw Silk. I want to play with it for a larger window to see if that pans out. And, now that I’m thinking about it, I’m thinking about a fun multi-color version of it that I will share in a #stitchingsunday soon.

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!

Seriously?

When I started my needlepoint adventure, I was oh so confident about two things. There must never be any naked canvas (never!) and Christmas was the only holiday that really made sense as far as needlepoint ornaments went. I’ve never been more wrong.

Wendy Harwood at Aristeia introduced me to many things, not the least of which was open stitches. She also taught me about autumn stitching. Halloween stitching is quite possibly my favorite but I have a soft spot for Thanksgiving pieces as well…which brings us to today’s sweet bargello from a Thanksgiving collection that Wendy put together.

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.

Wendy integrated beautiful Bargellos with exquisite thread choices into more than a few dresses and skirts. For example, today’s stitched sample uses Super Suede (yellow lines), Flair (gray lines), and Sundance Beads (yellow circles). I love how she used a band of bargello and filled in the rest of the skirt with a darning stitch. It brings more attention to the skirt and doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the otherwise discreet piece.

Taking my cue from Wendy, I still use bargellos mostly in clothing, especially skirts, aprons, and coats as I love how bargello enhances the clothing with its elongated stitches. The Santa on my home page uses a more compact bargello for his pink coat. (That bargello may not have beads in it but he still rocks the look, by the way.) The pink Santa’s bargello uses two shades of silk floss and Crystal Braid.

I want to acknowledge that bargellos are more commonly known for their integration of multiple colors into their pattern. The two bargello examples I mentioned share a common theme…a mostly monotone color palette with distinction added via thread finishes. Both examples use an outlier (beads in this post and a different color thread for a small portion) to mix it up a little.

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!

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!