Hip to be (a) Rectangle

August 10, 2022 whimsicalstitch

I was on the hunt for a large stitch for a beautifully painted background. And, I’m still not sure this is large enough but I still love it so. (And, yes, today’s title is a subtle nod to Huey Lewis and the News, one of my guiltiest music pleasures to this day.)

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

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The stitched sample uses two plies of Soie d’Alger (black lines) and gold Kreinik (yellow lines). I used a modified back stitch to add the rectangle sides. When you are working with wide open stitches, I always recommend stitching nearby areas before you begin, so you have a place to bury your threads at the beginning and the end. I also wove the Kreinik around threads on the back

The stitched sample will make a lovely background…any background. It is a subtle enhancement to any background painted in a solid color. For example, the stitched sample is two plies of Soie D'Alger (black lines) and a Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines). I think this will be a perfect background for a floral still life or a cute saying. I’m planning on using it for a dramatic multi-color background. I am aware the painted background will steal the show here, which is my objective. The understated nature of this stitch is a perfect complement to the dramatic painting.

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

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large space stitches.

Today’s 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.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

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

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on integrating 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!

A Journey

August 2, 2022 whimsicalstitch

Arriving at today’s stitch was a journey and, as far as I’m concerned, worth it.

Today’s stitch inspiration comes from a geometric wallpaper pattern. The stitched sample is me playing with red Fyre Werks (black lines) and size 8 gold Kreinik (turquoise lines) on 18M. I minimized visible threads by using a modified back stitch that followed the shape of a diamond or the horizontal path of the turquoise lines. Full disclosure: the compensation required for the stitched sample eliminated some of the pairs of the turquoise tent stitches, so pay careful attention to the diagram for the full effect.

Two metallics with distinct finishes are always a winning combination in my book. I’m looking forward to using this stitch for sheet metal, as shown above! I plan to replace the gold Kreinik with a red Kreinik or Petite Silk Lame. Two related metallic shades, such as Kreinik or Treasure Braid, will combine to make gorgeous water.

Flipping the stitched sample a simple 90° creates all kinds of opportunities. Using a matte thread such as Vineyard Silk for the black lines and a substantial metallic like Silk Lame 18 or size 12 Kreinik will make gorgeous clothing or a background. I also want to play with Rainbow Linen for the black lines and some Straw Silk for the turquoise lines for a tree trunk.

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

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

Silver Lining

July 26, 2022 whimsicalstitch

I went through my canvas stash yesterday. It was, um, sobering. The silver lining is I have a bunch of canvases for us to play with in the weeks/months/years ahead. #iykyk

Today’s stitch was a test drive for a sky. It uses two plies of Soie D'Alger (black lines) and a Bead Dazzle size 14/15 bead (yellow circle with black lines) on 18M. And I absolutely love the stitch's lightness and the beads' subtle twinkle.

This practice run illustrated that I need to skip a couple more rows between the columns when I use it for a sky (or general background). The stitch, as it is, will be perfect for a vase, dress, or fence. I would use silk floss and beads for the dress (as illustrated in the example). A Kreinik metallic and a S&J Designs 2mm faux pearl would be an exquisite choice for a vase. A lightweight metallic such as Access Commodities Bijoux and a tiny silver bead will make a very elegant fence.

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

As you are auditioning stitches (from my blog, books, or any other stitch source), count out the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you are planning the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune and this has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large space stitches.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of three books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 250 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. All three books include chapters on Balanced, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches. Volume 1 also includes a chapter on Borders. Volume 2 includes a chapter on Beading, and Volume 3 includes a chapter on Tent Pattern Stitches. Any or all are a great enhancement to your stitch library. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

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.

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!

Halloween in July!

July 19, 2022 whimsicalstitch

It’s hot and I think we need a blast of Fall. And what is more Fall than Halloween? (Okay, maybe fall foliage but that isn’t exactly common in southern California.) Today’s blast of fall…I mean stitch…comes from my recent visit to Emily’s Stitchery in Northbrook, Illinois. It’s a dramatic stitch I’ve wanted to share with you for a while, and I love what Emily did with it!

There’s a lot to unpack here. The top left photo is the stitch diagram for the lighter orange panels on the pumpkin in the photo on the top right (from Emily’s Seasons Club). Other ideas to fill the 5X5 space occupied by the yellow lines are on the right-hand side of the diagram. The diagram on the second row is simply today’s stitch diagram without the stitched squares. I think that stitch is just as interesting, albeit for different spaces. The bottom right is a picture of the entire pumpkin for context.

The filled version of Diagonal Milanese Squares plays well with the other full coverage stitches in the pumpkin. I like how the square is stitched in the opposite direction to add some contrast. I am looking forward to using this stitch for a sweater with a Vineyard Silk (black lines) and a Silk Lame 18 (yellow lines). It also makes for an interesting roof with Rainbow Linen (black lines) and Elegance (yellow lines).

The empty version will make a fantastic snow stitch, especially if you need to add the overt direction cues, say if the snow is going up a hill. My favorite threads for snow are Petite Silk Lame, a size 8 Kreinik, or Flair as all of those threads help accentuate any painted shading in the snow. Consider using it for a large-ish tree with an overdyed silk floss.

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune and this has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large space stitches.

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!

Swoopy Scallops

July 13, 2022 whimsicalstitch

Today’s stitch was a fun little diversion from my plan for an area…and I love it.

The stitched sample is the burly chest on a turkey from a soon-to-be-announced Stitch Concept. It uses four plies of Belle Soie silk (black lines) and two strands of Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) on 13M.

I love using scallop stitches for water, backgrounds, and household objects such as vases. I prefer metallic threads (Kreinik, Treasure Braid, or Petite Silk Lame) for water AND to skip a row between the blocks of stitches. The openness that emerges from the skipped rows adds a lightness to the water and metallic threads are simply an obvious choice.

Scallops can also mimic fish…or mermaid…scales. If I’m working on a glamorous fish or mermaid, I like to add beads as one of the stitch blocks. For example, I would replace the aqua lines in the diagram above with a single bead over two rows on the vertical. (And, yes, there is such a thing as a glamorous fish…this is needlepoint, after all.)

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project. As you are auditioning stitches (from my blog, books, or any other stitch source), count out the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you are planning the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune and this has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large space stitches.

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

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

Hello Gorgeous

June 28, 2022 whimsicalstitch

There is something to be said for dramatic colors against a white background. I’m having a little fun test driving some background stitches for a Santa standup. Truth be told, I’m not sure if I like the stitch or the color combo better.

I’m playing with two plies of Splendor (black lines) and a size 8 Kreinik (yellow lines) on 18M for today’s stitched sample. I navigated around the white space by stitching the blocks of diamonds across the horizontal. I added the groups of three stitches making sure I always started at the bottom of a group of stitches to keep the center(s) clear of dragged threads. I added the gold stitches in vertical columns, weaving the gold Kreinik around the red Splendor on the back, dutifully avoiding the open space.

As I mentioned, I’m test driving background stitches. You may be surprised to learn this stitch is too small for the piece I’m working on. (I was certainly surprised.) But this is a great opportunity to share a way I could have determined that before I stitched the sample.

As you are evaluating stitches (from my blog, books, or any other stitch source), count out the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you are planning the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune and this has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large space stitches.

And now back to today’s actual stitch.

Today’s stitch will make a beautiful background on a 18M round ornament with a simple design, like a cute saying. Consider using a size 8 Kreinik (black lines) with 2-3 plies of silk thread (yellow lines) for an extra pop of sparkle. I suspect it will make a very pretty roof with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and a more mild metallic like Silk Lame (yellow lines). I’m also looking forward to using it for some beautifully shaded clothing, such as a Santa’s coat. What a perfect way to draw attention to the coat all the while showing off the beautiful artistry of needlepoint designers.

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!

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!

Hip to be Square

June 22, 2022 whimsicalstitch

Last week’s Layered Diamonds was a hit! Naturally, this means I must play with more shapes.

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

Squares are the obvious next target. The stitched sample is me playing with three plies of Splendor (aqua lines) and size 12 Kreinik (black lines) on the background of a Kirk and Bradley hot air balloon. I know I made a point of calling out leaving an empty row between the diamond layers from last week but I really liked the look of no skipped row between square layers. I can’t verbalize the why of that. I simply preferred it.

This will make a fantastic all-purpose architectural stitch. For example, use two shades of lightweight Kreinik (size 4 for 18M and size 8 for 13M) for a large picture window. Assemble a roof with brown straw silk (black lines) and brown Vineyard Silk (aqua lines) for an interesting matte look. It will also make a beautiful field with an overdyed silk floss (black lines) covered with a solid silk floss (aqua lines). I’m looking forward to using this for a large vase or a tabletop with the same threads illustrated in the stitched sample.

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!

Back to Backgammon

June 14, 2022 whimsicalstitch

I’ve had a fun time playing with and sharing stitches with you for the past few weeks. The truth is I was auditioning background stitches for a Zecca backgammon board and we have a winner! Today’s stitch made me the happiest!

The stitched sample uses Petite Silk Lame (black lines) with two plies of Soie D’Alger (yellow lines) layered on top. I love the flatness and symmetry of the stitch for the backgammon board background. This will help the soon-to-be-beaded birds pop.

I’m looking forward to adding this stitch to some stitch plans I’m working on. I’m playing with the idea of using two shades of green Vineyard Silk for the two threads to help add interest to a hat that is painted with beautiful green shading. Using two colors for this stitch will make the stitch pop even more. For example, at some point, I will use this stitch for a white background, say behind a floral still life. I would use a metallic in a color pulled from the flowers for the black lines with a white matte thread on top. This way, the white remains the primary color (as it’s on top) but there will be a lovely accent color integrated into the background.

I stitched the first layer of diamonds (the black lines) in what I call a modified back stitch, flipping directions as I added stitches, so there would be no visible threads. Alternatively, you could add the stitches with literal back stitches over five rows following the diagonal direction from top right to bottom left and then from top left to bottom right. Repeat with the second layer.

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!

Vivacious V's

June 7, 2022 whimsicalstitch

For the record, I did not pick today’s stitch so I could have as much fun as I did with the alliteration, but it certainly didn’t hurt.

The stitched sample is me playing with a background for a backgammon board. I added a contrasting color for today’s stitch sample as I wanted to clearly distinguish the two threads for the blog post. The yellow lines are stitched with three plies of Soie d’Alger and the black lines use Petite Silk Lame.

This may very well become the background stitch for said backgammon board. If so, I’m going to stitch the other half as a mirror image of this side. I’m already planning on using this for a hill with two shades of green silk floss in a new stitch plan I’m working on. And, last but not least, I’m looking forward to using it for a medium to large tree with an overdyed silk floss. I have some ideas for variations floating around my head, but those are for another day.

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!

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!

Rowr!

May 31, 2022 whimsicalstitch

Today’s canvas is why I love open stitches.

The stitched sample is from Leopard by Jane Tattersfield (distributed through Needlepoint Now). I’ve had the great joy of creating multiple guides for Jane’s work and her colors are vibrant and include exquisite shading. The stitched sample uses Soie d’Alger (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines). The stitcher changed the color of the threads as the color of the canvas changed colors. (And, yes, the nose uses Brick Beading.)

I’m looking forward to using this stitch for a night sky with silk floss and a Kreinik Metallic (size 4 for 18M and size 8 for 13M). Along those lines, I’m considering it for a background with a single metallic thread. I’m also playing with the idea of adding a Smyrna Cross to the center of each starburst for use on Santa’s bag of toys. I can guarantee there will be variations with the starburst element. So, stay tuned.

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!

#whimsicalwednesday blog