A Sweet and Simple #smallspacesunday

And a very sincere Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to one and all.  To get over the hangover of the holidays, here's a sweet and easy small space stitch that adds a little somethin' somethin' to what may be a boring space.

While this is an absolute riff on the Alternating Plain Needlepoint post I did a few weeks ago, there is something about the texture of the French Knots that make this stand out.  On the stitched sample below, you can see I had nothing but small spaces.  The French Knot texture, along with the thread color, helped further differentiate the area.

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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.  I'm hoping to have some definitive news to share about projects in the pipeline very soon!

Okay, back to whatever you are doing!  I hope it is not cleaning up as that is what children and grandchildren are for.  Hope you have/had a wonderful holiday.   Only nine months until next year's holiday finishing deadline!  Hurry!

Magical Milanese

I've never chatted about Milanese before, so why not start with a large, dramatic Milanese stitch?

Milanese stitches are diagonal stitches, typically in groups of four with each stitch one row wider than the previous.  The resulting element looks like a triangle or an arrowhead.  Today's stitch idea blows this up into a group of six stitches for each triangle.

Let's start with the diagram.

The triangles are in diagonal columns.  Every row of an individual triangle aligns with a specific row in the triangle on either side (going in the opposite direction).  I use the "total" to determine which stitch (of the triangle) is in the next diagonal column of triangles.  In the above example, the total is seven (7).  The sixes match to the ones; the fives match to the twos; the fours match to the threes.  The "total" counting method helps me easily add subsequent columns and is a real help when adding compensation stitches.  Honestly, it keeps me sane.  I recommend stitching the triangles first and return to add the accent stitches (the aqua lines).

The stitched sample on Instagram takes this concept one step further by alternating finishes for the diagonal columns of triangles.

The diagram below is the exact same as above, but I changed the color of alternating columns to align it with the stitched sample for clarity.

 

Since Milanese is a dramatic stitch that stands out, I think it calls for substantial, full coverage threads.  The stitched sample uses Very Velvet and Frosty Rays.  Both of those threads add a certain puff to the stitched sample.  Confetti or Rachelette would be a fun alternative for the Frosty Rays.  Right now, I am pondering how fun it could be to use Gloriana's Chenille for the triangles (on 13-mesh). 

Other substantial threads, albeit with less puff, are Silk & Ivory, Planet Earth Wool, Planet Earth Silk, or Kreinik Metallics (size 12 or 16).  Fyre Werks and Flair are great metallic threads to consider as well.  While they may appear lighter weight, they are great threads as they lie flat and wide.  They make great accent threads.

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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available, including the newest Tea by the Sea, and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you enjoy this stitch and have the perfect spot for it!  Enjoy!

Ride the Wave

Today's stitch is made for combining colors and finishes.  It's also an example of what skipping a row (or rows) does to expand the opportunities of a stitch.

I named the stitch Diagonal Waves.

The stitched samples on Instagram illustrates my point.

The stitched sample uses Very Velvet (gray lines), Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid (#16) (aqua lines), and Fyre Werks (black lines).  I love the green accents in the middle of all the pink...and in the middle of a diagonal sequence.  To me, this is what makes this stitch so special.

This stitch is best for an area you want to draw attention to.  Thread choices for an attention grabbing stitch include any full coverage threads and, more importantly, contrasting colors.  I'm intentionally broad here because virtually any thread can be full coverage depending on ply count (for floss) and mesh count.

This stitch could be more subtle with lighter weight threads and elimination of a contrasting color.  Change the aqua lines to gray lines and it would make a fabulous water stitch because of the waves.  It could also be a beautiful sky.  

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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available, including the newest Tea by the Sea, and more are in the pipeline.  I'm hoping to have some definitive news to share about projects in the pipeline very soon!

Enjoy!

Sassy Small Stitch

The stitch itself isn't sassy.  I think it's kinda cute.  My name for it is a little sassy.  It's a riff on the recent Star Octagon theme.  I present Collapsed Star Octagon.

The stitch has the same core element as the Star Octagon, specifically an element over 1-2-1-2-1 rows.  As with the Star Octagon, it alternates directions but from a different point.

I added a bead to the emerging intersection, though that is just one idea.  Alternately, you could leave it empty.

Or add a Cross Stitch for a small quilted look.

The stitched sample on Instagram illustrates the middle diagram (without an accent).  It uses Pepper Pot Silk on 13-mesh.

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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available, including the newest Tea by the Sea, and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Enjoy!

You're a Square!

I choose to take that alleged insult as a compliment, thank you very much.

Today's post is really about utilizing complementary stitches in shared spaces.  My case study is a dress on an ice skater.  The shared space is the dress and I used two different square stitches for the bodice and the skirt.  I made that choice because of the tiny waist, blouse, and arms.  I also wanted something to stand out.  Once I landed on a standout stitch for the skirt, I selected a similar stitch on a smaller scale for the blouse.

The blouse is stitched in a simple Mosaic stitch and the skirt is a fun 5X5 layered square.

The stitched sample used Neon Rays on 13-mesh.  What I like about Neon Rays for this application is how smooth and flat it is.  It lays perfectly (with a little help from a laying tool).  

Layered Squares with Neon Rays (on 13-mesh) on this morning's http://whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays blog post. #needlepoint #whimsicalstitch #rainbowgallery #neonrays #home #love #excusethecathair

50 Likes, 0 Comments - whimsicalstitch.com (@whimsicalstitch) on Instagram: "Layered Squares with Neon Rays (on 13-mesh) on this morning's..."

If you want a more pronounced lift with a metallic thread, use a more defined and substantial thread such as Kreinik Metallic (size 8 on 18-mesh and size 12 on 13-mesh).  For a flatter matte finish, use a stranded floss (silk or cotton) with a laying tool.   

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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!

A Yellow TBT

Today's TBT is the Knit Stitch. 

12.01.2016 TBT.jpg

The diagram for this stitch, along with 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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!

In
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Diagonal Straight Lines

Yes, it's another tramme, but all I see are the diagonal (straight) lines.  

So, a little background (no pun intended).  My primary source of stitch ideas come from stitched pieces that cross my path.  Some are from stitching friend's pieces, some are from students, and most are from my own pieces.  When I am convinced I don't have an idea to share, I literally walk through my house and try to find something A. I forgot about and B. I think you will like.

This stitch is a perfect example of "A."  Today's stitch is from a holiday pillow.  (And, yes, I put out my Christmas pillows before Thanksgiving.  And, yes, I judge Costco harshly for doing the same.)

You will see why I call it Diagonal Straight lines.

The stitched sample uses DMC Pearl Cotton #8 (gray lines) and Crystal Braid (aqua lines) on 13-mesh.  

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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available, including the newest Tea by the Sea, and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Enjoy!

Dot Dot Dot

Yes, the title is dot, dot, dot.  As in Dotted Swiss.

As you know, I am a huge advocate of Plain Needlepoint in every piece.  It provides balance and a place for the eye to rest.  The stitched sample for this stitch is a perfect example of this philosophy.  It's Melissa Shirley's Vintage Pears with a stitch guide by Beverly Churchfield.  The pears are gorgeous.  If you want to do an exquisite version of that canvas, I strongly encourage you to get Bev's stitch guide.

The background is a Dotted Swiss variation to allow the pears to shine as they are truly extraordinary.  That said, I did add a little sparkle to the background as well.

I used DMC Floss and Crystal Braid with similar color values.  And I love it. 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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available, including the newest Tea by the Sea, and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Enjoy!

Skipping Rows

About a month ago, I talked about skipping rows.  Today's stitch is another riff on that theme and builds on this month's (unintentional) tramme theme.

So, a funny thing happened on the way to these diagrams.  I planned for one diagram this week.  I charted the diagram below from (I now know) an incorrect memory as it is not a perfect match to the stitched sample.  Technically, it's still correct because it's just one of the many ways you can play with this stitch. So, voila!, you have three diagrams.

The first version of this "skipping a row" stitch includes Tramme.  

Layered column sequence: 1. Gray lines 2. Yellow lines 3. Aqua lines

Layered column sequence: 1. Gray lines 2. Yellow lines 3. Aqua lines

Pay attention to the empty rows in between the vertical black lines and the oblique yellow lines.  It adds a crisp edge to the columns on either side.

The next version of this stitch eliminates the Tramme effect (by removing the gray lines), yet fills in that area with a small vertical stitch.  It's a subtle difference but makes the stitch a little less pronounced (by removing the thread underneath the crosses).

The graph above matches the stitched sample on Instagram.

As a reminder, I use multiple colors for clarity in the graphs.  As you can see in the stitched sample, I used Elegance for the black and yellow lines and Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) for the accent stitches (the turquoise lines) on 13-mesh. 

The last diagram leaves the Extended Crosses with the horizontal accent stitches as standalone stitches, with no tramme nor vertical accents in between.  I must admit I like the simplicity of this 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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available, including the newest Tea by the Sea, and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you have the perfect spot for any one of these stitches!  Enjoy!

A Tramme TBT

Today's TBT is the Tramme Stitch.  

The diagram for this stitch, along with 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.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!