Gracie!

Today's #stitchingsunday is a two-fer. It’s a throwback to one of my first #smallspacesundays AND a reminder to have fun with beads.

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

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Meet Gracie, an adorable pup from my Whimsical Pups Stitch Concept. It uses two shades of Petite Very Velvet (aqua lines and light gray lines) and Vineyard Silk (gray lines). The necklace uses S&J Designs Pearls. The student enjoyed some splashes of color we added on the fly, so we decided to add MORE S&J Designs beads to the mix (the lavender crystals). I think it was the perfect call. (Though, truth be told, Gracie looks great in just a classic strand of pearls.)

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 and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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! Happy #stitchingsunday!

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!

1 + 1 = 1 Adorable Stitch

Today's stitch is a cute little combo of two easy small space stitches, creating a singular adorable pattern. 

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

The stitched sample uses Vineyard Silk and Neon Rays+ for a cap from a cute little Santa from another new Stitch Concept, Santas on a Shelf.  I especially enjoy the texture that both stitches provide.

I would love to see this used for a small tree with virtually any overdyed matte thread (silk floss, cotton floss, perle cotton, wool, single strand silk) for the gray lines with a solid matte thread for the accent (aqua lines). It would be great for a distant hill or field with the same combo. Clearly, it makes cute clothing. It would be a darling dress with Splendor or Soie D'Alger with Treasure Braid as the accent. If you want to really dress up the dress, consider a bead instead of the Cross Stitch for the accent! 

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 and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

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 Takes a Village

It's been a little nutty around here for the last few weeks, so I counted on my village of stitcher friends to get me through.  Today's stitch is inspired by a project a friend shared with me a couple years ago.  I've included it on many personal and student projects. It's easy, versatile, and well-behaved.  

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

I say well-behaved because this stitch just adapts to whatever area you put it in.  The example above is from a Santa coat, using Vineyard Silk and Shimmer Ribbon.  I've used or recommended it for snowmen with Crystal Braid (gray lines) and Flair (aqua lines), fruit with Soie D'Alger (gray lines) and Trebizond Silk (aqua lines), and backgrounds with Perle Cotton (gray lines ) and Kreinik Metallic (aqua lines).  And they all worked.

You could reduce the texture of the 2X2 square by replacing the Smryna Cross with four tent stitches or a 2X2 Mosaic stitch.  That combination makes me want to try it for a tabletop, a floor, or even a field of grass.  There are a lot of ways to play with this stitch.

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 and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

An Oldie but Goodie

Today's stitch is from one of my favorite workshop pieces.  I remember it well because this was one of the first times I changed a stitch on a workshop piece.  I felt like I was being so naughty!  To this day, I have no regrets.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

So, the bad news is I can't find the original stitched piece.  While that is embarrassing on many levels, it turns out to be a wonderful opportunity for us.  I stitched the sample using two different thread approaches.  The blue is the lovely and glorious Pashmina from Gloriana Threads.  The red is a matte/metallic combo with Vineyard Silk and Entice.  The point in providing both is the combo illustrates that the bottom thread is still visible, even clearly so.  (And I'm kinda digging the stripes.)

The original inspiration (that I'm still looking for) is a Vineyard Silk for a bush in a lovely yard scene.  This stitch is perfect for greenery and the like because it adds texture that is always good for shrubs.  Using the stitched sample as a thought-starter, play with it for a Santa's bag, basket, winter clothing, or even a rug.  If you are looking for a little less texture, try using flatter threads, such as Fyre Werks or silk or cotton floss, may reduce the texture a bit.  Also mix it up a little by using a metallic for the black lines and a matte thread for the gray 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.

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 and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Open Diamonds!

Today's open stitch comes from a Aristeia workshop from several years ago.  It's a great stitch that strikes the perfect balance of an interesting stitch and the beautiful shading on the canvas.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

I recommend stitching the gray lines first, followed by the aqua lines, and ending with the bead.

The stitched sample includes Vineyard Silk, Shimmer Ribbon, and a Sundance Bead.  This stitch is great for many larger spaces, whether they are are a solid color or deeply shaded.   It could be gorgeous for a large tree with Vineyard Silk or Pepper Pot Silk (gray lines) and Painters Thread or a subtly overdyed Silk Floss (e.g., Gloriana Silk Floss or Dinky Dyes Silk Floss).   For a rich coat you want to stand out, try Very Velvet and Fyre Werks or Kreinik 1/16" metallic ribbon.

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 and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Wait. What?

Your eyes are not deceiving you.  Today's stitch is a traditional diagonal stitch.  I like the size of this stitch and, more importantly, it added the necessary movement to the object on the canvas .

It's a simple pattern.  A group of three stitches over two rows, followed by a group of four stitches over three rows (centered against the adjacent group), and repeat.  I chose this stitch for the body of a horse to add dimension and direction to the body as well as make it smooth (hence the larger stitches).  

For an animal body, I recommend any good wool.  We used Rainbow Gallery Persian Wool for the project above.  Vineyard Merino Wool would be a great choice, as well as Bella Lusso or Burmilana.  

This stitch would also work really well on water or a sky.  In either of those cases, I recommend skipping a single row in between the horizontal rows for a lighter effect.  (And, yes, I just snuck in an open stitch...sorry!)

Today's stitched sample is me playing with two plies of Floche on 18-mesh.  The only thing missing is a Pina Colada.

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, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  32 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

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